Born just four days apart 19 years ago, Sarah Strong and Joyce Edwards have been top competitors since their high school days. Back then, they shared co-MVP honors at the 2024 McDonald’s All-American Game. While one, coming from North Carolina, joined the UConn Huskies, the other, from South Carolina, became a Gamecock. Now, as they enter the latest chapter of the UConn-South Carolina rivalry, they find themselves going head-to-head in the race for National Freshman of the Year. For much of the season, it looked like Strong was leading the race. But not anymore as Dawn Staley’s comments suggest that South Carolina’s standout freshman is seriously pushing for the title.

Staley doesn’t throw around compliments lightly, but when she spoke about Joyce Edwards, she meant every single word. “Joyce is a difference maker. I mean, she is someone that, coming off the bench, with the offensive firepower that she brings. Defensively, she really understands what we want.”

That’s high praise from one of the most respected coaches in the game. But Staley wasn’t done. “And then you add her competitiveness to it. She’s a really, really good player that we’re lucky to have and lucky that she’s taken in all of it.”

That’s not just a pat on the back. That’s a warning shot to anyone assuming the NFOY race is already decided. It’s no secret that Joyce Edwards has been highly efficient and impactful—especially coming off the bench. Not convinced? Just look at her recent performance against Vanderbilt, where she put up 17 points on 6-12 shooting while grabbing 12 rebounds.

And it’s not just one game. Against Arkansas, she provided a strong offensive spark, scoring 18 points in just 19 minutes. Throughout the season, she has maintained her efficiency, averaging 13.2 points per game on 57.9% shooting. But make no mistake as there’s a reason Strong’s considered having an edge.

The No. 1 recruit in the 2024 class is averaging 16.1 points while grabbing nearly eight rebounds per game. Not only that, but she leads the country in win shares (6.0) and boasts an elite 66.4 defensive rating. What makes her even more impactful is her seamlessly transitioning to the UConn team that needed her.

Even Geno Auriemma—who rarely hands out comparisons—has hinted at her potential. “I remember Stewie [Breanna Stewart] had a November and kind of mid-December blowout where she was just the best player in the country until she wasn’t because things happen when you’re a freshman. So, Sarah has a really good outlook on the game.”

That’s why many believed Strong had the edge in the NFOY race. But Staley’s words suggest Edwards is still very much in the conversation. “I think she’s finding her spots in the game where she could truly be effective. Running the floor is one of them.”

That last line might be the most telling. Edwards isn’t just improving—she’s figuring out how to maximize her impact. If she keeps up this momentum, especially on a South Carolina team competing for a national title, the NFOY race may not be as clear-cut as once thought.

Dawn Staley has a double-edged sword for the March Madness battle this season.

Thanks to players like Joyce Edwards, Dawn Staley’s South Carolina squad remains a nightmare matchup for opponents. Just ask Arkansas, who suffered a brutal 95-55 loss in their last game.

“Everybody that came in, they get 56 points off the bench,” Arkansas head coach Mike Neighbors said. “It just speaks to the depth that they’ve got. And the team that I think, going into March, depth’s very, very important… but I still think this is a South Carolina team everybody better look out for in tournament time.”

That depth was on full display as freshman Edwards dropped 18 points while Milaysia Fulwiley added 15. The bench alone contributed 58.9% of the team’s total scoring.

And it’s not just a one-game trend. South Carolina’s bench has outscored opponents 13 times this season, averaging 18.8 points against ranked teams and nearly 26 points in SEC matchups. Not even top teams like Notre Dame can match that kind of depth.

With just a few weeks left until March Madness, South Carolina doesn’t seem to be fading. Predicted to be a No. 1 seed despite two losses, they remain a serious championship threat. And if Joyce Edwards continues to rise, she might just shake up the NFOY race in the process.