Three years ago, SLAM stamped Aliyah Boston and her SC crew as The Next Movement, led by none other than Coach Dawn Staley. In moments like that, the future feels inevitable. As time passes and what was once imagined becomes reality, there’s an unwavering feeling of when you know, you know. Because when you’re sitting in the presence of greatness, you begin to see what truly matters on the journey and what’s meant to be left behind.

Today, sitting across from Aliyah Boston at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, a feeling of gratitude. A loud, unspoken “there she go” echoes through the space, as if the walls themselves acknowledge she made it.

Before us stands the 2022 National Champion, 2023 WNBA Rookie of the Year, 2025 Commissioner’s Cup Champion and three-time WNBA All-Star. We knew the impact of Aliyah Boston then, but we definitely know it now.

With the doors of Indianapolis opening up to W fans from all around the world, there’s a strong sense of pride. “I think we have the best fans every single night,” Aliyah says, reflecting on the upcoming All-Star Weekend in Indianapolis. “They show up, so to have All-Star in Indy, I’m super excited to welcome everyone for the weekend. I think it’s going to be super awesome.”

The St. Thomas U.S.V.I. native continues to make her mark on the League, from year one to today. As a rookie, Boston navigated new territory and helped rebuild the foundation of Fever Basketball. With recognition from legends like Tamika Catchings, that process was placed on her shoulders and she owned every moment.

“I try to be where my feet are. Every season, I think, is different,” Boston says. “So you can’t look back and you can’t think too far ahead.”

With every game, the League witnessed Boston adding to her game one step at a time. She approached her growth with care, making the most of every minute she was on the court.

“It’s always about being where I am, being present and just doing everything I can for the squad, on and off the court. I just try to embrace every moment and appreciate it because it goes by pretty fast,” she says.

Something that remains the same as it was in 2022 is the voice of Coach Staley ensuring her “little birdie” knows the importance of who she is and the journey she’s on.

“She’s always been someone that has always told me to stay levelheaded,” Boston shares as she speaks on how she’s been working on not getting too caught between the highs and the lows.

“Coach has been telling me that since college. Just embrace the journey, embrace what comes, what happens—whether it’s good, whether it’s bad—and just continue on the path that God has called you to be on.”

Fast forward to today, and we’ve seen her take on a bigger role. As we head into the All-Star break, Aliyah is averaging 16.2 ppg, 7.9 rpg and 3.6 apg. She’s become a pace-setter in games and a vocal leader in time-outs. Thinking back to the foundation she helped lay in her first season, the time has finally come to see the fruits of that labor. In 2024, the Fever earned their first playoff berth since 2016. This year, they captured their first Commissioner’s Cup title.

This Fever squad knew early they had something special. Off-season moves brought in veterans guard Sydney Colson and forward Natasha Howard and retained star guard Kelsey Mitchell. With new faces entering, there was one shared understanding: It’s about us.

“I think this season so far has really been my favorite. The way we connected immediately, everyone in our locker room, and how excited we were for each other,” Boston says, speaking highly of the team’s chemistry.

We see how connected this team has been on socials, since media day, cracking jokes and making the most of their season since then. “What I enjoy the most is the amount of fun that we have off the court, the personalities that we have in the locker room,” Aliyah says. “There’s never a dull moment with us.”

The team mantra this season, “Now You Know,” has resonated across arenas. Selling out venues and showing why they deserve this moment, the Fever have embraced their identity.

“We go out every single night, every time we step on that floor, and we play for each other,” Aliyah says with a grin.

The impact of team camaraderie is clear, and what’s to come feels even bigger. Not only was Boston named an All-Star, but it’s also a back-to-back appearance for Indy’s big three: Kelsey Mitchell, Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston. Setting each other up for success and pushing one another to be All-Stars is key for Boston, especially as she reflects on the legacy she’s building.

“I want my legacy to be someone that kids look up to and see as a role model,” Boston explains. “They’re able to see God through me, but also be someone that has just helped take this game to a new level and be one of the greatest.”

It’s a special moment to witness Aliyah Boston being, well, Aliyah Boston. Storylines write themselves, but coverlines are born when a player shows us exactly who they are. One thing that’s been clear to us since forever, is that Aliyah Boston is special. In a year where the W has become a phoenix, rising higher and higher, it’s evident that Aliyah Boston is “that girl.” So the line for this cover came easy: There She Go.

From a National Champion waiting to make her mark on the League to a leader setting the W ablaze, Aliyah Boston is exactly who we crowned her to be: The Next Movement.

As All-Star Weekend kicks off, the city isn’t just celebrating the present, it’s embracing the future. Fans will walk the streets, wear their favorite jerseys and take tons of photos, but they’re also witnessing the birth of something even greater. The reign has begun. The league knows. The fans know. And now you know. There she go.

Portraits by Matthew Coughlin.

The post Aliyah Boston Talks the Fever’s Ascension, Staying Present and Repping Indiana at the 2025 WNBA All-Star Game appeared first on SLAM.