Gamecock legend A'ja Wilson rewrites WNBA history with record MVP

The South Carolina star has been named WNBA MVP for the fourth time, a feat no other player has achieved.
Las Vegas Aces' A’ja Wilson (22) is introduced Saturday, July 19, 2025, ahead of the WNBA All-Star Game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
Las Vegas Aces' A’ja Wilson (22) is introduced Saturday, July 19, 2025, ahead of the WNBA All-Star Game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. | Christine Tannous/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Las Vegas Aces star and former Gamecock A'ja Wilson continues to make history. On Sept. 21, the WNBA announced that Wilson has been named the league's MVP for the 2025 season. Wilson becomes the first player ever to win four WNBA MVP awards. This breaks the previous tie with three-time winners Sheryl Swoopes, Lauren Jackson, and Lisa Leslie. In fact, Wilson now has four MVPs in just eight seasons, including back-to-back titles (2024-2025). ESPN notes that Wilson joins Cynthia Cooper as the only player to win unanimous MVP honors.

In 2025, Wilson led the league in scoring with 23.4 points per game, adding 10.2 rebounds, and 3.1 assists. During the month of August, she powered th4e Aces on a franchise-record 16-game winning streak, setting a WNBA single-season record with 13 games with 30+ points. She also earned co-Defensive Player of the Year, alongside Alanna Smith, after ranking second in the league with 92 blocks. South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley even took to social media to support her former player on her historic fourth MVP.

In Game 3 of the first-round playoffs, Wilson racked up 38 points, tying her career playoff high, to push the Aces to a 74-73 win over the Seattle Storm. That victory clinched the spot into the semifinals for the Aces. Wilson's 38-point night marked her sixth career playoff game with 30+ points.

Wilson's alma mater continues to support her success in the pros and celebrate her legacy as a record-breaking star. The University of South Carolina installed a bronze statue in her honor back in 2021, honoring the Gamecock great who led the women's team to its first NCAA title in 2017. The school also retired her No. 22 jersey, making Wilson the first Lady Gamecock to have her number hung in the rafters. She was also selected for the USC Athletics Hall of Fame 2025 class, with an induction set for October 23. Wilson remains active in the community in Columbia, SC as well, earning recognition from the City of Columbia Parks & Recreation Foundation, who will honor her on November 13 for her achievements.