Laila Edwards Makes History as First Black Woman on US Olympic Hockey Team

The 22-year-old star player from the University of Wisconsin leads the US women's hockey team to the Olympics.

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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Laila Edwards has made history as the first Black woman to play on the U.S. women's hockey team at the Winter Olympics. The 6-foot-1 star, who plays collegiate hockey at the University of Wisconsin, scored the first goal for the U.S. team at the Milan Cortina Olympics. Edwards is highly regarded and has helped lead the Badgers to three consecutive NCAA championship game appearances.

Why it matters

Edwards' historic achievement as the first Black woman to represent the US in Olympic women's hockey is a significant milestone for diversity and representation in the sport. Her success is inspiring the next generation of young Black hockey players and serving as a role model for girls of color who aspire to play at the highest levels.

The details

Edwards, a 22-year-old forward, has been a standout player for the University of Wisconsin Badgers, helping the team reach the NCAA championship game in each of the last three seasons. Her strong performance and leadership on the ice have earned her a spot on the US Olympic women's hockey team, where she scored the first goal for the Americans at the Milan Cortina Games.

  • Laila Edwards made history as the first Black woman to play for the US Olympic women's hockey team at the 2026 Winter Games in Milan Cortina.
  • Prior to the 2026 Olympics, Team USA played an exhibition game in Edwards' hometown of Cleveland, despite Cleveland not being an NHL market.

The players

Laila Edwards

A 22-year-old star player from the University of Wisconsin who is the first Black woman to play for the US Olympic women's hockey team.

Caroline Harvey

Edwards' best friend, college teammate, and fellow Team USA star who expressed pride in Edwards' historic achievement.

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What they’re saying

“I think it's slowly dawning on me, and it's just an honor, you know, to be that role model. It's like the intention, you know, I've never been a big fan of. But to have the opportunity to represent, you know, a community and inspire other people is really motivating.”

— Laila Edwards (wbal.com)

“She is one of many that will follow in her footsteps. The trail that she's blazing, and it's unbelievable for girls of color to look up to her and see it.”

— Caroline Harvey, Edwards' best friend and college teammate (wbal.com)

What’s next

The US women's hockey team will continue training and preparing for the medal rounds at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina.

The takeaway

Laila Edwards' historic achievement as the first Black woman to represent the US in Olympic women's hockey is a significant milestone for diversity and representation in the sport. Her success is inspiring the next generation of young Black hockey players and serving as a role model for girls of color who aspire to play at the highest levels.