Tribute to Simone Edwards by the Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, the Honourable Olivia Grange, OJ, CD, MP

The pages of sports history must record that Simone Edwards was one of the exceptional athletes produced by Jamaica.

Not only did she stand tall physically, she reached amazing heights in Women’s basketball, locally and internationally.

Not only was she a tower of strength on basketball courts in Europe, Israel and the United States, she sought to strengthen in many ways those around her. She was a kind, giving person.

Simone was the perfect example of one who refused to allow her humble beginnings to prevent her from becoming the star that she set out to be.

Simone and I shared a special relationship. We kept in touch from the early days when she played on the national team. Not only did I provide financial assistance to the Jamaica women’s basketball team which she captained and coached at times, I even organised photo shoots with a fashion photographer which projected those outstanding players as if they were fashion models.

She stayed in touch with me during her illness and I tried to be as supportive as I could be. In fact, it was after she was diagnosed that she presented me with a copy of the book she authored, ‘Unstoppable: A Memoir of Adversity, Perseverance and Triumph’. The book, epitomises the person.

Simone’s journey took her from August Town in St Andrew, Jamaica, to the Seattle Storm women’s basketball team in the United States and a Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) Championship in the year 2004.

She was a member of the inaugural Seattle Storm team and the first Caribbean player in the League. On retirement in 2006, she was the Seattle Storm’s all-time leader in rebounds, minutes and games played. Simone was regarded as the perpetual fan favourite during her time with the Storm.

She had gained prominence representing teams in Italy, Hungary, Spain and in Israel leading them to championships including the Spanish Copa de la Reina and the Israeli Cup.

A ‘calm’ did not exactly ‘come’ after the Storm upon her retirement, because Simone became very involved in Jamaican and Caribbean women’s basketball, following her time at the Storm. Under her captaincy the Jamaica women won the Caribbean Basketball Tournament for the first time.

Always determined that she would give back, Simone founded the The Simone4Children Foundation. Her intention was to provide educational support including school supplies, social skills, scholarships, financial assistance clothing and mentoring.

In 2021, Simone assisted in the coaching of our Under-17 boys’ team for a tournament in Mexico. Funding for the players’ camp was raised through The Simone4Children Foundation. The Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport assisted with the airfare.

Simone Edwards was a star player but a huge part of her legacy will be her willingness to help the advancement of others. She was a patriot who accomplished much but never forgot her homeland, her roots. She has been quoted as saying that after all, she is ‘just a girl from Kingston’.

In recognition of her indelible impact on Women’s Basketball, the Government of Jamaica made her an Officer of Order of Distinction.

Simone ‘Hurricane’ Edwards, at Storm and on many other courts blew teams away. But she was a friend to many who mourn her passing.

I express my deepest condolences to her mother, other relatives, friends, former team members, the Jamaica Basketball Association, and to basketball fans everywhere.

Love and respect, Simone. May the angels have their arms wide stretched to welcome you home.

END