U.S. Hockey's Laila Edwards' Parents Grateful for Kelce Brothers' Donation

The Kelce brothers' donation helped Laila Edwards' family travel to the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan to watch her compete.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 12:07pm

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Laila Edwards, the first Black woman to play for the U.S. women's hockey team at the Olympics, recently raised over $59,000 through a GoFundMe to help 14 of her family members, including her parents, travel to Milan for the 2026 Winter Games. NFL stars Travis Kelce and Jason Kelce made a large donation to the fundraiser, which Edwards' parents said they were "humbled" and grateful for. The extra funds will be used to help Edwards' local Cleveland community, including buying hockey equipment for kids.

Why it matters

Edwards' story highlights the financial challenges many Olympic athletes and their families face in trying to attend the games, especially for minority athletes who may have fewer resources. The Kelce brothers' donation helped make it possible for Edwards' loved ones to witness her historic achievement of becoming the first Black woman to represent the U.S. in women's hockey at the Olympics.

The details

Edwards recently made the U.S. women's hockey team for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan. Her family launched a GoFundMe to help cover the costs for 14 of her family members, including her parents, to travel to Italy and watch her compete. The fundraiser has raised over $59,700, with large donations from NFL stars Travis Kelce and Jason Kelce. Edwards' parents said they were "humbled" by the Kelce brothers' generosity, and the extra funds will be used to support Edwards' local Cleveland community.

  • The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan begin on Friday, February 6.
  • Edwards recently made the U.S. women's hockey team for the 2026 Olympics.

The players

Laila Edwards

A 22-year-old U.S. women's hockey player who is the first Black woman to play for the U.S. Olympic women's hockey team.

Travis Kelce

An NFL star tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs who made a large donation to Edwards' family's GoFundMe to help them travel to the 2026 Olympics.

Jason Kelce

An NFL star center for the Philadelphia Eagles and Travis Kelce's brother, who also made a large donation to Edwards' family's GoFundMe.

Robert Edwards

Laila Edwards' father, who said the family was "humbled" by the Kelce brothers' donations.

Charone Gray-Edwards

Laila Edwards' mother, who expressed deep gratitude for the donations that allowed her family to travel to the Olympics.

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What they’re saying

“We're humbled by it.”

— Robert Edwards, Laila Edwards' father (Associated Press)

“Oh my goodness, I was going to find words to describe the gratitude and appreciation. But I haven't yet.”

— Charone Gray-Edwards, Laila Edwards' mother (Associated Press)

“He was just saying, everyone's got my back. He's rooting for me. They didn't have to do that, but they did. And I'm really grateful.”

— Laila Edwards (Associated Press)

What’s next

The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan begin on Friday, February 6, where Laila Edwards will make her Olympic debut for the U.S. women's hockey team.

The takeaway

The Kelce brothers' generous donation to Laila Edwards' family showcases the financial barriers many Olympic athletes and their loved ones face, and the power of community support to help make their dreams a reality. Edwards' story is an inspiring example of perseverance and the importance of representation in sports.