
USA Today via Reuters
Jul 18, 2024; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Las Vegas Aces player A’ja Wilson shows her grill teeth as she walks the red carpet during the WNBA All Star weekend at the Phoenix Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

USA Today via Reuters
Jul 18, 2024; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Las Vegas Aces player A’ja Wilson shows her grill teeth as she walks the red carpet during the WNBA All Star weekend at the Phoenix Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
When it comes to the Las Vegas Aces’ A’ja Wilson and her legendary former head coach Dawn Staley, their deep connection is a well-documented story. There have been moments of appreciation, and there have been fun moments as well. After all, Wilson, the former USC star also led the Gamecocks to their first national championship win in 2017. Recently, social media witnessed one such situation where A’ja Wilson had to take some time from her Olympic commitments to defend herself from trolls that were initially led by Dawn Staley.
Staley posted multiple meme-worthy pictures of the athletes with a caption, “Y’all I need this meme of @_ajawilson22 that I saw but didn’t save. It fits right in with these. Can yall tweet me some that would fit in this post…🤣🤣🤣.” It didn’t take long before the reply section was filled with A’ja Wilson’s funny pictures from on and off the court.
Eventually, Wilson couldn’t hold herself back as she reacted to those replies, writing, “Lmfaooo the replies are crazy like relax yall.” And this isn’t the first time A’ja Wilson and Dawn Staley have talked about each other on social media.
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Lmfaooo the replies are crazy like relax yall
— A'ja Wilson (@_ajawilson22) July 26, 2024
In the past, this duo has frequently shared their mutual admiration, and it’s clear that they hold each other in high regard. It was just last week when Staley took to her X account and commented on Wilson’s WNBA performance, “I know yall will say I’m crazy and biased or both…maybe but @_ajawilson22 is your WNBA Most Valuable Player, Defensive Player of the Year and Most Improved…”
Even Wilson has never hesitated to express her admiration for Staley. Earlier, the 27-year-old spoke on Marie Claire, French Magazine’s YouTube channel, “Talk about a drip goddess, she (Dawn Staley) is that. She’s just someone that’s going to always tell me the truth no matter how much it hurts and I love her for that.”
Wilson also revealed that Staley has been her go-to person for professional guidance. It would be no surprise to see Staley cheering for Wilson and Team USA in the 2024 Paris Olympics.
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A'ja Wilson standing up for Dawn Staley—Is this the kind of leadership we need in sports?
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A’ja Wilson and Dawn Staley in Paris for the Olympics
Both WNBA star A’ja Wilson and the Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley have touched down in the ‘City of Lights’. Getting a VIP experience, Staley had a rather ‘presidential’ arrival, while Wilson and the Team USA squad made their way to Paris by train from London.
The famous duo is in town for the year’s biggest sporting event, but they’ll be taking on different roles. A’ja Wilson will be hitting the court in her Team USA jersey, while her former coach, Dawn Staley, attends the Olympics as part of the Presidential delegation and will be cheering her on and supporting the team.
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Their bond is unshakeable, and whether it’s playful trolling or heartfelt admiration, A’ja Wilson and Dawn Staley continue to inspire. As Wilson competes on the court, Staley’s unwavering support in the stands will undoubtedly fuel her drive for greatness.
Stay tuned for more such updates and join us for the exciting pilot episode of the ‘Dual Threat Show’ as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and SEC All-Freshman Team Selection, Silas Demary Jr.
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A'ja Wilson standing up for Dawn Staley—Is this the kind of leadership we need in sports?