Laila Edwards' rise as a women's hockey Olympian has involved years of development far from her hometown of Cleveland Heights, Ohio, which has meant considerable challenges for her family, especially her parents, who missed significant parts of her formative years. However, a generous fundraising effort, notably boosted by NFL brothers Travis and Jason Kelce, has enabled her family to travel and be present for her first Olympic appearance at the Milan Cortina Games.
Following Edwards’ announcement as part of the U.S. Olympic roster, a GoFundMe campaign was established that amassed over $59,000 by midweek, surpassing its original goal of $50,000. This surplus has allowed Edwards’ family to plan for up to 14 immediate relatives to attend, ranging from her maternal grandmother Ernestine Gray to her young nephew Shiloh.
"Oh my goodness," remarked Edwards’ mother, Charone Gray-Edwards, expressing deep gratitude for the overwhelming community support. Similarly, her father, Robert Edwards, characterized the family's reaction as humbled by the generosity.
Laila Edwards herself, who departed from Ohio at the age of 13 to attend Bishop Kearney Selects Academy in Rochester, New York, and currently plays her senior hockey season at the University of Wisconsin, emphasized the shared nature of this accomplishment with her family over a promotional Zoom call. She conveyed immense appreciation for the sacrifices made by them, noting the profound impact of having their support at the Olympic Games.
At 22 years old, Edwards is recognized as a rising face of women's hockey. Making history as the first Black female ice hockey player to represent the United States at the Olympics, she has transitioned from a forward to a defender role. Standing tall at 6-foot-1 and weighing 195 pounds, Edwards combines notable speed and playmaking skills, making her a formidable presence on the ice.
Despite her extensive time spent far from home due to her athletic pursuits, Edwards holds strong ties to Cleveland, where she grew up admiring athletes including LeBron James and the Kelce brothers, NFL stars who have contributed significantly to her family's fundraising efforts. She also connected with Blake Bolden, a former pioneering Black player in the National Women’s Hockey League and currently an NHL scout, who hails from neighboring Euclid, Ohio.
Edwards’ connection to Cleveland remains foundational, a sentiment echoed by her U.S. teammates who dubbed her the "Queen of Cleveland" after a recent match in the city. The support extended to her by the Kelce brothers was particularly inspiring; beyond a $10,000 donation, Travis Kelce personally reached out to offer encouragement and advice, exemplifying community backing beyond financial means.
Charone Gray-Edwards shared moments of being moved by strangers' kindness during recent travels, with individuals who contributed despite limited means, underscoring the value of every donation. Edwards and her family have stated their intention to dedicate any remaining funds post-Olympics to local initiatives, such as providing hockey equipment and free ice time, thereby giving back to the community that has supported them.
With her Olympic debut imminent, Laila Edwards stands as a symbol of progress and determination in women's hockey, propelled by the collective efforts and faith of her family, friends, and supporters.