A’ja Wilson Opens Up on Kobe Bryant, Childhood Lessons, and Back-to-Back Championships
A’ja Wilson isn’t just a basketball superstar; she’s a force of nature, a leader, and a storyteller. In a revealing interview for Marie Claire’s Boss Behavior, the WNBA MVP and back-to-back champion peeled back the curtain on her life, from formative childhood lessons to unforgettable encounters with basketball royalty. And yes—she did it all while spinning a basketball on her finger.
Growing up, Wilson learned early the value of hard work. “My first real job,” she laughs, “was making sure every bathroom in the house had toilet paper.” While it sounds mundane, these small tasks instilled discipline and financial literacy, teaching her that “money doesn’t grow on trees and you have to work for everything.” Her hustle extended to saving up for amusement park trips to Carowinds, proving that determination starts young—and sometimes small.
Wilson’s competitive fire isn’t limited to the court. She reflects on the people who shaped her, notably her college coach Don Staley, whose tough-love approach pushed Wilson to new heights. “She always told me the truth, even if it hurt,” Wilson says. “I love her for that.” That guidance, combined with Wilson’s natural leadership and emotional investment in everything she does, helped forge a superstar capable of inspiring teammates and intimidating opponents.
A pivotal moment in Wilson’s career came when she met Kobe Bryant during a Las Vegas game. Surrounded by his daughter and team, the legendary Kobe offered a simple compliment: “Your jump shot looks good.” For Wilson, that was enough—a stamp of approval from one of the greatest players in history. “Not a lot of people get to meet their role model, let alone Kobe Bryant,” she recalls, the memory still shining with reverence.
Wilson’s professional highlights are staggering. In 2023, she achieved what few can: back-to-back WNBA championships, cementing her status among the league’s elite. Off the court, she embraces creativity and self-expression, from her unique “one-leg” leggings trend to her admiration for fashion icons like Savannah James. Even her favorite career theme song, Victoria Monet’s On My Mama, embodies the gratitude and strength instilled by her mother—a figure Wilson calls a “badass woman.”
Despite fame and accolades, Wilson remains grounded. She jokes about locker room gossip, work wives, and the quirky habits that make her human. “The group chats are always popping,” she says with a grin. Yet beneath the humor lies a fierce dedication to craft, honesty, and leadership—the qualities that make her not just a champion, but a true boss.
Whether recounting childhood chores, encounters with Kobe, or back-to-back championships, A’ja Wilson reminds us that greatness is built on work ethic, resilience, and the courage to embrace every role—on and off the court.
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