Laila'S Golden Moment: Edwards Family'S Olympic Dream Comes True With Star-Studded Support

A Milestone Moment on Ice

Laila Edwards made history on the Olympic rink in Milan, but before the puck even dropped, her eyes were searching the stands. Not for the scoreboard or the Olympic banners – she was looking for her biggest cheerleader, her grandmother Ernestine Gray. At 91, Ernestine had journeyed all the way from Ohio to witness Laila's Olympic debut, and the two shared a small but significant wave, sealing their pregame focus.

The United States went on to defeat Canada 2 to 1, with Laila assisting on the game's opening goal. She wasn't just playing for the gold; she was playing for her family, who’d traveled to Italy with the help of a successful GoFundMe campaign.

“As she comes in, she’s looking around," Ernestine Gray shared. "Then I say, 'I won’t do anything to distract her.’”

A Cleveland Connection

Cleveland Heights was at the heart of this Olympic journey. Ten family members and four friends trekked to the Winter Games, thanks to a GoFundMe that overshot its $50,000 target, raking in $56,240 from 562 donations. A jaw-dropping $10,000 came courtesy of NFL stars Travis and Jason Kelce, who, despite their anonymous donation, were later revealed as the benefactors.

“They’re really good people,” Edwards remarked about the Kelces' generosity. "They don't know us, but our shared Cleveland Heights roots made a connection."

The NFL duo had first spotlighted Laila on their podcast, "New Heights," after her historic entry as the first Black woman on the U.S. women’s national hockey team. Their support didn't stop at podcast mentions – Jason Kelce and his wife, Kylie, even made it to the semifinals, watching the U.S. trounce Sweden 5 to 0, with Laila shining yet again on the assists board.

Beyond the Game

Laila’s presence at these Olympics broke barriers beyond the ice rink. As the first Black woman to represent the U.S. in Olympic hockey, her story has resonated far beyond her hometown. Her mother, Charone Gray-Edwards, expressed overwhelming gratitude, "To hear people of color say they’re tuning in to hockey for the first time is incredible."

Support for Laila’s Olympic dream reached far and wide, with organizations like Ice Hockey in Harlem contributing $1,500 to the cause. She’s more than an athlete; she's an inspiration. "She’s representing every Black and brown young lady who’s ever defied the odds," said JJ Velez of Ice Hockey in Harlem.

The Price of Dreams

This journey to Italy was almost out of reach. With the expenses associated with such a trip looming large, Laila's parents initially thought only two family members could make it. But with creativity and community support, Robert Edwards’ GoFundMe titled "Send Laila’s Family to the Olympics to Cheer Her On!" turned dreams into reality.

From small-town beginnings in Rochester to the grandeur of Wisconsin's top-tier hockey, Laila’s journey has been one of determination and community spirit. As she continues to shine on the ice, her family's presence in Milan was a testament to the power of dreams, dedication, and a little help from hometown heroes.