Laila Edwards Celebrates Growth of Women's Hockey After Olympic Gold

The U.S. Women's Hockey Team star reflects on the rising popularity of the sport following their historic victory.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Laila Edwards, a key member of the U.S. Women's Hockey Team that won gold at the 2026 Milan Olympics, is celebrating the growing popularity of women's hockey. Edwards, a senior at the University of Wisconsin, noted that even NFL star Tom Brady attended one of their games, highlighting the increased interest in the sport.

Why it matters

The U.S. Women's Hockey Team's gold medal win marks their third Olympic title, showcasing the continued growth and recognition of women's hockey on the global stage. Edwards' comments reflect the sport's rising profile and the impact of high-profile athletes and celebrities taking an interest in women's sports.

The details

Edwards, the first Black woman to represent the U.S. Women's Hockey Team, finished the Olympics with 8 points, including 2 goals and 6 assists, helping lead the team to their historic victory. She is currently playing out her senior year at the University of Wisconsin, where she has 36 points so far this season.

  • The U.S. Women's Hockey Team won gold at the 2026 Milan Olympics.
  • Edwards is currently playing her senior year at the University of Wisconsin.

The players

Laila Edwards

A senior at the University of Wisconsin and the first Black woman to represent the U.S. Women's Hockey Team, who helped lead them to gold at the 2026 Olympics.

Tom Brady

An NFL star who attended a game to watch the U.S. Women's Hockey Team, highlighting the growing popularity of the sport.

Jason and Travis Kelce

Fellow residents of Cleveland Heights, Ohio, who helped pay for Edwards' family to attend the Olympics and watch her compete.

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What they’re saying

“You see people that you didn't even really think would know about women's hockey, like Tom Brady was at our game, I thought that was really cool.”

— Laila Edwards, U.S. Women's Hockey Team Player (Cleveland 19 News)

The takeaway

Laila Edwards' comments and the U.S. Women's Hockey Team's historic gold medal win at the 2026 Olympics showcase the growing popularity and recognition of women's hockey, with even high-profile athletes like Tom Brady taking an interest in the sport. This reflects the continued progress and impact of women's sports on the global stage.