Laila Edwards Dominates as Team USA’s First Black Woman, Winning Awards, Leading Championships, and Paving the Way for Future Hockey Stars!

Laila Edwards has become a trailblazer in the world of hockey. At just 19 years old, she made history as the first Black woman to play for the U.S. Women’s National Hockey Team. Her remarkable journey is not only about breaking records but also about inspiring young girls of color to dream big and succeed in sports.

Leading Team USA and Winning Big

Laila Edwards led the University of Wisconsin to a national championship, showing her leadership and talent on the ice. She also won the prestigious 2024 Bob Allen Women’s Player of the Year award. These accomplishments earned her a spot on the 2025 Forbes 30 Under 30 list in sports, highlighting her growing influence in the sports world.

Edwards’ impact extends beyond her trophies. She knows that every time she steps on the ice, she is representing young girls who may not have seen someone who looks like them in this sport before. “It’s great to see someone that looks like you at that level, but then to see someone succeed at that level is even more important,” Edwards said.

Inspiring Young Girls to Dream Big

Edwards understands her role as a role model. She wants young girls, especially those of color, to see that they can achieve great things in hockey and beyond. “I’m hoping for those young girls of color that don’t feel very represented to see me, see that I’m thriving at this level, and hopefully grow in the game,” she shared.

Her passion for representation shines through in her work with events like Red Bull Light the Lamp. The event mixed hockey with fun activities to introduce new people to the sport. Edwards loved how it brought together people of all ages, races, and genders, showing the true inclusiveness of the game.

A Legacy of Accessibility and Inclusion

Laila Edwards is not only a talented player but also a strong advocate for making hockey more accessible. She believes the biggest challenge for inclusivity in hockey is its high cost and limited access. “It’s not like you can just go skate in your backyard versus you can bounce a basketball in your backyard,” she explained. She is actively working to address these barriers and make the sport more welcoming to all.

Her ultimate goal is to leave a legacy not just as a great player but as an even better person. She wants young girls to see that achieving success at the top level of hockey is not only possible but also a pathway to inspire others.