Aliyah Boston, born on December 11, 2001, in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, is a prominent American professional basketball player known for her exceptional skills as a power forward and center. She currently plays for the Indiana Fever in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA).
Early Life and Education
Boston developed an interest in basketball at the age of nine, inspired by watching her older sister, Alexis. At 12, both sisters moved to Massachusetts to live with their aunt, aiming to pursue better basketball opportunities. Boston attended Worcester Academy, where she earned recognition as a McDonald’s All-American and was a three-time Massachusetts Gatorade Player of the Year.
College Career
Boston committed to the University of South Carolina, where she made an immediate impact:
Freshman Year (2019–2020): Boston recorded a triple-double in her debut game and was instrumental in leading the Gamecocks to a 32–1 record, securing both the SEC regular-season and tournament titles. She was named National Freshman of the Year.
Sophomore Year (2020–2021): She continued her dominance, earning the Lisa Leslie Award for the nation’s top center and was a consensus First-Team All-American.
Junior Year (2021–2022): Boston led South Carolina to its second national championship and was named the NCAA Tournament’s Most Outstanding Player. She also received both the Naismith Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year awards.
Senior Year (2022–2023): She maintained her stellar performance, earning multiple accolades, including the SEC Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year awards.
Professional Career
Boston declared for the 2023 WNBA Draft and was selected as the first overall pick by the Indiana Fever. She made an immediate impact in her rookie season, earning the WNBA Rookie of the Year award in a unanimous vote and was also named the Associated Press Rookie of the Year.
National Team Career
Boston has represented the United States in various international competitions, securing gold medals in events such as the FIBA Under-16 Women’s Americas Championship, the FIBA Under-17 Women’s Basketball World Cup, and the FIBA Under-19 Women’s Basketball World Cup. She was named MVP of the FIBA Americas U16 Championship.
Aliyah Boston’s journey from the U.S. Virgin Islands to becoming a standout professional basketball player highlights her dedication, talent, and significant contributions to the sport.
