This is the 10th edition of a 12-part series spotlighting the new head coaches in the region penned by D2EastHoops columnist Tim McCaffrey.
“Through high school I didn’t understand the dynamics of the deaf culture,” said the 2007 New Hampshire graduate who minored in Deaf Studies. “It is important to gain insight into things relevant to them.”
It’s that type of commitment that should suit the now second-year Saint Rose women’s basketball coach very well, even though the Golden Knights are in a rebuilding phase. Edwards is hoping to cultivate winning both on the basketball floor and off.
“Building is a process,” said the 2007 America East Women’s Basketball Defensive Player of the Year. “There’s no rushing it. We are a work in progress.”
While there’s a challenge to developing a winner between the lines, Edwards has her sights focused on fostering the complete individual.
“It’s important to show leadership in what you do,” Edwards noted. “Always be learning and growing and have a level of humility.”
On the floor, Edwards has her eyes on student-athletes who want to play defense.
“Defensive players are fearless. What they do doesn’t show up on the stats.”
As for what the team in the Black and Gold do this season, Edwards has her typical cerebral perspective.
“Find something to win at everyday,” Edwards commented. “Be where you need to be and do what you need to do. Our goals are to win everyday and show we’re tangibly different today.”
While this is Edwards first stop on her collegiate head coaching journey, her quest for knowledge and understanding goes on. The Golden Knights may be a work in progress, but that would likely be the case even if the team is undefeated.
“Learning is never ending,” Edwards said. “Every class is a new experience.”
Whitney Edwards is the definition of the word coach and all it embodies.
Tim McCaffrey is an opinion and features writer for D2EastHoops. The former college athletics administrator has umpired over 1500 professional baseball games. His other website, Closecallsports.com, is dedicated to his other passion, helping teach umpires to people around the world. He can be reached at tpmccaffrey@gmail.com
If you believe in what D2easthoops is all about maybe you can spare a dime or more at our Patreon page https://www.patreon.com/D2easthoops