Olympic basketball star A'ja Wilson is a force to be reckoned with, both on and off the court.

From her humble beginnings as a self-described "late bloomer" in basketball to becoming the No. 1 WNBA draft pick and representing Team USA at the Tokyo Olympics, Wilson's journey is nothing short of inspiring.

Wilson's impact goes beyond her impressive stats and accolades. As a Black woman in sports, she has experienced firsthand the gender disparity that exists in the world of athletics. In a candid conversation with PEOPLE, Wilson opens up about her experiences and the challenges she has faced as a female athlete.

"I was a late bloomer when it came to basketball," Wilson recalls. "I didn't play on an organized team until I was 13 or 14 years old. Two years later, I was invited to the Junior National Team, and it wasn't until I looked around and realized that I was the youngest on the team that it finally hit me: I was really good at what I did."

Despite her undeniable talent, Wilson has often found herself grappling with the disparities between men's and women's sports. "Throughout my career, I've had moments where I would think, 'If I was a boy, this would be completely different,'" she shares.

Wilson vividly remembers the lack of recognition and visibility for women's sports compared to their male counterparts. "Growing up, I always saw everyone being excited to know where the No. 1 male high school recruit was going, and watching as they picked their hats on Decision Day with their families. But I never saw that on the women's side," she reflects.

The disparity became even more apparent during her college years at the University of South Carolina. "The city of Columbia would shut down for our games," Wilson recalls proudly. "My pastor would wrap up church on Sundays and tell the congregation, 'All right, we've got to go check out the women downtown!' To know that our team created that and we built that culture, it's major."

However, even amidst their success, Wilson couldn't help but notice the unequal treatment between the men's and women's basketball teams.

"In 2017, the women's team was going into the Final Four at the same time that the men's team was, and I would go into the university bookstore and see that it was stocked with merch for just the men's team," she shares.

Wilson's frustration is palpable as she recounts the lack of recognition for their achievements. "I'd look around and see 'Cut the Net' shirts for the men's team when the women's team were the ones that went all the way and actually cut the net!" she exclaims.

"I'm not taking anything away from the men's team — it was a big season for them — but we went on to win it all, and while we had the spectators and support, we still didn't get half of what they got for almost making it to the National Championship game, when it comes to credit for our win."

The disparity between men's and women's sports is a reality that Wilson is all too familiar with. Her experiences have fueled her passion for advocating for change and equality in sports. "It hurts my soul for young girls," Wilson admits.

"I want them to see that they can achieve anything, regardless of their gender. I want them to know that their dreams are valid and that they deserve equal recognition and support."

As an outspoken advocate for gender equality in sports, Wilson is determined to use her platform to inspire and uplift young girls who aspire to pursue a career in athletics. "I want to be a role model for other little girls 'with an apostrophe in [their] name[s],'" she says with conviction.

Wilson's journey from a late bloomer in basketball to an Olympic athlete is a testament to her resilience and unwavering determination. Her story serves as a beacon of hope for young girls everywhere, proving that with hard work and perseverance, anything is possible.

In a world where gender disparity continues to persist, A'ja Wilson stands as a powerful voice for change. Her unwavering commitment to uplifting others and advocating for equality serves as an inspiration to all who believe in a future where sports are truly inclusive and equitable for everyone.

As she gears up to represent Team USA at the Tokyo Olympics, A'ja Wilson is not just playing for herself or her team—she's playing for every young girl who dreams of stepping onto the court with the same recognition and support as their male counterparts.

With A'ja Wilson leading the charge, the future of women's sports is undoubtedly bright. Her resilience, passion, and unwavering dedication to making a difference serve as a powerful reminder that change is not only possible but inevitable.