Laila Edwards Bio, Age, Height, Family, Career, Salary, Net Worth & More

Laila Edwards is a trailblazing American ice hockey forward and defenseman who has shattered barriers as the first Black woman to represent the United States women’s national ice hockey team. From her record-breaking collegiate career at the University of Wisconsin to her historic Olympic debut at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Games, Edwards has emerged as one of the most dynamic and versatile players in women’s hockey history. Her journey from figure skating in Cleveland Heights to becoming a world champion and NCAA scoring leader represents a new era of excellence and representation in a sport historically lacking diversity.

Quick bio

Early Life & Education

Childhood and Family Background

Laila Edwards was born on January 25, 2004, in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, to Robert Edwards and Charone Gray-Edwards. Growing up in a hockey-oriented family, Laila was one of five siblings, including her older sister Chayla Edwards, who also plays hockey for the Wisconsin Badgers, creating a unique sisterly duo in NCAA Division I women’s hockey.

From Figure Skates to Hockey Skates

Edwards’s athletic journey began unconventionally—at age three, she started figure skating. However, by age four or five, she transitioned to ice hockey after her father, a recreational hockey player, enrolled her and three of her siblings in the Cleveland Heights Youth Hockey Program. This early exposure to the sport in a family environment laid the foundation for her future success.

By age eight, Edwards was already competing in out-of-state tournaments and playing AAA hockey with boys’ teams, including stints with the Cleveland Jr. Lumberjacks and Cleveland Barons. She also participated in the prestigious Pittsburgh Penguins Elite Girls hockey program, showcasing her talent against top-tier competition from an early age.

Bishop Kearney High School

Recognizing her exceptional potential, Edwards made a significant life decision at age 13, leaving her hometown to attend Bishop Kearney High School in Rochester, New York. This private school offered an elite girls’ hockey program that would challenge and develop her skills at the highest prep school level.

During her time at Bishop Kearney (2018–2022), Edwards posted staggering statistics:

• 147 goals and 266 assists in 287 games
• 97 points (38 goals, 59 assists) during the 2021–22 season alone
• MVP honors at the 2022 IIHF Under-18 Women’s World Championship

Such was her commitment to hockey that she skipped her high school graduation ceremony to compete at the 2022 IIHF World Women’s U18 Championship—a testament to her dedication to representing her country.

University of Wisconsin

Currently, Edwards is pursuing her education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she has become a cornerstone of the Badgers women’s hockey program. When asked why she chose Wisconsin, Edwards cited the “atmosphere, academics, and its superiority” as deciding factors.

Career Journey

Collegiate Career: Wisconsin Badgers

Freshman Season (2022–23): National Champion

Edwards burst onto the NCAA scene during the 2022–23 season, appearing in all 41 games for Wisconsin. She recorded 13 goals and 14 assists (27 points) with an impressive +27 plus-minus rating. Her postseason performance was stellar, contributing four goals and one assist during the NCAA tournament to help the Badgers capture their seventh national championship.

Following her rookie campaign, Edwards earned:

• WCHA All-Rookie Team honors
• NCAA All-Tournament Team selection

Sophomore Season (2023–24): Rising Star

In her second season, Edwards elevated her game significantly, tallying 21 goals and 35 assists (56 points) in 41 games. She recorded 17 multi-point games and earned her first collegiate hat trick in a 10-0 victory over Bemidji State. Her clutch performances included the game-winning goal against Minnesota in overtime on February 16.

