CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, Ohio — When you're serious about hockey you have to know how to handle the puck, take hard shots at the net and explode on the ice.
Laila Edwards, 20, of Cleveland Heights, has all of that and more because this game is what she's always known.
"I was about three when I was figure skating, and then I switched to hockey at about four or five," Laila said.
By 8, she was traveling to out-of-state tournaments and honing in on her position.
"I was mostly a forward when I started and I was like, 'Yeah, this is what I want to do. I like to score," she said.
Her father, Robert, had a front-row seat to her journey to the top.
"I think when she turned mite and played AAA hockey with the boys, and she was like one of the better ones out there, that's when we thought, 'Huh, she might be able to do something with this sport,'" Robert said.
A sport, loved by her whole family, including little brother Colson, who plays for Team Ohio.
"She did get a lot of support from her family, but we've also got a lot of support from the community, like here at Cleveland Heights," Robert said. "In eighth grade she went to Bishop Kearney, which is an excellent hockey academy. We think the best hockey academy in the country."
It prepared her for the ultimate dream.
"I grew up watching the Olympics and watching Team USA," Laila said. "I was like, 'I want to be them. I want to represent my country ... wear that jersey at the highest level.'"
Though, spending her high school years in Rochester, N.Y., came with some sacrifices.
"We missed a lot of her, you know, growing up. And that's the one regret we do have because she wasn't at home for a lot of her upbringing," Robert said.
Before long, the University of Wisconsin came calling for her to join the team. Her favorite teammate? Big sister Shayla. Together, the two helped their team win a National Championship in 2023.
"It was an incredible moment for us. And I'm sure my parents were filled with a lot of joy," Laila said.
"It was always a dream of mine to have them play together and to see them have that success," Robert said.
That family dream was only the beginning. Laila would go on to make history as the first Black woman to join USA Hockey.
"It's hard to put into words because of how hard that I worked to get it and how long I've dreamed for it," Laila said.
Then the dream got even bigger, when earlier this summer, Laila was named USA Hockey's 2024 Bob Allen Women's Player of the Year.
"That list of names that have won that award is an incredible list. So to be a part of that list is, you know, it is an honor," Laila said.
Robert says the family is in awe of what Laila continues to do.
"We're blown away by it and we're still blown away by it. But, we understand the work that she put into it and the help that she got," he said.
Laila is forever grateful for her parents' support.
"He's done everything he can to make me the best hockey player I can be," she said of her dad. "My family has been incredible and I'm so grateful for them."
Laila is making an impact on and off the ice, and that's pushing her to reach the ultimate goal.
"Olympics 2026. So I'm hoping to be a part of that tryout. And then I'm hoping I do my best at that tryout and can put on that 2026 Olympic roster," she said.
She hopes her story will encourage young women to believe in themselves.
"I am just so honored to be able to inspire anyone, but more specifically girls of color," Edwards said. "It's incredible to break a barrier."
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