Laila Edwards Blazes a Trail for Black Women in Hockey
Badgers Alumna Makes History, Wins Gold with Canada
Edwards' Exceptional Performance Paves the Way for Future Generations
Madison, Wisconsin – Laila Edwards, a former University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW) women's hockey forward, has etched her name in the annals of hockey history as the first Black woman to play for the United States national team. Her groundbreaking achievement represents a significant milestone in the sport's efforts to promote diversity and inclusion.
At the recently concluded 2024 IIHF Women's World Championships, Edwards made an undeniable impact, contributing a goal and an assist for Team USA. Her exceptional performance helped the Americans secure a sixth-place finish with an impressive 6-1 record.
"It's an incredible honor to have represented the United States at this level," said Edwards. "Being the first Black woman to step onto the ice for my country is a responsibility I take seriously. I hope my journey inspires young athletes from all backgrounds to pursue their dreams and break down barriers."
In addition to Edwards' historic achievement, five former UW Badgers also made their mark at the World Championships, winning gold medals as members of Team Canada. Among them was Daryl Watts, who captained the Canadian team to victory. Coach Mark Johnson, a former UW head coach, led Canada to its first world championship title since 2012.
Edwards' rise to prominence on the international stage has been a source of immense pride for the UW hockey community. Her tenacity, skill, and unwavering determination serve as an inspiration to countless young players. The Badgers are committed to fostering an environment where all student-athletes have the opportunity to reach their full potential, both on and off the ice.
2024 World Championships Top Ten Players
The Hockey News has released its list of the top ten players from the 2024 World Championships:
- Marie-Philip Poulin (Canada)
- Sarah Nurse (Canada)
- Laila Edwards (United States)
- Natalie Spooner (Canada)
- Hilary Knight (United States)
- Brianne Jenner (Canada)
- Amanda Kessel (United States)
- Jenner Asserholt (Sweden)
- Fanni Gasparics (Hungary)
- Anni Keisala (Finland)
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