COLUMBIA, S.C. — Columbia is where A'ja Wilson got her start, and now she’s coming home with the goal of inspiring and teaching young girls and women to unapologetically be themselves.
“These are the moments that I really kind of love to prosper. I love to show these girls that they can believe in themselves and do it by the right way, and do it their way,“ Wilson said.
A champion on the court and in the hearts of young girls, the basketball star and former Gamecock and the A'ja Wilson Foundation brought the Unapologetic Girls Summit to the capital city.
"Seeing the smiles on their faces, seeing them speak and say, 'No, I am powerful. I am here. I'm confident.' Those speak volumes," Wilson said. "That's better than any banner I can ever hang, and so it's truly special to be here at home and just seeing the young girls really just kind of love on each other, but also the summit as well."
Saturday’s sold-out event at Meadowlake Park aimed to inspire, uplift and celebrate young girls and teach them to embrace their individuality.
“I love this for the girls; I love that we did healthcare and to learn about my body,” attendee Taylor Fisher said.
Others said they would apply what they learned at the summit to their everyday lives.
"Use your voice at any cost and don't let nobody tell you not to use your voice speak up for yourself,” Malia Davis said.
Wilson said she hopes to continue to inspire young women and girls on and off the court.
“I feel like it's gonna take all of us, and letting them know that they're never alone in any situation is just something that I hold near and dear to my heart because I know I didn't make it this far by myself," she said. "I leaned on a lot of phenomenal women, and that's what's gotten me to this point so if I can sprinkle that to any young girl here, it's truly powerful."