“She is a once-in-a-lifetime athlete,” said Camden High girls’ basketball coach Natalie Norris. Joyce Edwards wasn’t just another good player. Camden, South Carolina, had seen its share of great athletes. But no one had the buzz she did. A school-wide assembly—complete with a marching band, cheerleaders, and the school mascot—was held at Camden High to honor Edwards as she received her McDonald’s All-American jersey. It was a historic moment, probably the first-ever in the school. 

Camden had produced NFL stars like Vonnie Holliday, Charles Bennett, and Bobby Engram. But, Edwards was something else. “It is a true testament to the historic greatness of her career,” Norris said. Months in, she was with South Carolina Gamecocks, making her way into Freshman of the Year conversation. Her story is one of loyalty, grit, and talent. And she never had to leave home to prove it.

Who is Joyce Edwards’ mother, Rasheedah?

Rasheedah Edwards is an engineer and the mother of 3 kids– Don, Joyce, and Tyler Edwards. And, needless to say, she has been the Gamecock star’s constant support through it all. It was evident as Joyce broke down in tears during her speech for McDonald’s jersey and went on to thank her family. It was further evident when she narrated the incident of how she managed to get a picture with A’ja Wilson.

The young talent was in middle school when she used to mop floors at Colonial Life Arena after South Carolina home games. In return, she could watch Wilson-led Gamecocks play for free. Initially, Joyce wasn’t a fan of the idea, being shy and embarrassed. But it was her mother who encouraged her, which would eventually end in snapping a picture with her favorite player.

While Rasheedah was supportive like that, staying through the joy of winning a gold medal with Team USA, the grind, the setbacks, and the victories, she’d wish Joyce to stay closer home. And the star guard listened. “Home was just in my backyard,” she says.

Who is Joyce Edwards’ father? What does he do?

Joyce’s father, Charlie Edwards, stays out of the spotlight. Not much is known about his background, except that he is an engineer. But that doesn’t mean he hasn’t played a role in Joyce’s success. She has constantly thanked her family, and the results speak enough. 

What is Joyce Edwards’ parents’ nationality?

Charlie and Rasheedah Edwards are American. Their daughter put Camden, South Carolina, on the national map, before going on to play for Dawn Staley’s team. No matter how far she goes, her journey will always be tied to home.

As much as she is an excellent player, Joyce Edwards’ parents placed equal importance on her studies. “School always comes first. Even in my family, I couldn’t play sports without getting my grades right, and I kind of think my parents just instilled that in me,” she said in April last year.

The University of South Carolina didn’t offer the major she was looking for, so Edwards turned towards other options. But Dawn Staley wasn’t ready to let her go. After meetings and option exploring, Edwards made her choice. She stayed home. And her freshman season at South Carolina started strong with a 68-62 win over Michigan. She averaged 12.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.1 assists while shooting 54.1% from the field.

Does Joyce Edwards have any siblings?

Joyce isn’t the only athlete in her family. She has two siblings, Don and Tyler Edwards. However, not much is known about them. 

Joyce Edwards has always had talent. But it’s her family that gave her the strength to chase greatness. Now, she’s bringing that same determination to South Carolina. And she’s just getting started.