It's official! Aaliyah Edwards is receiving one of UConn's biggest awards, the Huskies of Honor on January 28th before the Huskies take on Xavier.

Edwards spoke to CT Insider after receiving the news. “Man, it's just such an honor. It's just super crazy. I know it's my jersey going up there, but so many people, my teammates, my coaches, the supporting staff, they all played a part in that honor.”

With this induction, Edwards will become the 24th individual to join the exclusive club. It's a list that includes names like Sue Bird, Breanna Stewart, Diana Taurasi, Napheesa Collier, and more.

Aaliyah Edwards made her name by helping her team to three Final Four appearances and one National Championship game appearance between 2020 and 2024. And while Edwards didn’t win a national championship during her time in Storrs, it doesn't weigh on her mind.

“I didn't get the opportunity to leave school with a championship, but I left with something,” she reflected. “And to be inducted into the Huskies of Honor is just such a blessing”.

Edwards arrived at UConn as part of the 2020 class alongside Paige Bueckers and Nika Mühl. But the deciding factor was veteran coach Geno Auriemma.

“I chose UConn because of Coach, first and foremost,” Edwards shared. “I knew that he was going to get me where I wanted in my basketball career. He believed in me.”

At the time, UConn was dealing with a rocky stretch of season-ending injuries and aftereffects of the pandemic. Edwards herself broke her nose twice in her senior year. But that didn't keep her from entering the history books.

She became only the sixth player to cross the 1800 points and 1000 rebounds mark. Her collegiate performance peaked during the 2023-24 season, with a career-high 18.3 points and 9.7 rebounds per game, earning her WBCA All-America honors.

And since then, Edwards has come a long way.

Edwards Is Appreciative Of Her Teammates.

Edwards was the No. 6 pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, going up against names like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese. Edwards' teammate, Nika Mühl, was another big player signed from the draft.

“I think we had a great class as well. As you see to this day, we're all still friends. We're all so close, and those are my sisters for real,” Edwards said.

As Edwards prepares to return to Gampel Pavilion, she’s filled with gratitude for the support. She will be seeing her old teammates and coach in what she called “a beautiful night” on 28th January.

Written by

Fatema Kapasi

Edited by

Siddharth Shirwadkar