Jadyn Edwards selected by Racing Louisville FC in NWSL draft
PHILADELPHIA – Officially beginning her professional career on Thursday night, New Mexico senior Jadyn Edwards was selected by Racing Louisville FC in the third round of the 2023 NWSL Draft at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.
Edwards’ name was called 29th overall among the 48 players selected on Thursday evening, and was the third player selected by Racing Louisville. “Eight years ago if I were to have been asked to describe the quintessential Lobo soccer player, I would have used terms like all-in, selfless, great teammate, ambitious athlete, superior student, and elite human,” said UNM head soccer coach Heather Dyche. “Today those terms describe Jadyn Edwards to a tee.”
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.
Edwards also became the first player in program history to earn first-team Academic All-American status, achieving that feat in back-to-back seasons in 2021 and 2022. Edwards was announced as a United Soccer Coaches third-team all-region forward last fall – the third consecutive season that a regional honor was bestowed upon her. A first-team all-Mountain West Conference selection, 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.
“I have been fortunate to coach many outstanding student-athletes here at UNM,” Dyche said. “To see Jadyn achieve one of her dreams to be drafted as a professional athlete is such a joy for me. I am so proud to have played even a small part in being able to support her in her journey. Jadyn would be the first to give her teammates and family credit for her success, which is what also makes her who she is and so beloved in our Lobo family.”