In just six seasons, A’ja Wilson has established herself as one of the WNBA’s best players. Her list of awards includes two-time WNBA MVP, WNBA Champion, and Defensive Player of the Year, and she is also a New York Times best-selling author. As the Aces look to make history (again) this season by claiming their third straight WNBA championship, Wilson can already imagine what her celebratory moment will look like. And it starts with Gatorade.
Remember that old black and white poster with MJ’s sweat highlighted in Gatorade colors? A’ja is back in action as the new face of the brand as Gatorade officially announced that A’ja Wilson has become the newest member of its elite roster.
“It was huge. I honestly think they would have been shocked when I was there. [the] Super Bowl and I did a Gatorade ID activation station.” Wilson recently spoke to WSLAM about the partnership. “It was really cool just to see it all come together. I think that’s when I really thought, ‘Oh, you’re a Gatorade athlete.’ You are the best among people in your field and now I have earned a name in the field. It was a really fun and enjoyable trip. Now that I’m starting to see more and be a part of it, I think it’s finally starting to hit me.”
Take a still photo from your finals, erase all the shades and, of course, highlight a few beads of sweat with orange. Then drape the iconic Gatorade towel over her shoulders. “And I think you can just use a Gatorade bottle instead of champagne. Because if we choose a 3 foot bottle, Gatorade will do “Please become my pursuer right now.” Wilson said with a smile. “Yeah, I definitely think I could light a Gatorade bottle and sweat instead of a champagne bottle.”
The brand’s Fruit Punch + Berry flavor has become a frequent staple in the Aces locker room, but Wilson’s first flavor has always been the Orange flavor. From AAU tournaments to playoff press conferences, Orange Gatorade has always been a part of her journey.
“So I was so weird when I got it. [the Gatorade deal] Because I’ve been drinking this forever. Orange Gatorade will forever be my life. I like it, I like the taste. That’s number one for me. It really goes back to high school.”
True partnerships like this are rare. A’ja is the exact consumer that Gatorade has been building its brand on for decades. Wilson, who grew up in awe of Michael Jordan’s commercials featuring glass and Gatorade canning containers, is now leading the next generation of trendsetters, just as she has been in women’s basketball for years. Her connection to the brand dates back to her high school days at Heathwood Hall Episcopal School. A’ja Wilson is obsessed with Gatorade. Her collection of tweets dating back to 2012 paint a very clear picture that truly expresses Wilson’s passion for living both in and out of the trees.
“Gas station guys, how can we run out of orange Gatorade?” – June 2012.
“#100thingsaboutme Orange Gatorade is my shit!” – July 2012.
Growing up, Gatorade was Wilson’s go-to for every snack and meal. Not only was the taste “top notch,” but the brand’s understanding of marketing to athletes struck a chord with Wilson at an impressionable age.
“I would be so angry if I went to a restaurant with my parents because they didn’t have Gatorade. I just want to know what else to drink? What should I drink? Because I felt the same way that It’s what fuels great athletes,” Wilson tells SLAM. “It felt like it was pumping in MJ’s veins. I was like, no, I need that in my system.”
And now before 2013-14 Gatorade State Player of the Year We will continue her legacy with the brand that has been with her throughout her journey.
“This is why you worked so hard. This is what you wanted to go for. You wanted this. You wanted to be part of this family. Because that was all you knew.” Wilson says, recalling what the 18-year-old would think now. “That’s what fuels greatness. It was cool and nice to receive an award, but I think I have grown in that respect now as well. Yes, you’ve grown on the court, but you’ve also grown with the brand. It was really fun just to be a part of it. Although this is just the beginning, the best is yet to come.”
Photo via Gatorade.
