A’ja Wilson and Aliyah Boston Announce Major Endowment to Support Gamecocks Women’s Basketball
In a landmark moment for South Carolina athletics, former Gamecocks stars A’ja Wilson and Aliyah Boston announced today the creation of a multi-million dollar endowment to support the University of South Carolina’s women’s basketball program. The initiative, revealed during a special ceremony at Colonial Life Arena, marks one of the largest player-led gifts in the university’s history.
Wilson and Boston, both national champions and WNBA standouts, said the endowment is designed to provide long-term resources for scholarships, facilities, and player development initiatives. Their gift reflects a deep commitment to ensuring future generations of Gamecocks can thrive both on and off the court.
“This program changed my life,” Wilson said. “It’s only right that we give back to the place that shaped who we are today. We want every young woman who puts on that jersey to have the same, if not better, opportunities than we did.”
Boston echoed those sentiments. “South Carolina is family,” she said. “This is about building a legacy that lasts beyond our playing days. We’re investing in the future of this program because we believe in it.”
Both players were instrumental in elevating South Carolina into a national powerhouse under Coach Dawn Staley’s leadership. Wilson led the Gamecocks to their first NCAA championship in 2017, while Boston helped secure another title in 2022.
University President Michael Amiridis and Athletics Director Ray Tanner praised the players’ generosity, calling it a “transformational gift” that will have a lasting impact.
The endowment will officially begin funding initiatives in the 2025–26 academic year, ensuring sustained excellence for one of college basketball’s premier programs.
“This is a full-circle moment,” Wilson added. “We’re not just Gamecocks for four years — we’re Gamecocks for life.”
