Laila Edwards made Olympic hockey history on Tuesday, becoming the first Black woman to score a goal for Team USA as the US secured a shutout 5-0 victory over rival Canada.
The Ohio native’s tally sealed the group-stage win for Team USA. The historic moment also cemented the 2022 Beijing silver medalists as the tournament’s top goalscorers, outscoring Olympic opponents 20-1 en route to clinching first place in Group A.
Edwards called the milestone “an incredible honor” in an interview with CBS Mornings.
“I get to be the first of something and a role model for others,” she said.
The University of Wisconsin defender joined USA Women’s Hockey in 2023, becoming the squad’s first-ever Black player. Now competing in her first Olympic hockey tournament, Edwards continues breaking barriers at the highest level of international competition.
“It’s cliché, but it’s my safe space,” Edwards said of the sport. “I just feel like I can be myself and do what I love.”
The 22-year-old credits her family for helping her make the Olympic hockey team. Her father started her in figure skating at age three, subsequently transitioning her to hockey two years later.
“I definitely felt like I belonged, but there were times when there was a bit of intimidation, just being the only girl on my team,” Edwards recalled. “I was such a tomboy… basically one of them.”
“There’s no rule book that says hockey is for boys,” she continued. “There’s no reason you shouldn’t do it if you love it.”
What’s next for Team USA at the 2026 Olympic hockey tournament
Team USA now leads the Olympic hockey standings heading into the quarterfinals, delivering a perfect 4-0 group-stage record. They enter the knockout rounds as the gold medal favorite.
The US now takes the ice against host nation Italy on Friday at 3:10 PM ET, live on Peacock.