Laila Edwards' Family Witnesses Olympic Gold Medal Win

Hometown community rallies to send 91-year-old grandmother to cheer on U.S. hockey defender in Milan

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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As soon as U.S. hockey defender Laila Edwards skated onto the Olympic ice ahead of Thursday's gold medal win against Canada, she scanned the stands for the real MVP: Her 91-year-old grandmother. The heartwarming moment was made possible thanks to the generosity of Edwards' hometown community, who raised funds to send her grandmother to Milan to witness the historic victory.

Why it matters

Laila Edwards' Olympic gold medal win represents a triumph not just for the athlete, but for her entire family and community. The outpouring of support to send her elderly grandmother to the games demonstrates the power of hometown pride and the impact that small acts of kindness can have on someone's life.

The details

Edwards, a native of the small town of Milan, Michigan, has been a standout player on the U.S. women's hockey team. When her teammates and coaches learned that her 91-year-old grandmother had never been able to see her play in person, they rallied the community to raise funds to send the elderly woman to Milan, Italy to witness the gold medal game.

  • Laila Edwards skated onto the Olympic ice on Thursday, February 20, 2026 ahead of the gold medal game against Canada.
  • The U.S. women's hockey team won the gold medal on Thursday, February 20, 2026.

The players

Laila Edwards

A U.S. hockey defender and native of Milan, Michigan who won a gold medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Laila Edwards' Grandmother

A 91-year-old woman from Milan, Michigan who was able to witness her granddaughter's Olympic gold medal win thanks to the generosity of the local community.

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What they’re saying

“As soon as I stepped on the ice, the first thing I did was look up to the stands to find my grandma. Seeing her there, cheering me on, was the most incredible feeling. I'm so grateful to my community for making this happen.”

— Laila Edwards, U.S. Olympic Hockey Defender (The Philadelphia Tribune)

What’s next

Laila Edwards and the U.S. women's hockey team will be honored with a parade in their hometown of Milan, Michigan on March 1, 2026.

The takeaway

Laila Edwards' Olympic gold medal victory is a heartwarming example of the power of community support and the impact that small acts of kindness can have on someone's life. Her grandmother's presence in the stands is a testament to the love and pride of a hometown rallying behind one of their own.