Laila Edwards Set for Historic Olympic Hockey Debut as USA's First Black Female
Laila Edwards is poised to make history next month at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, where she will become the first Black female to represent the United States in hockey. The 21-year-old defender, standing at an imposing 6-foot-1 and 195 pounds, combines a hard shot, speed, and deft play-making ability that has marked her as a rising star in the sport.
A Homecoming Celebration in Cleveland
The significance of Edwards' journey was highlighted during a recent homecoming in Cleveland, where a casual family gathering turned into a moment of pure joy. As four generations of the Edwards family celebrated with fajita night, an excited shriek pierced the air. Edwards and longtime friend Caroline Harvey were huddled over a cell phone, breathlessly giggling at a social media post from Cleveland Cavaliers forward Larry Nance Jr., who had arrived for an NBA game wearing Edwards' No. 10 USA hockey jersey.
"Whoa," said Edwards, who remains well-versed in Cleveland's sports history despite leaving the city to pursue her hockey career. "He's born in Ohio. His dad played for the Cavs. Legend. I thought it was super cool for him to do that, when he didn't have to."
A day later, Edwards took to the ice at a downtown arena for a Rivalry Series game against Canada, where she took the ceremonial opening face-off and contributed an assist in a 4-1 victory. This event served as a coming-out party for Edwards, orchestrated by USA Hockey to honour her roots as she completes her senior college season at top-ranked Wisconsin.
The Future of Women's Hockey
Edwards' potential has not gone unnoticed by her peers. Hilary Knight, team captain and the face of US women's hockey, declared, "Laila is the future of the sport. I think you're seeing someone who's coming into her skill set and just scratching the surface."
Reflecting on her journey from local rinks to the global stage, Edwards expressed awe. "The idea of going from a 400-seat rink to the biggest sporting event in the world, it's like, wow. It feels like a full-circle moment to be starting the launch of my Olympic career here in Cleveland with my family."
Early Development and Personal Sacrifices
Edwards' hockey journey began at age three, inspired by her father, Robert. She followed in the footsteps of her older brother, Bobby, and was joined by her sister Chayla, who also played at Wisconsin. Her rapid development saw coaches recommending she play with girls two to three years older by age 11, leading to her enrolment in elite developmental programs like the Bishop Kearney Selects Academy in Rochester, New York.
Robert Edwards acknowledged the emotional toll of her early departure. "We thought she was ready because she was mature for her age. She was very solid educationally. The thing that we didn't expect was to miss her as much as we did, and the loss of not seeing her grow up. I don't regret doing that, but that is something that I feel was not the best part of her going away."
Edwards faced numerous challenges, including significant growth spurts and the sacrifice of missing her high school graduation to compete at the Under-18 World Championships. As a Black athlete in a predominantly white sport, she also navigated unique pressures. "To get through some of the things you have to get through in this sport, you've got to be strong," Edwards noted. "There's a lot that goes on in the locker room, outside, coaches, practice, fans. You definitely have to be strong. And I think it's huge in terms of representation and being a role model."
Transition to Defence and National Success
Edwards has demonstrated remarkable resilience, particularly in her transition from forward to defender—a move praised by US coach John Wroblewski. "She's an inspiring person to be around. I think it's just innate. It's just Laila. She's a gamer. She's the real deal," Wroblewski said.
In her national team debut at forward, Edwards was named MVP at the 2024 World Championships, despite the US losing the gold medal game to Canada. At the most recent worlds, she adapted to her new defensive role, contributing a goal and three assists while helping the team secure gold. "I didn't have my best tournament, but to me that wasn't what it was all about. We won, and I learned a lot, so that was a win as well. I think my expectations are a little higher now," she reflected.
Edwards embraces adversity as a learning opportunity. "The word 'challenge' is fine because I don't look at it as a negative. I see it as something that I can learn from. So I'm always trying to push myself to be a great athlete and player. But more importantly, a good person, role model, teammate."
A Family's Unwavering Support
Amid the trophies and medals displayed in the family home, Edwards sat squeezed between her parents on a couch in the den. For Robert and Charone Gray-Edwards, these precious moments with their daughter before she steps onto the world stage are invaluable.
Charone emphasised their unconditional support. "We tell her we love her regardless. You're not going to be perfect. You're not always going to win. You're not always going to be the top scorer. But you're always our Laila."
As Edwards prepares for her Olympic debut, she carries not only the hopes of her family and team but also the weight of making history as a trailblazer for future generations in women's hockey.
