In a significant step in her athletic career, Aubrey Edwards of Lamar Consolidated has committed to play softball at Prairie View A&M University. Beginning her pitching journey at the tender age of 9, Edwards has crafted her skills over the years and is now ready to transition to the collegiate level.
Several universities pursued her talents, but a pivotal visit to Prairie View A&M made a lasting impression. “It felt like home, and the coach is great,” Edwards remarked, expressing her comfort and connection with both the team and the environment. She specifically praised Coach Vernon Bland, who has an impressive track record, including three Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) championships. “He saw me play a couple of times, and I can’t wait to get there and start learning from him,” she added.
Her decision followed interest from Hills College, Southwest University, and LSU Eunice, but it was Prairie View’s welcoming atmosphere that sealed the deal. “I can’t wait to put that Prairie View A&M uniform on. I want to compete as hard as possible and continue my growth,” Edwards said, highlighting the team’s supportive energy during her visit.
As a vital player for the Lady Mustangs, Edwards played a crucial role in securing the first district championship in her school’s history last season. The team, boasting an impressive 11-1 record in District 22-5A, concluded the season with an overall mark of 21-5 after a challenging loss in the area round to Pflugerville Weiss. Reflecting on the championship experience, she stated, “It was amazing because we worked as a team, and we grinded every day at practice. To be the district champs for the first time in school history was incredible.”
Edwards thoroughly enjoyed the mission of achieving the championship. “Once we found out that our school had never won a district title before, we knew that we could do this. It wasn’t easy, but the mission became a reality for us,” she expressed.
At Prairie View A&M, she will join a program led by Coach Vernon Bland, who enters his 14th season with the team. In recent years, the Panthers have made waves in the SWAC, notably achieving a historic 23-1 conference record in 2024 under Bland’s leadership.
Edwards recounts her journey in softball, stating that she began playing at four years old as a first baseman before transitioning to pitching at nine. “Pitching felt like the obvious choice for me because I wanted to be the one starting the game,” she explained. Currently, she competes with Allusions Gold Clevenger in select ball, building on her previous experience with Unity Smith.
Beyond her athletic endeavors, Edwards aspires to pursue a degree in veterinary medicine. An animal lover at heart, she hopes to channel her passion into a career that allows her to care for them medically. “I grew up with animals, and I want to continue loving and caring for them,” she shared. As she embarks on this new chapter, Edwards seems poised to make her mark both on and off the field.
