Wisconsin Defenseman Laila Edwards to Make History at 2026 Olympics

Edwards will become the first Black woman to play for the U.S. Olympic hockey team.

Jan. 31, 2026 at 11:15pm

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Laila Edwards, a 22-year-old defenseman for the University of Wisconsin, has been selected to represent the United States at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina. Edwards will make history as the first Black woman to play for the U.S. Olympic hockey team.

Why it matters

Edwards' selection is a significant milestone for diversity and representation in hockey, a sport that has traditionally lacked racial and gender diversity at the highest levels. Her achievement will inspire young Black girls and women to pursue their dreams of playing hockey and representing their country on the world stage.

The details

Edwards, who has 36 points (8 goals, 28 assists) in 21 games this season, made the switch to defense at the suggestion of the U.S. Women's National Team coaches. They believed her puck-handling skills and involvement in the play would be better utilized on the blue line. Edwards has previous international experience, winning gold at the 2025 IIHF Women's World Championship and silver at the 2024 tournament, where she was named the youngest-ever MVP.

  • Edwards was selected to the 2026 U.S. Olympic hockey team in January 2026.
  • The 2026 Winter Olympics will take place in Milano Cortina, Italy from February 6-22, 2026.

The players

Laila Edwards

A 22-year-old defenseman for the University of Wisconsin who will become the first Black woman to play for the U.S. Olympic hockey team.

Mark Johnson

The head coach of the University of Wisconsin women's hockey team and a member of the 1980 "Miracle on Ice" U.S. men's hockey team that won gold at the Lake Placid Olympics.

John Wroblewski

The head coach of the U.S. women's Olympic hockey team.

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What they’re saying

“This is the future in current time. Laila Edwards coming to the forefront and creating history with what she's going to do at the Olympics is incredible. She's going to inspire a lot of people, and she has a lot of people rooting for her and her success.”

— Jaden Lindo, Manager of the Pittsburgh Penguins' Willie O'Ree Academy youth hockey program (nhl.com)

“You know, a defenseman throughout the course of the game touches the puck twice as many times as that team's best forward, and so they can have so much more impact. You're around it more often. I think her desire to play the position is just being more involved in the play. And we thought, 'This is a good adventure to go down and support the player through that.'”

— John Wroblewski, U.S. women's Olympic hockey coach (nhl.com)

“She's getting more comfortable back there. She's a real gifted athlete so some things come easy. But other things she has to work at but she's willing to do it.”

— Mark Johnson, University of Wisconsin women's hockey coach (nhl.com)

What’s next

Edwards will continue to train with the U.S. women's national hockey team in the lead-up to the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina, Italy.

The takeaway

Laila Edwards' selection to the U.S. Olympic hockey team is a groundbreaking moment for diversity and representation in the sport. Her achievement will inspire young Black girls and women to pursue their dreams of playing hockey and representing their country on the world stage.