Cleveland Heights plans to celebrate hometown hero Laila Edwards by raising a banner in her honor at the Community Center ice rink, where she first learned to play hockey.
A Trailblazing Hockey Career
Laila Edwards, a Cleveland Heights native and the first Black woman to play for the United States women’s national team in 2023, boasts two NCAA national championships with the University of Wisconsin, an IIHF World Championship title, and a fresh Olympic gold medal from the 2026 Milan Cortina Games.
Growing up, Edwards honed her skills on the local rink, competing against boys. At age 13, she moved to Rochester, New York, to attend Bishop Kearney High School and focus on hockey. As a 6-foot-1 senior forward for Wisconsin, she contributed to three national championship appearances, securing two victories.
During the Olympics, Edwards played a pivotal role in the U.S. team’s overtime comeback win against Canada, clinching gold.
Plans for Recognition
Christopher Kendel, assistant commissioner of parks and recreation for Cleveland Heights, confirmed the banner initiative. “There are other ideas we want to do within the rink to honor her accomplishments, and we’ve been having that conversation with her dad,” Kendel stated. “We want to get some replicas of her Team USA jersey and her jersey at Wisconsin.”
The Community Center hosted two viewing parties for Edwards’ games: one for the opening match against Finland and another for the gold-medal victory, where she assisted Hilary Knight on the game-tying goal late in the third period.
“We couldn’t be prouder,” Kendel added. “I know the mayor posted on social media that when the time is right, the city wants to roll out the red carpet for Laila and her family.”
Kelce Brothers Spotlight Local Pride
Two fellow Cleveland Heights natives, Jason Kelce, a former Philadelphia Eagles offensive lineman, and Travis Kelce, a Kansas City Chiefs tight end, highlighted the need for recognition on their “New Heights” podcast while donning Team USA jerseys.
“Best athlete out of Cleveland Heights,” Jason Kelce remarked, echoing Edwards’ comments to Kylie Kelce on her “Not Gonna Lie” podcast during the Olympics.
Travis Kelce joked, “I’m just gonna say, Laila, I’ve got two banners up in the Cleveland Heights hockey rink. I’m not sure how many banners you have.” His banners stem from youth hockey tournament wins, but Edwards now claims her own.
“I’ll tell you what, man, she has a f—ing shot,” Travis said, praising her humility. “Shoutout to Laila one more time for bringing home some gold not only for the USA but for the old Heights, baby.”
Ongoing Community Ties
Edwards remains connected to the rink, holding a monthly gym membership for workouts during school breaks. Kendel laughed at the idea of a lifetime pass: “Well, you know, I would advocate for that! We should probably make it a golden membership pass. The only requirement is you have to be a gold medal winner.”
