A'ja Wilson facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
A'ja Wilson

Wilson with the Las Vegas Aces in 2024
No. 22 – Las Vegas Aces
Center
Personal information
Born	(1996-08-08) August 8, 1996 (age 29) Columbia, South Carolina, U.S.
High school	Heathwood Hall Episcopal{br/}(Columbia, South Carolina)
Listed height	6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)
Listed weight	195 lb (88 kg)
Career information
College	South Carolina (2014–2018)
NBA Draft	2018 / Round: 1 / Pick: 1st overall
Selected by the Las Vegas Aces
Pro career	2018–present
League	WNBA
Career history
2018–present	Las Vegas Aces
2018–2019	Shaanxi Red Wolves
Career highlights and awards
2× WNBA champion (2022, 2023) WNBA Finals MVP (2023) 4× WNBA MVP (2020, 2022, 2024, 2025) 3× WNBA Defensive Player of the Year (2022, 2023, 2025) 7× WNBA All-Star (2018, 2019, 2021–2025) 4× All-WNBA First Team (2020, 2022–2024) All-WNBA Second Team (2021) 3× WNBA All-Defensive First Team (2022–2024) WNBA All-Defensive Second Team (2020) 2× WNBA Peak Performer (2024, 2025) 2× WNBA scoring champion (2024, 2025) 5× WNBA blocks leader (2020, 2022–2025) Commissioner's Cup champion (2022) WNBA All-Rookie Team (2018) WNBA Rookie of the Year (2018) 2× Best WNBA Player ESPY Award (2023, 2024) Best Female Athlete ESPY Award (2024) NCAA champion (2017) NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player (2017) AP Player of the Year (2018) Honda Sports Award (2018) Naismith College Player of the Year (2018) John R. Wooden Award (2018) Wade Trophy (2018) USBWA National Player of the Year (2018) Lisa Leslie Award (2018) 3× All-American – USBWA, WBCA Coaches' (2016–2018) 3× First-team All-American – AP (2016–2018) Third-team All-American - AP (2015) SEC Female Athlete of the Year (2018) 3× SEC Player of the Year (2016–2018) 2× SEC Defensive Player of the Year (2016, 2018) 2× SEC Tournament MVP (2017, 2018) 4× First-team All-SEC (2015–2018) 3× SEC All-Defensive Team (2016–2018) SEC All-Freshman Team (2015) SEC Freshman of the Year (2015) No. 22 retired by South Carolina Gamecocks Naismith Prep Player of the Year (2014) MaxPreps National Player of the Year (2014) McDonald's All-American (2014) 3× USA Basketball Female Athlete of the Year (2015, 2022, 2024) FIBA Women's Olympics MVP (2024) FIBA Women's World Cup MVP (2022) FIBA Under-19 World Cup MVP (2015) FIBA Under-18 Americas Championship MVP (2014)
Medals Women's basketball Representing the  United States Olympic Games Gold 2024 Paris Team Gold 2020 Tokyo Team World Cup Gold 2022 Australia Gold 2018 Spain FIBA Under-19 World Cup Gold 2015 Russia Team Gold 2013 Lithuania Team FIBA Under-18 Americas Championship Gold 2014 United States Team

A'ja Riyadh Wilson (pronounced AY-zhə; born August 8, 1996) is an amazing American professional basketball player. She plays for the Las Vegas Aces in the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA). Many fans consider A'ja one of the best WNBA players ever because of her many achievements.

A'ja played college basketball for the South Carolina Gamecocks. She helped her team win their first NCAA Women's Basketball Championship in 2017. She also earned the NCAA basketball tournament Most Outstanding Player award that year. In 2018, she won her third straight SEC Player of the Year award. She led South Carolina to a fourth straight SEC Tournament Championship. A'ja became the all-time leading scorer for South Carolina women's basketball. She was also named the best player in women's college basketball, winning many national awards.

In the 2018 WNBA draft, the Las Vegas Aces chose A'ja as the first overall pick. She won her first WNBA MVP award in 2020, and then again in 2022, 2024, and 2025. In 2022, A'ja led the Aces to their first WNBA title. She repeated this success in 2023, also earning the Finals MVP. In July 2024, she became the Aces' all-time leading scorer.

A'ja also plays for the United States women's national basketball team. With Team USA, she has won two Olympic gold medals and two World Cup gold medals.

A'ja Wilson: Basketball Superstar

Early Life and High School Success

Family and Childhood

A'ja Wilson was born on August 8, 1996. Her parents are Roscoe Jr. and Eva Wilson. A'ja shared that her father named her after his favorite song, "Aja" by Steely Dan. Her middle name, Riyadh, comes from the capital of Saudi Arabia. Her aunt was there during a military operation.

A'ja grew up in Columbia, South Carolina. She attended Heathwood Hall Episcopal School, a private school. She was one of the few Black students there.

High School Basketball Journey

A'ja started playing on the varsity team in eighth grade. She played 119 high school games in total. She averaged 24.7 points, 13.9 rebounds, and 4.3 blocks per game. A'ja wore number 22 and played as a forward.

