First Black Woman in U. S. Olympic Hockey: Laila Edwards' Journey

Laila Edwards, an American athlete from Cleveland Heights, Ohio, became the first black woman to represent the United States in Olympic ice hockey. In her debut match against Czechia, the U.S. team secured a decisive 5‑1 victory, with Edwards assisting on Alex Carpenter’s opening goal.

A Milestone for U.S. Women’s Hockey

• 30 years of Olympic participation for U.S. women’s hockey
• Edwards’ performance marks a pivotal moment in the sport’s history

The Road to the Games

• Family Support

• Parents, former athletes, introduced and encouraged her from the start.

• Community Generosity
• Local NFL stars Jason and Travis Kelce launched a GoFundMe that raised over $60,000.
• Funds ensured her family could attend the Games in Italy and witness her historic performance.

Looking Ahead

• Next match: Finland in Group A
• Edwards’ journey—from a small Ohio town to the global stage—continues to inspire, demonstrating how community, family, and determination can overcome obstacles.