Aaliyah Edwards, a rising star in women’s basketball from Kingston, has become the first Canadian to sign with Adidas Canada.

In a press release, Edwards stated, “I couldn’t be more excited to join the Adidas basketball family.” This partnership will have a significant impact on other young athletes who share our values of supporting community initiatives to increase access to sport and elevating women in sport.

Currently a senior at the University of Connecticut, the six-foot-three forward, 21, is a member of the Huskies women’s basketball team. She was just named the 2023 Big East Most Outstanding Player and Most Improved Player. She debuted as the youngest player on the Canadian women’s basketball team in the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo.

Edwards led the Huskies through 29 games this season in field goal percentage (.603) and rebounds (9.5). He also ranked second in terms of blocks (24), field goal attempts (358), field goals made (216), and points per game (18.2).

Edwards played her first two years of high school at home with the Frontenac Falcons (2016–17 and 2017–18) before moving on to play for the NCAA (2020–21 to 2023–24). She continued on to play in the Ontario Scholastic Basketball Association in 2018–19 and 2019–20 for Toronto’s Crestwood Preparatory College.

Adidas’ all-female roster of student-athletes includes the Name Image Likeness (NIL) agreement. The 2022 announcement from the athletic apparel and footwear company stated that the agreements aim to provide athletes with increased opportunities and mentorship.

Kelly Graham, head of marketing at Adidas Canada, said, “We are so proud to welcome Aaliyah to the Adidas Canada basketball family.” “Aaliyah’s athletic accomplishments thus far in her career are remarkable, and her enthusiasm for basketball and the surrounding community is evident. We highly appreciate her commitment to supporting other female athletes in the community since she is a born leader and an inspiration to many young athletes.

Edwards, a three-year student at Frontenac Secondary School, hosted her You Get Knext basketball camp this past summer.

According to an Adidas news release, “Adidas Canada is dedicated to supporting Aaliyah’s personal commitment to giving back and championing organizations working to drive change in sports across Canada.”

She joins Adidas as it expands its 2024 Chapter 02 collection, which it says “perfectly embodies” the modern baller.