Postseason honors included:

• All-WCHA Third Team
• Bob Allen Women’s Player of the Year Award (USA Hockey) – May 2024

Junior Season (2024–25): National Scoring Leader & Captain

Edwards’s junior year cemented her status as one of college hockey’s elite players. Serving as alternate captain, she dominated statistically:

• Led the nation with 35 goals (most by a Badger since Brianna Decker’s 37 in 2011–12)
• 71 points total (35 goals, 36 assists) in 41 games
• Career-high four goals on four shots in an 11-1 win at St. Thomas (January 18, 2025)
• Hat trick in NCAA Frozen Four semifinal against Minnesota (March 21, 2025)

The Badgers won their eighth national championship, and Edwards was named to the NCAA Frozen Four All-Tournament Team. Her remarkable season earned her:

• First-Team All-American
• First-Team All-WCHA
• WCHA Forward of the Year Finalist
• Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award Top-Three Finalist (2025)
• Forbes 2025 North America 30 Under 30 (Sports category)

International Career: Team USA

Junior Level Dominance

Edwards’s international career began with Team USA’s U15 development camp in 2019, followed by the U18 camp in 2021. Her breakout moment came at the 2022 IIHF World Women’s U18 Championship, where she served as alternate captain and led Team USA to a silver medal. She topped the tournament in scoring with four goals and four assists (8 points) in five games, earning:

• Tournament MVP
• IIHF Best Forward
• Media All-Star Team

Historic Senior Team Debut

In November 2023, Edwards made history as the first Black woman to play for the U.S. women’s senior national team during the Rivalry Series against Canada. This groundbreaking achievement marked a significant milestone for diversity in American hockey.

2024 IIHF Women’s World Championship: MVP Performance

At the 2024 IIHF Women’s World Championship, Edwards delivered a tournament for the ages:

• First Black woman to score for Team USA at the World Championships (April 5, 2024, vs. Czechia)
• Hat trick in semifinal against Finland to advance to the gold medal game
• Tournament-leading 6 goals and 8 points in 7 games
• Silver medal
• Tournament MVP (youngest American ever to receive this honor at the senior level)
• Media All-Star Team

2025 World Championship: Gold Medal & Position Switch

In a remarkable display of versatility, Edwards agreed to switch from forward to defense for the 2025 IIHF Women’s World Championship to increase her chances of remaining on the roster. Despite the position change, she contributed 1 goal and 3 assists while helping Team USA capture the gold medal with a tournament-best defense allowing only 0.82 goals per game.

2026 Winter Olympics: Olympic Debut

On January 2, 2026, Edwards was officially named to Team USA’s roster for the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, marking her Olympic debut. She enters the Games as one of the team’s most versatile players, capable of impacting the game from both forward and defensive positions.

Personal Life

Family Ties in Hockey

Edwards comes from a tight-knit hockey family. Her sister Chayla Edwards joined her at Wisconsin, creating a unique sibling dynamic on one of college hockey’s most dominant programs. The sisters have played together since their youth hockey days in Cleveland Heights, making their collegiate partnership a full-circle moment.

Her father, Robert Edwards, remains a significant influence, having introduced her to the sport. Her mother, Charone Gray-Edwards, has been a constant supporter throughout her journey from Ohio to New York to Wisconsin.

Off-Ice Interests

Away from the rink, Edwards is an avid reader, with Jodi Picoult cited as her favorite author. She enjoys listening to music and has a well-documented love for mac and cheese, particularly her mother’s homemade version—though she has found a campus spot that serves a passable alternative when homesick.

Community Impact and Representation

Edwards has embraced her role as a pioneer for diversity in hockey. Despite being naturally reserved and uncomfortable with the spotlight, she recognizes the importance of representation for young Black athletes. She has partnered with organizations like Mosaic Hockey Collective and Ice Hockey in Harlem to inspire the next generation of players from underrepresented communities.

“It’s such a big moment for the whole community to be able to see somebody that looks like them at that level going to represent the United States at the Olympics,” noted Meredith Lang, executive director of Mosaic Hockey Collective.

