**Carolina Gamecocks’ Star Joyce Edwards Reveals Her WNBA Dream – ‘It’s Always Been the Goal!’**
Joyce Edwards, the electrifying forward for the South Carolina Gamecocks women’s basketball team, has never been shy about her ambitions. In a recent interview, the standout player opened up about her ultimate dream: playing in the WNBA. “It’s always been the goal,” Edwards said with a determined smile. “Since I first picked up a basketball, I knew I wanted to compete at the highest level.”
For Edwards, basketball has been a lifelong passion. Growing up in Camden, South Carolina, she was drawn to the game at an early age, inspired by the dominance of women’s basketball legends like Candace Parker, Maya Moore, and her own future coach, Dawn Staley. By the time she reached high school, Edwards was already turning heads with her versatility—dominant in the post, dangerous from mid-range, and relentless on defense. Her performances earned her accolades as one of the top recruits in the nation, and her commitment to the Gamecocks was a major victory for a program that has become a powerhouse under Staley’s leadership.
Now, as a key player for South Carolina, Edwards is making her case as one of the best in college basketball. Her ability to score in multiple ways, combined with her defensive intensity and high basketball IQ, has drawn comparisons to some of the game’s greats. But for her, the focus isn’t just on personal success—it’s about winning. “I want to help my team hang more banners,” she said. “But I also know that every game, every practice, is a step toward my bigger dream.”
That dream, of course, is the WNBA. The league has seen exponential growth in recent years, with increased media coverage, higher salaries, and a surge in popularity thanks to stars like A’ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, and Caitlin Clark. Edwards sees herself as part of that next wave of talent. “The WNBA is where the best of the best compete,” she said. “I want to test myself against them, to keep growing, and to inspire the next generation the way today’s players inspire me.”
The path to the WNBA is never easy, but Edwards is no stranger to hard work. She credits her family, coaches, and teammates for pushing her to improve every day. Gamecocks fans have witnessed her relentless drive firsthand—whether it’s battling for rebounds, locking down opponents, or hitting clutch shots in tight games. Her work ethic has already caught the attention of WNBA scouts, who see her as a potential first-round pick whenever she declares for the draft.
Still, Edwards remains focused on the present. “Right now, I’m all about South Carolina,” she emphasized. “Coach Staley has built something special here, and I want to contribute to that legacy.” The Gamecocks are perennial title contenders, and with Edwards as a centerpiece, they have the firepower to make deep tournament runs. But when the time comes, she’ll be ready for the next challenge.
As the conversation wrapped up, Edwards reflected on what the WNBA would mean to her. “It’s more than just playing professionally,” she said. “It’s about representing everyone who believed in me—my family, my coaches, my state. And it’s about showing young girls that if you put in the work, dreams do come true.”
For Joyce Edwards, the dream is clear. And if her track record is any indication, she won’t stop until she gets there.
