Joyce Edwards Answers Dawn Staley’s Challenge with Record-Breaking Performance
For the first time in over two years, South Carolina women’s basketball found itself in an unfamiliar position—on the wrong side of an SEC regular-season loss. The Texas Longhorns delivered a stunning four-point upset, handing the Gamecocks their first conference defeat since December 2021.
But if there’s one thing Coach Dawn Staley preaches, it’s resilience. And she had a clear message for her team heading into their Thursday night matchup against Florida.
“Most great players turn the page a lot quicker than others. That’s what makes them great; that’s what makes them pros. So, here is an opportunity for Joyce (Edwards) to just learn to turn the page,” Staley said.
She wasn’t just issuing a general call for improvement—she was directly challenging freshman forward Joyce Edwards. And Edwards responded in dominant fashion.
Edwards’ Breakout Performance Makes History
Just four days after the loss, the Columbia-area native delivered the best game of her young career. Edwards exploded for 28 points on an efficient 10-of-17 shooting, while also converting all eight of her free throws. She added five rebounds, one assist, and a steal, all while drawing four fouls against Florida.
Her 28 points set a South Carolina freshman record for an SEC game. And she did it while playing multiple roles—holding down the paint as a power forward, stepping out to the wing, and even acting as the lone post player in a four-guard lineup.
By halftime, the game was all but over. South Carolina led 62-32, and Edwards already had 18 points. Ten Gamecocks finished with a +/- rating of at least 13, showcasing the team’s dominance.
Staley and Edwards React to Bounce-Back Win
After the game, Edwards made it clear that the Texas loss was a defining moment for the team.
“You don’t really know how tough you are until you get punched down,” Edwards said. “And we got back up. Obviously, Texas was a little rough, but you watch film, and you learn from it. In every situation, you learn. I feel like that’s what I did today.”
Staley, who has coached some of the best players in the country, wasn’t shocked by Edwards’ response. “Am I surprised? No,” she said. “With someone that works as hard and studies as hard [as Edwards does]… Would we come out the gate and say you have to be this in the very beginning? No, it develops. I think she is a really good person that is regimented in how she does things, which is really a gift.”
Then, Staley dropped an elite-level comparison, likening Edwards to Aliyah Boston, one of the greatest players in South Carolina basketball history.
Next Up: A Clash with UConn
There’s no time for celebration, though. Another high-stakes matchup looms. On Sunday, No. 8 UConn heads to Columbia for the annual rivalry showdown, with College GameDay on-site to set the stage.
Tip-off is set for 1:00 p.m. ET on ABC, and South Carolina will need another big-time performance from Edwards and the rest of the squad. If Thursday was any indication, the Gamecocks are more than ready.
