Canadian star Aaliyah Edwards proud to be part of a growing community of women's basketball

As the WNBA begins training camps this week, the excitement of new stars rising is in the air and on the court. The MedStar Performance Center in Washington, D.C. is the practice facility of the Washington Mystics and Canadian basketball star Aaliyah Edwards's new team.

The celebrated forward, who played her college ball at the University of Connecticut under storied women's coach Geno Auriemma, is being warmly welcomed her new city. She threw the first pitch at a Nationals MLB game and also helped lead cheers for the Washington Spirit, the local NWSL team.

Born in Kingston, Ont., Edwards was recently drafted sixth overall by the Mystics in the WNBA draft. And in just a few months, the 21-year-old will head to France with the women's national team for the Paris Olympics. 

This is a big years for Edwards, from making it to the Final Four with UConn in one of the top-viewed college basketball games in history, to being a top draft pick for the WNBA, to representing Canada on sports' biggest stage.

Edwards said that since her freshman year, she has felt the growth of women's basketball, which she refers to as community. 

"I'm just so grateful to be a part of it and impacting it," she said with her wide trademark grin. "I feel like I'm not only acknowledging those that came before me and just trying to keep pushing that way, pushing that momentum of bet on women, but also, you know, paving the way for those coming behind me.

"Because I'm kind of opening up new doors and opportunities for the next generation." 

WATCH: Edwards on inspiring the next generation:

Edwards speaks with so much humility, despite her accomplishments and being so recognizable because of her bright yellow braids and the face mask she wears when she