The 2004 Seattle Storm team had a number of integral pieces that enabled it to claim the WNBA’s top prize that year as the Storm won its first-ever champion that would eventually be followed with future titles in 2010 and 2018.
Among those that played an integral role in winning that championship was Simone Edwards, nicknamed the “Jamaican Hurricane.” In addition, Edwards also was on the inaugural 1997 New York Liberty team and launched a charity that provides school supplies and book bags to kids in Jamaica.
Last month, she opened a learning center in August Town designed to help students with homework and tests. According to The Amsterdam News, 50 children attended the opening and she believes it will be used on average by about 100 per week.
It also provides food for the children and she hopes that it can have full meals on at least three days per week.
Once these kids are registered, we will try to track them and make sure they’re on track with their schoolwork. We’ll try to pay for major exams. Trying to make sure no one drops out of school because their parents can’t afford it.
–Simone Edwards (The Amsterdam News)
She also said a mentorship program will occur on Sundays in addition to the construction of a basketball court.
I want them to understand their schoolwork and improve their grades as well as their self-esteem and self-worth.
–Simone Edwards (The Amsterdam News)
