A’ja Wilson and Aliyah Boston Launch Major Endowment for South Carolina Women’s Basketball, Giving Back to Their Championship Roots
In a powerful display of gratitude and commitment, WNBA stars and former South Carolina Gamecocks standouts A’ja Wilson and Aliyah Boston have announced the creation of a multi-million dollar endowment to support the University of South Carolina’s women’s basketball program. The two national champions, who played pivotal roles in the team’s historic rise to dominance, are now ensuring that future generations of Gamecocks athletes have the resources and opportunities to succeed both on and off the court.
The announcement, which was first reported by ESPN, underscores Wilson and Boston’s shared mission to give back to the program that helped shape their careers. The financial gift is expected to be one of the largest ever contributed by former female college athletes to their alma mater’s athletic department, particularly in women’s sports.
Both Wilson and Boston have had stellar careers since leaving South Carolina. Wilson, the 2018 WNBA No. 1 draft pick and multiple-time MVP, and Boston, the 2023 Rookie of the Year, have become household names in professional basketball. But despite their growing fame, both remain deeply connected to their roots in Columbia, South Carolina — and to the legendary coach Dawn Staley, who mentored them throughout their collegiate careers.
The endowment is designed to provide long-term support for the women’s basketball team, funding scholarships, facilities, training programs, and other essential needs. It also sends a powerful message about the importance of investing in women’s sports and creating equity in college athletics. For Wilson and Boston, this isn’t just a donation — it’s a legacy.
“We wouldn’t be where we are today without the foundation built at South Carolina,” the players said in a joint statement. “This is our way of making sure that young women who come after us have even more opportunities, more support, and more belief in what’s possible.”
Their decision to reinvest in the program reflects the deep bonds they’ve maintained with the university and its community. It also highlights a broader shift in women’s sports, where athletes are increasingly using their platforms — and their earnings — to fuel change and growth in the spaces that nurtured them.
Head coach Dawn Staley praised the move as “historic,” calling it a testament to the culture of excellence and responsibility fostered at South Carolina. “This isn’t just about money — it’s about vision, leadership, and love for the game,” Staley said. “A’ja and Aliyah are showing the world what it means to lead.”
The endowment ensures that the South Carolina women’s basketball program will continue to thrive, not only through championship wins but also through a legacy of community, generosity, and empowerment. For fans and future players alike, the message is clear: the spirit of the Gamecocks lives on — strong, united, and ready for the next generation.
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