When Aliyah Boston takes to the court for the USA’s opening game of the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026 against the People’s Republic of China on Friday (4 September), she’ll add the latest milestone to a career already full of them.
The 24-year-old entered the WNBA as the No. 1 pick of the 2023 Draft, following an exceptional collegiate career at the University of South Carolina. Her junior season alone brought a national title and the AP Player of the Year award, and the summer before it, she’d won FIBA AmeriCup gold with the USA.
Boston made an immediate impact as a professional thanks to her elite footwork, exceptional passing ability, and perimeter shooting, taking Rookie of the Year honours unanimously and earning the first of four consecutive All-Star selections.
But for all the accolades, the 6ft 5in center had, until now, never been picked for the USA at an Olympic Games or a World Cup. This month in Germany, that changes.
Humble beginnings in the US Virgin Islands
Boston was born in Saint Thomas in the US Virgin Islands, where she would binge-watch basketball — Candace Parker being a particular favourite of hers.
She left home when she was just 12 for New England to chase basketball opportunities, eventually starring at Worcester Academy in Massachusetts. From a Caribbean island to prep school gyms, South Carolina, the WNBA and now a Berlin World Cup, it’s been quite a journey.
“It’s been a long one,” Boston agrees. “I feel like when you’re a young athlete, and you’re able to wear USA across your chest, there’s nothing more than being able to wear it on the senior stage. It’s just gratitude, and I’m just feeling super blessed.”
read more: https://www.olympics.com/en/news/aliyah-boston-exclusive-usa-world-cup-la28-dream
