Cleveland's Laila Edwards Shines at Olympics with Kelce Brothers' Support

Laila Edwards' family gets to experience the Olympics thanks to a GoFundMe drive and donations from NFL stars Travis and Jason Kelce.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Laila Edwards, a rising star in women's hockey, is representing the U.S. at the 2026 Olympics in Milan. Her family was able to travel to Italy to support her thanks to a successful GoFundMe campaign that received a $10,000 donation from NFL players Travis and Jason Kelce, who are also from the Cleveland area. Edwards' family is using the extra funds to give back to the community by providing hockey equipment and free ice time.

Why it matters

Edwards is the first Black female hockey player to represent the U.S. at the Olympics, and her story highlights the importance of community support and mentorship for young athletes from underrepresented backgrounds. The Kelce brothers' involvement also showcases how professional athletes can use their platform to uplift and support the next generation.

The details

Laila Edwards, a senior at the University of Wisconsin, has been a standout performer for Team USA at the Olympics, scoring two goals and recording four assists to help the team reach the semifinal. Edwards left home at age 13 to attend a hockey academy in New York before moving on to Wisconsin, and she has always credited her family's sacrifices and support for helping her reach this level. When a GoFundMe campaign was launched to help her family travel to Italy, it generated over $60,000 - including a $10,000 donation from NFL stars Travis and Jason Kelce, who are also from the Cleveland area. The Edwardses have decided to use any leftover funds to provide hockey equipment and free ice time to the local community.

  • Laila Edwards was named to the U.S. Olympic roster in early 2026.
  • The GoFundMe campaign to support Edwards' family travel was launched shortly after she made the team.
  • Edwards' family, including over a dozen immediate family members, traveled to Italy to watch her compete at the Olympics.
  • Edwards scored two goals and recorded four assists to help the U.S. reach the semifinal on February 16, 2026.
  • The Kelce brothers, who are also from the Cleveland area, contributed $10,000 to the GoFundMe campaign.

The players

Laila Edwards

A rising star in women's hockey who is representing the U.S. at the 2026 Olympics in Milan, and the first Black female hockey player to do so.

Travis Kelce

A tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs who contributed $10,000 to the GoFundMe campaign to support Laila Edwards' family travel to the Olympics.

Jason Kelce

A former NFL center who also contributed $10,000 to the GoFundMe campaign and attended Laila Edwards' game against Sweden with his wife Kylie.

Charone Gray-Edwards

Laila Edwards' mother, who was in the crowd to witness her daughter's performance against Sweden.

Robert Edwards

Laila Edwards' father, who expressed gratitude for the support his family has received.

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What they’re saying

“'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 (nbcchicago.com)

“'We're humbled by it.'”

— Robert Edwards, Laila Edwards' father (nbcchicago.com)

“'Obviously, my name's on the roster, but I feel like my whole family made it to the Olympics. All the sacrifices they've made, the things they've done to get me here, my parents, my siblings, I'm so grateful. And for them to get to come and share the experience is going to be really special.'”

— Laila Edwards (nbcchicago.com)

“'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 (nbcchicago.com)

What’s next

The U.S. women's hockey team will face Sweden in the semifinal on February 18, 2026.

The takeaway

Laila Edwards' journey to the Olympics has been supported by her tight-knit Cleveland community, including the generous donations from NFL stars Travis and Jason Kelce. This story highlights the power of community support and mentorship in helping young athletes, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, achieve their dreams.