Cleveland Heights Native Laila Edwards Wins Gold in Women's Hockey at 2026 Winter Olympics

Edwards becomes first Black woman to win gold as part of USA women's hockey team.

Published on Mar. 1, 2026

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Laila Edwards, a star defender from Cleveland Heights, Ohio, helped lead the U.S. women's hockey team to a gold medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina, Italy. Edwards recorded an assist on the game-tying goal late in regulation before Megan Keller scored the overtime winner, capping off a dominant 7-0 Olympic run for Team USA.

Why it matters

Edwards' gold medal achievement is historic, as she becomes the first Black woman to win gold as part of the USA women's hockey team. Her success is inspiring the next generation of young hockey players, especially those from the Cleveland area.

The details

The U.S. women's hockey team outscored opponents 33-2 en route to the gold medal, with Edwards playing a key role on defense. In the gold medal game against Canada, Edwards recorded an assist on the game-tying goal late in regulation before Megan Keller scored the overtime winner. This was the third Olympic gold medal for the U.S. women's hockey team, following previous titles in 2018 and 1998 when the sport was first included in the Winter Games.

  • The 2026 Winter Olympics were held in Milano Cortina, Italy from February 6-22, 2026.
  • The gold medal game between the U.S. and Canada took place on February 20, 2026.
  • Edwards' historic achievement as the first Black woman to win Olympic gold in women's hockey came on February 20, 2026.

The players

Laila Edwards

A star defender from Cleveland Heights, Ohio who helped lead the U.S. women's hockey team to the gold medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics, becoming the first Black woman to win gold as part of the USA hockey team.

Hilary Knight

A veteran forward for the U.S. women's hockey team who scored the game-tying goal late in the third period of the gold medal game against Canada.

Megan Keller

The U.S. women's hockey team member who scored the overtime game-winner against Canada to clinch the gold medal.

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What’s next

Edwards and the U.S. women's hockey team will be honored with a parade and celebration in Cleveland Heights upon their return from the 2026 Winter Olympics.

The takeaway

Laila Edwards' historic gold medal achievement as the first Black woman to win Olympic gold in women's hockey is an inspiring story that will motivate young athletes, especially those from the Cleveland area, to pursue their dreams in the sport. Her success on the world's biggest stage is a testament to her hard work and dedication, and serves as a shining example of what can be accomplished through perseverance and passion.