After an extraordinary 19-year run, Peoria High girls basketball head coach has officially stepped down, leaving behind a legacy that few in Illinois high school sports can match. The 1995 Peoria High graduate amassed 310 wins, 14 winning seasons, and six 20-win campaigns, cementing his place as a program legend.
His journey on the Peoria High sidelines spanned 28 seasons—nine years coaching the boys team before taking over the girls program in 2007-08. The pinnacle came in 2023, when his squad achieved the highest finish in school history, bringing home the Class 3A state third-place trophy.
"Just being honest, I think I just held on just a little bit too long," Edwards reflected. "I had a plan, but it was just that time. Time to hit a pause button a little bit. See what else is going on. Nothing big or anything of that nature. It's just more or less, the timing felt right this time."
Interestingly, his decision wasn't driven by family considerations—even though his wife, Kelly Craig, and daughter, Destini Edwards, served as his assistant coaches. "It didn't have anything to do with family because my family was on the bench with me, so it's nothing like that. Just the perfect time."
Under his leadership, Peoria High twice tied the school record for wins in a season (29) in 2020 and 2023. His overall record stands at an impressive 310-212 (.593), but the numbers from his final five seasons are truly staggering: 115-13 (.898) from 2020 to 2024.
For Edwards, however, the proudest achievement came off the court. "That's some of things I always hung my hat on. You got to be a student-athlete, not an athlete student. I really took pride in that." His teams maintained a 3.2 GPA, proving that excellence extends far beyond the scoreboard.
Edwards admits he was initially reluctant to make the switch from boys to girls basketball. But members of his first girls team convinced him to take the leap—a decision that changed his life. "I thank God they did come to me, because not only it was coaching girls, but it taught me to be a better dad to my daughter. They believed in you. They would run literally through a brick wall for you."
As Peoria High begins its search for a new leader, Edwards leaves behind a program built on discipline, academic achievement, and championship culture—a true testament to what happens when timing, talent, and heart align.