“A’ja Wilson’s dedication on the court is matched only by her commitment to her community,” Dawn Staley once said about A’ja Wilson. Scoring 1,000 points in a single WNBA season was a feat many considered out of reach—until last season. Wilson shattered that notion, making history as the first player to achieve this milestone. What makes her achievement even more remarkable is her resilience in overcoming the challenges posed by a condition that affects a large portion of the population.

During her appearance on The Roommates Show, the Las Vegas Aces star took a moment to reflect on her journey beyond basketball. The conversation steered toward one of the books she’s written for her community—a project close to her heart.

The host, intrigued by Wilson’s passion, asked, “So talk about obviously your goals with that and talk about the book and, you know, the role model you’re trying to be.” Wilson quickly gave an explanatory response.

“Yeah, I mean, for those that follow me, they probably know I am dyslexic. So me writing a book was like, so far-fetched cuz I was like, I barely even like, I’m barely comfortable like reading aloud, let alone just writing a book and having someone read it and have me read it. So I didn’t really know where this book was going to go. I just started, just kind of writing and thinking and talking with a lot of different people,” Wilson stated on The Roommates Show.

Dyslexia is more common than many realize. Discovery ABA reports that over 40 million adults in the United States have dyslexia, yet only 2 million are formally diagnosed. Wilson, open about her struggles with reading, highlights a startling statistic: between 70% and 80% of individuals with limited reading proficiency have dyslexia.

Back in February, A’ja Wilson added another accomplishment to her growing list—becoming a published author. Her book, Dear Black Girl, offers readers an intimate look into her journey, revealing the challenges and triumphs that shaped her into the powerhouse she is today. Through its pages, Wilson opens her heart, sharing stories and lessons that reflect her deep connection to her identity and community.

But writing a book is just one piece of Wilson’s contributions to her community. Her influence extends far beyond the pages, earning accolades from legendary coach Dawn Staley and even receiving an award named in Staley’s honor.

A’ja Wilson’s impact beyond the court gets her the Dawn Staley Award

In August, Wilson added yet another accolade to her name, but this one came from her work beyond the hardwood. The Las Vegas Aces superstar was honored with the prestigious Dawn Staley Community Leadership Award. The Aces celebrated the moment on social media, proudly posting, “Awards on and off the court. Congrats, A’ja, on being the 2024 recipient of the Dawn Staley Community Leadership Award!”

The WNBA awards this honor, named after Hall of Famer Dawn Staley, to a player who exemplifies exceptional leadership in their community. It celebrates those who embody Staley’s passion, charitable efforts, inspirational presence, and love for the game. As part of A’ja Wilson’s recognition, the WNBA had to donate $10,000 to a charity of her choosing, further extending the impact of her award.

“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,” Staley expressed her pride in mentoring Wilson during her college days at South Carolina.

Through her dedication both on and off the court, A’ja Wilson continues to inspire. Her journey to overcome the challenges of dyslexia adds another layer of motivation, serving as a powerful example for younger generations.