The Las Vegas Aces: Reflecting on a Championship Season

The Las Vegas Aces have once again made history. Following an exceptional regular season performance, the defending champions dominated their opponents to secure their second championship ring in just two seasons. In the latest issue of SLAM 247, two-time WNBA champion Sydney Colson shares her thoughts on what this victory means for the city, A’ja Wilson’s legacy, her own personal growth, and the team’s place in basketball history.

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A Journey with A’ja Wilson

When I joined the Aces in 2019, it was the first time I met A’ja Wilson. Technically, we crossed paths during the 2018 training camp, but since I officially joined the team the following year, let’s consider that our real introduction. I had watched her play in college at South Carolina, knowing she was the franchise player, but I wanted to see how she would perform at the professional level. Looking back, witnessing her growth over the years, her emergence as a vocal leader, and the evolution of her game has been inspiring. Seeing how she has built her brand and marketed herself is truly remarkable.

As I write this, on the day of the championship parade, memories flood my mind. I still vividly remember the phone call with Coach Becky Hammon and our GM when they expressed their belief in the impact I could make on the team and in the locker room. It was an incredible feeling to hear that from them.

Genuine Bonds and Unique Team Chemistry

One thing I want to highlight is the genuine camaraderie within our team. We genuinely enjoy spending time with each other. Of course, there are moments when we all need a break and some time alone, like any regular group of friends. But when we come together, everything flows effortlessly. Our on-camera relationships reflect our off-camera friendships, which can be difficult for some to comprehend. We understand that some people may find it hard to believe in such genuine joy. But it is real. It’s unfortunate for those who always have something negative to say when we’re simply having fun. Nonetheless, we won’t lose any sleep over it. We continue to be ourselves, embracing life and each other. It’s time for people to accept and appreciate that truth.

Our team brings a unique energy and entertainment value that is rare in professional sports. I once saw a comment stating that since the 2016 Cavs, there hasn’t been a more captivating team, and that caught my attention. Additionally, in women’s professional sports, you often see athletes freely express their personalities more than men. There are certain things men may hesitate to do in a group due to fears of not being cool enough. But we don’t care. We do what we find cool, even if it’s considered silly. We simply enjoy life. The sooner people understand and acknowledge this, the easier it will be for them to like and appreciate us. However, if they choose not to, that’s perfectly fine too. We won’t lose any sleep over it.

A’ja Wilson personifies this carefree spirit both on and off the court. She understands what needs to be done, and I admire how unapologetically Black she remains. There’s no code-switching with her. She’s always genuine and authentic. Her upcoming book, “Dear Black Girls,” is sure to have an incredible reception. I can’t wait to read it and learn even more about her story.

Unfiltered Moments and Fun-filled Bingo Nights

Here’s a fun fact about A’ja off the court: she’s the type of person who wants an invitation to events even if she can’t attend. Let me explain. Before our team outing to play bingo, Kiah Stokes and Alysha Clark suggested it, and I went there with my girlfriend a couple of days before our team went. I was on Instagram Live when A’ja jokingly told me, “Thanks for the invite.” I replied, “Girl, you sometimes don’t show up even when we invite you, so I wasn’t going to…” That’s just who she is. But in the end, we all decided to go, and it turned out to be a great time.

Now, let’s talk about the wigs. We initially planned to wear them during our tunnel entrances throughout the season. However, after a loss, we felt that it might make us appear unserious about the game, so we abandoned the idea. But once the season ended, we decided to wear them for our bingo night. As a team, we engage in the same activities friends do, such as going to the movies, hanging out at someone’s apartment, playing games, going out for dinner, and more.

A Special Team Bond and Unbothered Attitude

Our team already had a strong sense of togetherness from the previous year, and with the majority of the team returning this season, it was easy to pick up where we left off. This unique connection is what sets us apart. We let the chemistry flow naturally, unbothered by outside noise. Our banter amongst ourselves feels like that of siblings or cousins who have grown up together. We have that best friend energy—knowing we genuinely care for one another. There’s a level of love and trust that extends beyond the court. Joining this team has reignited my passion and gratitude for every moment, especially this year’s journey.

At the start of the playoffs, I made a promise to myself—to be fully present in every practice, film session, and bus ride. I wanted to extract pure joy from every single moment during our run, as it could potentially be my last year. And considering the challenges we faced when Chelsea Gray and Kiah went down during the Finals, many doubted our ability to secure another championship. But A’ja’s unwavering confidence shone through. She surrounds herself with people who genuinely love and care for her. People who remind her that external opinions don’t matter. She understands that social media and media coverage are just for fun, and she doesn’t seek validation from them.

Throughout the playoffs, we faced tough opponents like the feisty Chicago Sky, the formidable Dallas Wings, and the talented New York Liberty. Each team had its own strengths and challenges. I know the players from Chicago individually, and I can only imagine the fun they must have as a team. Likewise, Dallas possesses an incredible lineup capable of scoring at every level. Coach T did an impressive job with them this season. New York, too, is a highly talented team, and our matchup created an exciting game that was great for the sport and the WNBA.