South Carolina Star Joyce Edwards Named to Team USA Roster for 2025 FIBA Women’s AmeriCup—Poised to Chase Third Straight International Gold and Cement Her Place as One of America’s Rising Basketball Phenoms

🌟🏀 “From Columbia to the Continent: South Carolina Star Joyce Edwards Named to Team USA Roster for 2025 FIBA Women’s AmeriCup—Poised to Chase Third Straight International Gold and Cement Her Place as One of America’s Rising Basketball Phenoms” 🏀🌟

 

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO — June 21, 2025

 

A source of pride for South Carolina fans turns into a national moment: standout sophomore forward Joyce Edwards has been officially selected to represent USA Basketball at the 2025 FIBA Women’s AmeriCup, set to tip-off June 28 through July 6 in Santiago, Chile . Her journey thus far—marked by exceptional collegiate play, international dominance, and sheer tenacity—makes this announcement all the more thrilling.

 

 

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🏆 A Third Time in Red, White & Blue: The Next Chapter for a Gamecock Icon

 

This marks Edwards’ third consecutive summer donning the USA jersey, a testament to her elite standing on the international stage. She previously earned gold medals at the 2023 FIBA U19 World Cup and the 2024 U18 AmeriCup, the latter where she was named tournament MVP, averaging 14.2 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game .

 

“It’s an honor to wear the USA jersey again,” Edwards said. “Every time I step on the court with this team, I feel the history, the responsibility, and the opportunity to inspire.”

 

 

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🌍 Building Momentum: From Youth Star to Senior-Level Competitor

 

The 2025 AmeriCup is a senior-level national competition featuring 10 top-tier teams from across the Americas. The United States, aiming to claim its fifth-ever women’s AmeriCup title since 1993, placed second in 2023 .

 

The tournament not only crowns the continental champion but also acts as a precursor to the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup, with the top six finishers earning qualification .

 

 

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🏀 A Deep Roster of Rising Stars

 

The 12-player Team USA AmeriCup roster, selected after intense trials in Colorado Springs, is stacked with collegiate talent and decorated youth veterans . alongside Edwards, standouts include:

 

Madison Booker (Texas): a three-time youth-gold medalist

 

Mikayla Blakes (Vanderbilt), Flau’jae Johnson (LSU), Hannah Hidalgo (Notre Dame)

 

New faces such as Audi Crooks, Kennedy Smith, Hannah Stuelke and Grace VanSlooten

 

 

Head coach Kara Lawson (Duke) is supported by assistants DeLisha Milton-Jones and Jennie Baranczyk, ensuring leadership with deep experience on the world stage .

 

 

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🎯 Group Stage Battles: Road to Glory Starts June 28

 

Team USA will open their Group B campaign in Santiago against host nation Chile, followed by matchups with Colombia, Puerto Rico, and Mexico .

 

Joyce Edwards, representing one of five SEC players on the roster, adds a potent inside-outside threat to a balanced lineup . Her presence promises to anchor the USA’s paint game, while her international experience brings invaluable composure to every tip-off.

 

 

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🌟 What Joyce Brings to the Court

 

Elite International Pedigree: Two golds at youth levels; a 2024 AmeriCup MVP

 

Collegiate Excellence: South Carolina’s leading scorer (12.7 ppg), SEC First-Team and Freshman All-American

 

Gamecock Grit: Averaging 5 rebounds and shining in clutch NCAA moments, including multiple 20-point outings

 

 

Her combination of size (6’3″), skill, and winning mentality makes her a future frontline leader—for college, USA Basketball, and possibly the WNBA.

 

 

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🥇 Aiming for Three-Peat: What Success Looking Like

 

Victory in Santiago wouldn’t just be another gold medal—it would complete a three-year streak of international supremacy (U19, U18, senior). It’d also be a milestone for Edwards personally, solidifying her as a generational talent and inspiring future Gamecock hopefuls.

 

 

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🧭 The Bigger Picture: A Stepping Stone to Berlin 2026

 

Beyond AmeriCup glory, this tournament sets the stage for the 2026 FIBA World Cup in Berlin. Strong performance could elevate Edwards’ profile, positioning her as a consistent fixture on future senior USA teams.

 

 

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In Closing: For Joy Edwards—and Gamecock fans everywhere—this selection is confirmation of greatness earned. As the countdown to June 28 begins, all eyes will be on Santiago. Can Edwards lead Team USA to yet another gold and stamp her name on basketball lore? Based on her past performances and rising influence, expect nothing less.