Columbia, SC — In recognition of her extraordinary achievements and continued excellence at the pinnacle of professional basketball, A’ja Wilson has been named USA Today’s top female athlete of 2025, adding yet another accolade to an already illustrious career that began with her legendary tenure at the University of South Carolina.
A Historic Honor
USA Today’s designation as the top female athlete of the year represents one of the most prestigious individual honors in American sports, recognizing not just athletic performance but overall impact, influence, and excellence across the sporting landscape. For Wilson to earn this distinction speaks volumes about her dominance in the WNBA and her status as one of the premier athletes in the world, regardless of sport or gender.
The award considers achievements across the entire calendar year, meaning Wilson’s 2025 performance—whether during the WNBA season, international competition, or other basketball endeavors—stood out among an incredibly competitive field of elite female athletes from basketball, tennis, soccer, track and field, gymnastics, golf, and numerous other sports.
A South Carolina Legacy
For the South Carolina women’s basketball program and its passionate fanbase, Wilson’s latest honor serves as a proud reminder of the foundation she built during her collegiate career in Columbia. Under the guidance of head coach Dawn Staley, Wilson transformed from a highly-touted recruit into a transcendent player who led the Gamecocks to their first national championship in 2017.
During her time at South Carolina (2014-2018), Wilson established herself as one of the greatest players in program history:
- National Champion (2017): Led South Carolina to its first NCAA title with a dominant performance against Mississippi State
- National Player of the Year (2018): Swept major awards including the Naismith Trophy, Wade Trophy, and AP Player of the Year
- Two-time SEC Player of the Year: Dominated the nation’s toughest conference
- Four-time All-American: Recognized as one of the nation’s elite players throughout her career
- Program Records: Left Columbia having rewritten the Gamecocks’ record books in numerous categories
Wilson’s success has become a cornerstone of South Carolina’s recruiting pitch and a testament to the program’s ability to develop players for success at the highest levels of professional basketball.
Professional Excellence
Since being selected first overall by the Las Vegas Aces in the 2018 WNBA Draft, Wilson has continued her trajectory of excellence, establishing herself as arguably the league’s most dominant player:
WNBA Achievements
Wilson’s professional resume includes multiple MVP awards, All-WNBA First Team selections, Defensive Player of the Year honors, and WNBA championships with the Aces. Her combination of scoring, rebounding, shot-blocking, and leadership has made her the complete package and the face of the WNBA’s continued growth and popularity.
Her 2025 season presumably featured statistical dominance and winning that set her apart from other elite athletes across all sports, earning her USA Today’s top recognition.
International Success
Beyond the WNBA, Wilson has represented Team USA in international competition, adding Olympic gold medals and World Championship titles to her collection. Her ability to dominate on the global stage has cemented her status as not just an American star but a worldwide basketball icon.
Impact Beyond Statistics
What makes Wilson’s recognition as USA Today’s top female athlete particularly meaningful is that it acknowledges more than just numbers and trophies. The honor reflects:
Cultural Influence
Wilson has become a prominent voice in advocating for women’s basketball, fair compensation for female athletes, and social justice issues. Her platform extends well beyond the basketball court, making her a influential figure in broader cultural conversations.
Growing the Game
As one of the WNBA’s most recognizable stars, Wilson has been instrumental in the league’s expanding popularity, increased media coverage, and improved business opportunities. Her excellence has helped attract new fans and corporate partners to women’s basketball.
Inspiration and Representation
For young athletes, particularly young Black women, Wilson represents possibility and excellence. Her journey from South Carolina to WNBA superstardom provides a roadmap and inspiration for the next generation.
Professionalism and Character
Wilson’s conduct on and off the court exemplifies the type of representative that sports leagues, sponsors, and media partners want as the face of their product. Her combination of competitiveness, grace, and authenticity resonates with diverse audiences.
The Dawn Staley Connection
Wilson’s continued success reflects tremendously on Dawn Staley and the South Carolina program’s development model. Staley, herself a Hall of Fame player and Olympic gold medalist, has created a culture that prepares players not just for professional careers but for sustained excellence and leadership at the highest levels.
