Laila Edwards, 19, has made history as the first Black woman to play for the U.S. Women’s National Hockey Team, breaking barriers in a sport that has long lacked diversity. This milestone isn’t just a personal achievement; it’s a powerful statement about representation and inclusion in hockey.
A Legacy in the Making
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Edwards’ journey highlights the importance of role models and accessibility in diversifying the sport of hockey.
- Edwards led the University of Wisconsin to a national championship in 2024.
- She was named the 2024 Bob Allen Women’s Player of the Year.
- Edwards has been recognized as a 2025 North America Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree in sports.
- She actively promotes inclusivity and accessibility within the sport.
The University of Wisconsin junior embraces her place in history, proudly carrying the title of “first.” “At first it was a little bit overwhelming making that history and all the media and things like that,” Edwards shared during a recent video call, fitting it in between college classes. “But then I was like, ‘This is such a privilege.’ I’m becoming a role model for so many people and I’m being that someone that I didn’t necessarily have when I was their age.”
For young girls who have never seen themselves represented on the ice, Edwards’ presence is profoundly meaningful. “It’s great to see someone that looks like you at that level, but then to see someone succeed at that level is even more important,” she explains. Her success isn’t just about skill; it’s about showing what’s possible.
A Family Affair
Edwards’ passion for hockey began at home, nurtured by her father, a former player himself. “It was my dad,” Edwards recalls. “He played, and so of course my siblings and I didn’t have much of an option. He put us in as soon as I could crawl or walk. I was skating at two or three and playing for real at five and six.”
Growing up, the lack of Black representation in hockey was stark. Aside from her own family, she rarely saw other Black players at local games. On television, Black male hockey players were uncommon, and Black women even more so. This personal experience fuels her commitment to inspiring the next generation.
“I’m hoping for those young girls of color that don’t feel very represented to see me, see that I’m thriving at this level, and hopefully grow in the game,” she says.
Expanding Access to the Sport
Last month, Edwards participated in Red Bull Light the Lamp, an event designed to introduce newcomers to hockey through a unique combination of slap shots and mini-golf. “It brought so many different people together who never even played hockey,” Edwards explains. “People of all different ages, races, color or gender. The collaboration with [Red Bull] has been awesome and opened so many different avenues for me and given me so many opportunities.”
When asked about the biggest obstacle to making hockey more inclusive, Edwards points to accessibility. “It’s really hard to access, unfortunately. It’s not like you can just go skate in your backyard versus you can bounce a basketball in your backyard,” she explains. “Even for starting out, if you want to start hockey, you got to get gear, which is expensive, and then ice time is expensive.”
Edwards is actively working to address this challenge, recognizing that financial barriers prevent many from participating in the sport.
Looking ahead, Edwards envisions a legacy that extends beyond athletic achievement. “I want to leave a legacy that I was a great player, but an even better person and an inspiration,” she responds thoughtfully. “I want [young Black girls] to see that I was at that level, but also that I succeeded at that level and I was one of the top people at that level because getting there is wonderful. It’s hard to get there, but to be a star there is even greater and even more inspiring.”
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