When you bring your place to recognition, people tend to make you an ambassador of that because of the ever-green memories they have. Be it Caitlin Clark’s contribution to Iowa or Steph Curry’s role at Davidson College. And the same for A’ja Wilson’s contribution to South Carolina. And ever since A’ja Wilson led South Carolina to its first NCAA championship in 2017, her returns to Columbia have been nothing short of electric. Whether it was her jersey retirement in February 2025 or her surprise visits to Dawn Staley’s practices, Wilson’s presence always brings a buzz. But this time, it’s different. On March 16, Wilson isn’t just coming back as a hometown hero — she’s coming back as a brand.
The face of her first-ever signature shoe, the Nike A’One, Wilson, is about to turn Columbia into sneaker central — and the hype is already through the roof. Wilson’s highly anticipated A’One will debut through an exclusive “Pre-Heat” tour, with Columbia as the first stop. It’s not just about basketball anymore — it’s about legacy. Wilson teased the tour details on Instagram Threads, writing:
“03/16 Pull up to 7005 Two Notch Road, Columbia, SC 29223 from 12-3p & the Hyatt Park Courts, 950 Jackson Avenue, Columbia, SC 29203 from 4-7p for exclusive access, giveaways & more ,” But where else will the tour travel next?
After Columbia, the tour will hit Las Vegas — where Wilson has dominated with the Aces — on March 22 at an American chain of sporting goods stores (Richard “D” Stack owner), before wrapping up on April 3 at Nike Tampa. Fans in three major cities will have the chance to grab the A’One early, months before the official release in May.
But what led her to start in Columbia? That’s personal. Because Wilson’s roots in South Carolina run deep.
A’ja Wilson’s rise: From South Carolina roots to MVP glory
Ever since being drafted first overall in 2018, she’s been a cornerstone of the state, both on and off the court. In 2019, Wilson launched the A’ja Wilson Foundation, supporting children with dyslexia — a cause close to her heart — while also funding scholarships and promoting anti-bullying efforts. Wilson’s foundation has made a tangible impact, from hosting back-to-school drives to providing resources for students in Columbia. From birth, up to playing here, the lady has immersed herself in South Carolina.
In 2021, South Carolina immortalized Wilson’s legacy with a statue outside Colonial Life Arena — the ultimate tribute to a hometown hero who led the Gamecocks to a national title and a string of SEC championships. And in 2024, after winning her second WNBA MVP, Wilson made sure to give credit where it was due.
“I want to thank South Carolina and Coach Staley,” Wilson said after accepting the MVP trophy. “I truly wouldn’t be standing here today without the hard work and sacrifices made by all those people . . . it’s humbling to walk a path paved by so many legends of this game.”
Credits : USA Today Network via Imagn
Wilson’s relationship with Staley and South Carolina started long before the trophies. In 2009, Staley — fresh off her first season as South Carolina’s head coach — kept running into Wilson’s father, Roscoe. “She’s going to be good,” he’d tell Staley. But when Wilson finally showed up at Staley’s camp, the future MVP wasn’t exactly lighting it up.
“It’s surreal that when I took A’ja to Dawn’s camp, man, she was trash,” Roscoe said with a laugh. Staley agreed: “She was good at everything but basketball. But she was tall.” All light banter, but we see where she stands today.
That raw potential turned into greatness — and Wilson’s rise mirrored South Carolina’s ascent under Staley. Now, Wilson returns to Columbia not just as a WNBA star or an MVP, but as a brand. The A’One isn’t just a sneaker — it’s a statement. And on March 16, the line outside Foot Locker will be a proof of that.
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