Cleveland Heights plans to raise a banner honoring Laila Edwards, the local hockey star who secured an Olympic gold medal. Edwards boasts two NCAA national championships, an IIHF World Championship title, and now Olympic glory, yet lacked recognition at the Cleveland Heights Community Center ice rink where she honed her skills.
Historic Milestone and Local Pride
Edwards made history in 2023 as the first Black woman to play for the United States women’s national team. Christopher Kendel, assistant commissioner of parks and recreation for Cleveland Heights, confirms the city will install her banner in the rink’s rafters. “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 states. “We want to get some replicas of her Team USA jersey and her jersey at Wisconsin, as she has played in three national championships with Wisconsin, winning two of them.”
From Local Rink to Global Stage
A Cleveland Heights native, Edwards grew up competing against boys at the community center. At age 13, she moved to Rochester, New York, to attend Bishop Kearney High School and pursue hockey. She later joined the University of Wisconsin, where the 6-foot-1 senior forward helped the Badgers claim two national titles.
As the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics approached, her profile soared. Edwards played a pivotal role in the U.S. team’s overtime comeback win against Canada, clinching gold. She assisted Hilary Knight’s game-tying goal late in the third period.
Kelce Brothers Spotlight the Oversight
Two fellow Cleveland Heights natives, Jason Kelce, former Philadelphia Eagles offensive lineman, and Travis Kelce, Kansas City Chiefs tight end, highlighted the gap during a recent “New Heights” podcast episode while donning Team USA jerseys. “Best athlete out of Cleveland Heights,” Jason declared, echoing Edwards’ comment on Kylie Kelce’s podcast.
Travis 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 team victories. “I’ll tell you what, man, she has a f—ing shot,” Travis added, praising her humility. “Shoutout to Laila one more time for bringing home some gold to not only for the USA but for the old Heights, baby. Because you know how proud we all are once you grow up in the Heights.”
Community Celebrations and Future Plans
The Cleveland Heights Community Center hosted viewing parties for Team USA’s opener against Finland and the gold-medal game. “We couldn’t be prouder,” Kendel says. The mayor has expressed interest in a red-carpet welcome for Edwards and her family when timing aligns.
Edwards frequently visits the center, holding a monthly gym membership for workouts during breaks. Kendel laughs at the idea of upgrading it: “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.”
