Laila Edwards Breaks Barriers: First Black Woman to Score for Team USA at the 2026 Winter Olympics

Laila Edwards has just carved another slice of history for Team USA at the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, becoming the first Black woman ever to skate for the U.S. women’s ice-hockey team—and she’s doing it with style. The 21-year-old forward from Cleveland Heights, Ohio, already stood out at the University of Wisconsin for her 6-foot-1 frame, soft hands and clutch scoring touch. Now, as a senior Badger and newly minted Olympian, Edwards is turning Olympic ice into her personal showcase. In the preliminary round she logged two goals and three assists, helping the United States sweep its group with a perfect record. Beyond the scoresheet, Edwards’ milestone carries weight. Growing up, she rarely saw players who looked like her in the sport she loved. “Representation matters,” she said after her debut, noting that every shift is a chance to inspire young Black girls who dream of lacing up skates. Hockey insiders aren’t surprised by her rapid rise. Edwards powered Wisconsin to an NCAA title last spring and was named Frozen Four MVP, piling up 27 goals and 35 assists while anchoring the Badgers’ top line. Her size lets her dominate the low slot, but it’s her vision—threading seam passes through traffic—that drew Team USA coaches to pencil her onto a veteran-heavy Olympic roster. Edwards’ breakout also arrives at a pivotal moment for U.S. hockey marketing. Searches for “Laila Edwards” spiked nationwide after her opening-night goal, and merch featuring her No. 92 jersey sold out within hours on the official Olympic shop. Social platforms lit up with clips of her dangling through Italy’s defense, while youth programs reported a surge in inquiries from girls of color. Brands have noticed: equipment giant Bauer confirmed talks for an endorsement deal centered on inclusion initiatives. Next up is a semifinal showdown with arch-rival Canada—a rematch of last year’s IIHF gold-medal thriller. If Edwards can impose her net-front presence again, she could push Team USA toward its first Olympic gold since 2018 and cement herself as the new face of American women’s hockey. For a sport eager to grow in both diversity and visibility, Laila Edwards isn’t just making history; she’s actively rewriting the future.