Wilson breaks when South Carolina retires No. 22: “I’m overloaded” -Las Vegas Review -D -ournal

Columbia, SC – A’Ja Wilson stood in tears as she watched her T -shirt climb to the ribs of the colonial arena of South Carolina.

The ALMA Mater ruling from WNBA MVP withdrew its T-shirt # 22 before the Gamecocks 83-66 Gamecocks 83-66 route on Sunday.

There was no doubt that the honor would come, but South Carolina has the required five -year waiting period to withdraw the players’ T -shirt. That’s why Gamecocks erected an 11-foot bronze statue of Wilson outside their arena in 2021.

Wilson, the first rookie # 1, who went to South Carolina, continued to become the first player in the history of the program, first selected as a whole in the WNBA draft. She helped Gamecocks win her first national championship in 2017 and remains a leading goalkeeper of the program with 2389 points.

Here’s everything she said in her speech about an emotional retirement shirt:

“Thank you all for being here today. I am overwhelmed by gratitude and joy when my T -shirt retired at the University of South Carolina, the place where my dreams began. It is an honor that I can hardly expose in words.

First, I want to thank my coaches, teammates and every person who was part of this trip. You pushed me to be my best, and the relationships we created here are unbreakable. I value every moment and every memory we have made together.

For the incredible fans, you have fulfilled this arena with energy and passion, turning any game into an unforgettable experience. It is a privilege to be Gamecock, to be part of this community. And one of the biggest honors in my life was to present garnet and black every night.

Colombia, South Carolina, is my home and shape me. Not just as an athlete, but as a person. As I look in the ribs and see my T -shirt, I remind myself how important it is to chase your dreams without fear.

And the person who taught me this and still teaches me this is Dawn Staley. Thank you the coach for seeing the light in me, even when I did not see it in myself and that it showed me that it was not about the destination. This is the journey and the people you meet along the way.

I would not be what I am today without the love, support and victims of so many people and what kind of blessing to have the most special court for me today, especially my beloved Olympian from outside the city.

I would not be without Eve and Rosco. Mom and dad, thank you thank you for saying. But in everything I do, I hope to make you proud.

Thank you all for believing in me and made that moment possible. Go ‘Cocks. “

This is a developing story. Check again for updates.

Contact Callie Fin at [email protected]. Follow @Calliejlaw at X.