Laila Edwards: Trailblazer Set to Make History at the 2026 Winter Olympics

Cleveland Heights, Ohio, is brimming with pride as Laila Edwards prepares to become the first Black woman to play for the U.S. Women’s Olympic hockey team at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy. The University of Wisconsin senior defender’s journey has captivated her hometown and is inspiring a new generation of hockey players.

Early Life and Hockey Beginnings

Born on January 25, 2004, in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, to Charone Gray-Edwards and Robert Edwards, Laila grew up alongside her siblings: Bobby, Chayla, Colson, and Britney Gray. Cleveland Heights Parks & Recreation highlights her local roots. Edwards initially pursued figure skating at the age of three before transitioning to hockey at five. Soon, the entire family was involved in the Cleveland Heights Hockey League.

Rise Through the Ranks

Edwards quickly progressed through the youth hockey system, playing ‘AAA’ hockey with the Cleveland Barons 10U (boys), Cleveland Lumberjacks 12U (boys), and Pittsburgh Pens Elite (girls). Cleveland.com notes that coaches recognized her potential early on, predicting an Olympic future even at a young age.

Prep Hockey and Collegiate Success

From 2018 to 2022, Edwards attended Bishop Kearney High School in Rochester, New York, an elite girls’ hockey program. She excelled, scoring 147 goals and registering 266 assists for a total of 413 points in 287 games played. She continued her success at the University of Wisconsin, becoming a two-time NCAA national champion in 2023 and 2025, and earning First Team All-American honors. As of February 2, 2026, she ranks second in NCAA Division I in assists per game (1.33) and sixth in points per game (1.71).

International Debut and Olympic Selection

Edwards made her international debut with Team USA at the 2022 International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) U18 World Championships, where she served as alternate team captain and earned tournament MVP and IIHF Best Forward honors, finishing with four goals and four assists. She was named to the twenty-three-player Olympic roster on January 2, 2026.

Breaking Barriers and Inspiring Future Generations

Edwards’ selection to the U.S. Olympic team marks a historic moment, as she is the first Black woman to represent the country in women’s Olympic hockey. The New York Times reports that her journey has resonated deeply with her hometown of Cleveland Heights. She is a role model for aspiring athletes and a symbol of progress in the sport. Wikipedia notes she was the first Black woman to play for the U.S. Women’s senior national team in 2023 and to score a goal for Team USA at the 2024 World Championships.

Key Takeaways

• Laila Edwards is the first Black woman to play for the U.S. Women’s Olympic hockey team.
• She is a two-time NCAA national champion with the University of Wisconsin.
• Edwards began her hockey career in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, and has become a source of pride for her community.