Nation’s No. 2 Recruit Edwards Picks Gamecocks

COLUMBIA, S.C. – South Carolina head women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley announced that Joyce Edwards (Camden, S.C./Camden) has signed a National Letter of Intent to attend the University and play for the Gamecocks. The second-ranked recruit in the Class of 2024 will have four years of eligibility beginning with the 2024-25 academic year.

“Joyce is an incredibly blessed athlete that has transcended three high school sports,” Staley said. “As she begins her college career with her focus on basketball, look for her to excel on this platform. She is gifted with size, speed, skill and an uncommon feel for the game. Her intelligence on the court and in the classroom will not be denied. We cannot wait to begin our journey with this young woman.”

A 6-foot-2 post player, Edwards was named 2023 USA Today High School Sports National Athlete of the Year after claiming the organization’s Girls Rising Start Athlete of the Year in 2022. The three-time South Carolina Basketball Coaches Association (SCBCA) 3A Player of the Year, twice shared the honor with future teammate MiLaysia Fulwiley (2021, 2022) before winning the honor outright in 2023. Edwards was also an SCBCA All-State selection in 2020. She has already set the Camden High points record with over 3,000 points with her senior season in front of her.

In 2022-23, Edwards led Camden to its first 3A State Championship in 40 years, recording 33 points and 13 rebounds in the victory. She finished that season averaging 28.7 points, 13.7 rebounds and 2.6 blocks, including 29 double-doubles en route to being named South Carolina Gatorade Player of the Year.

In addition to leading Camden to the state basketball title, Edwards also led the Bulldogs’ volleyball team in kills and soccer team in goals to earn all-state honors in both sports. She capped her athletic year by helping the U.S. to gold at the FIBA Women’s U19 World Cup,. As the only high school player to make the team, which included future teammate Chloe Kitts, she averaged 12.6 points, 6.1 rebounds and 1.1 blocks in 18.5 minutes over seven games. She earned a spot on the tournament’s All-Star Five.

Edwards joins Madisen McDaniel (Upper Marlboro, Md./Bishop McNamara) and Adhel Tac (Grand Prairie, Texas/South Grand Prairie) so far in the Gamecocks’ 2024 signing class.