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Meet Senior Jaylee Edwards

02/01/2021, 2:00pm EST
By OCP Athletics

OCP Girls Basketball only senior moved from California to finish high school career

OCP Girls Basketball only senior this season, Jaylee Edwards, came to the Warriors from Santa Rosa, California for her last year of basketball searching for an end to her high school playing career that's been filled with highs and lows.

The oldest daughter of David and Naomi Edwards, Jaylee has been a high achiever in the classroom and at school prior to coming to OCP from the "wine country" of Sonoma County, California. She has held a 4.0 GPA throughout her high school years, was a member of the National Honor Society at her school in California, and been elected either President or Vice-President of multiple clubs and organizations throughout high school. She has been awarded a Fine Arts Gold Award and American Legion Citizenship Award.

On the basketball and volleyball court, Jaylee has been a varsity athlete all four years. Prior to becoming a Warrior, she was a team captain and MVP for her school's volleyball and basketball teams. She also competed as a tri-athlete her freshman through junior years. She was also recognized in Sonoma County as one of the top basketball players in the area following the 2019-20 season.

Jaylee plans to attend the College of the Siskiyous for her general ed. and finish out her education at UCF or Liberty University with a major in nursing and pre-med.

Read more about Jaylee and her journey in this Q&A:

What has the experience of playing your last year of high school basketball in a new state and school been like this year?

My experience here has been great. I love my teammates and coaches and am honored to finish my Senior season in such a great program. It was tough to leave friends and family back home, but I wouldn't trade this experience for anything. The faculty this school has is so loving, kind and eager to help. School has actually been enjoyable and packed with plenty of unforgettable memories already. I understand that Covid-19 has changed a lot of on campus stuff, but everyone has worked really hard to make it still feel as normal as possible.

What has been the most challenging experience you had this year, or in your playing career?

I can honestly say that my leg injuries have been the toughest obstacles I've faced career wise and this past year. Regardless, my passion for the game has given me the strength to play one last season. I can also say it was quite a body shock moving into such humid weather this past summer, but it's slowly growing on me.

What has been the most rewarding or enjoyable experience you have had this year?

For me, one of the most rewarding experiences is when I get to see my younger teammates play. There's nothing like being able to cheer someone and make them feel good about being on the court. If the team is happy, I'm happy. I also get the chance to play for my aunt who has MS and be the legs she can't use anymore. That brings a sense of joy back into playing the game

Who are some of the people that have influenced you the most throughout your basketball career to date? And why?

I've been so blessed to have so many amazing mentors in my life. I think the person that has shaped me the most would be my dad. He's the reason I fell in love with the game and the person that taught me the most. My mom has been the other person to shape me. Now, it might not be with drills but it was with the other side of the game, mentality. She's always taught me to do what I love to the fullest and has always been there to support me.

I've also been blessed with some amazing coaches. My dad has been one of them, but so has my brother. My brother has always been there to call me out, show me my flaws, push me harder, but most importantly has been one of my biggest inspirations to play and keep fighting.

Lastly, I played under Coach Tonks. This man made me realize that the game wasn't about winning, but about enjoying every chance you had to step on the court. He'd always tell me that you couldn't play the game fearful or with hesitation. He pushed me to keep playing, even through my injury, and told me to never stop trying. I may not have learned fancy footwork or drills from him, but the things he taught me lasts longer than any skill I could've learned.

What was your most memorable moment in high school - game or season?

My most memorable memory in basketball was my freshman year in a tournament championship. This took place on a college campus, lasted three days and was boys and girls teams, so the gym was packed every day of the tournament. If the other teams weren't watching, the college students and athletes were. By the second quarter two of our starters had already fouled out. That left me in for the whole game. I ended up scoring 22 points and helping my team to a win by 4. It wasn't the best game I'd played, but I was the first game that I felt the electricity of playing. The crowd, my team, and the ball all seemed to fall in sync and there's no better feeling.

Any words of wisdom for your younger teammates that you'd like to share?

If I could leave my teammates with anything, it would be to never stop trying. I know it's cheesy, but it's honestly so true. If you have a dream or a goal, be the hardest worker in that field. Don't wait to do something tomorrow that you could've done today. Being lazy and procrastinating on making myself better is one of my biggest regrets. Be gritty and fight through even when you want to give up because that's what'll make you stronger. Live your lives with no regret, making every second count. God put you on this earth for a reason, so find that reason and praise him through it.

In what ways do you think you'll still be around the game of basketball 5-10 years from now?

I think basketball will be a part of my life forever. I don't think I could ever walk away from it because I've already tried and failed three times. I plan on trying to still be active in it after my surgery and coaching some camps back in California. I plan on continuing to support OCP and attending as many games as I can in between school and work. The game will always be a part of who I am and I'll take as many opportunities I can to be a part of it. Outside of that, I don't know what God has in store. I'm looking forward to seeing what God has in store for me and if I'll be able to get back on the court someday


The following was read at Jaylee's Senior Night played on Friday January 22, 2021. OCP defeated Trinity Prep 38-19:

Jaylee would like to thank her parents and family for all they’ve done to push her to be the woman she is today. She wouldn't have been able to play with her injury for this long if it wasn’t for their constant support. She’d also like to thank all her coaches and teammates for this amazing opportunity to play with people she can now call family. She never thought she’d be so easily accepted and valued in such a short amount of time. She’ll never forget any of you and is both
happy and proud to be a Warrior.

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