Edwards Announces Retirement

Edwards

Edwards, 36, appeared in just three games last season due to chronic injuries to her left foot.

Nicknamed "Ice" for her cool demeanor, Edwards finished her WNBA career with 756 career points in 100 games. Her career averages were 7.6 points, 2.3 rebounds and 2.8 assists.

"Michelle is a class act," Dunn said. "She provided great leadership for our expansion team. She had a great college and professional career and we wish her all the best."

Originally assigned to Cleveland during the WNBA's inaugural season in 1997, Edwards played three-plus seasons with the Rockers before coming to Seattle in a trade on June 5, 2000. As rookie with the Rockers in 1997, Edwards averaged 10.2 points per game.

"It is with a very heavy heart that I announce my decision to retire from WNBA competition, but I have come to a point in my career where the opportunities and responsibilities for me outside of the WNBA are weighing more heavily on my life than ever before," said Edwards. "I'd like to profusely thank the fans of Seattle and Cleveland who have always supported me and who have inspired me to be the most positive role model I could be."

A four-year standout at the University of Iowa, Edwards was the first female athlete to have her number retired by the Hawkeyes. She was named Iowa's Athlete of the Year during the 1987-88 season and posted a career average of 15.6 points in 117 collegiate games.

The Storm has the first overall pick in the 2002 WNBA Draft Friday, April 19.

The Storm's third season in the WNBA begins Thursday, May 30 when Seattle hosts the New York Liberty at KeyArena.