Awards & Achievements

Collegiate Honors

• NCAA National Champion (2023, 2025)
• First-Team All-American (2024–25)
• Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award Top-Three Finalist (2025)
• First-Team All-WCHA (2024–25)
• WCHA Forward of the Year Finalist (2024–25)
• WCHA All-Rookie Team (2023)
• NCAA All-Tournament Team (2023, 2025)
• All-WCHA Third Team (2024)
• Academic All-Big Ten (2023–24, 2024–25)
• WCHA All-Academic Team (2024–25)

International Honors

• IIHF Women’s World Championship Gold Medal (2025)
• IIHF Women’s World Championship Silver Medal (2024)
• IIHF Women’s World Championship Tournament MVP (2024) – Youngest American recipient
• IIHF Women’s World Championship Media All-Star Team (2024)
• IIHF U18 Women’s World Championship Silver Medal (2022)
• IIHF U18 Women’s World Championship MVP (2022)
• IIHF U18 Women’s World Championship Best Forward (2022)
• IIHF U18 Women’s World Championship Media All-Star Team (2022)

National Recognition

• Bob Allen Women’s Player of the Year Award (2024)
• Forbes 30 Under 30 North America (2025, Sports category)

Physical Statistics

Edwards’s 6’1″ frame gives her a significant size advantage in women’s hockey, allowing her to dominate board battles and create scoring chances in front of the net. Her combination of size, skill, and skating ability makes her a matchup nightmare for opponents.

Quotes

“I never anticipated being a role model. I was always searching for one myself, someone who resembled me and had similar aspirations.” — On her historic role in USA Hockey

“I just knew that I had to take every shift like it was my last. I’m young, it’s my first tournament so in my head when that lineup came out, I wasn’t like, ‘Oh, no, I’m the 13th forward.’ I looked at it and thought, ‘I’m here with the 13 best forwards in the U.S. This is an incredible opportunity.'” — On her mindset during the 2024 World Championships

“Being the first Black woman and all the media about it, I have to approach it with gratitude because it’s an amazing accomplishment and opportunity to break a barrier. The spotlight isn’t my thing, but I have to embrace it and make the best of it because it’s an incredible opportunity.” — On embracing her pioneering status

Controversies

As of 2026, Laila Edwards has maintained a clean public image with no significant controversies. The only notable challenge in her career came in October 2024, when she suffered an MCL injury while playing for Wisconsin. However, she recovered quickly and returned to competition for Team USA in the Rivalry Series, demonstrating resilience and dedication.

Edwards has navigated the pressure of being a “first” with remarkable grace, using her platform to advocate for diversity without becoming embroiled in political or social controversies. Her focus remains consistently on her performance and team success.

Salary & Net Worth

Current Financial Status

As a college athlete, Edwards does not earn a traditional salary from Wisconsin. However, she benefits from:

• Full athletic scholarship covering tuition, room, and board
• Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals
• Sponsorship agreements

Endorsement Portfolio

Edwards has begun building her brand through strategic partnerships:

• Red Bull Athlete – Official sponsorship deal with the energy drink giant
• Forbes 30 Under 30 recognition – Enhancing marketability

Future Earnings Potential

Upon graduation, Edwards is projected to be a top pick in the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) draft. Current PWHL salaries range from approximately $35,000 to $80,000 annually, with top stars earning additional income through:

• Performance bonuses
• Marketing deals
• International team stipends (USA Hockey provides compensation for national team participation)

Estimated Net Worth

As of 2026, Edwards’s estimated net worth ranges between $100,000 and $500,000, derived primarily from:

• NIL deals and endorsements
• Scholarship value
• National team compensation

Her marketability as a historic figure, combined with her on-ice excellence, positions her for significant earnings growth as she transitions to professional hockey and potentially pursues Olympic gold.

