Laila Edwards Makes History as First African-American Woman Named to Team USA Olympic Ice Hockey Team

Laila Edwards being named to Team USA’s 23-player roster for the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics stands as a deeply proud and historic moment, not just for her, but for American hockey as a whole. As the first African-American woman set to play Olympic ice hockey for the United States, her selection represents years of perseverance, talent, and doors opening wider for the next generation.

“It still hasn’t really kicked in yet,” Edwards said after receiving the call. “Getting that call is like a dream come true.” That sense of disbelief captures the magnitude of the moment. The Olympics were never just a milestone on her résumé; they were the ultimate goal. “Always had dreams of playing in the pros, but the biggest dream was to go the Olympics, for sure,” she shared, making her selection feel both personal and symbolic.

Edwards’ rise to this stage has been nothing short of remarkable. In just a few short years, she has gone from a teenage debutant to one of Team USA’s most dynamic players. At just 20 years old, she became the youngest American to ever win Most Valuable Player honors at the Women’s World Championships, helping lead the U.S. to its 11th world title last April. Those achievements alone signal excellence, but her journey carries even greater meaning.

Standing 1.85 meters tall and known as a rare two-way player, Edwards brings impact on both ends of the ice, contributing as a defender and a forward. She first joined the national team at 19, becoming the first Black woman to play for the U.S. women’s hockey team and, soon after, the first Black woman to win an IIHF Women’s World Championship. Each milestone built toward this Olympic moment, showing what is possible when talent meets opportunity.

Team USA’s Milano Cortina roster also includes three Olympic champions, placing Edwards among proven winners as she prepares to take the sport’s biggest stage. Her presence sends a powerful message about belonging, representation, and excellence in a sport that has not always reflected the full diversity of the country it represents.

This moment is about more than making history; it is about pride in watching barriers fall and dreams realized. As the road to Milano Cortina 2026 begins, Laila Edwards stands as proof that the future of American hockey is broader, stronger, and more inspiring than ever.

Link: Olympics.com