โTrees Never Forget Their Rootsโ: Aliyah Boston Signs Lifetime Deal with Gamecocks, Donates $500K to Help Homeless Children in Columbia
Columbia, SC โ Aliyah Boston, one of the most beloved figures in South Carolina basketball history, has deepened her bond with the Gamecocks in a powerful way โ signing a lifetime ambassadorial contract with the University of South Carolina while pledging a $500,000 donation to combat homelessness among children in the Columbia community.
The announcement was made during a special ceremony at Colonial Life Arena, where Boston emotionally declared, โTrees never forget their roots โ and Iโll never forget where mine took hold.โ
Her lifetime agreement with the Gamecocks will see Boston serve as an official ambassador for the universityโs athletics and community initiatives. She will mentor current athletes, represent the program at national events, and help lead future philanthropic and outreach campaigns.
At the same time, her $500K donation will launch the Aliyah Boston Foundation for Hope, a new nonprofit aimed at providing shelter, school support, and health care access for homeless children in Columbia.
> โItโs more than just basketball,โ Boston said. โThis is about building up a community that built me.โ
Coach Dawn Staley called the moment โhistoric, humbling, and heartfelt.โ
> โAliyah is forever a Gamecock, not just in jersey but in spirit. This is a full-circle moment that proves her greatness extends far beyond the game.โ
The foundationโs programs are expected to roll out in 2026, and Bostonโs involvement with the university is now formally lifelong โ a living testament to the unbreakable bond between a champion and the place that helped shape her journey.
