At just 21 years old, Laila Edwards is positioned as a pivotal figure in the future of U.S. women’s hockey. Recently, the young athlete returned to her hometown of Cleveland Heights, Ohio, where a family gathering turned celebratory upon the unexpected appearance of an NBA star. Edwards and her longtime friend and teammate, Caroline Harvey, were thrilled to see a photo on social media of Larry Nance Jr., a forward for the Cleveland Cavaliers, donning Edwards’ No. 10 U.S. hockey jersey before a game.
Edwards, who has spent significant time away from home to pursue her hockey career, expressed her excitement about Nance’s gesture, saying, “I thought it was super cool for him to do that, when he didn’t have to.” The following day, she made her mark at the downtown arena, participating in a ceremonial face-off and contributing an assist in a 4-1 victory over Canada during the Rivalry Series.
As Edwards prepares for her Olympic debut at the Milan Cortina Games next month, she is set to become the first Black female athlete to represent the U.S. in hockey at the Olympics. Standing at 6-foot-1 (185 centimeters) and weighing 195 pounds (88 kilograms), she is an imposing presence on the ice, combining strength, speed, and exceptional playmaking skills.
Recognized Talent
Edwards has garnered praise from influential figures in the sport. Hilary Knight, team captain and a prominent name in U.S. women’s hockey, stated, “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.” This endorsement is significant, especially as USA Hockey chose to host a series of events in Cleveland to celebrate Edwards, who is completing her senior season at the top-ranked University of Wisconsin.
During this four-day visit, Edwards not only engaged in practice sessions at a rink familiar from her childhood but also connected with her family, who have closely followed her journey. After leaving Cleveland to play for an elite girls’ team in Pittsburgh, she continued her development at the Bishop Kearney Selects Academy in Rochester, New York, before advancing to Wisconsin.
Reflecting on her journey, Edwards remarked, “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.”
Overcoming Challenges
Edwards first stepped onto the ice at the age of three, inspired by her father, Robert Edwards. Initially following in the footsteps of her older brother, Bobby, she was later joined by her sister, Chayla, who also played at Wisconsin. Edwards quickly outgrew her peers in skill and maturity, prompting her coaches to recommend she play with older girls. This transition led to her involvement in developmental programs that have produced several high-caliber players, including Olympic teammates.
Despite the success, the journey has not been without its sacrifices. Edwards faced numerous challenges, from significant growth spurts to the emotional toll of leaving home at an early age. “We thought she was ready because she was mature for her age,” Robert Edwards said. “The thing that we didn’t expect was to miss her as much as we did.”
Navigating the predominantly white landscape of hockey, Edwards has also encountered the unique challenges of being a Black athlete. “To get through some of the things you have to get through in this sport, you’ve got to be strong,” she shared, emphasizing the importance of representation and being a role model for others.
Recently, U.S. coach John Wroblewski praised Edwards for her resilience, particularly her adaptability in switching from forward to defense. “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,” he noted.
In her national team debut at forward, Edwards earned the title of MVP at the 2024 World Championships, where the team narrowly lost to Canada in the gold medal game. Though she faced difficulties transitioning to defense in the most recent tournament, she still contributed significantly with a goal and three assists, leading the team to a gold medal victory.
“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,” she reflected.
As she looks ahead, Edwards remains focused on her personal growth both as an athlete and as a person. “I see [challenge] as something that I can learn from,” she said. “So I’m always trying to push myself to be a great athlete and player. But more importantly, a good person, role model, teammate.”
On this particular evening in Cleveland, surrounded by family and memorabilia of her achievements, Edwards embraced the moment of connection with her parents, Robert and Charone Gray-Edwards. “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,” Charone affirmed. “But you’re always our Laila.”
As Laila Edwards prepares for the upcoming Olympic Games, the world will be watching a remarkable athlete who is not only a talented player but also a symbol of progress in sports. The journey ahead is filled with promise, and her impact on the ice is just beginning.
