A’ja Wilson is becoming more of a household name, especially with the long-overdue increase in attention on the WNBA this year. Since drafted in 2018 to the Las Vegas Aces, she has become a back to back WNBA champion, WNBA MVP (2020, 2022, 2024), Defensive Player Of The Year (DPOY) in 2022 and 2023, Rookie Of The Year (ROTY) in 2018, and a two-time Olympic Gold medalist. A’ja Wilson is also a New York Times bestselling author!
A’ja Wilson is more than a high achieving basketball player and bestselling author. A’ja Wilson was diagnosed with dyslexia her sophomore year of highschool. This diagnosis was a challenge for her to accept. Now as an adult, A’ja strives to bring accessibility to all communities, including through her community outreach initiatives. The A’ja Wilson Foundation (AWF) aims to end the stigma around dyslexia and prioritizes accessibility to resources for those affected by dyslexia.
Community leaders like A’ja help bring positive light to those with dyslexia, while inspiring the next generation of athletes. Next time you see an Aces game, either on network television or through WNBA League Pass, look for the player with a leg sleeve and likely double-digit scoring!
Iowa connection: A’ja was teammates with former Hawkeyes! 2024 Spanish Olympian, and 2019 Naismith College Player of the Year winner Megan Gustafson, and 2024 Second-team All-Big Ten Rookie Star, Kate Martin!