LA Focus News
Laila Edwards made history in Milan, Italy, becoming the first Black woman to score an Olympic goal for Team USA after sealing a dominant group-stage win over Canada with the final shot in a four-goal surge, a milestone that helped propel the Americans into the medal round as tournament leaders.
The 22-year-old Northeast Ohio native, who joined the U.S. National Team in 2023, said the moment represents both personal achievement and possibility for others. “You know, I get to be the first of something and a role model for others,” Edwards told CBS Mornings.
A former figure skater who transitioned to hockey as a child, Edwards calls the sport her “safe space,” even when she was often the only girl on the ice. Now in her Olympic debut, she hopes to continue inspiring young women to pursue their passions while chasing gold for her family, community and country, with Team USA three wins away from the top of the podium.
