Las Vegas Aces’ A'ja Wilson Honored with Dawn Staley Community Leadership Award

In a heartwarming announcement, the WNBA revealed that Las Vegas Aces forward A'ja Wilson has been bestowed with the prestigious Dawn Staley Community Leadership Award for her unwavering dedication and positive impact on the community.

This esteemed award, named in honor of WNBA legend and Hall of Famer Dawn Staley, recognizes a current WNBA player who epitomizes the qualities of a leader in the community where they work or reside.

The recipient of this award embodies Staley’s spirit, leadership, charitable endeavors, love for the game, and inspirational presence in their community.

The significance of this accolade is deeply profound for Wilson, who spent four formative years under Staley’s guidance as a key player on the University of South Carolina’s women’s basketball team from 2014 to 2018.

Together, Staley and Wilson led the Gamecocks to an impressive 129 total wins, clinching four consecutive SEC Tournament championships, securing two Final Four appearances, and achieving the program’s first-ever national championship in 2017.

However, Wilson's impact extends far beyond the basketball court. She actively engages with her community, empowering youth and creating inclusive spaces for their growth and development.

Her influence transcends her hometown of Hopkins and nearby Columbia, South Carolina, reaching all the way to her more recently established roots in Las Vegas, Nevada.

"A’ja is a tremendous ambassador for the WNBA and an inspiration to us all. She leads with passion, and that’s evident in each and every one of her interactions," expressed WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert. "A’ja’s rapport with Dawn Staley undeniably shapes her leadership as she uplifts the next generation in South Carolina, Las Vegas, and beyond."

In 2019, Wilson established the A’ja Wilson Foundation with a mission to support children with dyslexia, a cause that holds deep personal significance for her.

The foundation actively promotes anti-bullying efforts and has even set up four student and teacher scholarships in collaboration with the Dyslexia Resource Center.

Additionally, Wilson’s foundation organized a back-to-school event at the Bethlehem Community Center in Columbia, South Carolina, where they generously donated school supplies ahead of the 2023-24 school year to enhance the learning experience for local children.

In March 2024, Wilson furthered her advocacy for youth by hosting the empowering Unapologetic Girls Summit in Las Vegas. This remarkable event fostered creativity and authenticity while providing invaluable learning experiences in financial literacy and self-care.

"Coach Staley has been so giving to so many people throughout her life, and I’m blessed to have been able to see firsthand how she embodies the league’s community leadership award," shared Wilson. "For me to now be in this position, trying my best to help future generations and my community, it is truly an honor to receive an award that is named after her."

"A’ja Wilson’s dedication on the court is matched only by her commitment to her community," remarked Dawn Staley. "Winning this award is a testament to her unwavering passion for making a positive impact both in basketball and in the lives of those around her. As a former player of mine, this holds even more significance, reflecting the values I strive to instill in all my players. Her achievements are a shining example of how the legacy of leadership and service continues to inspire greatness beyond the game."

Nominees for this prestigious award were submitted by WNBA teams, and Wilson was selected by a designated committee as the deserving recipient of the Dawn Staley Community Leadership Award. In recognition of this remarkable achievement, the WNBA will be making a generous $10,000 donation to a charity of Wilson’s choice.

A'ja Wilson's remarkable journey from being a standout athlete on the court to becoming an influential leader in her community serves as an inspiration to athletes and individuals alike. Her unwavering commitment to making a positive impact and uplifting others exemplifies the true spirit of sportsmanship and community leadership. As she continues to pave the way for future generations both on and off the court, A'ja Wilson stands as a beacon of hope and empowerment, leaving an indelible mark on the world of sports and beyond.