Laila Edwards is making waves in the sports world as she embarks on her Olympic journey, and she has gained unexpected support from NFL stars Jason and Travis Kelce. At just 21 years old, Edwards has already made her mark by becoming the first Black woman named to the senior roster of the U.S. Women’s Hockey Team. As she prepares to skate in Milan, her family organized a GoFundMe campaign earlier this year to assist with travel expenses, enabling relatives to witness her compete on the Olympic stage.
The Kelce brothers, who share Edwards’ roots in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, first acknowledged her achievement on their podcast, “New Heights.” Edwards, surprised by their mention, reached out to express her gratitude. Much to her delight, Travis responded and the two engaged in a supportive conversation over direct messaging. Laila described Travis as a down-to-earth and humble supporter who provided encouraging words.
Their involvement didn’t stop there. The brothers continued to keep up with Laila’s career, and after she secured her spot on the Olympic team, Travis took a further step by donating to her fundraiser and checking in on how he could assist her journey. As of early February, the GoFundMe campaign had exceeded $60,000, allowing at least 14 of her family members, including her grandmother, sister, and brother, to travel to Milan to cheer her on.
Laila’s mother, Charone-Gray Edwards, expressed profound gratitude for the support they’ve received, while her father, Robert, noted how humbled they felt. Laila has often highlighted her parents’ sacrifices, acknowledging their financial and emotional support throughout her hockey career. The journey has not come without challenges, as Laila pointed out the significant costs associated with ice hockey, from coaching to equipment.
Starting her skating journey at the tender age of four, Laila has progressed through youth and collegiate hockey, culminating in her recent achievements with the national team. In 2023, she played a pivotal role in helping the University of Wisconsin clinch its seventh NCAA national championship and celebrated her first world championship victory with the U.S. Women’s Hockey Team.
Today, Laila and her teammates will face Canada in a crucial group stage match at 2:10 p.m. eastern time, which will be broadcasted on USA Network and available for streaming on Peacock. As Edwards takes the ice, she carries with her the support of her family, friends, and supporters like the Kelce brothers, embodying the spirit of determination and unity in sports.