A'ja Wilson's mom drops 5-word reaction to Dawn Staley's historic $25,250,000 extension

A'ja Wilson's mother reacted to Dawn Staley's record-setting new contract with the South Carolina Gamecocks. The University of South Carolina Board of Trustees approved the contract extension for one of the most successful coaches in college women's basketball, securing her services through the 2029-30 season, ABC reported.

The team's Instagram page shared the news, sparking plenty of reactions. A'ja Wilson's mother, Eva Wilson, shared a five-word message to celebrate Staley's achievement.

"God's Plan in God's Time!" Eva wrote.

Eva Wilson's comment (Instagram/@gamecockwbb)

Staley will get $4 million per year in a deal that includes a $500,000 signing bonus and an annual $250,000 escalator. With the add-ons, the contract is worth around $25.25 million. Athletics director Jeremiah Donati showered Staley with praise while announcing the contract extension.

"Dawn Staley is a once-in-a-generation coach who has made a tremendous impact on the University of South Carolina," Donati said. "She has elevated the sport of women’s basketball on the national level and here on campus and I am excited that she will be representing our University for many years to come."

A'ja also reacted to the news and shared the post on her Instagram story. She added a song named "Everybody Mad" by O.T. Genasis, which could be a message to those who doubted Staley.

A'ja Wilson shared the good news on Instagram (@aja22wilson)

The relationship between Staley and A'ja has been close since they teamed up on the Gamecocks. Years after the center left the program, Staley is still keeping tabs on her progress and helping her however she can.

A'ja Wilson became a huge prospect during her time with Dawn Staley

Dawn Staley has been with the South Carolina Gamecocks since 2008, but she coached A'ja Wilson from the 2014-15 season. They won a national championship together in 2017, while Wilson became one of the best players of her generation.

She left college as a four-time AP All-American, a Wooden Award and Naismith Award winner, was named the SEC Player of the Year three times, and twice as the SEC Defensive Player of the Year.

Wilson is one of the best players after a dominating 2024 WNBA season with the Las Vegas Aces. She became the second unanimous MVP in league history and was close to winning the Defensive Player of the Year, as well.