Before she even plays her first college game, Joyce Edwards is already a name people know. Not just in South Carolina, but all across the country. She isn’t just another top recruit—she’s the recruit. The kind of athlete who doesn’t just make plays but makes history. Now, as a freshman at South Carolina, she’s doing it all over again—this time on the biggest stage in college hoops.

She brings the full package—size, speed, skill, and a basketball IQ that’s off the charts. Edwards doesn’t just play the game. She runs it. As a freshman at South Carolina, she steps into the spotlight already holding over 3,000 high school points and accolades in not one, not two, but three sports. Edwards isn’t just a basketball star—she earns all-state honors in volleyball and soccer too. But basketball? That’s where she truly shines.

So, how much is Edwards’ worth? What kind of NIL deals does she have lined up? And how does a small-town kid from South Carolina rise to become one of the most marketable players in women’s college basketball? From breaking records at Camden High to signing with a top talent agency, Excel Sports, Edwards is setting herself up for a high-value NIL future—her early life, her brand, and her bank.

What are Joyce Edwards’ NIL deals as of 2025?

Edwards looks destined for greatness from the jump. She dominates high school hoops, sets records, and becomes one of the best young athletes in the country. But her impact goes beyond basketball—she’s changing the game for women’s college athletes across the board.

In February 2025, Edwards announced via Instagram that she had signed an NIL deal with Excel Sports. While the exact value of the deal has not been disclosed, the College Football Network currently estimates her NIL valuation at $626,000. The partnership officially kicks off on July 11, 2024, when Joyce Edwards and Excel drop the announcement together. It’s a massive move, setting her up for opportunities few college players have ever seen.

But what really sets Joyce Edwards apart? She doesn’t just take the money—she gives back. Edwards donates $10 million to South Carolina’s women’s basketball program. Her gift helps upgrade facilities, fund scholarships, and invest in the future of a program that helps shape her. Most athletes dream of going big. Edwards makes sure others get that same shot.

This deal isn’t just about cash. It’s proof that women’s college hoops is bigger than ever. It’s about raising the bar, showing that elite female athletes deserve the same backing and spotlight as the men. And at just 19, Edwards is just getting started.

Which high school did Joyce Edwards attend?

Edwards writes her story at Camden High School, where she dominates from the first tip-off. As a junior, she averages 28.5 points and 13.6 rebounds, leading Camden to a 3A state championship. She runs it back her senior year, bumps her scoring to 31.3 per game, and grabs the Gatorade National Player of the Year award.

But high school isn’t her only stage. Joyce Edwards stars nationally, too. She’s co-MVP of the McDonald’s All-American Game, leads Team USA to gold at the Under-19 World Cup, and proves she can handle anyone—even pros overseas.

That international experience shapes her. “The physicality, the refs, the atmosphere—it’s all a level up,” she says. “I’m just grateful to have that experience.”

Joyce Edwards’ ability to adjust quickly turns heads. Team USA U19 coach Joni Taylor praises her feel for the game. “She’s very talented, but what stood out was how fast she picks up scouting reports and makes changes. She studies the game and asks questions. That’s rare at her age.”

Once she commits to South Carolina, the comparisons to A’ja Wilson start flying. Both are in-state legends. W and JE play the same position. Both have that takeover gene. And their freshman seasons? Pretty close.

Wilson averages 13.1 points and 6.6 rebounds. Edwards? 12.7 and 4.8. But their paths look a little different. Wilson comes in with veteran leaders around her. Edwards has to step up right away.

South Carolina starts adjusting after losing Kamilla Cardoso. Then comes another blow—Ashlyn Watkins tears her ACL. That leaves Joyce Edwards in a three-forward rotation with Chloe Kitts and Sania Feagin. There’s no easing in. She’s got to produce from Day 1.

And she does. Edwards leads South Carolina in scoring and becomes their go-to player by the end of the season. First-team All-SEC as a freshman. Then comes the NCAA Tournament, and with it, new pressure—every opponent is zoning in on her.

“It’s a gift and a curse,” Dawn Staley says. “You’re our leading scorer, so teams are going to focus on stopping you. It’s about adjusting, not overcomplicating things. We’re trying to simplify the game for her because everything is coming fast.”

Edwards sees it too. “My dad told me in the middle of the season, ‘You’re at the top of the scouting report now.’ Teams are preparing for me more. That’s just part of March Madness.”

Now, she’s on the sport’s biggest stage—the Final Four in Tampa. Just like A’ja back in 2015. That year, Wilson has a monster game in her first Final Four. Now it’s Joyce Edwards’ turn.

“I don’t know if Texas will double-team,” she says before the matchup. “They have big forwards and a high-pressure defense, but I’m ready.”

She’s not copying A’ja Wilson’s path. She’s carving out her own. And if history says anything—she’s far from done.

What is Joyce Edwards’ net worth as of 2025?

There’s no official number for Edwards’ net worth—and that’s expected. College athletes don’t exactly file public financial reports. But when it comes to her value? That’s a whole different conversation.

Joyce Edwards is one of the biggest names in women’s college basketball, and that kind of spotlight brings major earning power. The NIL era changes everything. For someone like her, with national hype and elite talent, she’s not just playing for wins—she’s building a brand.

Exact numbers? Still a mystery. But here’s what we do know—her value is rising, fast. She’s dominating the court, cashing in off of it, and leading a new wave of college athletes who are changing the game.