South Carolina women’s basketball star Joyce Edwards is adding another major honor to her rapidly growing résumé, earning a place on the prestigious 2026-27 Wade Trophy watch list as she continues to establish herself among the nation’s elite players.
The Gamecocks junior forward was named one of 15 candidates for the 50th Wade Trophy on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, according to the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA).
The recognition places Edwards among the leading contenders for college basketball’s oldest and most prestigious national player of the year award. It also adds another milestone to an impressive career that has already featured All-American honors, record-breaking performances and major contributions to South Carolina’s championship ambitions.
For Edwards, however, the latest recognition is about more than individual achievement. It reflects just how quickly she has become one of the most influential players in women’s college basketball.
Edwards Joins an Elite Group of Wade Trophy Contenders
The Wade Trophy has a special connection to South Carolina basketball.
Two Gamecock legends have previously captured the award: A’ja Wilson, who won it following the 2017-18 season, and Aliyah Boston, who claimed the honor after the 2021-22 campaign.
Now, Edwards has an opportunity to follow in their footsteps.
The 2026-27 watch list features 15 standout players selected by the WBCA NCAA Division I Awards Committee. Being included places Edwards in distinguished company as the national player of the year race begins to take shape.
The committee will review the candidates around the middle of the season, with the possibility of adding more players based on their performances during the opening half of the campaign.
The eventual winner will be announced in April 2027 at the WBCA Convention in Columbus, Ohio, which will also host the 2027 NCAA Women’s Final Four.
Joyce Edwards Continues Where She Left Off
Edwards has wasted little time showing why she deserves the recognition.
The South Carolina forward opened her junior campaign with a team-high 23 points against No. 20/17 Maryland, delivering another impressive offensive performance for the top-ranked Gamecocks.
That outing marked the 28th 20-point game of her career.
Even more remarkable, she has reached that milestone after just 80 career appearances, placing her 10th in South Carolina program history for career 20-point performances.
Her scoring production has been backed by exceptional efficiency. Edwards entered her junior season averaging 16.1 points per game for her career while shooting an impressive 55.3% from the field.
Those numbers highlight a player who can consistently generate offense without relying on excessive shot attempts.
A Record-Breaking Sophomore Season
Edwards’ inclusion on the Wade Trophy watch list is hardly surprising when considering what she accomplished during the 2025-26 campaign.
As a sophomore, she emerged as South Carolina’s leading scorer, averaging 19.2 points per game. That figure ranked 30th nationally and fourth in the SEC.
She was equally effective around the basket, shooting 57.1% from the field, good for 20th nationally and fifth in the conference.
Her remarkable consistency translated into seven single-season program records.
Edwards’ record-breaking achievements included:
- 768 total points scored.
- 22 games with at least 20 points.
- 37 games with at least 10 points.
- 1,222 minutes played.
- 40 games played.
- 40 games started.
- 289 points scored in SEC regular-season games.
Those accomplishments demonstrate the enormous responsibility she carried for the Gamecocks throughout the season.
But Edwards is not simply a scorer.
Her all-around contributions made her one of the SEC’s most complete players, ranking among the conference’s top 15 in rebounding, offensive rebounding, steals and blocks.
She averaged 2.9 offensive rebounds, 1.8 steals and 1.1 blocks per game, providing valuable production on both ends of the floor.
Two-Time All-American Leading South Carolina’s Charge
Edwards has already established herself as one of the premier young talents in the country.
She earned All-American recognition twice and collected First-Team All-SEC honors in each of her first two seasons.
Her ability to score efficiently, attack the glass, disrupt opposing offenses and contribute defensively makes her an important piece of South Carolina’s championship ambitions.
The Gamecocks enter the 2026-27 campaign ranked No. 1 in both major national polls, carrying enormous expectations as they pursue another successful season under head coach Dawn Staley.
With Edwards continuing to develop, South Carolina has another dynamic offensive weapon capable of making life difficult for opposing defenses.
Full 2026-27 Wade Trophy Watch List
Edwards is among an impressive collection of players representing some of the biggest programs in women’s college basketball.
The 15 nominees are:
- Mikayla Blakes — Vanderbilt
- Madison Booker — Texas
- Jaloni Cambridge — Ohio State
- Aaliyah Chavez — Oklahoma
- Audi Crooks — Oklahoma State
- Jazzy Davidson — Southern Cal
- Joyce Edwards — South Carolina
- Toby Fournier — Duke
- Hannah Hidalgo — Notre Dame
- Kymora Johnson — Virginia
- Liv McGill — Oklahoma State
- Olivia Olson — Michigan
- Clara Strack — Kentucky
- Sarah Strong — UConn
- JuJu Watkins — Southern Cal
- Mikaylah Williams — LSU
What’s Next for South Carolina?
South Carolina will return to action Sunday, November 8, when the Gamecocks face No. 12/11 North Carolina in Charlotte.
The matchup is part of the Ally Tipoff doubleheader, with tipoff scheduled for 5:30 p.m. ET on ESPN.
It presents another opportunity for Edwards to build momentum and strengthen her case for national recognition against high-level competition.
The Wade Trophy race remains in its early stages, and plenty can change before the season reaches its decisive stretch. Still, Edwards has already demonstrated the scoring ability, efficiency and versatility required to compete with the nation’s best.
South Carolina has previously celebrated Wade Trophy winners in Wilson and Boston. With Edwards now on the watch list, the program could have another serious contender on its hands.
If her early-season production is any indication, the Joyce Edwards Wade Trophy watch list 2026-27 recognition could be just the beginning of an even bigger junior season.
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