Former South Carolina standout A’ja Wilson continues accumulating accolades following an extraordinary 2025 season that cemented her status among basketball’s all-time greats.
Latest Honor Caps Dominant Year
USA Today named Wilson the top female athlete of 2025, joining similar recognition from TIME, the Sporting News, and the Associated Press already received this month. The Columbia native topped a distinguished list including alpine skier Mikaela Shiffrin, basketball player Paige Bueckers, tennis star Aryna Sabalenka, and WNBA player Napheesa Collier.
Writer Cydney Henderson noted Wilson’s dominance was so decisive that USA Today revealed her first-place finish in the article’s headline itself, emphasizing how significantly she surpassed competitors across all sports.
Historic Statistical Achievement
Wilson’s 2025 WNBA campaign produced remarkable numbers: 23.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 2.3 blocks, and 1.6 steals per game. Her efficiency matched the volume, shooting 50.5% from the field, 42.4% beyond the arc, and 85.5% from the free-throw line.
This marked her second season averaging at least 20 points, 10 rebounds, two assists, two blocks, and one steal—a statistical combination never achieved by any other player in league history even once.
Unprecedented Awards Sweep
Her exceptional performance earned Wilson her record fourth MVP award and third Defensive Player of the Year honor. Leading the Las Vegas Aces to their third championship in four seasons, Wilson achieved another league first: becoming the only player to capture MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, and Finals MVP awards simultaneously in a single season.
Cultural Impact Beyond the Court
Wilson’s influence extended far beyond basketball statistics. She launched her inaugural signature sneaker, the A’One, in spring 2025, with the A’Two model announced shortly thereafter. Her cultural presence grew through appearances on major television programs including Good Morning America and the Jennifer Hudson Show, while multiple rappers incorporated her name into their lyrics.
Gamecock Legacy Honored
South Carolina recognized Wilson’s transformative impact on the program with two major honors. The university retired her No. 22 jersey and inducted her into the University of South Carolina Lettermen’s Association Hall of Fame—both occurring within the same calendar year.
Wilson’s collegiate career brought South Carolina its first national championship and earned her National Player of the Year recognition, establishing the foundation for her professional dominance.
Unmatched Excellence
The convergence of statistical excellence, team success, individual awards, cultural influence, and legacy recognition created a year without parallel in women’s sports. Wilson’s 2025 season represents a benchmark against which future athletic achievements will be measured, transcending basketball to establish her among the most accomplished athletes regardless of sport or gender.
Her growing collection of honors—from Olympic gold medals to professional championships to cultural recognition—reflects sustained excellence that continues redefining what’s possible in women’s basketball while inspiring the next generation of athletes.
