Kaili Spooner’s passion lies in sports journalism and Black TV/Film, and her writing strongly aligns with The Hollywood Insider’s values of delivering factual and in-depth coverage. While her future career goal is to be a sports journalist and do social media work for the NBA/WNBA, for now, she balances her academic pursuits with being a collegiate volleyball player at SSU and unwinding with her favorite comedy and drama sitcoms at home.
Jun 27, 2024
A’ja Wilson, the star center for the Las Vegas Aces, will be one of 12 phenomenal athletes representing the U.S. women’s basketball team at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. The official 12-person roster was announced on X (formerly known as Twitter) by ‘USABasketball’, accompanied by the captions, “The next chapter in The Greatest Dynasty Ever,” and “The 2024 USA Women’s National Team is here.”
In 2018, A’ja Wilson was drafted first overall by the Las Vegas Aces. After an outstanding debut season, she was named WNBA Rookie of the Year and has since continued to thrive with the Aces. In 2019, Wilson set a new career-high by scoring 39 points in a 102–97 overtime victory against the Indiana Fever. Although the Aces fell to the Seattle Storm in the semi-finals of the 2020 season, Wilson’s stellar performance earned her the MVP award for that year.
The year 2022 was particularly remarkable for Wilson, as she secured her second MVP award, her first Defensive Player of the Year award, and celebrated her first championship victory. Her success continued in the 2023 season, highlighted by a new career-high of 53 points, one of only three 50-plus point performances in WNBA history. Wilson’s exceptional play earned her another Defensive Player of the Year award, a second consecutive WNBA title, and the Finals MVP award for her significant contributions in the 2023 Las Vegas Aces vs. New York Liberty Finals Series. In the 2024 season, Wilson made history by becoming the first player in WNBA history to record over 35 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 steals in a single game. This remarkable feat highlights why the USA Basketball Women’s National Team Committee saw A’ja Wilson as an ideal competitor for the 2024 U.S. Summer Olympics Team.
On February 6, 2024, A’ja Wilson released her debut biography, “Dear Black Girls: How to Be True to You.” This New York Times Best Seller delves into personal stories from her life, detailing her experiences as a Black girl growing up in South Carolina and her journey to becoming a renowned athlete. Wilson attributes much of the wisdom in her book to her mother, Eva Wilson. In an interview with Andscape, she shared, “[The book] came from the honesty and truthfulness that my mom would share with me [and] is now something that I love to share with other people.”
One poignant story in the biography recounts Wilson’s first encounter with racism at the age of 10. She had been invited to a best friend’s birthday sleepover and was thrilled about the party. However, her friend bluntly told her she would have to sleep outside. Initially, A’ja thought this was because it was an outdoor event, but her friend clarified, “No, the party’s at my house. But the thing is…my dad doesn’t really like Black people.” This experience was a harsh wake-up call for Wilson. Reflecting on that moment, she wrote, “You’re not just a girl. You’re a Black girl. And some people don’t like you because of that.” Throughout “Dear Black Girls,” Wilson shares more moments from her life, including the challenges she faced in adulthood and sports.
A’ja Wilson’s basketball résumé is extensive, beginning with her eighth-grade varsity debut. Despite her numerous accolades and achievements, Wilson has never been one to rest on her laurels. She believes that complacency sets one up for disappointment. As a Black woman, she has braced herself for the inevitable setbacks that come from others trying to lessen the worth of her accomplishments. A mindset that’s all too familiar in the Black community.
Wilson is no stranger to racist comments in sports. She and her collegiate team, the South Carolina Gamecocks, faced such hatefulness following their 2017 national championship. Critics complained, “Coach Staley doesn’t recruit white players. Why doesn’t she recruit our white girls?” These comments were hurtful, as many people chose not to celebrate the achievement of a predominantly Black team, led by a Black female coach, making history. Instead, they attempted to overshadow a historic and positive moment with negativity.
The issues persisted beyond college. In multiple interviews, Wilson has spoken about encountering racism in the WNBA. She often discusses not receiving proper recognition for her contributions and achievements in season, particularly in 2023. Despite averaging nearly 23 points, 9.5 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.4 steals for the Aces, she felt she was snubbed in the 2023 WNBA MVP vote, where she placed third. She considers this one of the lowest points in her career.
