Player Spotlight: Dylan Edwards
Callie Aerni | April 13, 2023
Special to The Echo | WWC Athletics
Dylan Edwards on the offense.
After leading a large comeback win against Sweet Briar College on senior night, sophomore Dylan Edwards received two awards. She received the Coast to Coast (C2C) conference player of the week award for women’s lacrosse. Edwards also received the co-offensive player of the week from the Intercollegiate Women's Lacrosse Coaches Association, which is nationwide, for the week of March 28. She was recognized by them as a co-offensive player of the week in all of Division III women's lacrosse.
Edwards reported being shocked at receiving the awards due to the team being new to the D3 division.
“I didn't expect to be recognized for my achievements outside of our team,” Edwards said. ”First, the coast to coast Player of the Week was kind of really cool, just to be recognized within our conference, but then expanding to all of D3, women's lacrosse was, like, overwhelmingly great, because there's times where it can feel like, like all of your efforts are under appreciated, not that I for a second would say that our team doesn't appreciate what I do.”
Edwards stated that self-criticism may have played a part in her surprise.
“When people aren't telling you all the time, it's easy to get in your own head and forget,” Edwards said. “That for me was a moment to be like what I'm doing is recognized and appreciated. I also really wasn't expecting it because sometimes I forget that assists are just as important as goals. And the reason I got that wasn't because of my goals. If It was because it was because of goals. Sydney [Weber] would have gotten it for the week.”
Though her teammates were not recognized by the awards, Edwards paid tribute to the role the rest of the team played in her success.
“I would not have gotten that award at all,” Edwards said. “It felt really unifying with my team and really nice to just be recognized for my efforts and to get to even though it's my name that's being recognized to like, being able to share that is kind of sick.”
Edwards helped lead a large comeback 16-11 win against the Sweet Briar Vixens after being down 7-2 after the first quarter. The Warren Wilson College (WWC) Owls scored seven goals in the second quarter after being down five goals in the first frame. The Owls held the Vixens scoreless to the half.
Edwards was part of the win with five goals and six assists but it was a team effort. Five players scored, including three seniors. Senior Lynn Hilbert scored her first career goal, Tatum Fowler scored once and Carrigan Causby put two away.
Edwards and Weber led the charge. Edwards had a team record of five goals and six assists with 11 points while Weber scored seven goals against the Vixens.
Edwards has played for nine years. She attended Baylor School in Chattanooga, Tenn., where she was a two-year captain in her junior and senior years. Edwards is now a co-captain at WWC with seniors Pam Moore and Hilbert.
“This isn't my first time being captain,” Edwards said. “I was always expected to take a leadership role. It's really about doing what you need to do for your team. Just be the best teammate you can be.”
Edwards is an all-around athlete having participated in swim, soccer, basketball and lacrosse. With soccer, she was not an official captain but said she took on a leadership role.
“It's hard for me to just be another player,” Edwards said. “I like to have my teammates' backs and take up that leadership role if I can.”
Lacrosse is the sport Edwards came to WWC to play. She has always played low attack and received all region recognition her junior and senior years of high school.
Edwards recently injured her back in a canoeing class but still has high hopes for the rest of the season.
“I hurt my back, and while I don't think it's gonna keep me out, it makes me a little nervous,” Edwards said.“This is my last opportunity to play because it's my last year [here].”
Edwards is transferring to Appalachian State University next semester to study sports medicine so this is her last year playing collegiate sports.
“I want to see what I can do by the end of the season, how I can influence the team for this last little bit,” Edwards said. I'm kind of excited just to see if there's anything else to happen. If not, even if I get injured and I can't play the rest of the season I'm happy with my experience.
A large part of the experience Edwards has garnered comes from her parents. They show up to all the home games even though she does not expect them to. They were her coaches.
“There's just no one's opinion I value more than my dad's,” Edwards said. “So I know he's gonna give it to me straight. Like, if I'm not fulfilling my part, they're not going to coddle me, they're gonna tell me to shape up and to do my part.”
On the other hand when Edwards makes these achievements her parents are there to celebrate with her. When she makes an achievement, like her behind the back shot or BTB as Edwards says, her dad is there to cheer her on.
“My dad just always picks up on it, so every time I feel satisfied, I can look to the sideline, and I laugh,” Edwards said. “I mean, we lock guys, and I know, he knows that, like we're sharing this moment we're celebrating and it's really cool.”
Edwards revealed her favorite signature moves and shots as well.
“My favorite way to score is behind the back but my most natural and like my signature is I roll the crease and fake high and go low,” Edwards said.
The experience Edwards has had at WWC was unique. She came in to play lacrosse the team had just started and was in its second year her freshman year. She was adapting to a new school and experience while playing for a team going through a building process. Now, Edwards feels that since the program is getting wins and players are getting recognized the sport is getting the attention it deserves.
“It’s really sick to put Warren Wilson on the map,” Edwards said. “It's just really nice to show that our team is not only here, but we're doing great things, things that some of the other teams haven't yet had the opportunity to do.”
Edwards won’t be here next year but according to Edwards, Weber might be able to fill her spot.
“Mark my words, Sydney's gonna get that award this year or if not, next year,” said Edwards.