WNBA and college basketball icon Dawn Staley has made her pick for the 2025 WNBA MVP, and it comes as no surprise to those familiar with her unwavering support of her former players. Staley, who has left an indelible mark on women’s basketball as both a player and coach, didn’t hold back when sharing her choice.
This year, Staley is throwing her full support behind one of her South Carolina standouts: A’ja Wilson of the Las Vegas Aces. Wilson has been putting together another outstanding season, cementing her reputation as one of the league’s most dominant forces. Staley, who guided Wilson during her collegiate years, didn’t hesitate to declare that the Aces star is the best player in the league right now, even acknowledging that her endorsement comes with a degree of bias.
While Wilson captured Staley’s top honor, the legendary coach also praised other former Gamecocks making waves in the league. Aliyah Boston of the Indiana Fever, for instance, has stepped up in a big way, especially during Caitlin Clark’s absence. Boston has elevated her game, showing she can carry a team when it matters most. Staley also highlighted Bree Hall’s strong performances, noting her ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor. For Staley, these accomplishments are a source of pride, as she continues to support her players long after they leave South Carolina.
Over the weekend, Staley’s praise for her former players made waves among fans, but she made her stance crystal clear: while she admires the performances of Boston, Hall, and others, she firmly believes Wilson is the frontrunner for the MVP award. On Monday, the three-time national champion took to X (formerly Twitter) to officially endorse Wilson, sending a strong message to fans and the league alike.
It’s no secret that Dawn Staley has a unique perspective on the WNBA, given her deep experience as both a player and coach. Her endorsement carries weight, and for Wilson, it’s another affirmation of her status as one of the premier talents in women’s basketball today. While debates over MVP candidates will continue, Staley’s choice is a reminder of the lasting impact she has on the game and on the players she mentors.