Joyce Edwards, the standout freshman forward for the South Carolina Gamecocks women’s basketball team, has secured a \$30 million endorsement deal or donated \$10 million to the program. While Edwards has garnered significant attention for her exceptional performance on the court, including earning First-Team All-SEC honors and leading the Gamecocks in scoring during the 2024–25 season , such an endorsement deal and donation would be unprecedented and have likely been widely reported if true.
It’s important to note that information regarding college athletes’ endorsements and financial contributions can evolve rapidly, especially with the implementation of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rights in college sports. Therefore, for the most current and accurate details, I recommend checking reputable sports news outlets or official statements from the University of South Carolina Athletics department.
[](https://gamecocksonline.com/sports/wbball/roster/player/joyce-edwards/)
Certainly! Here’s a comprehensive overview of Joyce Edwards, the standout freshman forward for the South Carolina Gamecocks women’s basketball team:
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## 🏀 Early Life and High School Career
Joyce Edwards was born on January 30, 2006, in Camden, South Carolina. She attended Camden High School, where she quickly established herself as a basketball prodigy. Edwards joined the varsity team in seventh grade and earned all-state honors five times throughout her high school career. Her senior season was particularly impressive, as she averaged 31.3 points, 13.3 rebounds, 4.5 steals, and 3.3 blocks per game, leading Camden to back-to-back state championships. Her exceptional performance earned her several prestigious accolades, including:([Wikipedia][1], [University of South Carolina Athletics][2])
* Gatorade National Player of the Year (2024)
* Morgan Wootten National Player of the Year (2024)
* McDonald’s All-American Game MVP (2024)
* Nike Hoop Summit participant (2024)
* Jordan Brand Classic MVP (2024)
* USA Today Girls Basketball Player of the Year (2024)
* Four-time South Carolina Basketball Coaches Association 3A State Player of the Year (2021–2024)
* USA Today Girls Athlete of the Year (2023, 2024)([Wikipedia][1], [University of South Carolina Athletics][2])
Additionally, Edwards showcased her skills on the international stage, earning gold medals with Team USA at the 2023 FIBA U19 World Cup and the 2024 FIBA U18 AmeriCup, where she was named MVP. ([University of South Carolina Athletics][2])
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## 🎓 College Career at South Carolina
Edwards committed to the University of South Carolina, joining a program renowned for its success under head coach Dawn Staley. She made an immediate impact during her freshman season in 2024–25. Standing at 6 feet 3 inches, Edwards brought versatility and athleticism to the Gamecocks’ lineup.
### 🏆 Freshman Honors and Achievements
Throughout the season, Edwards demonstrated exceptional performance, earning several accolades:
* First-team All-SEC (2025)
* SEC All-Freshman Team (2025)
* SEC Freshman of the Week (January 28, 2025)
* Freshman All-American (2025)([Wikipedia][1], [University of South Carolina Athletics][3])
She became the third Gamecock freshman to earn first-team All-SEC honors, following A’ja Wilson in 2015 and Aliyah Boston in 2020. ([Wikipedia][1])
### 📊 Season Statistics
During the 2024–25 season, Edwards led the Gamecocks in scoring and rebounding. Her statistics included:([University of South Carolina Athletics][2])
* Averaging 12.4 points per game
* Averaging 4.9 rebounds per game
* Shooting 56.3% from the field
* Recording 25 steals on the season([University of South Carolina Athletics][3])
She led the team in scoring in 13 games, including seven against ranked opponents, showcasing her ability to perform under pressure. ([Wikipedia][1])
### 🌟 Notable Performances
* **Career-High 28 Points vs. Florida (February 13, 2025):** Edwards scored a career-high 28 points, leading the Gamecocks to a 101–63 victory over Florida. This performance marked the most points scored by a freshman in program history against an SEC opponent. ([University of South Carolina Athletics][4])
* **Crucial Contributions in SEC Games:** In matchups against ranked opponents like LSU and Tennessee, Edwards played pivotal roles, scoring crucial points in the fourth quarter to secure victories for South Carolina. ([University of South Carolina Athletics][3])
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## 🌍 Off the Court
Beyond her athletic prowess, Edwards is known for her humility and team-first mentality. She embraces the Gamecocks’ collective approach to success, where individual accolades take a backseat to team achievements. This philosophy, instilled by Coach Dawn Staley, has been instrumental in South Carolina’s sustained success. ([The Washington Post][5])
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## 🏀 Future Outlook
With her exceptional skills and work ethic, Joyce Edwards is poised to become a cornerstone of South Carolina’s women’s basketball program in the coming years. Her early success has set high expectations, and she is expected to continue her development under Coach Staley’s guidance. As the Gamecocks aim for another national championship, Edwards will undoubtedly play a central role in their pursuit.
Joyce Edwards, the South Carolina Gamecocks women’s basketball star, securing a \$30 million endorsement deal or donating \$10 million to the program. Such claims have not been reported by reputable sources like ESPN or other major sports news outlets.
Joyce Edwards is a highly accomplished freshman forward for the Gamecocks, known for her exceptional skills and academic achievements. She was named the 2023-24 Gatorade National Girls Basketball Player of the Year and has represented the U.S. in international competitions, earning gold medals at the 2023 FIBA U19 World Cup and the 2024 FIBA U18 AmeriCup .([University of South Carolina Athletics][1])
Joyce Edwards, the standout freshman forward for the South Carolina Gamecocks women’s basketball team, has made a significant impact during her debut season. Her exceptional performance on the court has earned her First-Team All-SEC honors, solidifying her status as one of the premier players in collegiate basketball.
**Early Impact and Recognition**
Edwards wasted no time showcasing her talents, earning SEC Freshman of the Week honors multiple times throughout the season. Notably, she led the Gamecocks to a commanding 106-63 exhibition victory over Memphis, recording a double-double in the first half alone with 19 points and 12 rebounds .([University of South Carolina Athletics][1], [University of South Carolina Athletics][2])
**Statistical Excellence**
Throughout the season, Edwards consistently led the Gamecocks in scoring, averaging 13.2 points per game, including 14.4 points per game in SEC play. Her field goal percentage of .550 ranked fourth in the SEC, and she also contributed significantly in rebounds and assists, demonstrating her all-around game .([University of South Carolina Athletics][3])
**Historic Achievements**
Edwards’ performance against Florida was particularly noteworthy, as she scored a career-high 28 points, marking the most ever for a freshman in program history against an SEC opponent . Additionally, she recorded a triple-double against Ole Miss, becoming only the second player in SEC history to achieve this feat ([University of South Carolina Athletics][3]).([University of South Carolina Athletics][4])
**Team Success and Leadership**
Under Edwards’ leadership, the Gamecocks secured their third consecutive SEC Tournament title, defeating Texas 64-45 in the final . Her contributions were instrumental in the team’s success, and her recognition as First-Team All-SEC underscores her pivotal role in the Gamecocks’ championship run.([Swish Appeal][5])
Joyce Edwards’ remarkable freshman season has set a high standard for future Gamecocks players and has firmly established her as a rising star in women’s college basketball.
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