Laila Edwards, a 21-year-old final-year student at the University of Wisconsin, is poised to make history after being named to Team USA’s 23-player roster for the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games.
Edwards will become the first African-American woman to compete in Olympic ice hockey for the United States in February 2026, marking a major milestone for diversity and representation in the sport.
“It still hasn’t really kicked in yet,” Edwards told the Associated Press. “Getting that call is like a dream come true. I always had dreams of playing in the pros, but the biggest dream was to go to the Olympics, for sure.”
A Rapid Rise in Elite Ice Hockey
In just a few years, Edwards has emerged as one of the most dynamic talents in women’s ice hockey. At just 20 years old, she became the youngest American to win the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award at the IIHF Women’s World Championships, helping Team USA secure its 11th world title last April.
Her national team journey began even earlier. Edwards made her senior debut at age 19, becoming the first Black woman to play for the U.S. women’s national ice hockey team and later the first Black woman to win a Women’s World Championship with the squad.
A Versatile Two-Way Star
Standing 1.85 metres (6 feet) tall, the Cleveland Heights, Ohio, native is known as a rare two-way player, capable of excelling both on defence and as a forward. Her size, speed, and tactical awareness have made her a key asset at both collegiate and international levels.
As a standout performer for the University of Wisconsin, Edwards has continued to build a reputation as a game-changer, earning praise for her leadership and adaptability on the ice.
Breaking Barriers Ahead of Milano Cortina 2026
Edwards’ Olympic selection represents more than a personal achievement—it is a historic moment for American ice hockey and a powerful signal of progress in a sport where Black women have long been underrepresented.
As Team USA prepares for the 2026 Winter Games in Italy, Edwards is expected to play a pivotal role in the team’s quest for Olympic gold, while inspiring a new generation of athletes to see themselves reflected on the world’s biggest sporting stage.
