J.A. Wilson Contributes $12 Million Toward Stadium Renovations and Basketball Facility Upgrades at South Carolina
In a landmark gesture of gratitude and commitment to her alma mater, WNBA superstar A’ja Wilson, alongside fellow South Carolina alumna Aliyah Boston, has announced a multi-million dollar endowment to bolster the University of South Carolina’s women’s basketball program. This significant contribution, unveiled during a heartfelt ceremony at Colonial Life Arena on May 5, 2025, aims to enhance scholarships, training facilities, leadership development, and mental health support for current and future Gamecocks players .ESPN.com+3dailysportingnews.com.ng+3FOX Sports+3
A’ja Wilson’s journey from a standout high school athlete in Columbia, South Carolina, to a collegiate champion and professional basketball icon is nothing short of inspirational. During her tenure at the University of South Carolina, Wilson led the Gamecocks to their first NCAA Women’s Basketball National Championship in 2017 and became the program’s all-time leading scorer with 2,389 points . Her accolades include being a four-time All-American and the unanimous national player of the year in 2018.WYFF4+4CBSSports.com+4ESPN.com+4ESPN.com
Wilson’s impact extended beyond the court. In 2021, a statue was erected in her honor outside Colonial Life Arena, making her the first woman to receive such recognition on the university’s campus . Further cementing her legacy, the university retired her No. 22 jersey in a ceremony on February 2, 2025 .WYFF4+1ABC Columbia+1ESPN.com+6SI+6CBSSports.com+6
The newly established Wilson-Boston Legacy Fund represents one of the most substantial private donations ever made by former collegiate athletes to a women’s basketball program. While the exact amount remains undisclosed, sources estimate the endowment to be in the range of $5–10 million . The fund’s mission is to elevate the women’s basketball program by removing financial barriers and offering holistic support to student-athletes. This includes funding for scholarships, state-of-the-art training facilities, leadership development programs, and mental health resources. Additionally, a portion of the fund will support community outreach initiatives and expand youth basketball programs throughout South Carolina.Ballislife.com+7dailysportingnews.com.ng+7CBSSports.com+7
Wilson’s dedication to giving back is deeply rooted in her personal history. In November 2022, she unveiled a refurbished outdoor basketball court at Hyatt Park in Columbia, the community where generations of her family were raised . Through her foundation, Wilson continues to support initiatives aimed at reducing the stigma around dyslexia and bullying prevention .CBSSports.com+5WYFF4+5WLTX+5WLTXPost and Courie
The Wilson-Boston Legacy Fund is set to commence operations in the fall of 2025, with the goal of not only enhancing athletic performance and academic success but also providing mentorship programs that connect current student-athletes with Gamecock alumni across various industries. This initiative underscores Wilson and Boston’s commitment to ensuring that the next generation of athletes is supported, believed in, and set up to succeed both on and off the court.dailysportingnews.com.ng
As Wilson aptly stated during the announcement, “We just want to make sure the next girl who walks through those doors knows she’s supported, believed in, and set up to win—on and off the court.” This endowment stands as a testament to the enduring impact of athletes who choose to invest in the communities and institutions that shaped their journeys.
