Note: The following appears in the Louisville gameday football program
It would not be inaccurate to say that basketball is in Danielle Edwards’ blood. Both her mother and father were college basketball players for Mount St. Mary’s in the 1980s. Several aunts and uncles played in college and both of her brothers played growing up. For Edwards, it was inevitable that she would play the game that her family lived and breathed.
“I started playing basketball when I was about three. I played other sports, too, but basketball was the sport that I loved most, so I put my all into it.”
Edwards’ basketball career took off when her neighbor asked her to try out for a team with her at the age of 10. Edwards made the team, and it changed her life. Summer after summer, days were spent playing with a team that soon became her family, both figuratively and literally, as Edwards’ cousin, Lindsey Edwards, played on the team as well.
When it came time to think about playing at the next level, the Maryland native kept her options open and went all in on the recruiting process. It was during an official visit to Clemson when Edwards believed she had found the perfect fit.
“There was so much pride associated with wearing the orange and purple and repping the Paw that I felt like Clemson was the place for me,” said Edwards. “I wanted to be a part of a changing program that I could have an impact on and set the standard.”
Three years and 91 games later, Edwards enters her senior season on the cusp of becoming the Tigers’ first four-year starter since Lele Hardy (2006-10). The point guard returns as the third-leading scorer from 2017-18, averaging 9.2 points per game.
A defensive-minded player, Edwards paced the Tigers in steals (78) a season ago and was second in the ACC. The junior’s performance in the backcourt earned her a spot on the All-ACC Defensive team.
Heading into her final year of eligibility, Edwards has much to look forward, including working with a new coaching staff, led by first-year head coach Amanda Butler, and renewing a family rivalry. The Tigers take on High Point on Dec. 5, bringing Edwards face-to-face with the cousin, Lindsey, she grew up playing alongside.
With the season beginning on Thursday against Wofford in Littlejohn Coliseum, Edwards is excited for what is ahead.
“I haven’t experienced postseason, so getting there, whether that be the NCAA Tournament or the WNIT, would be incredible for my senior season. I want to see this program do more, and I truly think that we can.”
As a senior, Edwards has thought about what comes next following graduation. With such a deep love for basketball, it comes as no surprise that she is considering a career in coaching. Several members of the Tiger staff are involved in WBCA’s “So You Want To Be A Coach” program and have mentored Edwards in her next steps following college.
The goal of playing professionally is still a very realistic aspiration for Edwards, who isn’t quite ready to give up the game she loves.
“I’d like to play overseas, and if the WNBA presents itself and I have the opportunity to try out, then of course I would take that.”
Until then, Edwards is gearing up for her senior campaign, ready to lead her team into a new era of Clemson women’s basketball.
“I cannot wait to see how everything unfolds this season. I think we are going to see the start of something new and exciting for the program.”
