“SHE PLAYED HER GAMECOCK BUTT OFF!”: Dawn Staley Delivers Fiery Praise After Joyce Edwards’ Electrifying Gold Medal Performance for Team USA at FIBA AmeriCup — A Rising Star Shines Bright on the Global Stage as South Carolina Pride Echoes Through the Red, White, and Blue
| July 13, 2025
SANTIAGO, CHILE —
The United States may have taken home the gold medal, but for many watching the 2025 FIBA Women’s AmeriCup, there was one name on every fan’s lips: Joyce Edwards. The South Carolina Gamecocks’ powerhouse forward erupted in dominating fashion, leading Team USA to a gold medal victory — and drawing the high-octane, emotional praise of none other than her college coach, Dawn Staley.
And Staley didn’t hold back one bit.
> “She played her Gamecock butt off!” the Hall of Fame coach said, beaming with pride during a post-game media appearance. “That’s how we train. That’s how we teach. And Joyce — she brought it to the world stage.”
In a performance that will go down as one of the most impactful by a college player in international competition, Edwards reminded everyone watching that the future of women’s basketball doesn’t just belong to her — it may run through Columbia, South Carolina.
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THE GOLDEN GAME: EDWARDS DOMINATES THE FIBA AMERICUP FINAL
With Team USA facing off against a gritty and experienced Brazilian squad, the gold medal match was expected to be a clash of titans. But Joyce Edwards made sure there was no doubt who the true powerhouse was.
The South Carolina freshman-turned-Team USA standout logged 22 points, 14 rebounds, 3 blocks, and 2 steals, all while maintaining an elite defensive presence that turned the tide of the game early. From transition buckets to post dominance, Edwards was simply everywhere.
Even veteran analysts who’ve covered multiple Olympic cycles were left stunned.
> “This wasn’t just a strong outing,” said ESPN’s LaChina Robinson. “It was a coming out party. Joyce Edwards just introduced herself to the world.”
What made her performance even more impressive? She’s just 19 years old.
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FROM COLUMBIA TO THE WORLD: THE DAWN STALEY EFFECT ON FULL DISPLAY
For Dawn Staley, who coached Team USA to Olympic gold and has built a national powerhouse at South Carolina, Joyce Edwards’ success hits close to home. Not only is Edwards one of the newest crown jewels in Staley’s stacked Gamecock roster, but her performance also reinforces what many already believe: Staley doesn’t just produce great players — she produces champions.
> “Joyce went out there and did what we’ve seen her do at practice every day,” Staley said in a social media clip after the game. “She’s fearless, she’s smart, and she carries that Gamecock toughness with her wherever she goes.”
The South Carolina community responded in kind. Social media erupted with messages of celebration, with hashtags like #GamecocksGoGlobal and #JoyceGoneGold trending across X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram.
Staley herself reposted highlight reels of Edwards with captions like “The world better get ready. This is just the beginning.”
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A PROGRAM THAT BUILDS GOLD
The Gamecocks’ presence at the FIBA AmeriCup wasn’t just limited to Joyce Edwards. Current and former South Carolina stars were sprinkled across national team rosters, further showcasing the global footprint of a program that has become a factory for greatness.
And it’s not by accident. The foundation Dawn Staley has laid in Columbia is rooted in discipline, excellence, and a fierce competitive spirit. Whether on NCAA hardwood or under FIBA lights, Gamecocks show up. And they show out.
In just the last five years, Staley has sent multiple players to WNBA stardom, Olympic rosters, and international championships. Edwards’ breakout is simply the next chapter in a dynasty that refuses to stop writing history.
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WHAT’S NEXT FOR EDWARDS AND THE GAMECOCKS?
With her name now recognized internationally, Joyce Edwards returns to Columbia with a gold medal around her neck and a target on her back. She’ll join a South Carolina squad primed to contend for another NCAA national title, bringing back a roster loaded with athleticism, leadership, and now — championship confidence.
And if you ask Coach Staley?
> “She’s not done,” she said. “Joyce is just getting warmed up.”
The buzz surrounding Edwards is already affecting ticket sales for South Carolina’s upcoming season, with fans flooding the team store for Edwards gear and Gamecock Nation preparing for what could be a historic campaign.
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A FINAL WORD: FROM GOLD TO GREATNESS
Joyce Edwards’ performance on the international stage is more than just a standout stat line. It’s a declaration — a signal that the next generation of women’s basketball isn’t just rising; it’s roaring.
Thanks to her FIBA heroics and the resounding support from Coach Staley and the South Carolina program, the basketball world now knows:
Joyce Edwards doesn’t just wear the jersey — she defines it.
And when she steps on the court, whether for Team USA or the Gamecocks…
She’s playing her Gamecock butt off. 🏆🇺🇸🐔
Happy Gold Day, Joyce. Columbia is proud.
And the world?
It’s officially on notice.
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