Laila Edwards Is the First Black Woman to Represent U.S. Hockey at the Olympics

University of Wisconsin's star forward Laila Edwards just got the call to represent Team USA, making her the first Black woman to play for the United States' hockey team at the Winter Olympics. The 21-year-old is already a history-maker, becoming the first Black woman to play on the U.S. women's senior national team back in 2023. With a number of college and international honors to her name at a young age, the world is about to become her oyster at Milano Cortina 2026.

Edwards is one of the most exciting young talents the sport has ever seen. She already holds two World Championship titles and is the tournament's youngest-ever MVP winner, receiving the honor at 20 years old. With so many accolades under her belt before she turns professional, the future of her career is one to look out for. Already projected to be a first-round pick in this year's PWHL draft, the big leagues are calling her name.

Playing in a historically majority white sport, Edwards is a trailblazer, inspiring young, Black girls that have never seen themselves on the ice. More history is ready to be made and glass ceilings ready to be shattered. It was a long time coming, but Edwards is the player hockey needed to change the game.

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