The unbreakable bond between South Carolina women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley and former Gamecock legend A’ja Wilson continues to shine—this time under the spotlight of a major milestone in women’s sports.
On Wednesday, May 6, Nike unveiled Wilson’s first-ever signature basketball shoe, the A’One, marking a groundbreaking moment not only for Wilson but for the entire landscape of women’s basketball. The launch places the two-time WNBA MVP and Olympic gold medalist in an elite circle of female athletes to ever earn a signature line with Nike—a distinction long overdue and celebrated widely across the sports world.
“This isn’t just about shoes—it’s about legacy,” Staley expressed as she took to Instagram to publicly celebrate her former star. “@aja22wilson pulled up at the Nike store in Las Vegas to see your movement and it is stunning,” she wrote. “So proud of you and the impact you just keep having on US US US!! Nike thank you for doing your BIG A’One for her!”
This heartfelt tribute reflects the deep respect and love Staley has always shown for Wilson, whose rise from collegiate stardom at South Carolina to professional greatness has remained intertwined with her coach’s unwavering support.
The A’One isn’t just another sneaker—it symbolizes resilience, representation, and the rise of women in sports. It tells the story of a Gamecock icon who continues to shatter ceilings, with her coach proudly standing by her side, cheering each stride forward.
As fans lace up in the new A’One, they’ll wear more than just a shoe—they’ll wear a piece of history, a symbol of excellence, and the enduring legacy of one of women’s basketball’s brightest stars.
