Laila Edwards Becomes 1st Black Woman On Team USA’s Women's Ice Hockey team

Laila Edwards (Photo: TeamUSA.com)

Hockey star Laila Edwards, 21, is making Olympic history as she becomes the first Black woman to represent the U.S. Women's Ice Hockey Team at the Olympics. News of Edwards joining the 2026 Olympic squad was announced live on the TODAY Show on January 2.

The University of Wisconsin junior led Wisconsin to a national championship while also receiving the 2024 Bob Allen Women’s Player of the Year award. She also earned recognition as a 2025 North America Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree in sports.

“It still hasn’t really kicked in yet. Getting that call is like a dream come true,” Edwards told the Associated Press.

The 2026 Winter Olympics will be held in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy. This marks the first time

the games will be officially co-hosted by two cities.