In a moment that cements her rise as one of the brightest stars in women’s basketball, South Carolina forward Joyce Edwards has officially been named to Team USA’s 2025 FIBA Women’s AmeriCup roster. The announcement, met with cheers from both fans in Columbia and followers of USA Basketball across the nation, marks another major milestone in Edwards’ already sensational career.
From Staley’s South Carolina system to the global stage, the Gamecock forward’s journey has been defined by elite talent, tireless work ethic, and a competitive spirit that sets her apart. Now, as she prepares to don the red, white, and blue for the AmeriCup tournament, Joyce Edwards is poised to bring her signature mix of energy, versatility, and leadership to Team USA in a bid for international dominance.
Edwards, one of the most dynamic and impactful players in college basketball, has spent the past season making headlines with the South Carolina Gamecocks, showcasing an all-around game that includes dominant interior play, the ability to defend multiple positions, and a knack for making clutch plays when her team needs them most. Her commitment to excellence on and off the court has not only elevated her own profile but also helped carry the Gamecocks to national prominence.
This Team USA selection is just the latest chapter in what has already been a storybook year for the star forward. Her presence on the AmeriCup roster sends a strong message—not only about the depth and quality of Dawn Staley’s program at South Carolina, but also about Edwards’ ability to transition from college dominance to international competition.
“I’m honored and beyond excited,” Edwards said in a brief statement following the announcement. “Wearing ‘USA’ across my chest is a dream come true. I’ve worked for this, prayed for this, and I’m going to give everything I’ve got for my country.”
Her inclusion on the national roster is not only a personal achievement but also a moment of immense pride for the Gamecock family. Edwards becomes one of the select few collegiate athletes to represent the United States in the prestigious FIBA Women’s AmeriCup—a tournament that serves as both a proving ground and a launchpad for future Olympic and World Cup aspirations.
Joyce’s coach, Dawn Staley—herself a legend in international competition and a former head coach for Team USA—was quick to offer praise for her star player. “Joyce is built for this moment,” Staley said. “She’s the kind of player who thrives under pressure, who leads by example, and who understands what it means to represent something bigger than yourself. This is a big win for Joyce, for our program, and for USA Basketball.”
At just 19 years old, Edwards is already a force to be reckoned with. Her combination of athleticism, skill, and basketball IQ allows her to impact games in a multitude of ways. Whether it’s chasing down a block in transition, snagging a tough rebound in traffic, or stepping out to hit a mid-range jumper, Edwards consistently finds ways to shift momentum and impose her will on both ends of the court.
Throughout the 2024-25 NCAA season, she has shown growth not just in her stats, but in her poise and leadership. It’s no coincidence that Team USA took notice. At every level, Edwards has proven she belongs among the best.
This year’s FIBA Women’s AmeriCup, to be held in Colombia, will feature elite national teams from across the Americas region—including Canada, Brazil, Puerto Rico, Argentina, and Mexico—all vying for international supremacy and qualification points for future global tournaments. Team USA, as always, enters as a favorite, but the competition will be fierce. And with the eyes of the basketball world watching, it’s the perfect opportunity for emerging stars like Joyce Edwards to shine.
Analysts are already predicting a standout showing for Edwards. Her length, strength, and versatility fit perfectly within Team USA’s high-tempo, defensive-minded scheme. The coaching staff, composed of a blend of WNBA and NCAA minds, is said to be thrilled with what Edwards brings to the table—both as an impact player and as a young leader in the locker room.
“She’s got that fire,” said a member of the USA Basketball selection committee. “She’s coachable, fearless, and she just makes winning plays. You can’t teach what Joyce has. She’s going to make a real difference at the AmeriCup.”
The FIBA Women’s AmeriCup has long been a showcase for future stars. Many of today’s WNBA greats—such as Breanna Stewart, A’ja Wilson, and Napheesa Collier—first gained international experience at this very tournament. Now, it’s Edwards’ turn to etch her name into that lineage.
For Edwards, the opportunity also represents a chance to continue breaking barriers and inspiring the next generation of athletes. As a young Black woman from Camden, South Carolina, her ascent to the international stage is about more than basketball—it’s about legacy, impact, and possibility.
“I want girls back home to know that they can do this too,” Edwards said. “No dream is too big. This is for all of them.”
Back in Columbia, the mood is electric. Social media buzzed with messages of congratulations, while fans and teammates celebrated the news with pride. Edwards’ selection is a testament not just to her personal grind, but also to the culture of excellence that Staley has cultivated within the South Carolina program.
“She’s just getting started,” said a Gamecock teammate. “Joyce is the kind of player who changes the game. We’ve seen it all year long, and now the world’s about to see it too.”
For Staley and the Gamecock coaching staff, the focus will soon return to preparation for another deep tournament run in the NCAA, but for now, there’s a moment to breathe—and to celebrate one of their own representing the red, white, and blue.
In Edwards’ corner stands a legion of supporters—from her family and friends to the South Carolina faithful—each one aware of just how hard she’s worked and just how far she’s come.
As she packs her bags for training camp and sets her sights on Colombia, the task ahead is clear. But for Edwards, this is less of a pressure-filled assignment and more of an opportunity she’s been waiting for her whole life.
“I’m just ready to hoop,” she said with a smile. “To represent my school, my family, and my country—it doesn’t get better than that.”
Indeed, it doesn’t. For Joyce Edwards, the next chapter has begun. And if the past is any indication, it’s going to be one to remember.
Congratulations to Joyce Edwards—Gamecock star, Team USA standout, and rising legend in the world of basketball. The world will be watching.
