Forging Firsts: Laila Edwards

"Forging Firsts" is a series that shares the stories of  individuals who have accomplished remarkable achievements in their journeys. Each story, talks about when they became the “first” whether that is breaking records, facing challenges, or creating new paths. The series explores how these experiences helped them grow personally, uncovering new strengths and depths within themselves. "Forging Firsts" highlights the meaningful impact they have and how they’re inspiring others to follow in their footsteps.
 

It’s always been Hockey.

When my dad signed me up for figure skating so I could learn how to move on the ice, it was so I would eventually be ready for hockey.

When I left my hometown of Cleveland, Ohio at age 13 to attend a boarding school in Rochester, New York, separating me from friends, family and everything else I had known up to that moment, it was for hockey. 

And when it came time for me to choose a college, I chose a place that lived and breathed hockey. A place where I felt playing the game was more of a lifestyle.

But for everything I’ve given to hockey, I was still waiting for hockey to give me. 

I assumed this would go away when I started playing on an all-girls team at the boarding school, but it didn’t. While I loved my team, there were moments – like when they shared makeup routines – that highlighted my difference; none of the products they used matched my skin tone. Early on, all of this made it challenging for me to find myself and who I was comfortable being. 

There were moments when it became overwhelming. I was playing the game I loved, knowing it would set me up for the future, but sometimes that “spark” which helped me get so far just wouldn’t light. During this time, I became a much better hockey player, but there remained aspects of myself I still had not yet discovered. 

On the other side of it all was my sister, Chayla. She’s three years older than me. I remember her telling me about her experience at the University of Wisconsin and how I just needed to get to Madison.  

The campus was beautiful, the people and the school were great, but most of all, hockey was fun in Madison. She would talk to me about how the coaches put players in the best positions to succeed, not just on the ice, but also in life. Madison would be where I could discover more about myself and share new experiences with different people.

Upon arriving on campus, my expectations were met, and I began to sense a deeper understanding of myself. I came to Madison to play hockey, but since coming here, I’ve had opportunities to learn new things like rock climbing, golf and racquetball. I've established strong connections with my teammates, yet what's remarkable is the camaraderie I've formed with individuals beyond our team—building a community among fellow athletes. Alongside my sister, I’ve traveled across the country immersing myself in new cultures and adventures. I’ve read books and had conversations that have really inspired and challenged me. I feel strongly that these experiences stem from the autonomy I’ve been given to make my own choices; this newfound awareness and sense of rejuvenation has given me the energy I need to focus on what I came here for, hockey.

This doesn’t mean I don’t still struggle with my own fears. The first Black woman to play for the U.S. National hockey team. Sometimes I fear that my identity might overshadow everything else.

Will others see the sacrifices and dedication that got me here? Will they understand the discipline demanded to attend 5am practices or the courage required to leave my loved ones to pursue my passion?

While I’m grateful to be where I am today, I never anticipated being a role model. I was always searching for one myself, someone who resembled me and had similar aspirations. 

I often wonder if having an existing “blueprint” to follow, would have altered my path. But when I reflect on conversations with parents about how I’ve inspired their child to play hockey, it reminds me of the path I get to create for others. 

For those kids, more than anything, I want hockey to be what it has been for me. Not something that defines their entire lives, but a way for them to discover more about themselves. It’s a sport that opens doors to new experiences and connections, shaping who they become. That's my motivation.

What an incredible opportunity for young players—to envision a world with possibilities, where they can see themselves thriving and shaping their own futures.

For me, it’s always been hockey. But now I understand it’s never just been hockey.