A’ja Wilson honors her Girl Scout roots with special Nike Player Exclusive shoe
July 15, 2026
Spotlighting the Local Organization That Helped Shape a Champion
Three-time WNBA champion, four-time MVP, two-time Olympic gold medalist, and Columbia native A’ja Wilson is shining a national spotlight on an organization that played an important role in her journey long before she became a basketball star.
On July 11, Wilson debuted a special Nike A’Two Player Exclusive (PE)* inspired by her experiences as a Girl Scout with Girl Scouts of South Carolina—Mountains to Midlands, celebrating the confidence, leadership, perseverance, and sense of community that helped shape her both on and off the court.
While the shoe draws inspiration from Wilson’s Girl Scout experience, the bigger story is the lasting impact Girl Scouts had on a young girl from Columbia who grew up to become one of the most accomplished athletes in the world.
“Once a Girl Scout, always a Girl Scout” is a phrase Wilson proudly embodies. As a Girl Scout alum and a 2020 Women of Distinction Honoree for Girl Scouts of South Carolina—Mountains to Midlands, Wilson has often spoken about the importance of believing in yourself, embracing leadership opportunities, and serving as a positive role model for the next generation.
Girl Scouts of South Carolina—Mountains to Midlands serves more than 8,000 members across 22 counties, helping girls build courage, confidence, and character through hands-on experiences, mentorship, skill-building, and leadership development. Those values are reflected throughout Wilson’s remarkable journey—from Columbia to the University of South Carolina, to the WNBA, and onto the global stage.
“A’ja’s success story resonates so deeply because it began right here in our community,” said Melanie Huggins, CEO of Girl Scouts of South Carolina—Mountains to Midlands. “She is a powerful example of what can happen when girls are given opportunities to discover their strengths, develop confidence, and believe that their dreams are possible. We’re proud to celebrate her continued connection to Girl Scouts and the impact she has on girls across South Carolina and beyond.”
*A player exclusive is a shoe designed solely for a player, not for retail.
About Girl Scouts of South Carolina—Mountains to Midlands
Girl Scouts of South Carolina—Mountains to Midlands is a nonprofit organization dedicated to building girls of courage, confidence, and character.
Girl Scouts discover who they are, tap into the power inside them, and build the confidence to let it shine. Through programs from coast to coast and overseas, girls of all backgrounds and abilities come as they are to explore their passions, meet new challenges, and develop hands-on skills. They find their strengths in science labs and on hiking trails, at cookie booths and in front of city councils. Backed by millions of alums and a network of dedicated adult volunteers and mentors, Girl Scouts drive change to make the world a better place. Along the way, they uncover the tools they need to lead with joy, on their own terms. To join us, volunteer, reconnect, or donate, visit gssc-mm.org.
