In 2020, a young Canadian named Aaliyah Edwards began her collegiate journey at the University of Connecticut under the guidance and leadership of famed coach Geno Auriemma. But Aaliyah’s basketball adventure began well before walking onto the court of Gampel Pavilion.
Aaliyah represented Canada in 2017 with the FIBA Under-16 Women’s Americas team. She won a silver medal, and then with the senior team at the 2019 FIBA Women’s AmeriCup. Then, in 2021 she was named to the 2020 Canadian Olympic team. Not bad for a kid from Kingston, Ontario.
Aaliyah Edwards and Her Collegiate Career at UConn
Aaliyah began her UConn career on the bench, behind Olivia Nelson-Ododa, but had an immediate impact. A raw talent with an enormous amount of drive, and a more than obvious high-level work ethic. There was a conviction and dedication to the team, the game, and herself.
Even though there was a dip in production in her sophomore year, perhaps the proverbial “sophomore slump,” Aaliyah more than recovered in her junior and then senior year, steadily improving, steadily more effective, and steadily becoming a dynamic and reliable teammate.
She garnered first-team All-Big East honors and second-team All-America honors as a senior, which were more than well-deserved recognition. Deciding to forgo her available Covid year, Aaliyah declared for the 2024 WNBA draft.
Perhaps one could say that while not exactly under the radar, Aaliyah did not receive the media attention that Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese did. However, that may have been a good thing for her. It afforded Aaliyah the time to hone her skills and adapt to a markedly different style of play in the WNBA.
Edwards Heads to the Nation’s Capital in the 2024 WNBA Draft
Selected by the Washington Mystics, a team very much in a re-building stage, there was the opportunity to do the work without the external pressure to which others were subjected. But those of us who follow UConn were well aware of Aaliyah’s potential impact. UConn is well-known for producing athletes who are considered pro-ready, and Aaliyah is no exception. As Diana Taurasi stated regarding another player, there is always a period of adjustment.
The big lights were on @AaliyahEdwards_ last night and she came to play! Now, let's look back at her career night! 😤 pic.twitter.com/bhKqeD0oSE
— Washington Mystics (@WashMystics) June 7, 2024
Given the absence of overwhelming media attention, Edwards could go about the business of learning a new system, getting to know her teammates and coaches, and adapting to the world of professional basketball.
Personal Thoughts
What impresses me the most about Aaliyah Edwards is her never-ending drive and willingness to learn. In all the years of watching her play, I have never seen her take anything for granted on the court. Accepting the successes and working through the difficulties seem to be a foundational part of her basketball DNA. I suspect that these qualities will eventually bring her to the forefront as one of the most effective and reliable players in the WNBA.
If one goes by what one sees, then this one sees an honest, affable, and conscientious player and person, the qualities that make for an effective leader, a position that I can easily see in Aaliyah’s future.
Her recent breakout game versus the Chicago Sky was only the tip of the iceberg. Over time, this type of game will be more the norm than an anomaly. People may start jumping on the Aaliyah Edwards bandwagon, but be forewarned; there have been a lot of us there for quite a while, so you might have difficulty finding a place to sit. But take the leap, you’ll enjoy the ride.
And that, my friends, as they say, is that.’ — Martin Ruben.
Follow Beyond Women’s Sports for more from the world of sports.
