In a groundbreaking move, MiLaysia Fulwiley made history by becoming the first collegiate athlete to sign with the Curry Brand, an exclusive collaboration between NBA superstar Stephen Curry and Under Armour. This momentous announcement was made during NBA All-Star weekend, where Curry took the opportunity to explain why he chose to partner with the South Carolina women’s basketball standout.
“For MiLaysia, the way she carries herself on and off the court … we see a lot of potential in her,” Curry said. “She believes in what we’re doing, she’s been to my camps, and obviously she’s at South Carolina doing amazing things — like winning a championship her freshman year. As you build your roster, you want to have people who want to be great on the court, and represent something off the court. And she (MiLaysia) checks all those boxes.”
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Fulwiley, a sophomore at the University of South Carolina, has quickly made her mark on college basketball. She helped lead the Gamecocks to a national championship in her freshman year, and her impressive performance continues to turn heads. Currently averaging 11.5 points and 2.8 rebounds per game, Fulwiley’s skill and potential have made her a rising star in women’s basketball.
The partnership between Fulwiley and the Curry Brand is particularly fitting, as South Carolina is an Under Armour-sponsored school, which aligns seamlessly with the brand’s focus on performance and excellence. As part of the deal, Fulwiley will have her own signature shoe—the Curry 12 ‘FamLay’ PEs. These shoes feature a personal touch with a patch bearing “803,” Columbia’s area code, a nod to her roots. Additionally, one of the heels is emblazoned with “Mixon,” the last name of her mother, Phea, while the shoe’s side features two symbols—stars and an ace of spades—representing her beloved dogs, Ace and Star.
For Curry, this partnership is about more than just basketball. It’s about finding athletes who represent not only excellence on the court but also embody strong character off of it. “She’s someone who we know is going to be successful not only in her basketball career but in life,” Curry added.
Fulwiley’s deal with the Curry Brand is a significant moment for both the athlete and the world of college sports. It signals a shift toward greater opportunities for women athletes and further solidifies the importance of empowering athletes who are role models on and off the court.
As Fulwiley continues to excel at the University of South Carolina, her story serves as an inspiration to young athletes everywhere, proving that talent, hard work, and character can open doors to incredible opportunities. With the Curry Brand behind her, the sky is the limit for this rising star.
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