Representation matters in every aspect of life, including sports. The lack of diversity at the highest levels can greatly affect an individual’s sense of belonging and inclusion and their belief in their potential to achieve great things. As young girls and boys develop an interest in sports, they need role models like A’ja Wilson to look up to.
A’ja Wilson is unapologetically herself—authentically and proudly Black. She doesn’t conform to anyone and remains genuine, making her incredibly loveable and enjoyable to watch. She exemplifies that success doesn’t require one to talk a certain way, have a particular look, or a specific personality. Wilson openly discusses matters that are important to her, from social justice issues to improving the WNBA. She’s also a member of a Black sorority and is often seen singing and dancing with her shirt tucked up—her signature style—during practices and games. Wilson’s authenticity allows her to have the most fun and grants her the freedom to express herself fully. Her attitude implicitly says, “Take me as I am, or don’t take me at all.” And who wouldn’t want A’ja Wilson in these spaces? Her talent, personality, and work ethic are legendary, making her an invaluable presence in sports and beyond.
No one chooses to face adversity and racism, but the experiences A’ja Wilson has endured have shaped her into the unapologetic, resilient, cautious, focused, and extraordinary Black woman she is today. Though, unfortunately, certain experiences at a young age contributed to this, they have also strengthened her character.
As Wilson prepares for the 2024 Summer Olympic Games, there is hope that young Black athletes will tune in, follow her throughout her basketball career, and feel empowered by her and other successful Black athletes. Alongside A’ja, there are seven other Black women on the team who proudly exemplify Black representation in sports.
Best of luck to A’ja and Team USA as they strive for another gold medal.
Click here to read The Hollywood Insider’s CEO Pritan Ambroase’s love letter to Cinema, TV and Media. An excerpt from the love letter: The Hollywood Insider’s CEO/editor-in-chief Pritan Ambroase affirms, “We have the space and time for all your stories, no matter who/what/where you are. Media/Cinema/TV have a responsibility to better the world and The Hollywood Insider will continue to do so. Talent, diversity and authenticity matter in Cinema/TV, media and storytelling. In fact, I reckon that we should announce “talent-diversity-authenticity-storytelling-Cinema-Oscars-Academy-Awards” as synonyms of each other. We show respect to talent and stories regardless of their skin color, race, gender, sexuality, religion, nationality, etc., thus allowing authenticity into this system just by something as simple as accepting and showing respect to the human species’ factual diversity. We become greater just by respecting and appreciating talent in all its shapes, sizes, and forms. Award winners, which includes nominees, must be chosen on the greatness of their talent ALONE.
I am sure I am speaking for a multitude of Cinema lovers all over the world when I speak of the following sentiments that this medium of art has blessed me with. Cinema taught me about our world, at times in English and at times through the beautiful one-inch bar of subtitles. I learned from the stories in the global movies that we are all alike across all borders. Remember that one of the best symbols of many great civilizations and their prosperity has been the art they have left behind. This art can be in the form of paintings, sculptures, architecture, writings, inventions, etc. For our modern society, Cinema happens to be one of them. Cinema is more than just a form of entertainment, it is an integral part of society. I love the world uniting, be it for Cinema, TV, media, art, fashion, sport, etc. Please keep this going full speed.”
Kaili Spooner’s passion lies in sports journalism and Black TV/Film, and her writing strongly aligns with The Hollywood Insider’s values of delivering factual and in-depth coverage. While her future career goal is to be a sports journalist and do social media work for the NBA/WNBA, for now, she balances her academic pursuits with being a collegiate volleyball player at SSU and unwinding with her favorite comedy and drama sitcoms at home.
Kaili Spooner’s passion lies in sports journalism and Black TV/Film, and her writing strongly aligns with The Hollywood Insider’s values of delivering factual and in-depth coverage. While her future career goal is to be a sports journalist and do social media work for the NBA/WNBA, for now, she balances her academic pursuits with being a collegiate volleyball player at SSU and unwinding with her favorite comedy and drama sitcoms at home.