In 2014, A'ja led Heathwood Hall to a state championship. She averaged 35 points, 15 rebounds, and five blocks per game that year. She was named the National High School Player of The Year. She was also recognized as a top prospect by ESPN. A'ja decided to play college basketball for Dawn Staley at the University of South Carolina.

College Basketball Achievements

Leading the South Carolina Gamecocks

Wilson at South Carolina

In her first year, A'ja played in 37 games. She set several freshman records in the SEC. She also won the SEC Freshman of the Year award. As a sophomore in 2016, A'ja won her first SEC Player of the Year award. She helped the Gamecocks win the SEC regular season and Tournament Championship.

In 2017, A'ja led the Gamecocks to another SEC regular season and Tournament championship. They then won the school's first national championship. They defeated the Mississippi State Bulldogs in the final game. A'ja was named the Most Outstanding Player of the tournament. In 2018, she had her best season. She won all the major National Player of the Year awards. She also won her third straight SEC Player of the Year award. A'ja finished her college career as South Carolina's all-time leading scorer.

Professional WNBA Career

Joining the Las Vegas Aces

A'ja Wilson goes for a rebound in 2018.

In 2018, the Las Vegas Aces drafted A'ja as the first overall pick. In her first game on May 21, 2018, she scored 14 points and grabbed 10 rebounds. On June 16, 2018, A'ja scored a career-high 35 points and 13 rebounds. This was in an overtime win against the Indiana Fever. She became only the second rookie to achieve such high numbers.

A'ja was voted into the 2018 WNBA All-Star Game. Later that season, she was named the WNBA Rookie of the Year. She finished tied for third in scoring. Her strong performance nearly led the Aces to the playoffs.

MVP Awards and Championships

Wilson shooting a free throw in 2019

On June 29, 2019, A'ja scored a new career-high of 39 points. This was in an overtime victory against the Indiana Fever. She later suffered an ankle injury, missing some games. The Aces made it to the playoffs for the first time since 2014. They reached the semi-finals but lost to the Washington Mystics.

In the 2020 season, the Aces were top contenders. The season was shorter and played in a "bubble" due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A'ja led the team, and the Aces finished as the number one seed. They reached the Finals but were defeated by the Seattle Storm. A'ja won the MVP award for the 2020 season.

In 2022, A'ja won her second MVP award. She also earned her first Defensive Player of the Year award. She averaged 19.5 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks. A'ja led the league with 17 double-doubles. She helped the Aces win their first championship, defeating the Connecticut Sun.

Wilson in 2023

On June 30, 2023, A'ja signed a contract extension with the Aces. On August 22, 2023, she scored a new career high of 53 points. This was in a win over the Atlanta Dream. Her 53 points tied the WNBA's single-game record. It was one of only three 50-plus point performances in WNBA history.

A'ja had another strong season in 2023. She repeated as Defensive Player of the Year. The Aces swept their first two playoff series. They then faced the New York Liberty in the Finals. The Aces won their second consecutive WNBA title. A'ja averaged 23.8 points and 11.8 rebounds in the Finals. She was awarded her first Finals MVP for her outstanding play.

Record-Breaking Performances

A'ja Wilson on the bench for the Las Vegas Aces. Wilson was out with an injured ankle against the New York Liberty, September 8, 2024.

On June 5, 2024, A'ja made WNBA history. She became the first player with at least 35+ points, 10+ rebounds, and 5+ steals in one game. On September 11, 2024, she set the single-season scoring record against the Indiana Fever.

On August 10, 2025, A'ja achieved another first. She recorded 30+ points and 20 rebounds in a single game. This was in a win over the Connecticut Sun. On August 23, 2025, she scored 36 points against the Washington Mystics. This made her the first WNBA player with multiple seasons of 10 or more 30-point games. A'ja was named 2025 WNBA Defensive Player of the Year for the third time. She shared the award with Alanna Smith.

International Basketball Success

Olympic Gold Medals

In June 2021, A'ja was chosen for Team USA for the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo. The Olympics had been postponed to 2021. She and Team USA won the gold medal, defeating Japan in the final. A'ja was named to FIBA's All-Star Five team.

In June 2024, A'ja was again selected for the US women's Olympic team. She competed at the 2024 Summer Olympics in France. A'ja led the United States to a 67–66 victory over France in the final. She earned her second consecutive gold medal. A'ja was named the MVP of the tournament. She led Team USA in points, rebounds, steals, and blocks.

World Cup Victories

A'ja has also helped Team USA win gold medals at the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup. They won in 2018 and 2022. She was named the MVP of the 2022 World Cup. She also won MVP awards in youth international competitions.

