With the 2026 Milan Winter Olympics in full swing, all eyes are on Hockey Player Laila Edwards. On February 5th, Edwards became the first black woman to compete for the United States in an Olympic ice hockey tournament. After three decades of Women’s Hockey being a part of the Olympics, this day is finally here. In her debut Olympics, Edwards went against Czechia.

She made an assist on the first goal by Alex Carpenter, helping secure a 5–1 victory for Team USA, making this a major achievement for both herself and the United States. After completing this preliminary round win, Edwards will continue her campaign in Group A, facing Finland in their next match. Let us know more about the background of this newfound talent.

Where is Laila Edwards from & what is her nationality?

Laila Edwards is an American national residing in Ohio. Being a member of Cleveland Heights, Ohio, always pays off. Since this is Laila Edwards’ first Winter Olympics, where she is making history as the first black woman to play, the presence of her family was really important. However, since her family comes from a humble background, and that’s why the NFL stars had to step in. Now, travelling to Italy is a major financial burden.

However, pro stars Jason Kelce and Travis Kelce, who are from the same Cleveland Heights, couldn’t let the historical moment slip by the Edwards’ family. That’s why the brothers contributed to a GoFundMe campaign that raised over $60,000 to ensure Edwards’ family could travel to Italy to watch her compete.

Looks like being a sportstar and from Cleveland Heights pays off big. And to answer the last question,

What is Laila Edwards’ ethnicity?

Laila Edwards is an African American. And her ethnicity got major recognition as she went on to become the first black woman to compete for the United States in the tournament. All of this couldn’t be possible without her family, who have been nothing but supportive of her. Her father, Robert Edwards, was a Division I baseball player and a former high school hockey player who introduced her to the sport.

Her mother, Charone Gray-Edwards, is described as the family’s vocal advocate. Laila also has four siblings, including her older sister, Chayla Edwards, who played with her at the University of Wisconsin. Together, they were the first Black siblings to play for the Wisconsin Badgers. 

What is Laila Edwards’s religion?

Even though the details of her religion aren’t publicized, Laila Edwards has stated that her faith is an important part of her life, having been instilled in her by her family. When she was studying at Bishop Kearney High School, she was part of a program that integrated academic excellence with “spiritual training.” Then the institutions she has attended have been really vocal about the “spiritual maturity” of athletes like Edwards.

These schools follow the Christian Brothers tradition. Additionally, many of her teammates at the school received the Sacrament of Confirmation (a Catholic rite). But there is no public record whether Edwards has received it or not.