Joyce Edwards Shatters Records, Leads South Carolina Women’s Basketball in Scoring, and Crowned ‘Best of the Best’ in Historic Season

In the world of women’s college basketball, a season filled with milestones and records is something special. But when a player dominates the game on every level—leading their team in scoring, setting new records, and earning the prestigious title of “Best of the Best”—it becomes a season for the history books. For Joyce Edwards, the 2024-2025 season was nothing short of extraordinary, as she guided the South Carolina Women’s Basketball team to new heights while making her own indelible mark on the sport.

The 2024-2025 season will be remembered as one of the most transformative in the history of the South Carolina Gamecocks’ basketball program. With the team’s dominant performance throughout the regular season and the postseason, much of the credit for this success lies in the hands of one player—Joyce Edwards. By the time the final buzzer sounded on the national championship game, Edwards had etched her name among the all-time greats of the program, not only leading her team in scoring but also breaking multiple records and earning accolades that would make any player proud.

The Rise of Joyce Edwards: A Phenomenal Journey

Joyce Edwards’ journey to stardom wasn’t one paved with immediate success. Like many athletes, her career was the result of years of hard work, dedication, and sacrifice. Growing up in Charleston, South Carolina, Edwards was always drawn to basketball. She played for local youth teams and quickly developed a reputation as a relentless competitor with an unmatched work ethic. By the time she reached high school, it was clear that Edwards had the talent to play at the collegiate level. Her explosive playing style, sharp basketball IQ, and ability to perform under pressure set her apart from her peers.

Edwards’s high school career was nothing short of legendary. She led her high school team to multiple state championships and earned a slew of individual honors. Her performances drew the attention of college scouts nationwide, but it was South Carolina’s head coach, Dawn Staley, who recognized her potential the most. Staley, known for her ability to develop elite talent, saw in Edwards a player who could lead the Gamecocks to the next level.

Edwards committed to South Carolina, becoming part of the powerhouse program that Staley had built over the years. From day one on campus, Edwards was expected to contribute immediately—and she did. Her first year was a testament to her hard work, as she quickly became one of the team’s key players, contributing not just as a scorer but as an all-around presence on the floor.

Breaking Records: A Historic Season Unfolds

It was in her sophomore year, however, that Edwards truly began to make her mark on the college basketball world. Her 2024-2025 season would turn out to be one of the most dominant in South Carolina’s storied history. Edwards entered the season as one of the team’s go-to offensive weapons, but she quickly proved that her abilities extended far beyond scoring.

The early part of the season saw Edwards produce several impressive performances, earning her accolades in national media and securing her place as one of the nation’s top players. But it wasn’t just the individual performances that were catching attention—it was the sheer consistency and impact that Edwards had on every game. Her ability to score in a variety of ways, combined with her vision and playmaking ability, made her an offensive juggernaut. Whether it was driving to the basket, hitting the three-pointer, or dishing out assists, Edwards was the complete package.

By the midpoint of the season, Edwards had already shattered several records that had previously seemed untouchable. She broke the South Carolina single-game scoring record by putting up an astonishing 46 points against a top-ranked rival, showcasing her scoring ability and knack for taking over games. This performance cemented her place in Gamecock history, and fans began to wonder just how far she could push the boundaries of excellence.

As the season progressed, Edwards continued to elevate her game. She eclipsed 2,000 career points early in the postseason, becoming only the third player in South Carolina history to reach that milestone. Her consistent ability to put up big numbers in critical games was one of the key reasons the Gamecocks dominated the SEC and earned a top seed in the NCAA Tournament.

But it wasn’t just her scoring that made Edwards such an impact on the court. She also became a formidable force defensively, with her quickness and anticipation allowing her to disrupt opposing offenses and rack up steals. Her defensive prowess, combined with her leadership and maturity, made her a well-rounded player and one of the best in the country.

The National Championship Run

As the 2024-2025 season neared its end, it became increasingly clear that the Gamecocks were poised for something special. The team had gone undefeated throughout the regular season and was on a collision course with history. With Edwards leading the way, South Carolina was primed to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament, and it was clear that their success would be largely dependent on her performance.

Throughout the tournament, Edwards showed why she was the team’s best player. She dominated in every game, from the opening round all the way to the national championship. Her performances were nothing short of spectacular, with Edwards averaging over 30 points per game, alongside 8 rebounds and 6 assists. She displayed a level of poise and confidence that belied her age, often carrying the team in critical moments and propelling the Gamecocks to victory.

The championship game itself was a thrilling spectacle. In a high-stakes battle against a talented opponent, Edwards turned in an MVP-caliber performance. Her 35-point, 10-rebound, 5-assist effort led South Carolina to a 92-84 victory, securing the program’s third national championship. Edwards’s performance in the final was nothing short of legendary, earning her a place as one of the all-time greats in the game’s history.

Accolades and Recognition

As the dust settled from the Gamecocks’ championship win, Joyce Edwards found herself receiving widespread recognition for her incredible season. Her statistics were off the charts, but it was her leadership, impact, and consistency that truly set her apart. Edwards was named the NCAA Tournament’s Most Outstanding Player, and she received numerous other individual accolades, including being named the SEC Player of the Year and earning First-Team All-American honors.

However, the ultimate recognition came when she was crowned the “Best of the Best”—an honor given to the top player in women’s college basketball. This award, which takes into account both individual achievement and team success, was the culmination of Edwards’s dream season. She had not only shattered records and led her team to a national championship, but she had also solidified her place as one of the greatest players in the history of college basketball.

Legacy and Impact

As the 2024-2025 season came to a close, it was clear that Joyce Edwards had left an indelible mark on the South Carolina women’s basketball program. Her records, her leadership, and her ability to perform on the biggest stage set a new standard for future generations of Gamecock players.

But Edwards’s impact went far beyond her individual success. Her leadership and dedication to her teammates were evident throughout the season, and her success served as an inspiration to young players everywhere. She demonstrated that with hard work, perseverance, and an unwavering belief in oneself, anything is possible. Edwards’s rise to stardom was a testament to the power of grit and determination—and it set the stage for a new era in South Carolina women’s basketball.

As she looks to the future, Edwards’s legacy is already firmly established. She has already etched her name among the greats of the game, and while her college career may be over, her impact on the sport will continue for years to come. Joyce Edwards’s historic season was a reminder of the power of sports to bring out the best in people and inspire others to chase greatness.