Childhood and Education Journey of A'ja Wilson in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 11, 2026

Discover the defining moments in the early life of A'ja Wilson. From birth to education, explore key events.

A'ja Wilson is an American professional basketball player widely regarded as one of the greatest WNBA players of all time and the best of her generation. She currently plays for the Las Vegas Aces.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

August 8, 1996: A'ja Wilson Born

On August 8, 1996, A'ja Riyadh Wilson was born. She is an American professional basketball player for the Las Vegas Aces of the WNBA.

Others born on this day/year

2014: National High School Player of the Year

In 2014, A'ja Wilson was named the National High School Player of The Year, a Parade and McDonald's All-American, and the #1 rated ESPN HoopGurlz prospect after leading Heathwood Hall to the state championship as a senior.

2016: First SEC Player of the Year Award

In 2016, as a sophomore, A'ja Wilson won her first SEC Player of the Year award and was a consensus All-American, leading the Gamecocks to an SEC regular season and Tournament Championship.

2017: National Championship Win and Most Outstanding Player

In 2017, A'ja Wilson led the Gamecocks to a SEC regular season and Tournament championship and won the school's first national championship, being named the Most Outstanding Player of the tournament.

May 2018: Graduation from the University of South Carolina

In May 2018, A'ja Wilson majored in mass communications at the University of South Carolina, graduating in May 2018.

2018: SEC Player of the Year and All-American Honors

In 2018, A'ja Wilson won a record third straight SEC Player of the Year award, led South Carolina to a record fourth straight SEC Tournament Championship, became the all-time leading scorer in South Carolina women's basketball history, and was a consensus first-team All-American for the third consecutive season. She swept all National Player of the Year awards as the best player in women's college basketball.

2018: National Player of the Year Awards

In 2018, A'ja Wilson won all of the National player of the year awards and a record 3rd straight SEC Player of the Year award. She was also a Consensus All-American for the third straight year and finished her college career as the all-time leading scorer for the school.

2019: Established A'ja Wilson Foundation

In 2019, A'ja Wilson established the A'ja Wilson Foundation, which advocates for preventing bullying and education around dyslexia.

March 2020: Summer Olympics Postponed

In late March 2020, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government postponed the 2020 Summer Olympics until the summer of 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

April 2021: Started Burnt Wax Candle Company

In April 2021, A'ja Wilson started Burnt Wax Candle Company, a luxury candle line.

May 14, 2024: Response to commentary on Clark's popularity

On May 14, 2024, during the press conference before her professional debut in the WNBA, Clark responded to Wilson's commentary on Clark's rapid rise in popularity in relation to her race and emphasized the importance of providing opportunities for every player in women's basketball and sharing the love to elevate the league.