USA Hockey pioneer Laila Edwards reveals her top 5 Olympic athletes

It’s been a dream for Laila Edwards since she was 6 years old, watching women’s hockey in the Winter Olympics and dreaming she could one day wear the Team USA jersey.

“You dream it, you work towards it,” said Edwards, who will turn 22 this month. “But as you dream it, you’re not exactly sure that day will come.”

That day came for Edwards on Jan. 1, when the University of Wisconsin senior made history as the first Black woman to be named to Team USA’s Olympic hockey team. Edwards, who was a first-team All-American for the 2024-25 collegiate season, is one of six Wisconsin players named to the Olympic team.

“I’m looking forward to putting on that Olympic jersey,” Edwards said. “I know I’m going to have a lot of emotions: excitement, nerves, tons of gratitude. I’m just very thankful.”

The 2025-26 school year has been a blur for Edwards with the start of the hockey season (the Badgers are looking to repeat as national champions), the Rivalry Series between Team USA and Canada in November (USA swept the series), and making promotional appearances with her sponsor, Red Bull.

That notoriety has earned Edwards high levels of respect in her hometown of Cleveland. For instance, Cleveland Cavaliers forward Larry Nance Jr. recently rocked her Team USA jersey during his tunnel walk.

“I was at dinner and got a text from a few people who sent the link to me,” Edwards said. “He’s an NBA star who’s probably focused on a lot of things, and it just meant so much for me to see him wearing it.”

Heading into the Olympics, Andscape asked Edwards to name her top five Olympians of all-time:

Simone Biles, 11-time Olympic medalist (seven gold), gymnastics:

“A legend who I’ve always respected. She’s an incredible gymnast and athlete. But what I respect and admire more about her is what she’s done outside of sports with being a role model for taking care of your mental health.”

Hillary Knight, four-time Olympic medalist, hockey:

“Hillary’s been my biggest role model growing up. A teammate on the national team and another Red Bull athlete. She’s incredible.”

Lindsey Vonn, three-time Olympic medalist (one gold), skiing

“She’s very decorated and one of the most respected athletes in sports.”

Katie Ledecky, 14 Olympic Medals (nine gold), swimming

“She’s just incredible to me, all around. When you’re that good, you have to be on the list.”

Chole Kim, two-time Olympic medalist (both gold), snowboarding

“Chloe’s so respected in her sport, and as a back-to-back gold medalist, you have to respect that. Watching her and how she’s curving has really gotten me interested in snowboarding.”

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