Edwards is Academic All-American for 2nd straight season

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Receiving the top academic honor from the College Soccer Communicators for the second straight season, New Mexico senior Jadyn Edwards was named a first-team academic All-American as the organization announced the awards for the 2022 season on Tuesday.

Edwards is on track to complete her degree in biology while maintaining a spotless 4.0 grade point average. “Academics is an absolute priority in our program, and the women on our team work so hard in the classroom and on the field,” said UNM head coach Heather Dyche. “When people see Jadyn, her ability on the field is obvious. But the time and dedication she puts in to her craft and academics is deservedly highlighted here. We are so proud to see University of New Mexico represented at this level.”

In 2021 Edwards became the first player in program history to earn first-team academic All-American, while becoming the fifth player overall to be listed. With Tuesday’s announcement, she became the first player in program history to earn academic All-America recognition in multiple seasons.

Tuesday’s award comes after Edwards was announced as a United Soccer Coaches third-team all-region forward last week – the third consecutive season that a regional honor was bestowed upon her. A first-team all-Mountain West Conference selection this fall, Edwards led the Lobos and ranked second in the conference with eight goals scored. She added four assists for a total of 20 points, and she started all 19 matches for UNM in her final collegiate season.

Two of Edwards’ goals in 2022 counted as game-winners, and her 81 shots and 31 shots on target both led the team. Edwards totaled 1,481 minutes played, which was the third most on the team and most by an attacking player. One of the highlights of her senior season was a hat-trick performance in UNM’s 4-2 win over Cal State Bakersfield on Aug. 21. She also added an assist in the match for seven total points. Edwards’ other game-winning goal came in UNM’s 2-0 win at Air Force on Sept. 29.

The Mill Creek, Wash., native’s efforts helped UNM claim a share of the 2022 Mountain West regular-season title, giving the Lobos three consecutive championships dating back to the 2020 season. Overall UNM went 7-3-9 including a record of 5-1-5 in conference matches.

Edwards finished her career as one of the most prominent players in program history, ranking third all-time at UNM with 31 goals scored. Her 94 matches played and 24 career assists were both career records, and she racked up 86 points in her five seasons as a Lobo. Among Edwards’ 31 goals were nine game-winners, two of which came in overtime in the playoffs as she lifted UNM to championship victories in both the 2020 and 2021 seasons.

The Lobos went 7-3-9 overall this fall and tied for first place in the Mountain West Conference with a league record of 5-1-5. UNM claimed a share of its third consecutive regular-season title.