Laila Edwards #10 of Team United States skates with the puck in the first period during the Women's Quarterfinals match between the United States and Italy on day seven of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic games at Milano Rho Ice Hockey Arena on February 13, 2026 in Milan, Italy
Laila Edwards is a Team USA women’s hockey star who made history as the first Black woman to play Olympic women’s ice hockey for the United States at the 2026 Winter Games. From her parents’ early guidance to unexpected backing from NFL stars, Edwards’ Olympic moment became a shared victory. Here’s what you need to know.
Laila Edwards’ Father Introduced Her to Skating With a Long-Term Plan
Robert Edwards played multiple sports growing up, including baseball, football, and basketball, and later competed in Division I baseball at Cleveland State University, according to College Football Network. He began playing hockey at age 12 and decided to introduce his children to skating early.
Instead of pushing Laila directly into hockey, he first enrolled her in figure skating to develop her edges and balance. He later transitioned her into the Cleveland Heights Youth Hockey Program.
Robert also handled much of the behind-the-scenes work, including equipment costs and travel logistics. His structured approach helped lay the foundation for her Olympic path.
Charone Gray-Edwards Helped Manage the Grind of Youth Hockey
Laila’s mother, Charone Gray-Edwards, played a central role in managing the demanding schedule that comes with elite youth sports.She coordinated early practices,travel,and provided steady encouragement during setbacks.
Ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics, she helped launch a GoFundMe campaign sofamily members could travel overseas to watch Laila compete. Her advocacy reflected years of commitment to her daughter’s development.
Edwards has said her Olympic selection represented a family achievement, not just an individual milestone.
Laila Edwards’ Family Raised Nearly $60,000 for OlympicTravel
The GoFundMe campaign surpassed $59,700, allowing 14 family members to attend the Gamesin Milan. According to theAssociated Press, the financial support ensured that her parents and extended relatives could witness her Olympic debut in person.
“We’re humbled by it,” Robert told the AP.
Charone added, “Oh my goodness. I was going to find words to describe the gratitude and appreciation. But I haven’t yet.”
She shared that supporters approached her in public tosay they donated. “You don’t understand, every dollar counted. Every dollar,” Gray-Edwards said.
Travis and Jason Kelce Stepped In With Major Support
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce and his brother Jason Kelce made a large donation to the fundraiser. Laila toldPeople that Travis later called her personally to congratulate her on making the Olympic roster.
“He was just saying, everyone’s got my back. He’s rooting for me,” she said. “They didn’t have to do that, but they did. And I’m really grateful.”
Edwards previously said the Kelce brothers gave her a shoutout on their podcast “New Heights” when she first made the national team. She also told the outlet that Travis has “been in touch a little bit on how else he can help.”
Laila Edwards Plans to Give Back to Her Cleveland Community
Laila told the AP that any remaining funds from the fundraiser will support her local Cleveland community, including the purchase of hockey equipment for children.
“We really want to honor the moneythat’s been given to us,” she said.