Aliyah Boston is a standout name in women’s basketball, celebrated for her remarkable talent and inspiring journey from the U.S. Virgin Islands to the WNBA.
Born on December 11, 2001, in Saint Thomas, Aliyah discovered her passion for basketball at age nine, inspired by watching her older sister play.
At 12, she relocated to New England with her sister to pursue better opportunities in the sport, living with their aunt, Jenaire Hodge, and cousin, Kira Punter.
Now a power forward and center for the Indiana Fever, Aliyah has solidified her status as one of the brightest stars in the WNBA, known for her physicality, basketball IQ, and leadership on the court.
Siblings
Aliyah has an older sister, Alexis Boston, who was instrumental in sparking Aliyah’s love for basketball.
Growing up, Aliyah watched Alexis play, igniting her own passion for the sport.
Alexis herself pursued basketball and represented the U.S. Virgin Islands at the 2021 AmeriCup, showcasing the family’s athletic talent.
The sisters moved together from Saint Thomas to New England at a young age, a decision supported by their parents, Cleone and Algernon Boston, to provide them with greater opportunities in basketball.
Tragically, Aliyah also had a younger brother, Alec Craig, who passed away after being born prematurely.
His loss deeply affected the family and inspired Aliyah’s mother, Cleone, to found the Miracle Babies Foundation, which has donated over $170,000 to support neonatal care in Saint Thomas.
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Career
Boston first gained attention at Worcester Academy in Massachusetts, where she excelled as a McDonald’s All-American and earned the Massachusetts Gatorade Player of the Year title three times (2017–2019).
Her high school success paved the way for a stellar collegiate career at the University of South Carolina under coach Dawn Staley.
At South Carolina, Aliyah became a dominant force, leading the Gamecocks to their second national championship in 2022.
Her college stats are staggering: she finished with a 129-9 record, scored 1,942 points, and grabbed 1,493 rebounds over 138 games, starting every single one.
In 2023, Aliyah declared for the WNBA Draft, forgoing an extra year of college eligibility granted due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Selected as the No. 1 overall pick by the Indiana Fever, she quickly made an impact in her rookie season, averaging 14.5 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game.
Her sophomore season in 2024 saw continued growth, with averages of 13.8 points and 8.9 rebounds, cementing her role as a cornerstone for the Fever.
Beyond the court, Aliyah has ventured into sports broadcasting, serving as a studio analyst for NBC Sports, and has secured endorsement deals with brands like Adidas, Under Armour, and Bose, reflecting her rising influence.
Accolades
Boston’s trophy case is overflowing with accolades that underscore her dominance at every level of basketball.
During her time at South Carolina, she was named the NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player in 2022 and earned the Naismith College Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year honors in the same year.
She also won the Lisa Leslie Award—given to the best center in NCAA Division I women’s basketball—four consecutive times from 2020 to 2023, a feat that highlights her unparalleled consistency.
Other collegiate honors include SEC Player of the Year, SEC Defensive Player of the Year, and SEC Tournament MVP.
In the WNBA, Aliyah’s rookie season in 2023 was historic: she was unanimously voted Rookie of the Year, becoming only the fifth player in league history to earn that distinction with a perfect vote.
She also made the All-Rookie Team and was selected as a WNBA All-Star in both 2023 and 2024.
Internationally, she has represented the United States, winning multiple gold medals.
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