A Historic Honor for a Gamecock

Legend

The University of South Carolina (USC) celebrated one of its most iconic athletes, A’ja Wilson, by retiring her jersey in a special ceremony. While the school’s official policy allows for jerseys to be retired but not numbers, head coach Dawn Staley made it clear: No one else will ever wear No. 22 again.

“Never,” Staley firmly stated. “It’s retired. … I can officially say that.”

A Moment of Reflection and Gratitude

Wilson’s jersey retirement took place at Colonial Life Arena before USC’s matchup against Auburn. Speaking about the honor, Wilson expressed deep appreciation for the recognition in the place she calls home.

“This is a big, big moment,” Wilson said. “I’m super blessed just to be able to say that my jersey’s being in the rafters in my home. Not a lot of people can say that.”

A Columbia native, Wilson attended Heathwood Hall before making history at USC. She never imagined achieving such heights in her career, making the jersey retirement an emotional milestone.

“It’s a lot of emotion, it’s a lot of fun,” she added. “We’ve had a lot of great times here. So I’m so glad that I can share this moment with everyone.”

Wilson’s Lasting Legacy at USC

Wilson’s impact on South Carolina basketball is undeniable. She was USC’s first-ever No. 1 recruit, a four-time All-American, and a three-time SEC Player of the Year. She also led the Gamecocks to their first national championship in 2017 and remains the program’s all-time leading scorer.

Her influence extends beyond her playing days, as Staley emphasized:

“She legitimized our program. She took it to another level, and we still feel her legacy today.”

Wilson’s name continues to resonate in recruiting conversations, proving that her presence is still shaping the future of the program.

“To see the longevity of this program and where it’s going, I beam garnet and black,” Wilson said. “That’s our program, that’s what we were built on, that’s our culture.”

A Rare Honor: Jersey Retirement After a Statue

Wilson’s jersey retirement comes years after USC unveiled her statue outside Colonial Life Arena in 2021—a testament to her unparalleled contributions. The school typically enforces a five-year waiting period before considering an athlete for jersey retirement, but Wilson’s legacy was too significant to ignore.

“I think it couldn’t have happened at a more appropriate time,” Staley said, referencing Wilson’s global success. “She’s given our program another platform to elevate.”

With her jersey now immortalized in the rafters, A’ja Wilson’s legacy at USC is officially cemented. And as Staley made clear, No. 22 will forever belong to the Gamecock legend.