The bond between South Carolina women's basketball coach Dawn Staley and her former star A'ja Wilson has never wavered throughout the years. This week, that special bond was on full display as the basketball world celebrated another milestone in Wilson's already iconic career.
On Wednesday, May 6, Nike officially launched Wilson's first signature basketball shoe, the A'One. It was not only a historic moment for the basketball star, but for women's basketball as a whole. The two-time WNBA MVP and Olympic gold medalist joins a very exclusive group of female athletes with their own signature sporting goods line. It is an achievement that's been in the making for years, and no one was prouder than the coach that helped shape Wilson's path.
Dawn Staley repped A’One gear last night 🔥#NCAAWBB x 📸 @LVAces pic.twitter.com/ooXCgZchtH
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessWBB) May 7, 2025
Staley took to social media herself with a supportive message full of pride for her star, calling the release a momentous win for Wilson and the entire women's game. She wrote on Instagram, "@aja22wilson pulled up at the Nike store in Las Vegas to see your movement and it is stunning. 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!"
As the A'One shoes hit the shelves, fans will see more than just the latest sneaker, but the story of a Gamecock legend that is still writing her story in history, and her coach cheering her on every step of the way.