Laila Edwards has never been confined to one role or one definition of success. On the ice, she can dominate at both ends, sliding seamlessly between forward and defense. Off the ice, she has emerged as one of the most influential figures in American women’s hockey, shaping the sport’s future through both performance and presence.
At just 21 years old, Edwards has already carved out a historic résumé, pairing elite production with cultural significance that reaches far beyond the rink.
A Star on the World Stage
Edwards announced herself to the global hockey world last April, becoming the youngest American to win Most Valuable Player honors at the IIHF Women’s World Championship at age 20. She led the United States to its 11th world title, showcasing a blend of size, skill and composure that belied her age.
That moment built on another milestone two years earlier. At 19, Edwards made her senior national team debut, becoming the first Black woman to play for the U.S. women’s hockey team and positioning herself to make Olympic history. She later became the first Black woman to win an IIHF Women’s World Championship, scoring a tournament-leading six goals at the 2023 worlds in Utica, New York.
Standing six feet tall, the Cleveland Heights, OH, native is a rare two-way player who can contribute as both a forward and a defender. Her versatility has made her indispensable to Team USA and a difficult matchup for opponents.
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Representation Matters
Edwards’ impact extends beyond box scores and medals. In a sport that has long struggled with visibility and diversity, her presence has reshaped what young players can imagine for themselves.
“I think it’s so special that they can see I was in their shoes once,” Edwards told The Athletic. “And that this is very reachable and attainable for them. I didn’t necessarily always have that growing up.”
U.S. forward Taylor Heise, via The Athletic, has embraced Edwards’ rising stature, calling her “The Queen of Cleveland,” a nickname that reflects both Edwards’ roots and her growing authority on the international stage.
Dominance in Madison
Edwards’ collegiate career at Wisconsin has been nothing short of spectacular. During the 2024-25 season, she appeared in all 41 games and led the NCAA with 35 goals, finishing with a career-high 71 points. She was at her best when the stakes were highest, earning NCAA Frozen Four All-Tournament Team honors and recording a hat trick in a 6-2 semifinal win over Minnesota.
Her individual accolades followed. Edwards was named a first-team All-American and first-team All-WCHA selection, finished as a top-three finalist for the Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award and was a finalist for WCHA Forward of the Year. She also earned Academic All-Big Ten honors and was selected to Forbes’ 2025 North America 30 Under 30 list for athletes.
That season capped a steady rise. As a sophomore in 2023-24, Edwards tallied 56 points and recorded 17 multi-point games, including overtime winners and postseason goals that propelled the Badgers deep into the NCAA tournament. As a freshman, she helped Wisconsin capture a national championship, skating in all 41 games and finishing with a plus-27 rating.
Surrounded by elite talent, including fellow Badgers players, Caroline Harvey, Kirsten Simms and goaltender Ava McNaughton, Edwards has been both a centerpiece and a catalyst for one of the nation’s premier programs.
Eyes on Milan
Now, Edwards stands at a crossroads filled with opportunity. She is chasing another NCAA title, preparing to enter the Professional Women’s Hockey League draft and positioning herself for the biggest stage of all, the 2026 Winter Olympics.
The women’s hockey tournament will run Feb. 6-22, 2026, in Milan, Italy. Team USA enters as the top seed in Group A alongside Canada, Finland, Czechia and Switzerland. The Americans are seeking redemption after a silver medal finish at the 2022 Beijing Games, where they fell 3-2 to Canada in the gold-medal game.
The U.S. opens preliminary play Feb. 5 against Czechia at Milano Rho Ice Hockey Arena. Edwards is widely viewed as a near lock for the roster if healthy, bringing scoring touch, defensive reliability and championship experience to a team chasing gold.
“There’s a lot of stuff going on,” Edwards said. “But there’s nothing to complain about. I feel very blessed.”
From Cleveland Heights to Madison to the world’s biggest stage, Laila Edwards is not simply part of hockey’s next chapter. She is helping write it.
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