Allisha Gray: From Gamecock to Dream – A Journey of Basketball Excellence and Academic Pursuit

Introduction

Allisha Gray, a name synonymous with basketball excellence, has carved a remarkable path from her early days in Sandersville, Georgia, to the professional courts of the WNBA and the international stage of the Olympics. This article explores her journey, highlighting her achievements in basketball and her dedication to education.

Early Life and High School Career

Born on January 12, 1995, in Greenwood, South Carolina, Allisha Gray's journey began in Sandersville, Georgia, under the guidance of her parents, Annie and Dr. Allen Gray. Her father, a high school principal and coach, introduced her to the world of basketball, igniting a passion that would define her life. Gray attended Washington County High School, where she quickly established herself as a dominant force.

Under the tutelage of coach Sug Parker, Gray's tenacity and work ethic propelled her to great heights. Parker fondly recalls her as a "silent killer" and an "assassin" on the court. Her dedication to improvement never wavered throughout her high school years. Her high school career was marked by remarkable success, including an undefeated state championship season and three-time AAA state player of the year honors. Those closest to her estimate that she won more than 80 games and lost fewer than five during her high school career. Despite an injury-plagued senior season, her impact was undeniable. "We went 26-1 that next year. So had she been there? We probably could have played a couple of colleges and would come out victorious. We were that good," Parker said.

Gray's achievements at Washington County High School earned her the title of Gatorade Georgia Player of the Year, setting the stage for her collegiate career.

Collegiate Career

North Carolina Tar Heels (2013-2015)

Heavily recruited by power programs and ranked as the 7th overall player in the 2013 recruiting class, Gray initially chose to attend the University of North Carolina to play for Coach Sylvia Hatchell. After two years in Chapel Hill, Gray announced that she would be transferring. It was then reported that her reason for transferring was due to UNC's athletic-academic scandal.

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South Carolina Gamecocks (2015-2017)

In May 2015, Gray transferred to the University of South Carolina to play for Dawn Staley. This decision proved pivotal, as she helped lead the Gamecocks to the NCAA Championship. Gray's impact on the Gamecocks was immediate and significant.

Throughout the 2016-2017 season, Gray consistently delivered impactful performances. Some highlights include:

Best field goal percentage in an NCAA Tournament game (.846 (11-13) vs. Syracuse, Mar. 18).
Posted 13 of her team-high 18 points against #6/6 Stanford (Mar. 25).
Tallied nine of her 11 points in the first half against #10/13 Florida State (Mar. 26).
Delivered her first career double-double (22 points, 12 rebounds) in the opening round of NCAA Tournament against UNC Asheville (Mar. 17).

Gray's time at South Carolina was marked by both athletic and personal growth. She fondly remembers the unwavering support of the fans: "The fans are great, Gamecock Nation, best fan base in the nation …"

WNBA Career

Dallas Wings (2017-2021)

After helping lead South Carolina to the NCAA Championship, Gray opted to enter the 2017 WNBA draft, foregoing her final season of college eligibility. She was drafted fourth overall by the Dallas Wings, placing her in the city where she won a national title weeks prior, and eventually pairing her with South Carolina teammate, Kaela Davis, who was selected 10th. In her rookie season, Gray immediately entered the Wings' starting lineup at the shooting guard. She started in all 34 games and averaged 13.1 ppg. On August 12, 2017, Gray scored a career-high 21 points in a 96-88 loss to the Connecticut Sun. The Wings finished as the number 7 seed in the league with a 16-18 record. The Wings were defeated in the first round elimination game 86-76 by the Washington Mystics. In her second season, Gray continued her starting role with the Wings. With the arrival of all-star center Liz Cambage, Gray would have a reduced offensive load on the team. Gray averaged 9.2 ppg in her second season, helping the Wings to the number 8 seed with a 15-19 record.

Gray's outstanding performance earned her the WNBA Rookie of the Year award. "Going into the WNBA, the rookie of the year was not on my mind. that I achieved a childhood dream of mine. enjoy the process," Gray says.

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Atlanta Dream (2022-Present)

In 2022, Gray joined the Atlanta Dream, bringing her skills and experience to her home state. In 2025, Allisha’s game is loud too. She’s averaging 18 points, five boards and three assists per game, putting her square in the conversation for WNBA MVP and the All-WNBA First Team. Despite a postseason elimination in 2025, the Dream relied on Allisha Gray, who led the team in points (19).

International Career

Gray's basketball journey extends beyond the WNBA, as she has represented the United States on the international stage. She was a member of the U18 USA Basketball National Team as well as the 3-on-3 National Team. Her career is highlighted by her gold medal win in women’s 3×3 basketball at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, a landmark achievement for Team USA. She was also named the USA Basketball 3×3 Athlete of the Year in 2020.

Academic Pursuits

Alongside her basketball career, Allisha Gray has remained committed to her education. A year ago Allisha Gray had a choice to make. "Senior semester has been a lot of fun. the class a lot [more] fun and easier for me to adjust," Gray said. feel a lot calmer and at home within the classroom.

Gray's dedication to her studies is evident in her decision to return to school and complete her degree. "A year ago, Allisha Gray was faced with a big decision. back and get my degree following the season,” Gray said. complete her spring classes. In the fall, she tackled online courses. season I’d come back and finish my degree. And here I am now,” Gray says. - on time. Study halls after practice. a few Gamecock classmates on the court with her. This May is a busy time for Gray. of South Carolina. "I’m not missing graduation for nothing," Gray said. work I did, and even … stopped for me. degree. big part of me choosing to come here and transferring from UNC," Gray said.

Gray has been actively involved in journalism, rotating through different newsroom jobs each day. of news gathering, which she believes will help her land a job in the field after her career in the WNBA is over. with," journalism instructor Greg Brannon said. to make her better. Gray’s determination is what helps her succeed on the court and in the newsroom. what we do," Peterson said. court. She sometimes trains after class as well. small window to decide what to do with her professional and academic careers. to my academic advisor. “The journalism school has definitely helped me out in many ways. a very shy person. broadcasts, give the weather report and work in the control room. “I’ll say kudos to the reporters who have to do it. it, I’m going to give a bland answer. to that question until they give you an answer. part about reporting. Getting those answers from people,” she says. myself in a reporter’s mindset and not an athlete’s mindset. “I better understand why she is so successful on the basketball court. “She’s a dream-type student. improve,” Peterson says. film sessions - helped her embrace constructive criticism in the newsroom. “She came in and approached the class with a willingness to learn. She allowed us to poke her on her presentation in front of the camera. all that. She made the comment, ‘I understand it’s not personal.

Personal Life

Currently engaged to Timothy Mangum Junior, Allisha Gray met the school psychologist and author through mutual friend A’ja Wilson during their college years. Mangum proposed to Gray in March 2025 during a creative magazine photoshoot, which quickly went viral. The couple has openly shared their aspirations to expand their family in the future.

Legacy and Inspiration

Allisha Gray's journey is a testament to her perseverance, hard work, and dedication. From her early days in Sandersville to her success in the WNBA and on the international stage, she has consistently demonstrated a commitment to excellence. Her story serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes and students alike, proving that with determination and a strong work ethic, anything is possible.

"What’s made me who I am today is perseverance. I always stayed the course, never got distracted, and continued believing in myself.”

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