Introduction to A’ja Wilson
A’ja Wilson has accomplished everything in her professional career. The Las Vegas Aces star has earned every accolade imaginable: two WNBA championships, three WNBA MVP awards, two WNBA Defensive Player of the Year awards and two Olympic gold medals, to name a few.
Overcoming Dyslexia
But the 28-year-old South Carolina alum opened up about the struggle she deals with: dyslexia. Wilson’s learning disability, she said, has shaped the way she’s approached her life as a famous figure. "I feel like when people see me, they see the accolades, they see the resume, and they’re like, ‘Oh my gosh, this girl, she’s perfect,’" Wilson told NBC in the latest episode of "My New Favorite Baller." "But knowing that I have a learning disability, knowing that I struggle with this, with anxiety and depression, it shows people that I’m normal. It shows people that I struggle with similar things.
Relating to People
Wilson has always been interested in relating to people, no matter how much her stardom blossoms. Since being drafted first overall by the Aces in 2018, Wilson has completely transformed the franchise. The team relocated from San Antonio to Sin City in the same offseason where it acquired Wilson — following three straight seasons of single-digit wins and missing the playoffs.
Transforming the Franchise
For an organization that hadn’t won a championship in its 21-year history before Wilson arrived, her arrival was a turning point. After missing the playoffs by one game in her rookie year, the Aces haven’t missed out since. Despite winning back-to-back titles in 2022 and 2023 and going 102-28 from 2020 to 2023, Wilson still felt no pressure during the Aces’ quest to three-peat last season. Las Vegas ultimately came up short, losing in the semifinals.
Finding Joy in the Process
"I feel like the joy is going to always outweigh the pressure, because that is truly the moment where you have the most fun," Wilson said. "Pressure makes diamonds and diamonds look great, but sometimes you have to find joy in the process of it. And I think that’s what kind of user it’s being like, wanting to be around each other, wanting to come in to work every day and to get better."
Success and Teamwork
That sort of mindset has seeped into Wilson’s every day life — on and off the court. Her only goal is to win for her team and form a true bond with the women around her. "My first success, obviously, would be winning a championship," Wilson said. "And I feel like that is always the go-to answer. But, I feel like I’m in a space where I’m like, I want everybody to eat. I want my teammates, I don’t want it just to be me.
Helping Her Mother Retire
Another critical step in Wilson’s life came in 2023, when she shared in an Instagram post that she helped her mother retire from a lengthy career in education. "It meant the world to me," Wilson said. "… But she’s such a hard worker and my mom is someone that has to stay busy. Like she’s the Black mom that puts on the music and they have the whole house up. That’s the wake up because she’s up and now is cleaning. Like, that’s my mom. And she did that 365 days, 24 hours, seven days a week. That’s who she was.
The A’ja Wilson Foundation
Wilson’s mother Eva now serves as the executive director of the A’ja Wilson Foundation and chief operating officer of her daughter’s candle business, Burnt Wax Candle Company. Not exactly a quiet retired life, but that’s exactly the way she likes it. "It’s one of the No. 1 things I wanted to do once I became a professional athlete," the younger Wilson said when asked about starting a foundation. "… I knew instantly, seeing the resources that I got in college, I wanted to make sure that a lot of young kids could have those resources, not just the top athletes at power five schools — everyone deserves this. And starting from the teachers all the way down to the students.
Conclusion
A’ja Wilson’s inspiring path in the WNBA is a testament to her hard work and dedication. Despite struggling with dyslexia, she has overcome the challenge and become one of the most successful female athletes of all time. Her commitment to her team and her foundation is a shining example of her character and her desire to make a positive impact on the world.
FAQs
Q: What is A’ja Wilson’s learning disability?
A: A’ja Wilson has dyslexia, a learning disability that affects her ability to read and process information.
Q: What is the A’ja Wilson Foundation?
A: The A’ja Wilson Foundation is a non-profit organization that provides resources and support to young students, particularly those with learning disabilities.
Q: What is Burnt Wax Candle Company?
A: Burnt Wax Candle Company is a candle business owned by A’ja Wilson, with her mother Eva serving as the chief operating officer.
Q: How has A’ja Wilson impacted the Las Vegas Aces franchise?
A: A’ja Wilson has completely transformed the franchise, leading the team to two WNBA championships and two Olympic gold medals.
Q: What is A’ja Wilson’s approach to pressure and success?
A: A’ja Wilson believes that joy outweighs pressure, and that finding joy in the process of working towards a goal is essential to success.
