USC’s Aaliyah Gayles Receives Pac-12’s Tammy Blackburn Inspiration Award

USC redshirt freshman Aaliyah Gayles was honored at the Pac-12 Women's Basketball Tournament as the first-ever recipient of the Tammy Blackburn Inspiration Award. Presented to a Pac-12 Conference women's basketball student-athlete, coach or staff member who exhibits courage, resilience and unbreakable spirit in overcoming adversity in their life, the award celebrates veteran Pac-12 Networks broadcaster and former star basketball player for San Diego State Tammy Blackburn, who has battled breast cancer since 2017.

An inspiration to us all ❤️💛

Honored to announce that Aaliyah Gayles is the first recipient of the Tammy Blackburn Inspiration Award! pic.twitter.com/qA8BDyzg3s
— USC Women's Basketball (@USCWBB) March 8, 2024

As a senior in high school, Gayles was the victim of multiple gunshot wounds in a shooting at a house party in Las Vegas. A McDonald's All-American out of Las Vegas, she suffered fractures in both arms and both legs and endured multiple surgeries to repair the damage. Already committed to USC women's basketball, Aaliyah signed her NLI from her hospital bed, and would come to USC as a freshman in 2022. Her determination to get back to the court has been relentless.

Through physical therapy and rehab and follow-up surgeries during her true freshman season, she remained both focused on her journey while also constantly supporting and encouraging — and inspiring — her teammates. Months turned to almost two years, but Aaliyah made it. On Nov. 10, 2023, she checked in for her first minutes on-court in a USC basketball uniform to a standing ovation — and tears — from her team, support staff and fans.

A little over two weeks later, Aaliyah nailed her first 3-pointer as a Trojan, with the USC bench erupting in support of their beloved, charismatic and determined teammate. "AG3" is an inspiration, and her personality and heart shine through to anyone fortunate enough to meet her.

Blackburn was initially diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer in 2017 and went into remission after treatment. She learned that her cancer had returned and spread in January of 2019, and she was diagnosed with Stage 4, or metastatic, breast cancer. Despite her difficult diagnosis and on-going treatment, Tammy continues to serve as an inspirational role model with her positivity and dedication. Last season Blackburn developed the "Buck-A-Board Challenge," in which she donated $1 for every rebound during the seven women's basketball games she called during February of 2023. The fundraiser, which drew support from a number of Pac-12 coaches, referees, players and fans, raised more than $29,000 for the Kay Yow Cancer Fund.

"We are honored to introduce this award and celebrate Tammy, who exemplifies strength, courage and resilience," said Deputy Commissioner Teresa Gould. "Tammy is a beloved member of the Pac-12 family, and her bravery and determination have inspired the entire women's basketball community. We're proud to support her and her unwavering commitment to raising awareness for breast cancer."

Gayles and her Women of Troy are now setting up for the Pac-12 Tournament semifinals, where the No. 2 seeded Trojans will take on No. 3 seed UCLA at 7:30 p.m. today (March 8) at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Players Mentioned

Aaliyah Gayles