Laila Edwards Breaks Barriers and Redefines Women’s Hockey

By Rob Redding

Editor & Publisher

NEW YORK, Jan. 5, 2025, 8 p.m. — Laila Edwards is not just a rising star in women’s hockey. She is transforming the game itself. At just 21 years old, Edwards is making history as the first Black woman to play for Team USA and proving that talent and determination can break down barriers.

Growing up in Cleveland Heights Ohio, Edwards faced the harsh realities of racism early in her hockey journey. As one of the few Black girls on her youth teams she endured microaggressions and outright slurs from opponents and spectators alike. Opponents would call her racial slurs when she skated onto the ice, and she was often the only Black player in her league. She was frequently redirected to basketball or told she didn’t belong on the ice because of her skin color. Despite this, she refused to let hate define her. She continued to pursue her passion and became a trailblazer in the sport.

Her story has been nothing short of extraordinary. Edwards started skating at age 3 inspired by her father’s love for hockey. She quickly distinguished herself at the youth level becoming MVP at the 2022 women’s world championship for the U18 team and earning a scholarship to Wisconsin. Despite the added weight of being a pioneer, she pushed through adversity and became the first Black woman to make the U.S. senior national team. This milestone carries immense significance for a sport still fighting for inclusivity.

And Edwards is just getting started. Her MVP performance at the 2024 IIHF women’s world championship where she was the youngest American to earn top honors made headlines worldwide. She is breaking records and stereotypes while actively working to make hockey more accessible for girls of color. Edwards partners with foundations to develop youth programs and advocate for greater diversity in the sport.

“She’s changing the game,” says legendary veteran Hilary Knight who has spent her career fighting for equity in women’s hockey. “Laila’s story is proof that perseverance beats prejudice. She’s not just a player she’s a movement.”

Edwards’ rise comes at a pivotal moment. She proves that women’s hockey is evolving and that barriers rooted in race are being broken down by fierce fearless athletes like her. As she prepares for her first Olympic appearance next year her message is clear. The game belongs to everyone.

“Growing up I didn’t see many players who looked like me” Edwards says. “My goal is to make the sport more inclusive. If I can inspire the next generation of Black girls to pick up a stick then I’ve already won.”

Rob Redding is the author of Black Power in the Age of Artificial Supremacy Featuring Redding-Shim Kwet Yung out on Amazon.com now. He is the bestselling author of 17 books. He is the host of Redding News Review Unrestricted and creator of ReddingNewsReview.com. He is also an emerging visual artist who lives and teaches at two colleges in New York City.