WNBA superstar A’ja Wilson is widely regarded as the greatest player in the world, having recently secured a record-breaking fourth league MVP title. While her dominance on the court is well-documented, a recent “In the Bag” segment with Vogue offered a rare look at the foundation of her leadership off the court. While showcasing her daily essentials, Wilson pulled out a sentimental staple: her Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated lanyard.
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Wilson, who crossed into the Theta Gamma Chapter at The University of South Carolina in the fall of 2017, reflected on how the sisterhood provided a necessary sanctuary during her collegiate years. For the Las Vegas Aces center, the lanyard is more than just a tool for her keys; it is a reminder of the 60 line sisters who helped her navigate the pressures of being an elite student-athlete.
“I’m so grateful for the sisterhood that I formed in college through AKA because it allowed me to be a woman,” Wilson said. “It allowed me to be a young girl. Because as a student-athlete, you become trapped in this world of gym, class, gym, class—and that was it.”
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Wilson explained that joining the first Black Greek-letter sorority allowed her to step outside the “athlete” bubble and experience a different side of the university experience. By engaging with women from various backgrounds, she gained perspectives that she carries into her professional life today. As she has ascended to become a global icon, she credits her sorority for sharpening the leadership skills and resilience required at the highest level.
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“As I have gotten older and become a leader and put in different situations, I have to credit AKA and the sisterhood when it comes to that,” Wilson noted. “It tests you to see if you are really down for it, and I am down for it.”