Cleveland Heights, Ohio, is set to honor local hero and Olympic gold medalist Laila Edwards with the raising of a commemorative banner at the Cleveland Heights Community Center ice rink. This recognition comes after Edwards made history in 2023 as the first Black woman to represent the United States on the women’s national hockey team.
Cleveland Heights city officials announced that the banner will be part of broader initiatives to celebrate Edwards’ achievements. Christopher Kendel, assistant commissioner of parks and recreation, stated, “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.” Plans include showcasing replicas of her Team USA jersey and her jersey from the University of Wisconsin, where she won two national championships.
Edwards, a native of Cleveland Heights, honed her skills at the very rink that will now honor her. She began playing hockey against boys at the community center and left home at 13 to attend Bishop Kearney High School in Rochester, New York. She later joined the University of Wisconsin, where her performance as a 6-foot-1 forward helped secure two national championships.
As the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics approach, Edwards’ profile has risen significantly, particularly after her pivotal role in the United States’ comeback victory against Canada, which culminated in an overtime win for the gold medal. The significance of her achievements has not gone unnoticed in her hometown, where community members have expressed a desire to see more visible recognition of her success.
Notably, former NFL players Jason Kelce and Travis Kelce, both Cleveland Heights natives, highlighted the lack of acknowledgment for Edwards during a recent episode of their podcast, “New Heights.” Jason Kelce remarked, “Best athlete out of Cleveland Heights,” while his brother added humorously, “I’m just gonna say, Laila, I’ve got two banners up in the Cleveland Heights hockey rink.”
The Kelce brothers emphasized Edwards’ humility and connection to her roots, celebrating her gold medal win not just for the United States but for their shared community. “Shoutout to Laila one more time for bringing home some gold to not only for the USA but for the old Heights,” Travis Kelce stated, reflecting the pride felt by many in Cleveland Heights.
The Cleveland Heights Community Center recently hosted viewing parties for the Olympic games, allowing local residents to rally behind Edwards and the women’s national team. “We couldn’t be prouder,” Kendel remarked. The city aims to roll out the red carpet for Edwards and her family in a future celebration, although specific details are yet to be determined.
Edwards frequently visits the community center, where she maintains a gym membership to stay fit during school breaks. As the plans for her banner unfold, there are discussions about potentially granting her a lifetime membership. Kendel humorously suggested, “We should probably make it a golden membership pass. The only requirement is you have to be a gold medal winner.”
With a banner honoring her achievements soon to grace the rafters, Laila Edwards’ legacy is set to inspire future generations of athletes in Cleveland Heights and beyond.
