Laila Edwards Makes History as First Black Player for U.S. Women's Hockey Team

Sophomore at Wisconsin and hometown hero, Edwards receives support from NFL star Travis Kelce, aims to inspire next generation of women of color in sports.

• Laila Edwards, a sophomore at Wisconsin, is set to become the first Black player for the U.S. women's national hockey team, making her debut in a seven-game series against Canada.
• Edwards has received support from NFL star Travis Kelce, who hails from the same hometown, Cleveland Heights, Ohio. Kelce has publicly expressed his admiration for Edwards and her trailblazing career.
• Edwards has had a successful career so far, being fifth in scoring for Wisconsin with 18 points in 12 games this season, and was named to the Western Collegiate Hockey Association All-Rookie team in her freshman year.
• She was a member of the U18 team that won a silver at the 2022 IIHF U18 Women's World Championship and is the only member of the current roster making her Team USA debut.
• Edwards hopes to inspire the next generation of women of color in sports, stating there are not many people who look like her in the field to be idolized.

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