When A’ja Wilson, one of the most decorated players in women’s basketball history, announced she would attend the University of South Carolina, her decision sparked celebration across her home state.
According to her father, Roscoe Wilson Jr., one surprising factor tipped the scales in favor of the Gamecocks: Dawn Staley reminded her of someone very close to home.
Dawn Staley: The Coach Who Built a Dynasty
Wilson’s grandmother, Eva, is known in the family for her no-nonsense approach. Roscoe says that when A’ja met Staley, the two women’s similarities became immediately clear.
“Dawn was always there for her, very truthful, and didn’t cut any slack, which she liked, because her mama’s like that,” Roscoe recalled.
He added, “My mother Eva doesn’t mess around with stuff. She’s no-nonsense. And I think Dawn’s no-nonsense. So then you got two mamas. I’m out of the picture.”
Since taking over the South Carolina program in 2008, Staley has transformed the Gamecocks into one of the most dominant forces in women’s college basketball. A Naismith Hall of Fame player turned coaching legend, Staley has led the team to:
- Three National Championships (2017, 2022, 2024)
- Seven NCAA Final Fours in the last 10 tournaments
- Nine SEC regular-season titles and nine SEC Tournament titles
- 38 straight weeks at No. 1 in the AP Poll and a program-record 38 wins in 2023-24
Staley is also the first Black head coach to lead multiple national title-winning teams in NCAA women’s basketball, cementing her legacy as both a trailblazer and a relentless competitor.
A’ja Wilson’s Storied Gamecocks Career As Mirror of Staley’s Competency
Under Staley’s guidance, Wilson became the most decorated athlete in South Carolina history, regardless of sport. The 6-foot-4 forward was the program’s first No. 1 overall WNBA Draft pick (2018, Las Vegas Aces) and holds an incredible 86 school records.
After last night, A’ja Wilson’s tale of the tape:
22.2 points (2nd) on 50/29/84 splits; 57.6 TS (+3.6 rTS)
9.6 rebounds (2nd)
3.4 assists (career high; 2.5 TOs)
1.6 steals (6th)
2.1 blocks (1st)17-11 record *in games played*
LVA has outscored opponents by 8.8 points per 100… pic.twitter.com/lryDP5RSnv
— Nekias (Nuh-KY-us) Duncan (@NekiasNBA) August 11, 2025
Her achievements include:
- First three-time SEC Player of the Year in conference history
- Four-time All-American and four-time First-Team All-SEC selection
- 2017 National Championship leader as top scorer and second-leading rebounder
- Unanimous National Player of the Year in 2017-18
Wilson’s decision to stay close to home and play for Staley proved to be a turning point for both the program and her career.
A Bond Beyond Basketball Closer to Family
For Roscoe, Staley’s influence went far beyond wins and losses. Her personality, direct, demanding, and nurturing in equal measure, mirrored the family values that shaped A’ja from an early age.
Read More: Renee Montgomery Reacts to Dawn Staley Pushing Kelsey Mitchell for MVP Yet Again
“That connection was real,” Roscoe said. “When you’ve got someone who’s going to push you but also care for you like family, that’s special.”
That special connection not only helped bring A’ja to Columbia but also laid the foundation for one of the most successful player-coach partnerships in NCAA women’s basketball history.
As Staley continues to lead South Carolina at the top of the sport and Wilson dominates in the WNBA, their shared no-nonsense mentality remains a testament to the power of authenticity and family.