Against the Odds: Aaliyah Edwards on Journey in Basketball, Time at UCONN, Career in the WNBA, Kingston Roots, Navigating Adversity, Passions Beyond the Court, and More
Passion, determination, a relentless drive, and a deep commitment to being one-percent better every day. Four themes that have anchored Aaliyah Edwards throughout her journey in basketball; and ones that continue to guide her approach and perspective through the ebbs and flows of it all. Born and raised in Kingston, Ontario, Canada, Aaliyah remembers the moment she fell in love with the game like it was yesterday. "When did I know…when I first started playing rep basketball for the first time when I was like 12 years old. My mom and my older brother were my coaches so they laid the foundation for me. I feel like from then on, I just loved being around the game (and) loved the whole team aspect of it," she shares. This was only the beginning. Upon graduating from middle school, Aaliyah moved away from her hometown of Kingston to attend Crestwood Preparatory College in Toronto. Little did she know that, in the years to come, this decision would lead her to foster an incredible personal legacy in Canada at a young age, secure the opportunity to play collegiate basketball at one of the top programs in the United States, and inch closer to her dreams of playing professionally. For Aaliyah though, it was all about growing each and every day. She was on a mission. During her time at Crestwood, Aaliyah achieved a series of incredible feats—including multiple high school championships, a senior national team debut with Team Canada at just 16 years old, and a silver medal at age 17 at the 2019 FIBA Women's AmeriCup in Puerto Rico—before taking that next step in her basketball career and committing to the University of Connecticut (UConn). It was up from there. "I was always super intentional and super determined to just be selfish with my development, improving and being one-percent better each and every time I touched that floor. Looking at a four-year glance, every year I wanted to be better than I was the previous year," she highlights. Sure enough, she did just that. From her leadership to her basketball IQ to her daily habits, Aaliyah continued to work on becoming the best version of herself throughout her time at UConn.
Before she knew it, her four years at UConn had flown by and the opportunity to embark on the next chapter of her basketball journey was here. With the sixth overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, the Washington Mystics selected Aaliyah. "That moment will forever be in my head just as a milestone for me. I always just look back at the little girl who would watch the WNBA or just watch pro basketball and have dreams and aspirations of being in the same position as the people I'm watching on TV," Aaliyah shares when
reflecting on the moment
she heard her name called. She had done it. She had achieved her childhood dream of playing basketball at the professional level. Along with the level of basketball, this new chapter also brought a series of unexpected twists and turns that tested Aaliyah in a different way. "I think (the transition to the league) was easier than it probably could have been, but I think the hardest part—going on to what you're saying—was the mental aspect of being a pro...I had never really dealt with injuries. In terms of showing up to the game, performing and having the will to win, I was always there. I always suited up. I was always ready. But you know, I've dealt with a couple of injuries since coming into the league and also I think I've lost more than I have in my life since coming to the league. It just comes with being a pro. I also dealt with trades earlier on in my career—that's something that not a lot of people talk about," she states. Through it all, there is a deep sense of gratitude that grounds Aaliyah as she ponders on navigating injuries and trades early on in her WNBA career. "I got traded last season from D.C. to Connecticut. Never thought I would really come back here and play in the city that I spent four years playing in...it was a blessing to come back to my roots and some familiarity. I'm grateful for the fan base. I'm grateful for the support. I got a lot of support from fans who watched me grow up and play at UConn. The Tribe here at Mohegan has been so great to us," she highlights. Beyond the game, Aaliyah has also left her mark through various off-court ventures in fashion, youth mentorship, and community outreach. Most importantly, there is a powerful message reflected in her journey both on and off the court that she hopes to share with others: you can achieve anything and everything you set your mind to...even if others may deem it AGAINST THE ODDS!
Take us all the way back! How did you get started playing basketball?
My basketball journey, like many others, has had a lot of highs and lows but I'm really grateful for my Canada Basketball community because at the early age of 15, I was playing for my group level team for the national team—so very grateful for them. I was 16 playing up against pros when I first played with the senior women's national team in the Olympic pool. I was really grateful for that opportunity being exposed to great veterans of my country and also just being exposed to a great basketball experience worldwide. I got to play in Argentina, Belarus, Turkey, all these different countries at such a young age and it really helped shape the player that I am today. I think the core of my basketball journey is definitely being exposed to playing with my national team at an early age, building that rapport, and being that impactful young player to lead the next generation. I really accredit my game and my journey to that.
When did you know that you wanted to play basketball at the professional level one day?
My likeness of the sport turned into passion and determination of this really being a career for myself when I was in high school. I went to a preparatory college called Crestwood in Toronto, and I had to actually relocate from my hometown Kingston to go to this school. It wasn't until then—(where) we won back-to-back championships, the adrenaline's high, I'm on a great momentum—that I was like: “This is something that I'm really passionate about doing. I really love the game.” I think a lot of opportunities opened up for me (from there). I did Basketball Without Borders at that time and then I started getting looks from colleges in the States. Obviously, as an international player, that's always a big grand thing. Coming home and seeing all the letters in my mailbox was such a cool moment for me and my family. Then, I stumbled upon getting into contact with Coach Geno (Auriemma) and this is where I am now. But going back to your question about when did I know…I think when I first started playing rep basketball for the first time when I was like 12 years old. My mom and my older brother were my coaches so they laid the foundation for me. I feel like from then on, I just loved being around the game (and) loved the whole team aspect of it. You know, you can't put the whole team on your back. You got to grab your teammates and play with them, play for them, and uplift them so you can all play as a unit. I think those were the core memories and the core lessons where I was like: “This is why I love this sport because it's beyond the name on the back of your jersey. It's more about the name across your chest.” So I think those little memories are what I cherish.
Let’s dive into your journey in college! You mentioned getting a small taste of being away from home during your time in high school, but you then went to UConn—which meant traveling to another country, playing at another level, and being immersed in a different environment all-around. Could you share more with us about how that transition from high school to college was like for you?
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