Laila Edwards: A Trailblazer for Team USA Hockey
At just 21 years old, Laila Edwards is poised to make history at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy, as the first Black woman selected for the U.S. women’s Olympic hockey team. Her journey from a young girl watching Team USA face off against Canada for gold to donning the Team USA jersey herself is one of determination, dedication, and breaking barriers.
The Dream Begins
Laila’s Olympic aspirations ignited at an early age. In 2014, when she was just 10, she watched the U.S. women’s hockey team compete against Canada at the Sochi Winter Olympics. That pivotal moment set her on a path she had always dreamed of walking. “Since age 10, I had dreams of playing for Team USA in the Olympics,” she shared in an exclusive interview with PEOPLE.
However, Laila couldn’t have predicted the historic milestone she would later achieve. In 2024, she became the first Black woman to play for the U.S. women’s senior national hockey team. Just a year later, she earned her coveted spot on the Olympic roster.
The Weight of Representation
With this honor comes a profound sense of responsibility. Edwards recognizes the weight of her groundbreaking achievement: “I was like, ‘Wow, I could take this one of two ways: shy away from it, or try to make a difference,’” she explained. For Laila, representation isn’t merely a buzzword—it holds deep personal significance. “It means everything. I think representation is so important, and role models are important too.”
She actively seeks to inspire young girls who aspire to break into sports, particularly in hockey, where diversity has historically been limited. “To be that potential role model for someone, it means the world to me,” she reflected.
Inspiration from Role Models
Growing up, Laila looked up to hockey icons like Hilary Knight, Brianna Decker, and Kendall Coyne Schofield. Their accomplishments fueled her passion and determination. “Now I’m going to the Olympics with them. It’s crazy,” she said, reminiscing about the time her mother had to secure autographs for her. Today, she shares the locker room with women she once idolized, showcasing just how far she has come.
Family Support: The Cornerstone of Success
No story of triumph is complete without the support of family, and for Edwards, her father, Robert, has been her number-one fan and coach. Growing up in Ohio, Laila began skating at the Cleveland Heights rink as soon as she could walk. With an early start in figure skating at just three years old, her father’s wisdom led her toward hockey. “He was like, ‘You’re not going into figure skating. It’s just to help with hockey,’” she explained, showcasing the foundation of her hockey journey.
By the age of five, Laila had fully transitioned to hockey, leaving behind the figure skates for a stick and puck. Her relentless practice paid off as she honed her skills in skating and puck control. “I’ve always been told I was a natural with stick handling,” she noted. Her hard work and dedication truly culminated in her Olympic selection.
Ready for the Olympic Challenge
Now, as she prepares for the upcoming Winter Olympics, Laila embodies the hopes and dreams of countless young athletes. The little girl who once sat glued to the television screen is now set to step onto the ice to represent her country. With aspirations to inspire the next generation, Laila Edwards is not just playing hockey; she’s rewriting the narrative of what it means to be a female athlete in the sport.
The stage is set for her Olympic debut. Laila is ready, not just to compete, but to carve her name into history and show the world the power of dreams combined with hard work and perseverance.