Joyce Edwards Emerges as National Power Forward Force with Katrina McClain Award Recognition
South Carolina sophomore Joyce Edwards has cemented her status among the nation’s elite power forwards, earning recognition on the 2026 Katrina McClain Award Midseason Top 10. The announcement, made today by the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in partnership with the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA), highlights Edwards’ exceptional two-way impact for the third-ranked Gamecocks.
Dominant Offensive Production
Edwards is orchestrating a breakout sophomore campaign, leading South Carolina with a prolific 20.3 points per game—a mark that ranks 15th nationally and third in the SEC. Her scoring consistency has been remarkable, recording a team-best 13 games with 20 or more points. What sets Edwards apart isn’t just the volume but the efficiency: she’s converting at a blistering 59.9 percent from the field, positioning her 14th nationally and third in the SEC.
Her offensive repertoire extends beyond finishing. Edwards is facilitating at 2.5 assists per game while crashing the boards for 6.4 rebounds nightly, demonstrating the versatility that makes her such a matchup problem. On the defensive end, she’s protecting the rim with 1.3 blocks per game (ninth in the SEC) while dominating the offensive glass with 2.9 offensive rebounds per contest (13th in the conference).
Conference Dominance
When the competition intensifies in SEC play, Edwards elevates further. She’s averaging 18.0 points per game in conference matchups (seventh in the league) while pulling down 7.1 rebounds (11th). Her offensive rebounding becomes even more pronounced in league games, where she’s hauling in a team-high 3.2 offensive boards per outing—seventh-best in the SEC and a testament to her relentless motor.
The Road to the Award
The Katrina McClain Award, named after the three-time Olympic gold medalist and Naismith Hall of Famer, recognizes the nation’s top power forward. The selection process unfolds in stages: in mid-March, the Midseason Top 10 will be trimmed to five finalists. These finalists will then be evaluated by McClain herself alongside the Hall of Fame’s selection committee, which comprises distinguished women’s college basketball figures including media members, head coaches, sports information directors, and Hall of Famers.
The 2026 Katrina McClain Award winner will be announced on a to-be-determined date as part of the Women’s Starting Five presentation, which also includes the Nancy Lieberman Award (Point Guard), Ann Meyers Drysdale Award (Shooting Guard), Cheryl Miller Award (Small Forward), and Lisa Leslie Award (Center).
Elite Company
Edwards shares the Midseason Top 10 with an impressive collection of talent spanning the nation’s premier programs:
- Darianna Littlepage-Buggs, Baylor
- Toby Fournier, Duke
- Hannah Stuelke, Iowa
- Laura Ziegler, Louisville
- Khamil Pierre, NC State
- Maggie Doogan, Richmond
- Joyce Edwards, South Carolina
- Janiah Barker, Tennessee
- Sarah Strong, UConn
- Sacha Washington, Vanderbilt
What This Recognition Means
Edwards’ inclusion on this prestigious list validates her transformation into one of college basketball’s most complete forwards. Her ability to score efficiently in the paint, facilitate for teammates, dominate the offensive glass, and protect the rim makes her the prototype modern power forward. For a South Carolina program accustomed to producing elite talent, Edwards represents the next generation of Gamecock greatness.
As third-ranked South Carolina prepares to host Mississippi State tonight and 19th-ranked Tennessee on Sunday, February 8 at Colonial Life Arena, Edwards will continue showcasing the skills that have positioned her among the nation’s best. Whether she ultimately claims the Katrina McClain Award or not, her sophomore season has already established her as one of the most impactful players in women’s college basketball.
The evolution of Joyce Edwards from promising freshman to Katrina McClain Award candidate illustrates both her individual growth and South Carolina’s sustained excellence in developing elite post players. As the season progresses and the award race narrows, Edwards has already proven she belongs in the conversation among the nation’s premier power forwards.
