“Cᴇʟᴇʙʀᴀᴛɪᴏɴ Tɪᴍᴇ: South Carolina’s A’ja Wilson Named One of TIME’s 10 Most Influential People in Sports, Capping Her Legendary Impact”
A’ja Wilson’s ascension from collegiate dominance at the University of South Carolina to global renown has been nothing short of extraordinary. The announcement by TIME magazine naming Wilson one of the 10 most influential people in sports marks not only a personal triumph but a milestone in the cultural and athletic legacy she continues to build. For South Carolina fans, this is not just a celebration of one of their own — it’s a testament to the lasting impact of a player who has transcended the game of basketball.
Wilson’s influence stretches beyond her jaw-dropping stats, championship rings, and MVP trophies. What she embodies — resilience, authenticity, leadership, and advocacy — places her in a class of her own. She is not merely an athlete; she is a voice, a symbol, and a beacon. This TIME recognition reflects the broader truth that the most influential figures in sports today are not just those who dominate the scoreboard but those who rewrite the rules of the game in society.
Her South Carolina legacy is already carved into the program’s foundation like stone. As the cornerstone of the Gamecocks’ rise to national prominence, Wilson brought Dawn Staley’s vision to life, leading South Carolina to its first NCAA championship in 2017. She became the face of a movement, one where women’s basketball in the South no longer played in the shadows but under the brightest lights of March Madness. Her college career concluded with national player of the year honors, All-American accolades, and an unmistakable aura that followed her to the professional level.
But perhaps her most meaningful legacy at South Carolina came long after she left campus. In 2021, a statue of Wilson was unveiled outside Colonial Life Arena, making her the first Black woman athlete in school history to receive such an honor. It wasn’t just about basketball; it was about who Wilson is and what she represents to so many. That statue stands not only for wins and records but for pride, dignity, and inspiration. It is a monument to possibility for every young girl who walks by it.
In the WNBA, Wilson’s impact has only grown. As the face of the Las Vegas Aces, she has become the standard-bearer of excellence in the league. She is a two-time MVP, a two-time WNBA champion, and a multiple-time All-Star. But more than the hardware, Wilson has helped usher in a new era of women’s basketball — one defined by unapologetic confidence, creativity, and control over personal narratives. She has embraced a leadership role that extends beyond her team, becoming a strong advocate for racial and gender equality, mental health awareness, and broader social justice initiatives.
Wilson’s social voice is where her influence truly sharpens. She speaks candidly about mental health struggles, particularly the emotional toll of being a Black woman in sports. Her willingness to be vulnerable in public spaces has opened the door for countless others to do the same. In a world that often reduces athletes to statistics or caricatures, Wilson insists on humanity. She writes. She speaks. She listens. She leads. That kind of authenticity is not easily cultivated — it’s a reflection of character, upbringing, and courage.
Her influence is felt not only in the way she plays but in the way she empowers. A’ja Wilson makes young Black girls feel seen. She makes basketball fans, casual and diehard alike, reconsider their understanding of dominance and grace. She challenges institutions to do better, whether it’s how the media covers women’s sports, how players are paid, or how the culture embraces women of color in leadership positions. Every arena she steps into — whether hardwood, political, or social — becomes better for her presence.
Dawn Staley, Wilson’s college coach and one of her strongest advocates, once called her “the bridge” between generations. It’s a fitting description. Wilson connects the past to the future, drawing inspiration from pioneers like Lisa Leslie and Sheryl Swoopes while blazing her own trail for players like Aliyah Boston, Caitlin Clark, and Angel Reese to follow. In this way, she does not simply carry the torch — she reshapes the path itself.
To be named among TIME’s 10 most influential people in sports is not just a nod to athletic brilliance. It is an acknowledgement of reach, impact, and transformation. It’s about the ripple effect of a person who causes change wherever she walks. Wilson, in every sense of the word, has become a force. Her name carries weight. Her actions spark dialogue. Her presence demands attention. And all of it stems from her unwavering devotion to authenticity.
The influence of A’ja Wilson cannot be measured in headlines alone. It is found in locker rooms where teammates look to her for leadership. It is found in classrooms where young girls wear her jersey and dream of the WNBA. It is found in communities where her philanthropic efforts quietly uplift those who are overlooked. Whether it’s her work with the A’ja Wilson Foundation, which supports children with dyslexia and their families, or her support for fellow athletes navigating adversity, she gives more than she takes. That generosity of spirit is rare — and it’s why so many feel like they know her, even if they’ve never met her.
Wilson’s rise is also emblematic of a broader shift in how female athletes are viewed and celebrated. No longer relegated to second-tier status, stars like Wilson are claiming space once denied to them — in commercials, endorsements, headlines, and prime-time broadcasts. And they’re doing it on their terms. Wilson’s deals with brands like Nike and Ruffles aren’t just about visibility; they are about shaping narratives. They are about redefining what power looks like in women’s sports.
Her writing adds another dimension to her impact. In her memoir, Dear Black Girls, Wilson penned a love letter to young Black women everywhere — part memoir, part guidebook, and part declaration. It was personal, poignant, and deeply necessary. In it, she told truths that resonated far beyond basketball. She talked about fear and failure, joy and triumph. She showed that strength is not the absence of struggle but the courage to face it head-on. In doing so, she gave others permission to be their whole selves.
The South Carolina community continues to be in awe of the woman Wilson has become. Every accolade she earns feels personal to those who followed her journey from Columbia to the WNBA summit. She has become a rallying point, not only for Gamecock fans but for anyone who has ever dreamed of turning potential into power. TIME’s recognition is more than deserved — it’s overdue.
And still, A’ja Wilson’s story is far from over. At just 28, she has many years left to shape the game, the conversation, and the world around her. She is expected to be a centerpiece in USA Basketball’s Olympic campaigns, continuing to represent her country with the same pride she showed for her college and professional teams. She will likely continue to win, to inspire, and to challenge norms. She will continue to give voice to the voiceless and light to those who need it most.
Wilson often says, “Be who you are. Be you.” That simple but powerful message underscores everything she stands for. It’s why she resonates so deeply with fans. In an era where so much feels manufactured or superficial, Wilson’s authenticity cuts through. She is the real deal. And people know it.
To see her name on TIME’s list is to see the world finally catching up to what South Carolina fans, WNBA supporters, and advocates of women’s sports have known for years. A’ja Wilson is not just a basketball star. She is a cultural figure, a role model, a truth-teller, and a transformer. Her influence is the kind that ripples across decades.
This honor is not the culmination of her story. It’s simply another chapter in a book still being written — one filled with grit, glory, and grace. From a gym in Columbia to the biggest stages in global sports, Wilson has not only made history — she’s making the future.
