ROCHESTER, NY -- Maria Edwards (Forrest Hill, MD/The Carroll School) has envisioned her future path for a long time. A fourth year business management major from Forrest Hill, Maryland and captain on the RIT women's basketball team, Edwards is utilizing lessons learned in the classroom, on the court, and on the job to prepare herself for a career as an entrepreneur.

The Tigers are off to its best start in program history, and are receiving votes in the Division III national poll. Edward's family owns five Burger King franchises and the rights to several Krispy Kreme franchises. Back in high school, Edwards knew what she was looking for in a college. It wasn't all about basketball and social life, but more a university that would help prepare her for he future in business.
 
"I can remember going to work with my family when I was young and being so fascinated with the business," said Edwards. "From the time I was a freshman in high school I knew I wanted to work and run the family business."

"I knew RIT was known for programs like engineering and computer science, but I was impressed with the business program," said Edwards. "I liked that they offer the co-op program. You can take what you learn in the classroom and apply those lessons in a real-world setting."

Edward's roll as point guard is to lead the team on the floor, making sure her teammates are aligned correctly, while serving as a motivator and coach. She has to make snap decisions and solve problems on the fly. It is another avenue for Edwards to utilize the skills she has learned in the classroom and on the basketball floor, and put them to work in a real-world setting.

"I have learned things in the classroom such as operations management and inventory," stated Edwards. "I would go home and talk to my dad about what I worked on in class. He would help put me in a situation at the store and apply those lessons which is an invaluable experience."

Edwards realizes the value of being part of a team can have on her future in business. Lessons such as problem solving and leadership are invaluable tools to have in business.

"I can use an example from sports and apply to the lesson to the real world," said Edwards. "For whatever reason your team is down five points late in the game. You as a leader have to find a way to pull your team out of the hole."

RIT head coach Amy Reed has seen the growth of Edwards over the past four years and has no doubt she will be successful in the future.

"Maria has been a phenomenal leader for our program," said Reed. "Her work ethic, positivity and strong relationships with her teammates make her a natural leader. There is no doubt these attributes will carry over into the business world."

Edward's teammates appreciate the value and leaderships she brings on and off the court.

"Maria is willing to do anything to help you be the best version of yourself," said teammate and third year forward Julia Bender (Webster, NY/Webster Thomas). "She is a natural born leader and a person you can always count on."