Meet the WNBA’S first Jamaican Basketball Player

photo courtesy of Simone Edwards

written by Cassy

Sitting at home, relaxed in a hoodie with nothing but smiles, Simone Edwards also known as “Jamaican Hurricane,” the first Caribbean and Jamaican female in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA); was more than happy to sit down with me and talk to us about her life, basketball and everything in between.

One of the driving motivators for this basketball star,  is using her voice, her fame and  popularity. Edwards inspires youths living in poverty, with a special focus on young girls in the Caribbean. In her capacity, as a female basketball player she’s an example to young girls everywhere. We can do anything like becoming a WNBA basketball star, a sport traditionally male-dominated.  It’s just a matter of hard work and determination

Growing up in Jamaica, Edwards has always exhibited  athletic abilities. She started out  as a track star. Edwards was the youngest of four, and the only girl. Jamaica was open to sports but as a female the only “acceptable” sport for her was track.

What would you say your strengths are as a female athlete and as a woman?

“As an athlete very athletic, speed and jumping I was always good at. As a woman overall, it is my self-esteem being high. Once your self-esteem is high, you really can do anything. Just because someone says no, you can easily move on. Nothing or “no” one has the power to destroy your day or you. I won’t allow someone else to define me, my value, or what my worth is. My rule, my life.” 

 Edwards knew that her ticket out of Jamaica and out of poverty was earning a scholarship and being able to attend university in the States. During the end of her junior year in high school, she was introduced to basketball. Her athletic ability was a plus for her, but the transition from track to basketball was in her words “awkward”. The sports are so drastically different but being able to learn and be good enough for a scholarship in a year, especially when others on the team have been playing for numerous years; was a huge challenge. Edwards trained hard and her talent increased dramatically, earning her the scholarship she so longed for.  She ended up  playing for Seminole State College in Oklahoma. During her tenure at Oklahoma, Edwards led the team to an undefeated conference record. Ranking in the National Junior College Athletic Association’s Top 10 atSeminole State College becoming the  First Kodak All American in the school’s history!

Edwards was one of three players chosen from over 300 athletes at a NY Liberty try-out camp. She signed with the Seattle Storm in 2000 where she won a WNBA championship in 2004. Edwards then chose to retire from the WNBA in 2006, and focused her time and energy on her learning center in August Town, Jamaica.

What motivated you the most about your profession?

“The higher I went, I realized I can make more of the changes I want to see in life. Say for instance, I figured the more popular I get, the stronger my voice would become. I can use that strong voice to inspire women and girls all over, especially in Jamaica. Being able to have that representation in their life really motivates me to become better.”

In 2004, after her championship win with the Seattle Storm Edwards launched Simone4Children, where she provided backpacks and school supplies to youths. The learning center which opened in January, hosts an after-school program where volunteer tutors, under the leadership of Kelly Marston and Angela Robinson; assists children with homework and test prep. Since, COVID-19 began, the center has also provided the children with meals as well. The idea came out of a need. Simone4Children provides a safe, alternative, and  recreational space to go after school and outside of home; nurturing both academic abilities and building social skills.

 Not only was Edwards open about her successes, but her struggles as well. In her book, Unstoppable: A Memoir of Adversity, Perseverance and Triumph she spoke about her personal experiences with sexual abuse, self-esteem and bullying. Her mother played a tremendous role in her life, helping her overcome those trying times. Her mom would always tell her, “stand straight and tall”. Edwards was bullied for her height, so instead of seeing it as an issue, she turned her height into a strength and chose to join track. Her mother and grandmother, lovingly known as “mama” constantly taught her about strength and their lessons stick with her to this day.

 When asked about her future goals, Edwards wants to create a mentorship program known as Girls Untapped. Simone’s goal is to have the organization impact girls in every Caribbean nation. The program would highlight the achievements of Caribbean women around the world, showing young women in the Caribbean that the world is not just limited to their neighborhood. The world has so much to offer. In the Caribbean, US, UK, and Canada,  a major influence in the lives of young girls is television and social media. It is rare for them to see women, especially women like themselves making a powerful and permanent mark in history. With this Girls Untapped program, Edwards wants to show these girls that they can grow up and become anything they want to be. Girls Untapped would also have a basketball academy, it would enable the girls to learn about the sport but numerous life lessons as well through basketball.

 Edwards currently resides in Atlanta, Georgia where she coaches now and participates in motivational speaking and investing. Edwards is living proof of the saying, “Here’s to strong women. May we know them. May we be them. May we raise them”. Edwards is just one example of a powerful Caribbean woman. She highlights to all of us, that we can become a powerful force in this world, but never forget where we come from and to use our platform to help others.