Many in women’s basketball circles describe A’ja Wilson as the “world’s greatest player,” but that title hasn’t come without burdens or even loneliness.
Despite only playing seven seasons, A’ja is already bound for the Hall of Fame. Wilson’s name is often mentioned in WNBA GOAT conversations because her incredible resumé has outproduced many who came before her. She’s a gold medalist, two-time WNBA champion, two-time MVP, two-time defensive player of the year, and the accolades go on.
Her current MVP campaign is a growing reflection of the greatness deep within her. Still, Wilson recently shared that having all that on your shoulders and seemingly in your blood can be incredibly alienating. Here’s what she explained to Andrea Stanley of Marie Claire:
“Everyone talks about not wanting to fail, but it’s kind of like you also have to be scared of success,” Wilson says, leaning back in her seat.
“On the success end, it’s very lonely. You’re very by yourself because it takes a lot of hard work and consistency to get up there. So you may be up there by yourself and it’s kind of like, ‘Who do I turn to?'”
“You have that sense of anxiety and you want to be perfect and you want to be great. [People] look at your banners, they look at your rings, they look at your resumé, and they think you have everything. And those are the times when you’re like, ‘I need someone the most.'”
She shoots 📸 and she scores ✨. WNBA superstar @_ajawilson22 steps off the court—and onto the set—for Marie Claire’s Women In Sports Issue. pic.twitter.com/wtsYc0fPaF
— Marie Claire (@marieclaire) July 17, 2024
