0
0
University of Connecticut’s Aaliyah Edwards Ready for Women’s Final Four
As she prepares to compete in the women’s Final Four, University of Connecticut forward Aaliyah Edwards is mindful of the incredible support she receives from her home country, Canada.
Hailing from Kingston, Ontario, Edwards plays a crucial role on a UConn women’s team striving to secure its first championship victory since 2016. Grateful for the opportunity to represent Canada within one of college basketball’s premier programs, she acknowledges the positive impact her journey has on not only herself but also fellow Canadians seeking similar opportunities.
Expressing her gratitude, Edwards highlighted the privilege of playing for an esteemed institution like UConn: “I’m just grateful for the platform that I’ve been given, playing at an elite school like UConn. It has not only opened doors and created opportunities for me but also for those coming up in Canada.”
At 21 years old, Edwards follows in the footsteps of Canadian standout Kia Nurse, who played a pivotal role in two national championship-winning UConn teams in 2015 and 2016. Proud to continue Nurse’s legacy, Edwards sees the potential impact her success can have on the aspiring basketball players in her Canadian homeland.
Emphasizing the significance of her journey, Edwards remarked, “I think the impact that I’ve been able to continue to lead after Kia came here was just showing Canadians that we can not only be dominant within Canada but also cross the border and explore the myriad of opportunities available in the NCAA. Pursuing scholarship opportunities as a student-athlete and potentially transitioning to a professional career is something very special.”
Last week, Edwards officially declared her eligibility for the 2024 WNBA Draft, aiming to conclude her NCAA career on a high note.
Despite the challenges ahead, Edwards and the Huskies are gearing up to face the Iowa Hawkeyes and the remarkable talent of Caitlin Clark in a high-stakes matchup with a spot in the championship game at stake.
Aware of Canada’s reputation as a hockey-centric nation, Edwards recognizes the evolving landscape and expresses her gratitude to all the Canadians who stand behind her athletic pursuits: “We’re not only a hockey country; we’re striving to establish ourselves as a basketball powerhouse as well. It’s heartwarming to see the outpouring of support from up north, and I am truly grateful for all of you.”
Image/Photo credit: source url
