The USA women’s team just secured a 5-1 win over the Czech Republic on February 5, 2026. However, the game's biggest victory happened off the scoreboard.

22-year-old Laila Edwards became the first black woman to play for the USA team in the Winter Games. And this breaks the nearly 30-year racial barrier that had existed since women’s hockey made its Olympic debut in 1998.

Edwards joined the U.S. women’s national team in November 2023. Although she did not score in the Milan game, the 6’1 was a key playmaker, recording an assist on the first goal by Alex Carpenter. She also played defense after mostly playing offense in her career.

However, that did not matter to Edwards. What mattered most was making history.

“I have chosen and will continue to choose to embrace it because it is a beautiful thing and it's a great thing," Edwards said, as per ESPN. "But just to have that ability to be a role model and hear that people are looking up to me… I take that with a lot of pride and gratitude.”

While Edwards went ahead and made history, two names helped to pave the way.

Travis Kelce and Jason Kelce Funded Edwards’ Family

Edwards’ family initially launched a GoFundMe campaign with a goal of $50,000. However, the NFL brothers donated $10,000, helping the goal to reach over $59,000. This allowed the family to go and support Edwards in Milan, covering the travel, lodging, and transportation costs.

"They've helped out with my family's GoFundMe to go (to Italy) and support me," Edwards said in an interview with People. "My family put up a GoFundMe, and (Travis Kelce) donated...They're really good people, too, outside of their athletic abilities."

The Kelce brothers and Edwards were born and grew up in Cleveland Heights, Ohio. The community bond from their shared hometown was clear.

That being said, what new barrier do you think Laila Edwards will break in the future? Comment on your thoughts on it.

You can read more at She Got Game!

Written by

Deblina Roy

Edited by

Sagnik Bagchi