FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THE RETURN BACK HOME: ALIYAH BOSTON ANNOUNCES ONE-YEAR COMMITMENT TO SOUTH CAROLINA GAMECOCKS WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
Columbia, S.C. — April 15, 2025 — In a stunning and emotional announcement that has energized fans across the country, former South Carolina Gamecocks women’s basketball star Aliyah Boston has revealed her decision to return to her alma mater for a one-year contract. The former NCAA champion and current WNBA standout is set to bring her elite skills and leadership back to Columbia, rekindling a bond with the program and fanbase that made her a household name.
Aliyah Boston, who dominated the college basketball scene from 2019 to 2023, was a foundational piece of the Gamecocks’ national title run and multiple SEC championships. During her collegiate career, she earned numerous accolades, including Naismith Player of the Year, SEC Player of the Year, and Final Four Most Outstanding Player. Her return signals a historic reunion between player and program.
“I’m coming home,” Boston said in her press conference. “South Carolina has always had my heart. It’s the place that made me the player I am today. I’ve grown, I’ve learned, and now I’m ready to give back one more time. This isn’t just a return — it’s a mission.”
The announcement comes amid growing interest in the evolution of women’s professional basketball, where players now have increased flexibility through endorsements and expanded league partnerships. Boston’s unique one-year contract, structured through NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) opportunities and a partnership agreement between the WNBA and NCAA, allows her to contribute on the court while mentoring the next generation of Gamecock stars.
Head coach Dawn Staley expressed her excitement about Boston’s return, stating, “Aliyah coming back is more than basketball. It’s about legacy, leadership, and love for this program. She’s a once-in-a-generation player, and having her back, even for a year, will elevate everything we do.”
Boston’s return is expected to reshape the Gamecocks’ roster. With a young but talented core already in place, her presence brings both experience and an immediate impact in the post. She will be eligible to play in select exhibition games and contribute as a player-coach hybrid, guiding South Carolina’s rising stars on and off the court.
This move also marks a first-of-its-kind agreement in college athletics, blending professional-level performance with collegiate-level mentorship. Boston’s return may open doors for future collaborations between former student-athletes and their universities under new NIL and transfer era guidelines.
For fans, the return of Aliyah Boston represents a homecoming filled with emotion, pride, and high expectations. The buzz around Colonial Life Arena is already building, with ticket demand and social media engagement surging following the announcement.
In addition to her on-court role, Boston will participate in community outreach programs, speaking engagements, and leadership development workshops hosted by the University of South Carolina Athletic Department. Her influence will stretch far beyond the hardwood.
As the 2025 season approaches, the Gamecocks are poised to be a national powerhouse once again. With Aliyah Boston back in garnet and black, South Carolina is not only gaining an elite player but also reigniting a championship culture.
Further details on Boston’s role, contract structure, and community involvement initiatives will be released in the coming weeks. For now, the message is clear — Aliyah Boston is back, and the Gamecocks are ready to soar once more.
Media Contact:
USC Athletics Communications