Laila Edwards

Laila Edwards, a college ice hockey player for the University of Wisconsin, has gained recognition on both national and international stages. She's a member of the United States women's national ice hockey team and has been instrumental in the team's success, winning two World Championship medals in 2025 and 2024. In 2024, she achieved the honor of Tournament MVP at a young age of only 20. Edwards also made history by becoming the first Black woman to play for the U.S. women's senior national team in 2023 and the first Black woman to score a goal for Team USA at the 2024 World Championships and at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Edwards's illustrious career includes two NCAA national championships with the Wisconsin Badgers in 2023 and 2025. Her performance in 2025 won her a place as a top-three finalist for the Patty Kazmaier Award, and she led the nation with 35 goals during her junior season. She was also bestowed with the Bob Allen Women's Player of the Year Award in 2024. Edwards's achievements extended to the Olympics as well. She was a critical contributor to Team USA's success at the 2026 Winter Olympics, where she scored a decisive goal against Canada and registered a goal and an assist against Italy in the quarterfinals.

Edwards's assist in the gold medal game led to a U.S. victory in overtime, earning her the distinction of being the first Black American woman to win Olympic gold in ice hockey. Following the 2026 Winter Olympics, she was named to the media all-star team. Apart from her international feats, Edwards has been honored with numerous awards at the collegiate level as well, with recognitions including being named to the NCAA All-Tournament Team in 2023 and 2025. She was also recognized as the Most Valuable Player at the IIHF World Women's Championship in 2024.