Aaliyah Edwards is a Canadian professional basketball player who currently plays forward for the Washington Mystics in the WNBA. Recognized for her versatility, rebounding, and leadership, Edwards was selected sixth overall in the 2024 WNBA Draft after a standout college career at the University of Connecticut.
Early Life and Background
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Full Name: Aaliyah Edwards
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Date of Birth: July 9, 2002
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Hometown: Kingston, Ontario, Canada
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Height: 6’3″ (1.91 m)
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Weight: 173 lbs (78 kg)
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Position: Forward
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High School:
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Frontenac Secondary School (Kingston)
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Crestwood Preparatory College (Toronto)
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Led Crestwood to three championships
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Family:
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Grew up playing basketball with her brothers
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Known for her strong family support and community engagement
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College Career
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University of Connecticut (UConn, 2020–2024):
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Freshman: Big East Sixth-Woman of the Year, Big East All-Freshman Team
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Sophomore: Consistent contributor, improved each season
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Junior:
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16.6 points, 9.0 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.2 steals per game (approximate averages)
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Associated Press and USBWA Third Team All-American
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Big East Most Improved Player
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Big East Tournament Most Outstanding Player
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All-Big East First Team
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Senior:
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First-team All-Big East
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Second-team All-America (USBWA)
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WBCA Coaches’ All-American
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Led UConn to Final Four in 2024
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Sixth player in UConn history with 1,800 points and 1,000 rebounds
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Ranks 15th in UConn career points (1,861), eighth in rebounds (1,020), sixth in double-doubles (35)
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Professional Career
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WNBA Draft: 1st round, 6th overall, 2024 WNBA Draft by Washington Mystics
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Teams:
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Washington Mystics (2024–present)
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WNBA Stats (2024):
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34 games played (17 starts)
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7.6 points, 5.6 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 0.8 steals, 0.7 blocks per game
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Career highs: 23 points, 14 rebounds, 4 blocks
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Missed six games due to injuries
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Other:
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Played in the inaugural season of Unrivaled 3-on-3 league (2025), reaching the finals
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First Canadian to secure a major NIL deal (adidas Basketball, 2024)
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International and National Team Career
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Canada National Team:
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Youngest member at the Tokyo Olympics (2021) at age 18
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Regular contributor since 2018
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Represents Canada in FIBA competitions
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Achievements & Honors
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Washington Mystics (WNBA, 2024–present)
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First-team All-Big East (2024)
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Second-team All-America (USBWA, 2024)
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WBCA Coaches’ All-American (2024)
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Associated Press and USBWA Third Team All-American (2023)
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Big East Most Improved Player (2023)
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Big East Tournament Most Outstanding Player (2023)
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Big East Sixth-Woman of the Year (2021)
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Big East All-Freshman Team (2021)
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Final Four appearances with UConn
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First Canadian to secure a major NIL deal (adidas Basketball, 2024)
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Unrivaled 3-on-3 league finalist (2025)
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Crestwood Preparatory College three-time champion
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Canadian national team member since 2018
Playing Profile
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Strengths:
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Elite rebounding and versatility
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Strong scoring in the paint
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High basketball IQ and leadership
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Clutch performer in big games
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Style:
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Aggressive, dynamic forward who excels in transition and half-court offense
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Brings toughness, championship experience, and a team-first mentality
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FAQs About Aaliyah Edwards
What position does Aaliyah Edwards play?
Forward
Which team does she play for?
Washington Mystics (WNBA)
How old is Aaliyah Edwards?
22 (born July 9, 2002)
What are her main achievements?
First-team All-Big East, second-team All-America, WBCA Coaches’ All-American, Big East Most Improved Player, Big East Tournament Most Outstanding Player, Final Four appearances, first Canadian to secure a major NIL deal, Canadian national team member
What is her playing style?
Versatile, aggressive forward with elite rebounding and leadership
Conclusion
Aaliyah Edwards is a dynamic and accomplished forward whose scoring, rebounding, and leadership have made her a valuable addition to the Washington Mystics and one of the most exciting young players in women’s basketball.
