Girls basketball standout Aaliyah Gayles, who was shot 10 times at a house party in Las Vegas, graduated from high school this week.
TMZ Sports reports the audience cheered as the 18-year-old USC women’s basketball recruit held her diploma high at Spring Valley High School.
Just a few months after being shot 10 time at a Vegas house party, USC basketball recruit Aaliyah Gayles took the stage to accept her high school diploma. https://t.co/XCM3Kci3Hf
— TMZ (@TMZ) June 1, 2022
Her father, Dwight Gayles said she “worked her tail off” to accept her diploma in person. Aaliyah is in a wheelchair and still has casts on her legs.
“It wasn’t easy but she did it. I can’t be more happy for her. God is good!”
“Words can’t even describe the feeling I feel,” Dwight told TMZ Sports on Wednesday.
Dwight said Aaliyah, who committed to USC last year, will still play for the Trojans women’s basketball team.
“It’s going very well,” he said. “Doing some physical therapy. Getting back to normal one day at a time. Baby steps.”
Dwight Gayles blamed himself for his daughter’s lifestyle that nearly led to her death.
“I know there is some that will say it’s my fault and I take full responsibility for it but please please keep my baby girl in your prayers Las Vegas,” Dwight tweeted along with a photo of him holding baby Aaliyah. “I will give everyone that support Aaliyah an update but she’s ok she go make it like always thank you all, true warrior.”
I know there is some that will say it's my fault and I take full responsibility for it but please please keep my baby girl in your prayers Las Vegas. I will give everyone that support Aaliyah an update but she's ok she go make it like always thank you all??? true warrior pic.twitter.com/NxtSFc5Wyv
— D.Gayles (@DGayles3) April 17, 2022
Aaliyah was the first Las Vegas Valley player to be named a McDonald’s All American since 2010.
No arrests have been made in the shooting. A GofundMe has been created to help pay Aaliyah’s medical expenses.
