Laila Edwards keeps making history at the 2026 Olympic Games in Milan-Cortina.
On Thursday night, she became the first Black American woman to win a gold medal in women’s hockey when the United States defeated Canada 2-1 in overtime. She assisted on the first of her team’s two goals.
In her first game last week, Edwards, at 21 years old, became the first Black woman to represent Team USA at the Olympic Games, according to The Athletic.
Edwards accomplished the feat in front of her family after setting up a GoFundMe page to raise money for their travel.
“They helped me get here and make this team and achieve my dream, so it means a lot,” Edwards said.
Edwards’ family, including her parents and four siblings, hoped to raise $50,000. After 650 donations, they raised more than $61,000 and counting. The donor’s generosity allowed her 91-year-old grandmother, Ernestine Gray, and four friends to make the trip.
THE KELCE BROTHERS ARE BIG FANS OF EDWARDS
The top donation of $10,000 was made by Jason and Travis Kelce. Like Edwards, they are from Cleveland, OH. Jason and Kylie Kelce were in the stands to witness the US come from behind to capture the gold.
On their podcast, the Kelce brothers gave Edwards a shoutout. They been fans of hers since she made the US National team in 2023.
“I thought, ‘I’ll just message them, thanking them, they’ll never see it,” Edwards said. “And then Travis and I had a full conversation over DM,” she said. “That was super cool… he was a really down-to-earth, humble guy who was super supportive and had really good things to say.”
They shouted me out again recently for making the Olympic team!’ she continued.
The Winters games continue until this weekend, when the closing ceremony commences.
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