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A'ja Wilson of the Las Vegas Aces was named the 2024 Dawn Staley Community Leadership Award winner on Wednesday night. Wilson is the second player in Aces' franchise history to win the award, which symbolizes Staley's leadership on the court and charitable efforts for the community.
Before the Aces' game against the Minnesota Lynx, the award was presented to Wilson as the fans inside the Michelob ULTRA Arena cheered the MVP favorite. She won because of her work with her foundation, which helps children with dyslexia, and her charity in her hometown of Columbia, South Carolina.
"A'ja is a tremendous ambassador for the WNBA and an inspiration to us all. She leads with passion, and that’s evident in each and every one of her interactions. A'ja's rapport with Dawn Staley undeniably shapes her leadership as she uplifts the next generation in South Carolina, Las Vegas and beyond," WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said.
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The WNBA has been handing out the Dawn Staley Community Leadership Award since 2008. Chamique Holdsclaw was the first player in Las Vegas Aces franchise history to win it in 2010 when they were still called the San Antonio Stars.
Each team selects a nominee, while a committee determines who will win the award. The winner receives a $10,000 donation to any charity A'ja Wilson will choose. The Aces' star forward founded the A'ja Wilson Foundation in 2019 to help children with dyslexia.
"Coach Staley has been so giving to so many people throughout her life, and I'm blessed to have been able to see firsthand how she embodies the league’s community leadership award. For me to now be in this position, trying my best to help future generations, and help my community, it is truly an honor to receive an award that is named after her," Wilson said.
A'ja Wilson favored to win the WNBA MVP this season
The Dawn Staley Community Leadership Award is not the only hardware A'ja Wilson is likely taking home this season. Wilson is the heavy favorite to win the WNBA MVP Award due to the kind of campaign she's having. She's averaging 27.3 points, 12.0 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 2.0 steals and 2.8 blocks per game.
Last week, BetMGM had Wilson as an overwhelming -3000 favorite to claim the third MVP of her career.
Wilson came in third last season behind winner Breanna Stewart of the New York Liberty and Alyssa Thomas of the Connecticut Sun. But this year's different with Wilson looking like the best women's basketball player in the world today. She's also fresh off winning another Olympic gold medal and was even named tournament MVP in Paris.
Napheesa Collier was close behind Wilson at the start of the season, but an injury before the break knocked her off from serious contention. Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever and Sabrina Ionescu of the New York Liberty are tied with the second-best odds to win MVP (+8000).
