A’ja Wilson Credits AKA for Leadership

WNBA superstar A’ja Wilson, fresh off securing her record-breaking fourth league MVP title and her third WNBA championship, is sharing the secrets behind her remarkable leadership. And it turns out, a significant part of her development stems from her time with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. (AKA).

Sisterhood and Grounding

In a recent segment of Vogue’s “In the Bag” series, Wilson revealed that her AKA lanyard is one of the essential items she keeps in her go-bag. She crossed into the Theta Gamma Chapter at The University of South Carolina in the fall of 2017 with 60 other women, forming a sisterhood that she credits with helping her navigate the intense pressures of being an elite student-athlete.

“Sometimes being a student-athlete, you’re kind of trapped in this world of just like gym [and] class… that was it,” Wilson shared. “When I gained my 60 sisters, I got an opportunity to actually enjoy the college side of it.” This sisterhood provided a crucial balance, allowing her to experience more of college life beyond the court and classroom.

Developing Leadership Skills

As Wilson has matured, her role as a leader has become even more prominent. She directly credits her involvement with AKA for shaping her into the leader she is today. “As I’ve gotten older, I’ve become a leader… I have to credit AKA,” she stated. The experience fostered personal growth and equipped her with valuable skills that extend far beyond the basketball court.

Her AKA lanyard remains a constant reminder of the grounding and support she received. Alongside her late grandmother’s coin purse, it’s one of her most prized possessions, symbolizing the enduring impact of her sorority experience and the strong bonds she formed.

Looking Ahead

With Wilson reportedly set to re-sign a historic $1.4 million WNBA supermax contract with the Las Vegas Aces, her influence continues to grow. Her candidness about the role her sorority played in her development offers an inspiring look at how sisterhood and shared experiences can foster powerful leadership qualities in athletes and beyond.