A’ja Wilson Officially Crowned as South Carolina’s Greatest Women’s Basketball Player of All Time, Surpassing Legends Like Sheila Foster and Jocelyn Penn in Historic Recognition
COLUMBIA, S.C. — In a moment that cements her place among college basketball royalty, A’ja Wilson has officially been named the greatest women’s basketball player in the history of the University of South Carolina. The announcement, made by the university’s athletic department, followed a comprehensive review of statistical dominance, team success, and legacy impact—and Wilson emerged as the undisputed icon.
Surpassing South Carolina greats like Sheila Foster, the school’s former all-time rebounder and scorer, and Jocelyn Penn, one of the most prolific offensive threats of the early 2000s, Wilson’s combination of team success and individual accolades proved unmatched.
A Columbia native, Wilson didn’t just shine—she transformed the program. From 2014 to 2018, she helped turn the Gamecocks into a national powerhouse under head coach Dawn Staley. In 2017, she led the Gamecocks to their first-ever NCAA Women’s Basketball National Championship, was named the Final Four’s Most Outstanding Player, and closed her senior year by winning every major national player of the year award, including the Naismith Trophy, John R. Wooden Award, and Wade Trophy.
Wilson left South Carolina as:
- The all-time leading scorer in program history
- A 3-time SEC Player of the Year
- The face of a historic 138–16 record during her collegiate career
- A symbol of empowerment for future generations of female athletes
“She didn’t just win games—she built a legacy,” said Coach Dawn Staley. “A’ja changed the narrative of what South Carolina women’s basketball could be. She will forever be our standard.”
Since her college days, Wilson has continued to elevate her legacy as a WNBA MVP, multiple-time All-Star, WNBA champion, and Olympic gold medalist with the Las Vegas Aces. Yet, despite her global stardom, she remains deeply connected to her roots in Columbia and to the university that shaped her.
In addition to the statue unveiled outside Colonial Life Arena in 2021 and her jersey retirement in 2018, this title of “Greatest Gamecock Women’s Player of All Time” adds yet another jewel to Wilson’s crown.
A’ja responded to the honor on social media with humility and gratitude:
“South Carolina is home. This means more than I can ever put into words. Thank you, Gamecock Nation. Forever to thee.”
With this crowning recognition, A’ja Wilson’s place in Gamecock history is not only secured—it’s untouchable.
