First Jamaican Woman To Play In The Women’s NBA Dies At 49 (VIDEO)

Simone Edwards, a pioneer for Jamaican women in basketball and a member of the inaugural Seattle Storm team in 2000, has passed away at the age of 49.

The Storm posted a tweet expressing their sadness at the news and paying tribute to Edwards’ unwavering spirit both on and off the court.

Her positive energy brought joy to many, and the Storm extended their condolences to Edwards’ family and loved ones.

Edwards was diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer in May 2021, and she fought the disease publicly and privately.

She was a spokesperson for Caribbean American Heritage Month since 2017, and also founded the “Simone4Children Learning Center” in Kingston, Jamaica. Additionally, she was involved with leading Jamaican national youth programs.

Edwards started her athletic career in track and field, but she eventually found success in basketball while playing at Seminole State College in Oklahoma before transferring to Iowa for her senior season.

In 1997, she participated in a New York Liberty tryout, and three years later, she made her WNBA debut with the Seattle Storm.

Edwards played six seasons for the Storm, helping them win the 2004 WNBA championship. She retired in 2005 as the team’s all-time leader in rebounds, games played, and minutes played.

Her legacy as a trailblazer for Jamaican women in basketball and her contributions to youth programs and education will be remembered.

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