Cleveland Heights Native Laila Edwards Makes History as First Black Woman on U.S. Olympic Hockey Team

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Laila Edwards, a native of Cleveland Heights, Ohio, has become the first Black woman to play for the U.S. Olympic hockey team. Edwards grew up just blocks away from the New Heights Grill, where locals gather to watch her games with immense pride. Cleveland Heights, an integrated inner-ring suburb, is known for its inclusive values and diverse community, embodied by Edwards and other famous alumni like the Kelce brothers.

Why it matters

Edwards' historic achievement on the Olympic stage represents an important milestone for diversity and representation in hockey, a sport that has traditionally lacked racial diversity. Her success also reflects the inclusive spirit of Cleveland Heights, a community that has embraced its transformation from a rural farming town to a diverse, welcoming suburb.

The details

Laila Edwards, 22, is the first Black woman to play for the U.S. Olympic hockey team. She honed her skills from a young age, playing for the Cleveland Barons boys squirts team and the Cleveland Heights Tigers mites team, just minutes away from the New Heights Grill where locals now gather to watch her compete. Edwards' Olympic journey has captivated the Cleveland Heights community, which is known for its inclusive values and diverse population, with restaurants serving a variety of international cuisines along the commercial Lee Road.

• Laila Edwards grew up playing hockey in Cleveland Heights as a child.
• Edwards is currently competing for the U.S. Olympic hockey team in the 2026 Winter Games.