Career Statistics

WNBA

Regular season

Stats current through end of 2024 season

Year	Team	GP	GS	MPG	FG%	3P%	FT%	RPG	APG	SPG	BPG	TO	PPG
2018	Las Vegas	33	33	30.6	.462	—	.774	8.0	2.2	0.8	1.6	1.4	20.7
2019	Las Vegas	26	25	28.4	.479	.000	.792	6.4	1.8	0.5	1.7	2.1	16.5
2020	Las Vegas	22	22	31.7	.480	—	.781	8.5	2.0	1.2	2.0°	1.6	20.5
2021	Las Vegas	32	32	31.9	.444	1.000	.876	9.3	3.1	0.9	1.3	1.4	18.3
2022{sup}†{/sup}	Las Vegas	36	36	30.0	.501	.373	.813	9.4	2.1	1.4	1.9°	1.7	19.5
2023{sup}†{/sup}	Las Vegas	40	40	30.7	.557	.310	.812	9.5	1.6	1.4	2.2°	1.6	22.8
2024	Las Vegas	38	38	34.4	.518	.317	.844	11.9	2.3	1.8	2.6°	1.3	26.9
2025	Las Vegas
Career	8 years, 1 team	227	226	31.2	.497	.345	.815	9.2	2.2	1.2	1.9	1.6	21.1
	All-Star	6	5	19.9	.523	.238	1.000	4.7	2.2	1.2	0.3	1.3	13.6

Playoffs

College

Off the Court

Personal Life and Advocacy

A'ja's mother, Eva Rakes Wilson, worked as a court stenographer. Her father, Roscoe Wilson Jr., played college basketball. He also played professionally in Europe for 10 seasons. A'ja has an older brother, Renaldo, who also played basketball overseas. A'ja is a Christian and grew up with strong religious ties.

A'ja studied mass communications at the University of South Carolina. She graduated in May 2018. In 2019, A'ja started the A'ja Wilson Foundation. This foundation works to prevent bullying. It also helps educate people about dyslexia. She is also part of the WNBA Social Justice Council. A'ja is a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority.

Business Ventures and Endorsements

A'ja Wilson is represented by Klutch Sports Group. She signed with Nike in May 2018. Six years later, in May 2024, Nike announced A'ja would get her own signature sneaker, the A'One. She is the 13th WNBA player to have a signature shoe.

In October 2018, A'ja signed a deal with Mountain Dew. She was the first female basketball player to partner with the brand. During the 2020 WNBA season, she helped create the "Crossover Salon." This provided haircuts for players and coaches. In 2021, she designed a limited-edition Mountain Dew hoodie and durag. These celebrated her 2020 MVP award.

In April 2021, A'ja launched her own luxury candle line, Burnt Wax Candle Company. In August 2022, she became the first female athlete to sign a multi-year deal with Ruffles. She released her own signature chip, Smoky BBQ Ruffles Ridge Twists. In May 2024, A'ja signed with Gatorade. She was featured in their "IT Hasn't Changed" ad campaign.

In Books and Podcasts

In 2020 and 2021, A'ja co-hosted a podcast called Tea with A . Phee. She hosted it with Minnesota Lynx forward, Napheesa Collier. The podcast was about the WNBA.

In February 2024, A'ja published her first book, Dear Black Girls. It quickly became a The New York Times best seller.

Records

WNBA Records

• All-time leader in 40-point games: 4
• All-time leader in consecutive regular season games with 20+ points: 20 (2024)
• All-time leader in consecutive regular season games with 25+ points: 8 (2024)
• All-time leader in consecutive regular season games with 20+ points and 8+ rebounds: 18 (2023–24)
• All-time leader in most points scored in first 20 games of the regular season: 540 points (2024)
• Single-game leader in points: 53 (August 22, 2023 at Atlanta)
• Single-season leader in points: 1,021 (2024)

Las Vegas Aces Records

• All-time leader in points
• All-time leader in rebounds

Awards and Honors

WNBA Awards

• 2× WNBA Champion (2022, 2023)
• 7× WNBA All-Star (2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025)
• WNBA Rookie of the Year (2018)
• 4× WNBA Most Valuable Player (2020, 2022, 2024 , 2025)
• 3× WNBA Defensive Player of the Year (2022, 2023, 2025)
• WNBA Finals Most Valuable Player (2023)
• 2× Best WNBA Player ESPY Award (2023, 2024)
• Best Female Athlete ESPY Award (2024)

College Awards

• NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player (2017)
• Wade Trophy (2018)
• John R. Wooden Award (2018)
• Honda Sports Award (2018)
• Naismith College Player of the Year (2018)
• AP Player of the Year (2018)
• USBWA Player of the Year (2018)
• Lisa Leslie Award (2018)
• 3× Consensus first-team All-American (2016–2018)
• Third-team All-American - AP (2014)
• 3× SEC Player of the Year (2016–2018)
• 2x SEC Defensive Player of the Year (2016, 2018)
• 4× First-team All-SEC (2015–2018)
• SEC Freshman of the Year (2015)
• SEC All-Freshman Team (2015)

High School Awards

• National High School Player of the Year (WBCA, Naismith, Parade) (2014)
• McDonald's All-America (2013–14)
• Parade All-America (2013–14)
• Gatorade South Carolina Girls Basketball Player of the Year (2013–2014)

See also

In Spanish: A'ja Wilson para niños