In a moment that melted hearts across the college basketball world, South Carolina freshman phenom Joyce Edwards surprised teammate MiLaysia Fulwiley with a heartfelt birthday message that left not only fans in awe—but even drew an emotional reaction from their head coach, Dawn Staley.
The touching tribute came early this morning as the team gathered for a routine off-season training session. Edwards, known for her competitive fire on the court, took a rare quiet moment to honor Fulwiley’s 20th birthday with an unexpected personal message that has since gone viral.
“MiLaysia, you’re not just a teammate—you’re my sister. Watching you grow, grind, and lead this team with joy and fire has inspired me every day,” Edwards said, her voice trembling slightly. “You make basketball fun, but more than that—you make life brighter for everyone around you.”
Fulwiley, clearly caught off guard, was brought to tears as teammates erupted in cheers and applause. But the moment became even more powerful when head coach Dawn Staley, a WNBA legend and icon in women’s basketball, stepped forward with her own emotional reaction.
“You don’t always get to coach talent like this,” Staley said, pausing to compose herself. “But even more rare is the kind of love and sisterhood I’ve witnessed between Joyce and MiLaysia. This is what our program is built on—family. That’s what wins championships.”
Social Media Eruption:
The clip of Edwards’ tribute, shared on the official @GamecockWBB Twitter and Instagram accounts, quickly racked up over 500,000 views in just a few hours. Fans, alumni, and even current WNBA players chimed in, praising the genuine bond between the two rising stars.
“Goosebumps. That’s what real leadership looks like,” tweeted WNBA star A’ja Wilson, herself a South Carolina alum.
Fulwiley, who emerged as one of the most electric guards in the nation this past season, later posted a simple message in response:
“Grateful for this team. Grateful for Joyce. Love y’all forever. 💖”
Looking Ahead:
With both Edwards and Fulwiley poised to lead the Gamecocks into another dominant year, it’s moments like these—off the court—that remind fans why South Carolina continues to be one of the most admired programs in college basketball.
Coach Staley summed it up best:
“We’ll win a lot of games. But it’s this kind of connection that makes it all worth it.”
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