DePaul University Athletics
Jade Edwards Returns to Sweet Home, Chicago
5/19/2022 11:12:00 AM | WOMEN'S BASKETBALL
American University transfer and three-time, all-conference guard starred at the Latin School
CHICAGO – Welcome home, Jade Edwards.
Coach Doug Bruno and his staff have landed the two-time, All-Patriot League First Team guard from American University who led the Eagles to the conference title and a berth in the NCAA tournament.
The 2021 Patriot League All-Defensive Team selection was an All-State performer at the Latin School before signing with American. She was named to the conference's All-Rookie Team as a freshman, averaged 14.5 points and nearly seven rebounds a game as a sophomore (second team all-conference) and 17.4 points and 7.4 rebounds as a junior.
In her senior year, Edwards led American in scoring at 12.6 points a game and rebounding at 6.5. The 5-foot, 10-inch standout was tops in blocked shots and second in assists and steals. The incoming DePaul graduate student has one year of eligibility remaining.
Edwards is the second women's basketball player to land in Lincoln Park from the NCAA transfer portal. Last month, ex-Notre Dame guard and McDonald's All-American Anaya Peoples became a Blue Demon.
"When I entered the portal, I heard from a lot of schools," Edwards said. "The thought of coming home for my last year was always in the back of my mind. My family lives in the Ravenswood community, just 10-15 minutes from DePaul's campus."
The initial contact came from associate head coach Jill M. Pizzotti with a text and follow-up phone call.
"I liked everything about the entire recruiting process," Edwards said. "Before Covid hit, I used to play with DePaul players at their open gym. I knew some of the players and there was already a comfort level there.
"A huge factor was their style of play. I came to the Notre Dame game last December and it was a great game. I sat in the second row at Wintrust Arena.
"I remember thinking this would be a great place to play, a lot of fun. They lead the nation in scoring and are among the leaders in assists. They always put up a lot of shots."
Edwards fondly recalled playing high school games at McGrath-Phillips Arena while suiting up for the Latin School.
"My family is really happy," she said. "When I played at Latin and in AAU games, they came to all my games.
"With Covid and everything, they didn't see me play at American. Now, I might just have my own cheering section."
Edwards' arrival certainly cheered up Bruno.
"We're very excited about Jade Edwards choosing DePaul," he said. "As a three-time, all-conference player, Jade brings great experience and all-around play. She is also a genuine Chicago story playing for coach Max Rouse at the Latin School just 1.5 miles from our campus.
"Her local story also includes playing for Flow Sports and co-founders Margaret Stender and Korie Hlede."
Edwards bolsters a Blue Demon backcourt that currently features newcomer Peoples and returnees Darrione Rogers, Kierra Collier, Kendall Holmes and Keke Rimmer.
That core group will be augmented by incoming freshmen guards 6-0 Zaria Hurston, Maeve McErlane, Haley Walker and Tara Daye.
"Jade made a strong impact on her team as the leading scorer, but more importantly was equally impactful when not scoring," Bruno said. "She is a great rebounder, facilitator and a tough defender."
Coach Doug Bruno and his staff have landed the two-time, All-Patriot League First Team guard from American University who led the Eagles to the conference title and a berth in the NCAA tournament.
The 2021 Patriot League All-Defensive Team selection was an All-State performer at the Latin School before signing with American. She was named to the conference's All-Rookie Team as a freshman, averaged 14.5 points and nearly seven rebounds a game as a sophomore (second team all-conference) and 17.4 points and 7.4 rebounds as a junior.
In her senior year, Edwards led American in scoring at 12.6 points a game and rebounding at 6.5. The 5-foot, 10-inch standout was tops in blocked shots and second in assists and steals. The incoming DePaul graduate student has one year of eligibility remaining.
Edwards is the second women's basketball player to land in Lincoln Park from the NCAA transfer portal. Last month, ex-Notre Dame guard and McDonald's All-American Anaya Peoples became a Blue Demon.
"When I entered the portal, I heard from a lot of schools," Edwards said. "The thought of coming home for my last year was always in the back of my mind. My family lives in the Ravenswood community, just 10-15 minutes from DePaul's campus."
The initial contact came from associate head coach Jill M. Pizzotti with a text and follow-up phone call.
"I liked everything about the entire recruiting process," Edwards said. "Before Covid hit, I used to play with DePaul players at their open gym. I knew some of the players and there was already a comfort level there.
"A huge factor was their style of play. I came to the Notre Dame game last December and it was a great game. I sat in the second row at Wintrust Arena.
"I remember thinking this would be a great place to play, a lot of fun. They lead the nation in scoring and are among the leaders in assists. They always put up a lot of shots."
Edwards fondly recalled playing high school games at McGrath-Phillips Arena while suiting up for the Latin School.
"My family is really happy," she said. "When I played at Latin and in AAU games, they came to all my games.
"With Covid and everything, they didn't see me play at American. Now, I might just have my own cheering section."
Edwards' arrival certainly cheered up Bruno.
"We're very excited about Jade Edwards choosing DePaul," he said. "As a three-time, all-conference player, Jade brings great experience and all-around play. She is also a genuine Chicago story playing for coach Max Rouse at the Latin School just 1.5 miles from our campus.
"Her local story also includes playing for Flow Sports and co-founders Margaret Stender and Korie Hlede."
Edwards bolsters a Blue Demon backcourt that currently features newcomer Peoples and returnees Darrione Rogers, Kierra Collier, Kendall Holmes and Keke Rimmer.
That core group will be augmented by incoming freshmen guards 6-0 Zaria Hurston, Maeve McErlane, Haley Walker and Tara Daye.
"Jade made a strong impact on her team as the leading scorer, but more importantly was equally impactful when not scoring," Bruno said. "She is a great rebounder, facilitator and a tough defender."
Players Mentioned
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