Introducing Laila Edwards: The First Black Woman To Play On The U.S. Women’s National Hockey Team

BY RAYNA REID RAYFORD via https://www.essence.com/

“IT’S ABOUT TIME,” SAYS EDWARDS, A 19-YEAR-OLD SOPHOMORE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN.

Last Saturday Laila Edwards made history when she became the first Black woman to play for Team USA on the senior women’s national team.

How does Edwards feel about achieving this milestone? “It’s an honor to be the first Black woman on the national team, but this team’s been around for a long time,” Edwards told Andscape. “And not to sound ungrateful, but it would have been nice to have someone that looked like me on that team before me. I’m glad that I’m able to be that someone for another little Black girl out there.”

“It’s about time,” Edwards re-emphasized to The Athletic. “Now young girls can look at the highest level and see someone that looks like that. It adds extra motivation and inspiration. I like to be a role model for anyone, but more specifically for young people of color.”

Edwards said “It’s overwhelming, but in a good way,” adding, “It’s a…

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