“Using My Trauma”: A’ja Wilson Revisits Ugly Spat With Dawn Staley After Failing to Meet Ex-Coach’s Demands

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“She allowed me to be a young woman. Allowed me to grow and have a full experience of being in a college.” A’ja Wilson’s words about her former coach, Dawn Staley, reflect the strong and supportive relationship they built during Wilson’s college years in South Carolina. But, like any close bond, their relationship wasn’t without its disagreements. The 3x WNBA MVP opened up about the occasional light arguments that were part of their dynamic.

Wilson appeared on the Roommates Show, where she took the opportunity to express her deep admiration for the South Carolina head coach. But when the host pressed for something more revealing, asking, “There has to be there has to be one story where things weren’t very peachy,” Wilson was encouraged to share more.

“Oh yeah there’s plenty, but one I would have to say, she kicked me out of practice. Like she always did this thing where she was just like, if I was being average, she would like push her buttons… and it’s kind of bad cuz I’m like ‘You’re really using my trauma,’” Wilson laughed as she recalled one of the lighter moments of tension between her and Staley. However, she quickly explained that Staley’s tough love came from a place of high expectations.

“But it’s okay and she kicked me out of practice cuz apparently I wasn’t doing one practice. I was looking average I was blending in and she was like you someone like you should never blend like, I should always say Asia’s the best player on the floor, I can always see that like it’s a big jump but I just didn’t have it that day and I was exhausted,” Wilson explained on the Roommates Show.

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The Aces’ #22 spent four years playing for Dawn Staley at South Carolina from 2014 to 2018. During that time, Wilson played a pivotal role in leading the team to its first championship under Staley’s leadership. While Wilson’s stories reveal the playful back-and-forth they shared, it’s clear their relationship goes much deeper. Wilson even describes Staley as a second mother, underscoring the strong, familial bond they’ve developed over the years. Recently, Staley was the one who shared big news with Wilson.

A bond that transcends time: Dawn Staley’s support and A’ja Wilson’s jersey retirement

Wilson may have left South Carolina in 2018, but Dawn Staley has never missed a chance to support her or remind her she’s among the best in the game. Earlier this year, Staley boldly declared Wilson the MVP even before the season reached its halfway point. When Wilson officially claimed the MVP title, Staley celebrated her achievement with a heartfelt congratulatory message on X. However, one of the most surprising calls from Staley came in October, catching Wilson completely off guard.

The University of South Carolina will retire A’ja Wilson’s iconic No. 22 jersey, which she proudly wore with the Gamecocks from 2014 to 2018, at a ceremony on February 2, 2025. Late October, in a tweet shared by Matt Dowell, Dawn Staley video-called Wilson to celebrate her accomplishments this season, particularly her MVP title win. During the call, Staley warmly reminded Wilson, “In South Carolina, you always get No. 1 votes.”

The head coach then invited the 2x WNBA champion to come to South Carolina, where she made the big announcement: “Your jersey is going to be retired.” Wilson, grinning from ear to ear, responded with a playful, “Everyone wants me to cry today—no way.” The Gamecocks cheered for Wilson in the background while Staley encouraged her to process the emotional news and then wrapped up the call.

When Wilson returns to her alma mater next year for her jersey retirement ceremony, she’ll likely reflect on the bittersweet moments and playful banter she shared with Coach Staley. Even so, Wilson understands that Staley’s tough love was her way of pushing her to be better—ultimately shaping her into one of the WNBA’s all-time greats.