After four legendary years at South Carolina, still holding the record for most career points, going as the first overall pick, and winning two WNBA championships, A’ja Wilson has done more than enough to make her alma mater and coach Dawn Staley proud. The respect, pride, and love between them have built a beautiful bond—so much so that Wilson always turns to her former coach when she’s feeling down. Or, let’s say, heartbroken.
Staley recently shared a hilarious (and slightly embarrassing) story about the time Wilson called her, crying over a breakup. “She’s going to kill me,” Staley joked before spilling the details. Her response to Wilson’s tears was very coach-like, “Don’t cry, you’re going to be fine/back together next week.”
Amid these fun moments, the Gamecocks coach must be prepared to witness one of the best athletes’ historic moment as the program is retiring LV Aces star’s No. 22 jersey on Feb. 2. And even that came with a subtle jab from the coach.
“We have to retire her jersey for her to spend the weekend with us,” she quipped. Wilson is undoubtedly one of the tops in the league, and with her busy schedule, it’s no surprise she barely has time for loved ones.
Dawn Staley reveals one time A’ja Wilson cried to her about breaking up with her boyfriend. “She’s going to kill me,” Staley says but continues with the story, saying her response was “don’t cry, you’re going to be fine/back together next week.”
— Lulu Kesin (@LuluKesin) January 29, 2025
But, well, when it comes to her South Carolina family, they always find a way. A pretty big and unforgettable one, at that.
The post Crying A’ja Wilson Once Phoned Dawn Staley After Suffering a Breakup as Coach Throws a Shade at South Carolina Alumni appeared first on EssentiallySports.