Laila Edwards

Laila Edwards, a college ice hockey player for the University of Wisconsin, has established a significant presence in the world of international women's ice hockey. She is a member of the United States women's national ice hockey team and has won two World Championship medals, gold in 2025 and silver in 2024. Notably, Edwards made history in 2023 as the first Black woman to play for the U.S. women's senior national team and scored the first goal by a Black woman for Team USA at the World Championships in 2024. At the age of 20, she was named Tournament MVP at the 2024 World Championship, becoming the youngest player to receive this honor.

At the collegiate level, Edwards' performance has been equally commendable. She has won two NCAA national championships with the Wisconsin Badgers in 2023 and 2025. She led the nation with 35 goals during her junior season and was a Patty Kazmaier Award top-three finalist in 2025. In 2024, Edwards was honored with the Bob Allen Women's Player of the Year Award and served as an alternate captain for the Wisconsin Badgers for the 2024–25 season. Edwards was named to the United States roster for the 2024 IIHF Women's World Championship, once again making history as the first Black woman to participate in the event.

In addition to her historic achievements, Edwards has received numerous accolades for her exceptional performance on the ice. She was named to the WCHA All-Rookie Team in 2023, the NCAA All-Tournament Team in 2023 and 2025, the All-WCHA Third Team in 2024, and the All-WCHA First Team in 2025. Internationally, Edwards was honored as the IIHF World Women's U18 Championship Best Forward, Most Valuable Player, and Media All-Star Team member in 2022. She was also named the IIHF World Women's Championship Most Valuable Player in 2024 and included in the Media All-Star Team that same year. Off the ice, Edwards is recognized as a role model and inspiration, particularly for her groundbreaking presence in the sport as an African-American woman.