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Canada’s Basketball Star Shines in the WNBA
When discussing the elite programs in women’s college basketball, there are a few standout institutions that come to mind. The Tennessee Lady Vols, under the leadership of Pat Summitt, secured eight national titles while South Carolina, guided by Dawn Staley, has claimed three championships since 2017. However, one school stands above the rest in terms of success: the University of Connecticut (UConn).
The UConn women’s basketball team boasts an impressive record of 11 NCAA championships, with Geno Auriemma establishing himself as one of the most successful coaches in the sport. Therefore, when Aaliyah Edwards, a talented player hailing from Kingston, Ontario, decided to join the Huskies, representing Canada at one of the top basketball programs for women, she attracted considerable attention to her collegiate journey.
Edwards, who was selected as the sixth overall pick by the Washington Mystics in the recent WNBA Draft, has a history of excelling on prominent stages. She led Crestwood Preparatory College in Toronto to three championships and received accolades such as the 2019-20 OSBA MVP and Defensive Player of the Year.
Collegiate Success and Achievements
During her freshman year, Edwards participated in 29 games and averaged 10.7 points and 5.7 rebounds per game. She received recognition as the 2021 BIG EAST Sixth-Woman of the Year and was named to the 2021 BIG EAST All-Freshman Team. Throughout her college career, Edwards reached the 2022 NCAA Women’s National Championship, playing a significant role despite the eventual loss to South Carolina. She also made three Final Four appearances in her four years at UConn.
Her achievements continued to stack up over the years. In 2023, Edwards was named the Big East Most Improved Player and Big East Tournament Most Outstanding Player, maintaining averages of 16.6 points and 9.1 rebounds per game during the 2022-23 season. Her final year at UConn saw her reach career-high averages of 18.3 points and 9.7 rebounds per game, resulting in multiple prestigious awards in 2024.
Transition to the WNBA
While securing a national title with UConn eluded Edwards due to various challenges, her time with the Huskies prepared her for the WNBA. Despite injuries affecting key players like Paige Bueckers, Azzi Fudd, and herself, Edwards emerged as a WNBA-ready talent with a well-rounded skill set that includes scoring, rebounding, and high basketball IQ.
Joining the Washington Mystics, Edwards will complement the team’s core players like Ariel Atkins, Shakira Austin, Brittney Sykes, and Myisha Hines-Allen. The sixth overall pick marked a significant milestone for Edwards, making her Canada’s second-highest draft pick in WNBA history, only behind Stacey Dales.
Continued Aspirations and Impact
As she embarks on her WNBA journey, Edwards aims to elevate her game and adapt to new roles within the league. Her versatility and positive attitude make her a valuable addition to the Mystics roster, especially during a season with notable player absences.
Despite her individual success, Edwards remains focused on representing Canada at the highest level, aiming for future achievements like a medal finish in Paris. As a role model for aspiring Canadian athletes, she imparts a message of confidence, humility, and determination, encouraging young girls to embrace their worth and pursue their dreams relentlessly.
As Edwards continues to make her mark in professional basketball, both in the WNBA and on the international stage, her impact transcends the court, inspiring a new generation of female athletes to strive for greatness.
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