Jade Edwards returns home, transfers to DePaul women’s basketball
CHICAGO (BVM) – Jade Edwards is returning to where it all started.
The two-time first team All-Patriot League guard who led American University to a conference title and NCAA Tournament berth last season has transferred to DePaul, the school announced on Thursday. The 2021 Patriot League All-Defensive Team selection led American in scoring (12.6 points) and rebounds (6.5) per game.
“When I entered the portal, I heard from a lot of schools,” Edwards said in a press release. “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.”
Jade Edwards (@jedwards_08) led @AU_WBasketball from behind in the title game to deliver the program's third @PatriotLeague Championship. She joined @M_Trivelpiece afterward to reflect on the win. @MarchMadnessWBB | @espnW | @AmericanU pic.twitter.com/OOBxemn9tr
— Patriot League on ESPN (@PatriotLeagueTV) March 13, 2022
Edwards was a second team all-state selection and reached the 1,000-point mark during her junior season at The Latin School of Chicago which is less than two miles from DePaul’s campus.
“We’re very excited about Jade Edwards choosing DePaul,” head coach Doug Bruno said in a press release. “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.”
The Chicago native was named to the conference’s All-Rookie team as a freshman and averaged 14.5 points and 6.9 rebounds as a sophomore before averaging a career-high 17.4 points and 7.4 rebounds as a junior.
“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.”
Edwards said a huge factor in her decision was the Blue Demons’ style of play and her familiarity with players on the team.
“I liked everything about the entire recruiting process,” Edwards said in a press release. “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.
“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 will team up with one of the up-and-coming stars in all of college hoops.
DePaul’s Aneesah Morrow is the Big East and National Freshman of the Year after averaging a double-double of 21.9 points and 13.8 rebounds in her first season at the collegiate ranks. Morrow will welcome not only Edwards, but Anaya Peoples, who also landed in Lincoln Park from the NCAA Transfer Portal after three strong seasons with Notre Dame.
The Blue Demons went 22-11 this past season before falling in the First Four of the NCAA Tournament at the hands of Dayton. Bruno’s squad should be even better during the 2022-23 season with additional reinforcements, and Edwards will likely have her own fan section for the first time of her college career.
“My family is really happy,” Edwards 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.”
HIGHLIGHTS from @AU_WBasketball's 65-54 win over Bucknell to advance to the NCAA Tournament!@jedwards_08 w/game-high 21pts, 4 reb, 4 ast@taylorb3345 w/18pts, 6 reb, 3 ast@ivy_bales w/11pts, 7 reb@fisheremily4 w/8pts, 7 reb, 4 ast
@WDVMSports @AUeagles @CoachMegGebbia pic.twitter.com/c7BnhWLphm
— Jake Rohm (@jakerohm) March 13, 2022
