In a recruiting bombshell that sent shockwaves across the women’s college basketball landscape, 5-star phenom Joyce Edwards has officially committed to the LSU Tigers, choosing to play for Kim Mulkey and the reigning powerhouse in Baton Rouge. For a program already boasting one of the most talented and high-profile rosters in the nation, this commitment further solidifies LSU as the epicenter of elite women’s basketball for the foreseeable future.
This move didn’t just shake up recruiting boards—it redefined the national championship conversation for the next few years.
The Making of a Superstar: Who is Joyce Edwards?
Joyce Edwards, a 6-foot-2 forward from Camden, South Carolina, is widely considered one of the most dominant high school players in the country. Ranked No. 2 overall in the Class of 2025 by multiple recruiting services and No. 1 at her position, Edwards is a generational talent with the versatility, athleticism, and basketball IQ that coaches dream of.
Her high school accolades are staggering:
- 2024 Gatorade South Carolina Player of the Year
- McDonald’s All-American
- Led Camden High School to back-to-back state championships
- Averaged 27.3 points, 13.2 rebounds, 4.5 blocks, and 3.8 steals per game in her junior season
She’s a player who can dominate both ends of the floor—a relentless rebounder, shot-blocker, transition finisher, and mid-range sniper who has developed an expanding three-point shot. Her game resembles a hybrid of A’ja Wilson’s defensive prowess and Breanna Stewart’s scoring range. Simply put, she is a matchup nightmare.
What makes her commitment so shocking isn’t just the choice—it’s what she turned down.
A Recruiting Battle Royal: Beating the Blue Bloods
Edwards was heavily courted by virtually every elite program in the country. South Carolina, led by Dawn Staley, was widely viewed as the favorite to land the in-state star. With the Gamecocks riding high from an undefeated national championship season and an extraordinary recruiting pipeline, most insiders pegged Columbia as her next home.
Other finalists included UConn, Stanford, Tennessee, and Notre Dame—all schools with rich legacies and proven developmental systems.
But Kim Mulkey had other plans. LSU’s coaching staff intensified their pursuit over the last six months, deploying an aggressive but thoughtful strategy that emphasized personal relationships, long-term player development, and championship aspirations. Sources say Mulkey made multiple visits to Camden and brought Edwards on a compelling official visit to Baton Rouge that included meetings with alumni, NIL branding experts, and exclusive facilities access.
The visit left a lasting impression.
“Coach Mulkey believes in me not just as a player, but as a leader and a future face of women’s basketball,” Edwards said in her commitment announcement. “I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to be part of something this special.”
What Joyce Edwards Brings to LSU
With Angel Reese now in the WNBA, LSU’s frontcourt will be reshaped in the coming years. Joyce Edwards immediately fills that void—and perhaps exceeds it in terms of versatility. Edwards isn’t just a post presence; she’s a stretch-four with perimeter skills, quick feet, and an elite motor.
Here’s what Edwards adds to the Tigers:
- Elite Defense: Her lateral quickness allows her to guard multiple positions. She’s a shot-blocking machine and can switch onto guards in pick-and-roll scenarios.
- Effortless Scoring: Whether in the paint or beyond the arc, Edwards has the ability to score efficiently. She’s capable of creating her own shot and thrives in transition.
- High Basketball IQ: Coaches and scouts rave about her decision-making and court vision, particularly for a player her size.
- Rebounding Machine: With natural instincts and superior positioning, Edwards dominates the boards.
Kim Mulkey’s Dynasty Vision: Becoming the New UConn?
When Kim Mulkey took the reins at LSU in 2021, she made it clear that her goal was not just to win—it was to dominate. In just a few short years, she’s delivered on that promise, including a national championship in 2023 and back-to-back elite recruiting classes.
With players like Mikaylah Williams, Aneesah Morrow, Hailey Van Lith, and Flau’jae Johnson, the program is already stacked. Add Joyce Edwards to that mix, and suddenly LSU isn’t just reloading—they’re constructing a super team.
Mulkey is now doing what Geno Auriemma did at UConn and what Dawn Staley is building at South Carolina—assembling a talent pipeline that ensures long-term dominance. Edwards is more than a top recruit—she’s the kind of player who can elevate the standard for everyone around her.
“Joyce is the kind of player who comes around once in a generation,” Mulkey said in a press release. “She’s not just special—she’s transformative. She’s going to be the anchor of our team and a face of the game.”
The NIL Factor: Why LSU Won Off the Court Too
Another compelling factor in Edwards’ decision may have been the explosive Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) infrastructure that LSU has cultivated. LSU women’s basketball is one of the top brands in college sports, with star players like Angel Reese and Flau’jae Johnson gaining massive social media followings and endorsement deals.
Flau’jae, a rapper signed to Roc Nation, and Reese, dubbed the “Bayou Barbie,” have shown the possibilities available to LSU players off the court. Sources indicate Edwards received strong assurances about brand-building opportunities and long-term career guidance—something Mulkey and her staff have woven deeply into their recruiting pitch.
“I want to build a brand that lasts beyond college,” Edwards said. “At LSU, I can be part of a movement.”
SEC Beware: The Tigers Are Coming
With Edwards joining LSU’s future core, the rest of the SEC has every reason to be concerned. Programs like South Carolina, Tennessee, Ole Miss, and Mississippi State have elevated their recruiting, but none have landed a player quite like Joyce Edwards.
This commitment signals that Mulkey isn’t content with just one title. She wants multiple rings. She wants a legacy. She wants LSU to be the gold standard.
And she’s well on her way.
National Implications: Re-Shaping the 2025-26 Landscape
While most programs are still shaping their 2025 classes, LSU has now jumped to the No. 1 class in the nation, pending any late surprises. If Edwards is joined by one or two more top-tier recruits, it may go down as one of the best classes in women’s college basketball history.
Let’s not forget that LSU already has a national title and the country’s most vibrant fanbase. Now, they’ll have arguably the most exciting freshman in America.
