Laila Edwards, with love from the Kelce brothers, making history in Milan

For the last decade, Cleveland Heights, Ohio, has been known as the hometown of Jason and Travis Kelce. But for the next two weeks, the brothers, who combined for 15 All-Pro nominations and four Super Bowl victories, are ceding the spotlight to a new sports star.

On Thursday, 22-year-old Laila Edwards made her Olympic debut, helping the United States record a 5-1 win in their opening preliminary round against Czechia. In doing so, Edwards made history, becoming the first Black player to suit up for the U.S. women’s Olympic hockey team.

But their shared hometown isn’t just a fun tidbit. It’s created a real bond between them. Jason and Travis actually grew up playing hockey before committing to football long term (countless NHL players must be relieved they never had to take a body check from them). And when Edwards became the first Black player to suit up for the U.S. senior women’s national team in 2023, the brothers were instantly impressed.

“One of Cleveland Heights’ own, and University of Wisconsin forward, Laila Edwards. Shoutout to Leila Edwards. She’s set to become the first Black woman to play for Team USA senior hockey team,” Travis said on an October 2023 episode of their New Heights podcast, whose name pays tribute to their shared hometown. “You got my love and support. Go out there and hold it down for Team USA baby!”

 Edwards began playing the sport in Cleveland Heights at a young age alongside her brother Bobby and sister Shayla, with their younger brother Colson later joining. After moving to New York prep school at Bishop Kearney, where she joined forces with fellow American blue-liner Caroline Harvey, she and Shayla reunited at the University of Wisconsin. The two won the 2023 NCAA championship together playing under decorated head coach Mark Johnson, who won gold at the 1980 Olympics as part of the iconic Miracle on Ice team.

At that point, it was clear that Laila was a special player. She exploded in 2023, her sophomore season, scoring 21 goals and 56 points in just 41 games, leading to her promotion to the U.S. senior national team.

That led to her first interaction with Kelce brothers, but it wasn’t the last. When a GoFundMe was set up by her parents Charone-Gray Edwards and Robert Edwards that aimed to raise $50,000 to travel to Milan to support her, Travis sent her a donation. The fund exceeded its goal by over $10,000, giving the Edwards family the opportunity to see Laila on the biggest stage of her career up close and personal.

“Thank you!” an update to the GoFundMe reads. “You did it! Because of each of you, we met and exceeded our goal! Laila will be surrounded with the love and support of family at the Olympics!”