Where is Laila Edwards from?

Laila Edwards was born and raised in Cleveland Heights, Ohio.

How old is Laila Edwards in 2026?

Edwards will turn 22 years old heading into the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics. She was born on January 25, 2004.

When did Laila Edwards start playing hockey?

Edwards began figure skating when she was three years old before making the switch to hockey at age 5, where she found her true calling.

What position does Laila Edwards play?

While Edwards has spent most of her hockey career playing forward, she recently has begun playing defense for Team USA, leveraging her 6’0" size.

Did Laila Edwards play college hockey at Wisconsin?

Edwards currently is a senior at the University of Wisconsin. She has been a powerhouse for the Badgers and helped the team find incredible success over the last three seasons.

How did Laila Edwards make history with Team USA?

In just a few short years, Edwards has etched her name into the history books for Team USA as the youngest American to win MVP at the women’s hockey world championships when she was 20 years old. She also was the first Black woman to play for the U.S. women’s hockey team and is set to become the first Black woman to represent the U.S. in Olympic hockey. 

What makes Laila Edwards one of the top young players in women’s hockey?

Edwards’ unique talent on the ice comes from a mixture of her strong style of play and her incredible technical skill. At 6’0", Edwards is skilled at creating space and protecting the puck, while her speed and agility on the ice make her a difficult player in transition. She also has a strong hockey IQ that allows her to see the entire ice and transition between forward and defense.

What is Laila Edwards’ career timeline in women’s hockey?

Edwards’ hockey career began when she was 5 years old after she switched over from figure skating. She joined a local Youth Hockey program as a child, and in eighth grade she left Cleveland to attend an elite hockey program at a New York boarding school. 

Her career with Team USA began in 2019, when Edwards attended a U15 development camp. In 2021, she attended another camp, this one for U18 players, and made her international debut in 2022 at the IIHF U18 World Championships. That fall, she began her freshman season at Wisconsin, where she would go on to win a national championship.

Edwards continued with Team USA and Wisconsin in 2023, and in 2024 was named to the senior team for the world championships. At the 2024 Worlds, Edwards was named MVP, becoming the youngest American to take home the honor. She continued with the senior team at the 2024 Six Nations Tournament and the 2025 Worlds, winning two gold medals.

Now, Edwards is a senior at Wisconsin, and is set to be a first-time Olympian and top PWHL draft pick after graduation.

How did Laila Edwards rise through USA Hockey’s development program?

From a young age, Edwards stood out as a rising star for Team USA, participating in various development camps, including at the U15 and U18 levels. In 2022, she helped Team USA as an alternate captain to a silver medal at the 2022 IIHF Under-18 World Championships, winning tournament MVP and IIHF Best Forward honors. She also was selected to the U.S. collegiate select team in 2022 and 2024.

What tournaments has Laila Edwards played in for Team USA?

As a junior player, Edwards represented Team USA at various youth world championships and collegiate select tournaments. Since making her senior debut in 2023, Edwards has played in the Rivalry Series, women’s world championships and Six Nations tournament.

Did Laila Edwards help Team USA win gold at the IIHF Women’s World Championship?

Edwards was a strong contributor during Team USA’s gold-medal performance at the 2025 IIHF Women’s World Championship. She helped lead a U.S. defense that allowed an average of 0.82 goals per game (a tournament best).

What are Laila Edwards’ college hockey stats and achievements?

In her first three seasons at Wisconsin, Edwards never missed a game for the Badgers en route to winning a pair of national championships. She has been a prolific scorer for her team, recording 71 points in her junior season. She was a Rookie of the Year finalist in 2023, and during the 2024-25 season was named a finalist for the Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award and WCHA Forward of the Year award while earning First-Team All American and All-WCHA honors. 

Will Laila Edwards make her Olympic debut at Milan Cortina 2026?

Edwards is a projected lock to join the Team USA roster for Milan Cortina and make her Olympic debut.

How is Laila Edwards performing in international competition leading up to 2026?

Edwards has been a stalwart defender for the U.S. heading into the 2026 Olympics. She also has been racking up assists and has scored a goal at each major tournament she has has entered. At the NCAA level, Edwards has had a red-hot start to the season, ripping off 26 points in just 15 games.

What challenges could Laila Edwards face at her first Olympics?

As always, Edwards and Team USA will face stiff competition from Team Canada in the quest for Olympic gold. However, the Americans have held the advantage in recent matchups, securing on overtime win over Canada to take the 2025 world title.

What injury did Laila Edwards suffer in the lead up to Milan Cortina 2026?

In October, Edwards suffered an MCL injury while playing for Wisconsin. However, she already has returned to the ice for Team USA and currently is playing in the Rivalry Series.

What are Laila Edwards’ biggest career highlights so far?

At the international level, Edwards’ biggest career achievements remain her two world championship medals: she won gold in 2025 and silver in 2024 with Team USA. At the collegiate level, Edwards is a two-time national champion with the Wisconsin Badgers.

What are Laila Edwards’ international stats with Team USA?

So far, Edwards has a total of 15 goals and 14 assists for a total 29 points in her U.S. career over the course of 33 games. Her near point-per-game average has held up despite her move to defense, which has lowered her point totals compared to when she was playing forward.

Has Laila Edwards scored in major tournaments or medal games?

Edwards was dominant at the forward position for Team USA. She scored four goals in the IIHF U18 World Championships in 2022 with eight points total. At the 2024 IIHF Women’s World Championships, Edwards notched six goals and two assists, which earned her tournament MVP honors. After that tournament, Edwards made the move to defense, though she has still found the back of the net in every tournament since.

What awards and honors has Laila Edwards earned in NCAA and international play?

With Team USA, Edwards is a two-time IIHF Tournament MVP. She first won the award at the 2022 IIHF U18 Women’s World Championships, along with IIHF Best Forward, and became the youngest American to win the award at a senior world championship in 2024. She is a 2025 world champion and a two-time NCAA champion. She also has a silver world championship medal from 2024.

How does Laila Edwards rank among top U.S. women’s hockey prospects

As a talented forward and defensive talent, Edwards is one of Team USA’s brightest stars and most versatile prospects. She is set to be a feature of the team for many years.