LAS VEGAS (KSNV) — TIME Magazine has recognized Las Vegas Aces MVP A’ja Wilson as part of its annual Women of the Year issue.
The magazine on Thursday announced 13 selections for the issue, describing the women selected as “extraordinary leaders … working toward a better, more equal world.”
Wilson was chosen alongside Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles to reflect the strengths and achievements of women’s sports in the last year.
KSNV
In a joint interview with TIME, the two athletes said they became fast friends while at the Paris Olympics.
RELATED | Las Vegas Aces MVP A’ja Wilson featured in Nike ad during Super Bowl
Wilson opened up about some of her personal struggles and why addressing mental health is so important.
“Being a professional athlete, people assume that you’re supposed to be this perfect human being, you have no worries—why are you even complaining?” she said. “You live this beautiful life—when they fail to realize that we’re still human and things hurt my feelings.”
Wilson also acknowledged that WNBA players have a tough road to achieving equity comparable to the NBA.
“We can’t worry about constantly having to work to be equal,” she said. “We’re gonna do it with what we have now and showcase why we are the greatest.”
On the topic of potentially playing for a team besides Las Vegas, Wilson didn’t mince words.
“If I could retire an Ace, I would love to,” she said. “I don’t see myself putting on any different jersey.”
Comment with Bubbles
READ THE COMMENTS (1)
TIME will host Wilson at the magazine’s annual gala in Los Angeles next month.