A’ja Wilson and Tiffany Mitchell Reunite as Teammates After Nearly a Decade
For the first time in nearly ten years, A’ja Wilson and Tiffany Mitchell are teammates once again — this time in the WNBA with the Las Vegas Aces. The two former South Carolina stars previously shared the court during the 2014-15 and 2015-16 seasons under head coach Dawn Staley.
The Aces recently shared a video of the two catching up in a heartfelt interview, where they reflected on everything from pranking Staley in college to seeing their jerseys raised to the rafters.
Reuniting in the WNBA
Wilson admitted she pushed for the Aces to bring in Mitchell, who officially joined the team in February.
“When this year came around and (Aces head coach Becky Hammon) was throwing out names and she was like, ‘Hey, what you think? What you think?’ and when your name came up on the board, I was like, ‘Yes!’ It was an automatic yes for me,” Wilson said.
Mitchell, now in her 10th year in the WNBA, began her career in 2016 as the No. 9 pick by the Indiana Fever. After seven seasons in Indiana and a 2023 stint with the Minnesota Lynx, her 2024 season with the Connecticut Sun was cut short due to sepsis and abdominal issues.
“I am so happy to have you as my teammate again,” Wilson told Mitchell. “I gotta say this off my chest because I’ve never said it to your face, but the things and the strength that you had has taught me a lot. But also I felt like I was just being your cheerleader, and I hated that I had to be it from afar. But seeing the strength that you had, Tiff, the power that you been through, and the breakthrough that you had, I am so grateful. So grateful to be sitting next to you today and in years to come, because you were a true warrior.”
Building South Carolina’s Legacy
The duo played major roles in South Carolina’s rise to national prominence under Staley. Mitchell helped lead the Gamecocks to their first-ever Final Four appearance, and Wilson would later guide the team to its first national title.
“Being a part of those kind of building blocks, taking that chance and kind of going through the trenches, to see the evolution of where it is now, it was all worth it,” Mitchell reflected. “It was all worth it for me. I loved every part.”
Wilson credited Mitchell’s decision to commit to USC as one of the reasons she joined the program as well.
“People looked at you crazy for committing to South Carolina,” Wilson said. “I had that same feel. You helped me take a chance and also believe, OK, Coach Staley’s got some things going on, like she’s putting the pieces together. We may not see it now, but long term, this could be something great.”
College Pranks and Memories
As college roommates, Wilson and Mitchell became notorious pranksters — especially when it came to their coach.
“You’re gonna learn Tiffany Mitchell is a lot of fun,” Wilson laughed. “She’s a lot of fun. She’s a prankster, she’s a trickster. Everything in between.”
One of their favorite targets? Coach Staley.
“We would break into Coach Staley’s room right after shootaround,” Wilson said. “We would rush up to her room, literally do anything we can — take anything, move anything, knock off the pillows — and then leave. We may leave her notes, we may not. To this day, she probably just realizes it was us.”
Then came the bombshell — apparently, they even “borrowed” Staley’s car.
“We love Coach Staley so much. That is why we loved pranking her. Didn’t you steal her car one time?” Wilson asked with a grin.
“Oh, we’re gonna go there?” Mitchell said, laughing.
Wilson continued: “Tiff also stole her car one day after practice. I was the distraction. … Fun times in college, because we had those, some that we can’t even speak on.”
A Shared Honor: Jersey Retirements
Both players now have their jerseys hanging in the rafters of Colonial Life Arena.
Mitchell’s No. 25 was retired in 2023 after a standout career that included three All-America selections and two SEC Player of the Year honors.
“Going back to Tiffany’s jersey retirement, I don’t think I screamed as loud ever before in that arena,” Wilson said. “I was so happy for you. Like you’re talking about deserving, that was deserving … the university gave you your flowers and retired that 2-5, because it’s needed.”
Wilson’s No. 22 followed shortly after, retired in February. Her list of accolades is long: a national championship, three SEC Player of the Year titles, the Naismith Award, the Wooden Award, and four All-American nods.
Mitchell praised Wilson’s impact, saying, “The fact that (Wilson’s) able to be so successful and sustain that success is great. The fact that the university was able to give me my flowers at the time, and then followed it up giving you your flowers, (it was) very much deserved.”