The Staley-Wilson partnership during Wilson’s collegiate years established a template that the program continues to follow: recruiting elite talent, developing complete players, fostering leadership and maturity, and preparing athletes for life beyond college basketball.
Staley has frequently expressed pride in Wilson’s professional accomplishments, and Wilson has consistently credited her college coach with providing the foundation for her success. Their ongoing relationship exemplifies the lasting bonds that define the South Carolina program.
Continuing the Gamecock Tradition
Wilson’s recognition as USA Today’s top female athlete adds to South Carolina’s growing legacy of producing elite professional players. Current and former Gamecocks competing at the highest levels include:
- Aliyah Boston (Indiana Fever) – WNBA Rookie of the Year, All-Star
- Allisha Gray (Atlanta Dream) – WNBA champion, All-Star
- Mikiah Herbert Harrigan (professional overseas)
- Tyasha Harris (professional overseas)
- Numerous others contributing in the WNBA and international leagues
This pipeline of talent from Columbia to professional success has become a crucial recruiting advantage, with prospects seeing clear evidence that South Carolina prepares players for the next level.
Recruiting Impact
For current Gamecocks and future recruits, Wilson’s latest honor reinforces several important messages:
Development Works: The South Carolina program transforms talented players into professionals and superstars.
Winning Culture: Success at South Carolina translates to success professionally.
Lasting Relationships: The bonds formed in Columbia extend throughout players’ careers.
Platform for Greatness: Playing for the Gamecocks provides visibility and opportunities that serve players throughout their lives.
A Source of Pride
For the South Carolina community—students, alumni, fans, and the Columbia region—Wilson’s recognition brings tremendous pride. Seeing a former Gamecock acknowledged as the top female athlete in America validates the program’s national prominence and celebrates the connection between the university and one of sports’ biggest stars.
Wilson’s continued acknowledgment of her South Carolina roots and frequent returns to Columbia have maintained a special bond between the superstar and her alma mater that benefits both parties.
Historical Context
Wilson’s honor places her among an elite group of athletes to earn USA Today’s top female athlete recognition. The company’s sports journalism credibility and the award’s comprehensive consideration of athletic achievement across all sports make this designation particularly prestigious.
For women’s basketball specifically, having one of its stars earn this cross-sport recognition highlights the WNBA’s growing prominence and cultural relevance in the American sports landscape.
Looking Forward
At the peak of her powers, Wilson shows no signs of slowing down. Her continued excellence promises more championships, individual honors, and cultural impact in the years ahead. Each new achievement adds to her legacy while simultaneously elevating the South Carolina program that helped launch her career.
For young players currently wearing Gamecock uniforms or considering committing to South Carolina, Wilson’s journey from Colonial Life Arena to international superstardom and now USA Today’s top female athlete represents both inspiration and validation that they’ve chosen a program capable of preparing them for greatness.
Conclusion
A’ja Wilson’s recognition as USA Today’s top female athlete of 2025 represents the culmination of years of excellence, hard work, and impact that extends far beyond basketball statistics. From her transformative years at South Carolina through her professional dominance and cultural influence, Wilson has established herself as one of the premier athletes of her generation.
For the South Carolina women’s basketball program, Wilson’s latest honor serves as both a proud celebration of past success and a powerful recruiting tool for future excellence. The connection between Wilson and the Gamecocks remains strong, with each party’s continued success reinforcing the other’s reputation and legacy.
As Dawn Staley continues building on South Carolina’s championship tradition and Wilson continues her professional dominance, the bond between superstar and program stands as testament to what’s possible when elite talent meets elite development, creating a foundation for sustained excellence that benefits everyone involved.
Congratulations to A’ja Wilson on this well-deserved recognition as USA Today’s top female athlete of 2025—a South Carolina legend who continues making history and inspiring the next generation of Gamecocks to dream big and achieve greatness.
