Laila Edwards made history at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy. The 22-year-old became the first black woman to play Olympic ice hockey for the United States. She reached the milestone during Team USA’s opening game against Czechia.
Edwards, who is a native of Cleveland Heights, Ohio, collected her first Olympic point in a 5-1 win. The assist came on the opening goal by Alex Carpenter, marking a strong start to her first Games. She now joins a short list of Black players like Sarah Nurse (Canada) to represent their countries at the Olympic level.
Speaking to the media on Thursday, Edwards said,
“I feel good. It was a really good first game, a little nervous, but it was good.”
Edwards inclination towards hockey started at a young age. She was born in 2004, nearly six years after the women’s team first played in the Olympics. She began skating at age three before switching to hockey. She played elite boys’ AAA hockey, traveled nationally, and later joined Bishop Kearney’s top girls program.
Edwards posted standout scoring numbers at Bishop Kearney and later competed internationally at the 2022 U18 World Championship. In that tournament, she was named the MVP after scoring 4 goals and 4 assists for 8 points in 5 games, helping Team USA win Silver.
Personal Details about Laila Edwards:
Parents: Robert Edwards and Charone Gray-Edwards.
Birth: January 25, 2004.
From: Cleveland Heights, Ohio.
In the recent past, Edwards has built an elite resume at the University of Wisconsin, winning multiple NCAA titles. In 2024, she earned U-20 World Championship MVP honors, becoming the youngest player to do so. She became the first Black woman to represent the U.S. Women’s National Team at an international event in 2024.
At the Olympic level, Edwards took on a new challenge. Known as a forward, she asked to move to defense for Team USA. Head coach John Wroblewski supported the switch, trusting her vision and hockey sense.
“We loved her as a forward,” Wroblewski said. “But …when a player comes and has the fortitude and decides that she wants to do something and has the courage to come and say that this is what I want, you give it a shot, and you give her the go.”
Representation sits at the center of Edwards’ journey. She has spoken openly about carrying responsibility while embracing visibility. Edwards believes sharing her story matters for young players who may not see themselves reflected in the sport.
Travis Kelce and Brother Jason Supported Laila Edwards
Off the ice, Edwards’ story has reached beyond hockey. Cleveland Heights natives Travis and Jason Kelce supported her Olympic journey by helping fund family travel.
“My family put up a GoFundMe, and (Travis Kelce) donated…,” Edwards said about the Kelce brothers, when speaking with People. “He’s been in touch a little bit on how else he can help… They’re really good people, too, outside of their athletic abilities.”
As Team USA prepares to face Switzerland, Edwards’ impact already stretches beyond the scoreboard. Her success blends performance, versatility, and progress, setting a powerful example for the future of women’s hockey.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in golf, hockey, baseball, tennis, college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
