It has been a very long time since Alia Edwards performed basketball on the court docket at Frontenac Excessive College in Ontario.
Former standout Frontenac led the Falcons to metropolis, regional and provincial titles.
“All of her success is admittedly no shock to any of us as a result of the second she walked into the constructing we knew she was particular and we knew she had quite a bit to offer,” the coach stated. Basketball Falcons Carlin Pixley.
Alongside the best way, Edwards represented Ontario and ultimately Canada, all by the tenth grade.
“It’s a type of issues that’s particularly good to say that we coached her, however I believe I realized extra from her than she realized from me,” Pixley stated.
Throughout her final two years in highschool, Edwards transferred to Crestwood Preparatory Faculty in Toronto earlier than being recruited by the College of Connecticut Huskies of the NCAA.
Aaliyah and her trademark purple and gold braids, that are a tribute to Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers, flourished on the degree of American universities. She was named to the Huge East Freshman Workforce and was the sixth Girl of the 12 months in her rookie season, and was the third workforce All-American final yr.
“The usual and the extent of excellence they require of us as athletes, I believe in an atmosphere like this you prepare every single day in opposition to the perfect gamers which might be my teammates after which once we go into competitions we transfer on to the video games. “We’re prepared,” Alia Edwards stated.
Her recreation has gotten higher each season. Within the 2022–2023 season, she averaged a double-double per recreation with 18.3 factors and 11 rebounds, and with Aaliyah for the UConn Huskies, that they had spectacular seasons, reaching the Closing 4 in two of three, together with a championship look. a recreation.
And most frequently her dad and mom have been close by, applauding from the stands. The Edwards have been current in any respect however two of Alia’s video games final season, together with away video games. They even grew to become the butt of jokes throughout TV video games.
“You recognize, when 9 or ten thousand folks within the enviornment cheer on your daughter and her workforce, you’ll be able to’t assist however scream,” stated Alia’s mom, Jackie Edwards.
“The truth that my dad and mom journey the gap and are available is simply loopy love for me, loopy love for what I’m enthusiastic about, and I’m simply grateful that I’ve dad and mom who’re prepared to do that,” stated Aliya .
However final season did not go based on plan. The Huskies have been eradicated from the NCAA Event within the Candy Sixteen, ending a 14-year streak of reaching a minimum of the Closing 4.
In what could possibly be her ultimate yr within the NCAA, Aaliyah is hopeful that the Huskies can return to the championship recreation and stroll away with a distinct file.
“You recognize, I, as a competitor, is not going to conform to Candy Sixteen. I need to get again to the nationwide championship recreation. I’ve yet another season left, so that is the aim,” Alia stated.
“I believe Alia has ready for the place she is now. She had that ethic when she was youthful,” stated Jackie Edwards. “When she was right here in Frontenac, she understood that she wanted to go to the health club earlier than college and are available again to the health club after college. So I believe the dedication and dedication is off the charts, however she finds a manner out.”
And as if the checklist of her achievements must be longer, Alia has additionally amassed a powerful worldwide resume.
She performed for Canadian basketball at each attainable degree, usually returning dwelling with medals. On the age of 18, she even competed within the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. And in 2022, she was named the MVP of the brand new World Jam Underneath-23 event, the place Canada gained gold.
“One in all my desires as a toddler was to be an Olympian, and to truly say that I’m an Olympian is simply superb,” Alia stated. “It simply reveals that for those who really need one thing in life, it’s a must to actually work for it and it will likely be earned.”
Alia has just a few extra worldwide commitments in the summertime as Workforce Canada enters the Paris 2024 Olympics seeking to enhance their efficiency in Tokyo as they didn’t make it out of the spherical robin.
“The aim is “Street to the rostrum”, in February we even have qualifiers. It is lots of shifting elements, however this summer time I am primarily centered on being with the nationwide workforce, being with the adults,” Aliya stated.
Having succeeded in any respect ranges and become the most effective within the NCAA, Aaliyah remains to be unhappy and desires to maneuver to the subsequent degree by being chosen to the WNBA subsequent summer time.
“Oh? Completely! It is a dream, it is a imaginative and prescient of my aim to get drafted – you already know, I might like to play within the WNBA,” Alia stated.
“And I see her there,” Jackie stated. “With God’s will and her continued dedication to the game in 5 years, I hope to see her within the WNBA and simply be completely satisfied.”
And whereas Toronto is not precisely the health club at Frontenac Excessive College, because the league flirts with the concept of Canadian enlargement, Alia Edwards could also be returning to her homeland.
“My aim would undoubtedly be to return to Canada, return to my roots, return to the folks I really like and the nation I really like and play on my dwelling soil.”
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