In a move that has sent shockwaves throughout the women’s college basketball world, five-star phenom and South Carolina native Joyce Edwards has officially flipped her commitment and pledged her future to the LSU Tigers. Widely regarded as one of the most dominant high school prospects in recent memory, Edwards had long been expected to remain in-state and suit up for Dawn Staley’s powerhouse South Carolina Gamecocks. Her sudden and stunning decision to join Kim Mulkey’s LSU program instead has sparked wild speculation, raised eyebrows across the nation, and left many fans, analysts, and insiders grasping for answers. As the dust settles on one of the most dramatic recruiting twists of the year, three unknown but deeply compelling reasons have begun to emerge—offering a glimpse into what truly drove this unexpected change of heart.
Edwards, a 6-foot-2 forward out of Camden, South Carolina, is no ordinary recruit. She has been a national name since her early high school years, consistently ranking among the top players in the country, earning MVP honors at elite showcases, and drawing comparisons to some of the sport’s most decorated athletes. With elite footwork, unmatched versatility, and a motor that never quits, she seemed tailor-made to join the South Carolina Gamecocks and continue the legacy of dominance under Coach Staley. Her commitment to South Carolina had been celebrated as a homegrown fairytale—a hometown hero staying home to lead the program she grew up idolizing.
But fairytales, it seems, can take unpredictable turns.
News broke late Monday night that Edwards had not only decommitted from South Carolina but had instead committed to LSU—a decision that blindsided even those closest to the Gamecocks’ program. Almost immediately, questions began flooding social media and recruiting circles. Why would a generational talent walk away from a perennial national title contender in her home state? Why would she pass on the opportunity to play for one of the most respected coaches in women’s basketball history? And why LSU, a program that—while loaded with talent and defending a national title of its own—was not seen as the favorite in this recruitment?
The answers, as it turns out, are far more complex and layered than many initially realized.
While the public narrative has been shaped by speculation and surface-level analysis, sources close to the recruitment and those familiar with the inner workings of the decision suggest three little-known factors that helped tip the scales in favor of Baton Rouge.
The first of these reasons involves Edwards’ desire to forge her own legacy, separate from the towering shadows cast by recent South Carolina legends. In Columbia, she would have followed in the footsteps of All-Americans like A’ja Wilson, Aliyah Boston, and Zia Cooke—names forever etched into Gamecock history. While some players thrive on carrying that torch, others prefer to chart their own course. For Edwards, who has long been described as fiercely independent and highly competitive, there was a growing sense that joining LSU would allow her to build something unique—something undeniably hers.
LSU offers a platform where she can be the focal point of an evolving dynasty rather than simply the next piece in an already established one. Under Coach Kim Mulkey, the Tigers have rapidly transformed into a national power, winning a national championship in just Mulkey’s second season and bringing in some of the highest-rated recruits in the country. Joining LSU means playing a central role in an ambitious, aggressive program hungry for more titles. For Edwards, the chance to be at the heart of that fire may have proven too enticing to ignore.
Secondly, insiders point to a growing bond between Edwards and current LSU star Flau’jae Johnson—one that began at USA Basketball camps and continued through mutual interests off the court. Johnson, a standout guard and rising music artist, has become one of the most visible and influential figures in women’s college basketball. Her dynamic presence on and off the hardwood is magnetic, and her ability to blend basketball excellence with a brand-savvy public persona is something that has clearly inspired Edwards.
Multiple sources suggest that Flau’jae played a key role in recruiting Edwards behind the scenes, painting a vision of a future where the two could dominate on the court while building off-court empires. In the modern era of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness), these relationships matter more than ever. LSU has emerged as a frontrunner in maximizing NIL opportunities for women’s athletes, with Johnson and Angel Reese becoming household names and media sensations. Edwards, a player with undeniable star power and a unique personality, clearly saw the potential to leverage LSU’s national spotlight in ways that could elevate her career beyond basketball.
Finally, perhaps the most under-discussed but crucial factor in Edwards’ decision may be a shift in her family’s long-term vision. While the emotional pull of staying home was powerful, those close to her circle reveal that there were growing concerns about the pressure cooker that playing in Columbia might become. Between the weight of expectations, the proximity to hometown scrutiny, and the unavoidable comparisons to past South Carolina stars, the burden of staying local was reportedly beginning to wear on Edwards and her family. A fresh start at LSU provided not only a change in scenery but a chance to write a new story—one without the constant reminders of what she was supposed to be.
Sources also indicate that Edwards’ family felt extremely comfortable with Coach Mulkey and the LSU staff, citing their open communication, personal investment in Joyce’s development, and holistic approach to player growth. Mulkey, known for her fiery passion and championship pedigree, has a reputation for pushing her players to their limits but also fiercely protecting and advocating for them. For the Edwards family, that blend of intensity and loyalty may have offered the ideal environment for their daughter to thrive—on her own terms.
The fallout from Edwards’ flip is already being felt across the college basketball landscape. South Carolina fans, while understandably disappointed, have responded with a mixture of disbelief and respect. Dawn Staley, who has navigated recruiting wins and losses with grace throughout her career, issued a brief but classy statement wishing Edwards the best in her journey. Meanwhile, LSU fans have erupted with celebration, heralding the addition of Edwards as a defining moment in what has already been a historic recruiting run under Mulkey.
For the sport as a whole, the implications are massive. This is not just a recruiting win; it is a seismic shift that could alter the balance of power in women’s basketball for years to come. LSU now boasts one of the most loaded rosters in the country, with an elite mix of experience, youth, and raw talent. Edwards brings a game-changing presence on both ends of the court, capable of anchoring the defense while also exploding for 30 points on any given night. Paired with Johnson, Hailey Van Lith, and a host of other stars, she could help lead LSU to multiple national championships in the coming seasons.
Beyond the Xs and Os, though, Edwards’ decision is emblematic of a new era in college athletics—one defined not just by tradition and proximity, but by opportunity, brand-building, personal growth, and agency. Athletes today are empowered in ways previous generations never were, and they’re making decisions based on a complex blend of factors that extend far beyond basketball. Edwards’ move to LSU is a testament to that evolution—and a reminder that the future of the game will be shaped by bold choices and uncharted paths.
