Surreal moment to see @jadynedwards17 run on the field in front of 16,000+ fans in Portland last night. Not a bad way to start a professional career for @OLReign . 😊#Golobos pic.twitter.com/YMR1SpYJPX
— Coach Heather Dyche (@HeatherDyche) June 29, 2023
Jadyn Edwards Makes NWSL Debut
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.— After an illustrious career at The University of New Mexico, former Lobo Jadyn Edwards achieved another significant milestone, signing to play with OL Reign back on June 26 and appeared in her first match shortly thereafter.
Edwards made her pro debut in the 75th minute against the Portland Thorns on June 29, playing 15 minutes and finished with one shot on goal in the 1-0 win.
OL Reign is currently fourth in the NWSL standings with 24 points and 7-5-3 on the season.
During her storied Lobo career, Edwards appeared in 94 matches with 82 starts and started every match in her final four years. She logged 6,973 minutes on the pitch, amassing 31 goals and 24 assists for 86 points and tallied nine game-winning goals. Edwards was a three-time MW All-Conference First Team recipient, a member of the MW All-Conference Second Team in 2019 and was named the conference Offensive Player of the Year in 2021. Nationally, the Washington native earned United States Coaches All-Region First Team (2021), Second Team (2020) and Third Team (2022).
Edwards left UNM as the program leader in matches played and assists, second in matches started and shots, third all-time in goals scored and points and tied for fourth in game-winning goals. Among her nine game-winners, two came in overtime in the MW Championship as she lifted UNM to championship victories in both the 2020 and 2021 seasons.
She was later drafted by the Racing Louisville FC in the third round of the 2023 NWSL Draft, and at the time, head Lobo women’s soccer coach Heather Dyche commented that, “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. Today those terms describe Jadyn Edwards to a tee.
“I have been fortunate to coach many outstanding student-athletes here at UNM,” Dyche continued. “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.”