Sadie Edwards was already at a private school in Connecticut, Mercy. She transferred after her freshman year. I never understood why she transfered.
Me either. The following is
pure speculation. I have no evidence or proof of any kind to support my theory on why Edwards left UConn. The following is what I garnered from newspaper and internet articles, and postings and comments here in the yard. This is how I understand it to be:
Edward's parents were heavily involved in her day-to-day basketball activities and affiliations (camps, AAU teams, high schools attended). THEY more than she picked the teams (AAU coaches) she played for, and the high schools she attended. Sadie was always the best player on her teams. I believe she attended 3 high schools in 4 years. The spotlight was always on her.
When she came to UConn, things were much different. She was not the best player on the team, and there were no spotlights, at least on her. She was a freshman at the bottom of the depth chart. She didn't do anything to necessarily make herself stand out in practice. When the season began, she got little to no playing time, and she was buried deep on the depth chart, just above the two walk-ons. After several weeks of this, I believe it began to become problematic for her parents. Word is, she went to Geno's office and basically asked for more playing time. Not a good move on her part. In fact, it may have back fired. We all know that's not how you get floor time in Geno's program. What was said in that meeting of course will remain private, but it probably did not go as she expected. If you want more playing time at UConn, You have to go the
John Houseman route...................you have to "
earn it ".
When her parents learned of the outcome of her office visit, no doubt they were not pleased, and realized that they had made a mistake in choosing to commit to UConn. This is not what they (or Sadie) had envisioned. So, the parents began a search for a new program to transfer to. Sadie did not have the time to do this. She was consumed with classes, study time, and practice. She had little free time for much else. After shopping around for the best fit they could find, they choose to transfer 3,000 + miles away to the
University of Southern California. Why they choose to cut the string, and take it all the way across the country is still a mystery.
I don't know of the connection they or someone close to them had/has with Trojan head coach
Cynthia Cooper-Dyke. When Edwards became eligible to play after sitting out her mandatory 2 semesters, she became a starter for the Trojans the first game she was allowed to play in (Mid-December). She started in most of the remaining games on the schedule this season. USC is a local team for me, so I was able to follow her progress easily.
I wanted to see how she transitioned to her new surroundings to an area and players that were completely foreign to her. I wanted to see if it moved panned out for her, or if she stepped out of the frying pan into the fire. She had some good games in which she was the team's leading scorer. Sadie can play. She's not a scrub. UConn would not have recruited if she couldn't. I've often wondered if it was her choice to leave UConn, or her parents. I'm guessing the latter. I believe had she stayed, her playing time would have increased, and she would have had been a part of two national championship teams.
I was not happy that she left. I understand that players sometimes are not happy with the status quo. So, they do what they have to do, for whatever reasons. Personally, I wish she had stayed, and played out the string.........Like
Kiah Stokes did. We all know what a roller coaster ride she was on during her first two years in Storrs, but she didn't tap out. Word is her father stayed in her ear, and gave her the mental strength and intestinal fortitude to ride it out. We're all glad she did. When life throws a little adversity her way, she can deal with it. Staying paid off for her in the end, BIG TIME!! She proved she's not a quitter, and she got a great job right out of college with lots of travel.
If anyone can fill in any of the gaps here, or have anything to add or share, please do so.