Interesting Facts

1. Figure Skating Origins: Before becoming a hockey star, Edwards trained in figure skating from age three, giving her exceptional edge work and balance that translates to her powerful skating style today.
2. Family Hockey Dynasty: With her sister Chayla also playing at Wisconsin, the Edwards sisters represent one of the few sibling duos in elite women’s college hockey, continuing a family tradition that began in Cleveland Heights Youth Hockey.
3. Historic Double: Edwards is one of only two players in history to earn MVP honors at both the U18 and senior World Championships, joining Taylor Heise in this exclusive club.
4. Position Flexibility: In a rare display of versatility, Edwards willingly moved from forward (her natural position where she led the NCAA in scoring) to defense for the 2025 World Championships to help Team USA, showcasing her team-first mentality.
5. Academic Excellence: Despite her demanding hockey schedule, Edwards has maintained Academic All-Big Ten honors for multiple years, proving her commitment to education matches her athletic dedication.
6. Mac and Cheese Connoisseur: Edwards has a well-documented love for mac and cheese, constantly searching for restaurants that compare to her mother’s homemade recipe while living in Wisconsin.
7. Youngest MVP: At age 20, she became the youngest American player ever named MVP of the IIHF Women’s World Championship in 2024.
8. Skipped Graduation: She missed her high school graduation ceremony to compete for Team USA at the U18 World Championships, prioritizing national team duty over the traditional milestone.

Social Media Links

Note: Edwards maintains a relatively modest social media presence compared to some athletes, focusing primarily on hockey content and occasional personal insights. Her Instagram and Twitter accounts serve as the primary channels for fans to follow her journey to the Olympics.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How old is Laila Edwards? A: Laila Edwards is 22 years old as of 2026. She was born on January 25, 2004, in Cleveland Heights, Ohio.

Q: What makes Laila Edwards historically significant in hockey? A: Edwards is the first Black woman to play for the U.S. women’s national ice hockey team, making her debut in November 2023. She is also the first Black woman to score for Team USA at the World Championships (2024) and the youngest American to win World Championship MVP honors.

Q: What position does Laila Edwards play? A: Edwards is remarkably versatile, playing both forward and defense. She led the NCAA in scoring as a forward in 2024–25 but moved to defense for the 2025 World Championships to help Team USA, winning gold in that position.

Q: Has Laila Edwards won an Olympic medal? A: As of February 2026, Edwards has been named to the 2026 U.S. Olympic Team for the Milan-Cortina Winter Games. The tournament results will determine her Olympic medal status.

Q: What is Laila Edwards’s net worth? A: Edwards’s estimated net worth is between $100,000 and $500,000 as of 2026. This includes the value of her scholarship, NIL deals (including Red Bull sponsorship), and national team compensation. Her earnings are expected to increase significantly upon entering the PWHL.

Q: Who are Laila Edwards’s parents? A: Her parents are Robert Edwards and Charone Gray-Edwards. Her father introduced her to hockey through the Cleveland Heights Youth Hockey Program.

Q: Does Laila Edwards have siblings who play hockey? A: Yes, her older sister Chayla Edwards also plays hockey for the University of Wisconsin Badgers, making them one of the few sister duos in NCAA Division I women’s hockey.

Q: What awards has Laila Edwards won? A: Major awards include the Bob Allen Women’s Player of the Year (2024), IIHF World Championship MVP (2024), Forbes 30 Under 30 (2025), two NCAA National Championships, and multiple All-American and All-WCHA honors.

Conclusion

Laila Edwards represents the future of American women’s hockey—a dynamic, versatile athlete who combines elite skill with historic significance. From her early days switching from figure skates to hockey skates in Cleveland Heights to standing on the Olympic stage in Milan-Cortina, Edwards has consistently broken barriers while maintaining humility and focus.

Her journey transcends statistics, though those are impressive enough: leading the NCAA in scoring, winning World Championship MVP honors, capturing two national titles, and becoming the first Black woman to wear the USA jersey. Edwards has handled the weight of being a pioneer with grace, understanding that her success opens doors for the next generation of diverse hockey players.

As she transitions from collegiate star to professional athlete and Olympic competitor, Edwards’s impact will likely extend far beyond the ice. Her partnership with Red Bull, Forbes recognition, and status as a role model position her as a transformative figure in women’s sports.

If you found this biography informative, please share it with fellow hockey fans and anyone interested in inspiring stories of athletic excellence and breaking barriers. Follow Laila’s Olympic journey and support the growth of women’s hockey!