Milan-Cortina, Italy – Laila Edwards etched her name into Olympic history Thursday night, becoming the first Black American woman to win a gold medal in women’s hockey. The United States defeated Canada 2-1 in a thrilling overtime victory, capping off a remarkable Games for the 21-year-old forward who also broke barriers simply by taking the ice.
Edwards assisted on the first goal of the game, contributing directly to the U.S. Team’s comeback win. Her journey to the podium wasn’t just about athletic prowess; it was a story of family support and community rallying behind a rising star. This historic win marks a significant moment for diversity and inclusion in the sport of hockey, inspiring a new generation of athletes.
Edwards’ impact extended beyond the medal stand. In her very first game at the Olympics, she became the first Black woman to represent Team USA in the sport, according to reporting from The Athletic. This milestone was made possible by a dedicated fundraising effort to bring her family to Italy to witness her Olympic debut.
Recognizing the financial burden of international travel, Edwards launched a GoFundMe campaign to cover the costs for her parents and four siblings to attend the Games. The campaign quickly surpassed its $50,000 goal, ultimately raising over $61,000 thanks to contributions from 650 donors. The outpouring of support allowed not only her immediate family, but also her 91-year-old grandmother, Ernestine Gray, and four friends to be present for this momentous occasion.
Kelce Brothers Show Support
Among the generous donors were NFL stars Jason and Travis Kelce, who contributed $10,000 to the campaign. The brothers, both hailing from Cleveland, Ohio – like Edwards – have been vocal supporters of the young hockey player since she joined the U.S. National Team in 2023. Jason and Kylie Kelce were in the stands cheering on Team USA as they secured the gold medal.
Edwards shared her surprise and gratitude after connecting with Travis Kelce online. “I thought, ‘I’ll just message them, thanking them, they’ll never witness it,” Edwards said. “And then Travis and I had a full conversation over DM,” she continued. “That was super cool… he was a really down-to-earth, humble guy who was super supportive and had really good things to say.” The Kelce brothers also acknowledged Edwards’ achievement on their podcast, offering further recognition of her accomplishments.
The Winter Games are set to conclude this weekend with the closing ceremony, but Edwards’ legacy will undoubtedly extend far beyond the final whistle. Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance, family, and community support.
As the Games draw to a close, the focus shifts to the future of women’s hockey and the impact Edwards’ success will have on inspiring young athletes from diverse backgrounds. Her gold medal is not just a personal triumph, but a symbol of progress and opportunity within the sport. Share your thoughts on Edwards’ historic win in the comments below.
