Local legend A’ja Wilson of Heathwood Hall is one of only four rising seniors in the nation to be selected for the 12-member U19 USA Olympic Team after a brutal four-day trial at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs. Featuring three veterans of the gold-medal winning 2011 USA Women’s Basketball U19 World Championship Team, the 2013 Team will attempt to win the FIBA U19 World Championship in Lithuania this summer.
The nation’s top college basketball recruit, A’ja led Heathwood Hall to the state runner-up title this past school year. She averaged 27.4 points, 13.5 rebounds, 3.2 assists, three steals and five blocks a game, and she is only a junior.
Despite all of the attention and pressure placed upon her, A’ja has a strong head on her shoulders. When asked what would be the hardest aspect of the World Championship this summer she responded, “It would probably be adapting to the European players, the style of the game and how they play. Once we get that we will be fine, and we will be prepared.” There is no doubt that with her confidence on and off the court, her success will be worldwide. Congratulations, A’ja!
