An examination of South Carolina star MiLaysia Fulwiley’s earnings and early life, including her net worth, NIL value, and high school statistics

An examination of South Carolina star MiLaysia Fulwiley’s earnings and early life, including her net worth, NIL value, and high school statistics

MiLaysia Fulwiley has rapidly become one of the most talked-about names in women’s college basketball, both for her impressive on-court performance and her growing presence off the court. As a player for the University of South Carolina Gamecocks, Fulwiley’s skill set, determination, and leadership have contributed significantly to her team’s success. This article delves into her early life, high school statistics, NIL value, earnings, and current net worth, shedding light on how she has built her reputation in a world where collegiate athletes are now able to profit from their name, image, and likeness.

Early Life and Background

Born on January 25, 2004, in Charleston, South Carolina, MiLaysia Fulwiley was raised in a supportive and athletic family. Her passion for basketball was clear from an early age, influenced by her parents and older siblings, who all had ties to sports in some form. Fulwiley’s family emphasized the importance of discipline, hard work, and education, which would go on to shape her career both on and off the court.

Growing up in South Carolina, Fulwiley attended James Island Charter High School, where she quickly gained recognition for her remarkable basketball talent. From the very beginning of her high school career, she was known for her competitive spirit, quick reflexes, and incredible basketball IQ. These qualities made her stand out, and it wasn’t long before she was scouted by top-tier college programs across the country.

High School Career: Setting the Stage for Greatness

Fulwiley’s high school basketball career was nothing short of spectacular. Throughout her years at James Island Charter, she accumulated an impressive number of records and accolades. In her senior year, she led her high school team to a state championship, dominating both offensively and defensively. Her statistics during this time are a testament to her versatility and skill:

  • Points Per Game (PPG): MiLaysia averaged 25.4 PPG during her final year of high school, showcasing her ability to score in various ways, whether it was through her deadly three-point shot, her craftiness around the basket, or her free-throw proficiency.
  • Assists: She also averaged 6.3 assists per game, displaying an ability to distribute the ball and set up her teammates for easy baskets, an important skill that would serve her well at the college level.
  • Rebounds: Fulwiley, standing at 5’9”, pulled down 5.8 rebounds per game, highlighting her well-rounded skill set that extended beyond just scoring.
  • Steals: Averaging 2.4 steals per game, MiLaysia proved to be a relentless defender, always active and engaged on both sides of the court.

By the time she graduated in 2022, Fulwiley had been named South Carolina’s Gatorade Player of the Year and had earned a place on the prestigious USA Basketball Women’s U19 National Team, further cementing her reputation as one of the most promising young basketball players in the nation.

College Basketball at South Carolina

Fulwiley’s decision to join South Carolina’s women’s basketball team, one of the most successful programs in the nation under legendary head coach Dawn Staley, was a pivotal moment in her career. Joining a powerhouse like South Carolina was a logical next step in her basketball journey, given the Gamecocks’ dominance in NCAA tournaments and their consistent placement as one of the top-ranked teams in the country.

Upon joining the Gamecocks, Fulwiley quickly made her presence known. Although South Carolina has long been home to stars like Aliyah Boston, Fulwiley’s playstyle—characterized by her fast pace, clutch scoring ability, and her tenacious defense—has made her a key contributor in the team’s success.

Key College Statistics and Achievements

In her freshman year at South Carolina, Fulwiley averaged an impressive 13.7 points per game, while also contributing 3.9 assists and 2.5 rebounds per game. Her versatility, from her sharpshooting to her ability to run the floor and facilitate for others, has made her an indispensable part of the Gamecocks’ lineup.

Fulwiley’s defensive capabilities have also shone through in her college career, where she has consistently ranked among the team’s leaders in steals and has helped the Gamecocks become one of the top defensive teams in the NCAA.

As of 2025, Fulwiley is still in the early stages of her college career, but her future appears to be incredibly bright. She’s already received numerous accolades, including being named to All-SEC First Team and SEC Freshman of the Year in her debut season.

The Rise of NIL: Fulwiley’s Earnings and NIL Value

With the passing of NCAA legislation allowing athletes to profit from their Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL), athletes like MiLaysia Fulwiley now have opportunities that were previously unavailable to student-athletes. Fulwiley’s success on the court, paired with her social media presence and growing popularity, has made her a prime candidate for lucrative NIL deals.

NIL Opportunities

Fulwiley’s NIL value is high, reflecting her potential to become one of the top-earning female college athletes. Her impressive stats, national recognition, and large social media following have made her an attractive partner for various brands looking to align with rising stars in sports.

Some key areas where Fulwiley’s NIL opportunities have emerged include:

  • Social Media Influence: MiLaysia has a strong following on platforms like Instagram and TikTok, where she shares highlights from games, behind-the-scenes moments, and personal lifestyle content. Brands in the fitness, athletic wear, and even lifestyle sectors are keen to partner with her to reach her audience.
  • Athletic Partnerships: Given her status as a top-tier basketball player, Fulwiley has secured endorsements with prominent companies in the sports world. These partnerships may include deals with shoe brands, sports apparel companies, or sports drink companies, similar to deals secured by other star athletes like Paige Bueckers and Caitlin Clark.
  • Local and Regional Opportunities: Being a South Carolina native, Fulwiley has been able to tap into local sponsorships with companies from her home state. From local car dealerships to community-based fitness centers, Fulwiley’s NIL deals are expanding to various sectors within her region.

Estimated Earnings

Though exact figures can be difficult to pin down, estimates suggest that Fulwiley’s NIL earnings could be in the range of $50,000 to $100,000 annually. This figure includes sponsorship deals, merchandise sales, and any other promotional work related to her NIL brand. As Fulwiley’s profile continues to rise, especially with potential future success at the professional level, her NIL value will likely increase.

MiLaysia Fulwiley’s Net Worth

Given that MiLaysia Fulwiley is still in the early stages of her career, her net worth is currently growing at a steady pace. As of 2025, her net worth is estimated to be around $200,000 to $300,000, a figure largely driven by her NIL earnings, scholarships, and endorsements.

While this number will certainly grow as Fulwiley continues her college basketball career and enters the professional ranks, it’s important to note that collegiate athletes typically don’t receive salaries, and their financial success often hinges on outside revenue sources like NIL deals, endorsement contracts, and personal appearances.

However, Fulwiley’s commitment to the game, her strong presence on social media, and her continued success on the basketball court position her well to see substantial financial growth in the coming years. Her name, image, and likeness are becoming increasingly valuable, and with her growing fame and potential for professional success, Fulwiley’s future earnings are promising.

 The Future Looks Bright for MiLaysia Fulwiley

MiLaysia Fulwiley’s rise to prominence in the world of collegiate basketball is a story of hard work, perseverance, and immense talent. From her early days as a standout high school athlete in South Carolina to her current success as a member of the powerhouse South Carolina Gamecocks, Fulwiley has proven time and again that she is a force to be reckoned with on the basketball court.

Off the court, her NIL opportunities are allowing her to build a lucrative brand that will serve her well as she continues her career. With her focus, determination, and growing influence, Fulwiley is poised to become one of the brightest stars in women’s basketball, both at the collegiate and professional levels.

As she continues to evolve as an athlete and as a public figure, Fulwiley’s future looks incredibly promising—not just for her basketball career, but also for her earnings and legacy within the sports world.

 

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