First Shift: Laila Edwards Set to Bring Skill and Star Power to San Jose
Written by Derrik Maguire
If there is one word to describe Laila Edwards, it would be trailblazer. At just 22 years old, her career resume is already astounding.
Three NCAA Division I national championships, an IIHF Women’s World Championship gold medal, an Olympic gold medal, becoming the first African-American woman to play for the U.S. women’s senior hockey national team and becoming the highest-drafted African-American player in PWHL history. Yet with all of that, it is just the tip of the iceberg.
A native of Cleveland Heights, Ohio, Edwards spent her collegiate career at the University of Wisconsin. Throughout her time as a Badger, Edwards recorded 199 points in 154 games. During her junior year, she led the NCAA with 35 goals and finished third in points per game with 71 points in 41 games, helping lead Wisconsin to its second national championship in three years.
After making the full-time switch to defense with the U.S. National Team at the 2025 IIHF Women’s World Championship, Edwards secured a gold medal. Returning to Madison for her senior season, the Badgers shifted Edwards between forward and defense as she recorded 45 points in 28 games. Edwards would go on to capture her third national championship with the Badgers, but the real story of her senior season came during the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.
The Olympics gave Edwards the opportunity to show the world her upside from the blue line. She was trusted to partner with Boston Fleet captain and eventual 2026 PWHL Defender of the Year Megan Keller on the USA’s top pairing, recording two goals and six assists over seven games.
The biggest moment for Edwards came in the gold medal game, as the United States trailed Canada 1-0 deep into the third period. Edwards snapped a wrist shot from the point, and Hilary Knight tipped it in to tie the game at 1-1 with 2:04 remaining.
Her ability to step up in the clutch shone through as the U.S. went on to win the gold medal in overtime. The Olympics were more than just a tournament for Edwards to showcase her skills. It was a chance to prove she could play at the highest level as a defender, and she passed the test with flying colors.
Heading into her first PWHL season, expectations are sky-high for Edwards. She combines an incredible shot with strong puck skills and has the ability to become a major offensive contributor from the blue line. Her physicality also stands out, as she will become the tallest player in PWHL history at 6-foot-1. Edwards also brings impressive top-end speed, giving her a rare blend of size, skill and speed.
As an offensive-minded defender, Edwards could benefit from a strong shutdown partner who allows her to play to her strengths. The expectation is that she will be partnered with Rory Gulliday, who fits the shutdown defender mold and could give Edwards the freedom to play her dynamic offensive game.
Edwards’ value to San Jose, however, goes beyond what she provides on the ice. As a trailblazer with a growing national profile, she has the opportunity to become a face of a new franchise. Edwards has already begun building a connection between PWHL San Jose and the Sharks, with the team inviting her to announce its second overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft.
With Edwards, the excitement she could bring both on and off the ice is a massive bright spot for PWHL San Jose. Now, Edwards will look to build on her collegiate and international career as a full-time defender and emerge as one of the faces of PWHL San Jose.
