February is Black History Month in the United States of America, so what more fitting time could there be for black history to be made? That’s exactly what happened when trailblazer Laila Edwards, from Cleveland Heights, Ohio, did.
Edwards isn’t new to trailblazing, though. She’d already made history by becoming the first black woman to make the United States Olympic women’s hockey team. She then one-upped it this month by becoming the first Black American to win Olympic gold in hockey on Thursday, when she helped the U.S. defeat its bitter rival, Canada, in the gold medal game.
Edwards wasn’t a passive participant, either. The forward and defender scored eight points (2g, 6a) and was named to the Olympic women’s All-Star Team as a defender.
She was crucial in the gold medal game, connecting with Hilary Knight on the game-tying goal with just over two minutes remaining in the third and final period of regulation.
Around 75 people packed the Cleveland Heights Community Center to watch Edwards go for gold, per The Guardian.
“My heart is pounding,” said Dena Bufford, a Cleveland Heights resident. “I’m so excited for the team, but to be able to watch the victory as it happened and for this to happen for one of our locals is just phenomenal. My mind is blown. This is awesome.”
“So much energy in this city,” city mayor Jim Petras said of Edwards after the gold medal win. “It made its way across the country. Can’t be more proud of her.”
If there’s one thing to be certain, it’s that Edwards is far from finished as she continues to break down barriers. Edwards currently plays for the Wisconsin Badgers, whom she led to a national championship last year while leading the nation in scoring.
About Qwame Skinner
Qwame Skinner has loved both writing and sports his entire life. In addition to his sports coverage at Comeback Media, Qwame writes novels, and his debut; The First Casualty, an adult fantasy, is out now.