Laila Edwards, a trailblazing figure in winter sports and a pride of Northeast Ohio, is set to take the mound at Progressive Field. The Cleveland Guardians announced that the Cleveland Heights native will throw out the ceremonial first pitch for the team’s 2026 home opener against the Chicago Cubs on Friday, April 3. The festivities are scheduled to begin ahead of the 4:10 p.m. first pitch, marking a celebratory homecoming for one of the region's most decorated athletes.

The honor follows a historic run for Edwards on the international stage. During the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, she made history as the first Black woman to play hockey for Team USA at the Winter Games. Her debut was nothing short of spectacular, as she recorded eight points throughout the tournament, consisting of two goals and six assists. Her contributions were pivotal in the gold medal game, where Team USA secured a 2-1 overtime victory against Team Canada to reach the top of the podium.

Beyond her Olympic success, the 22-year-old has remained a dominant force in the collegiate ranks. A standout player for the Wisconsin Badgers, she recently helped lead her team to its second consecutive NCAA national championship. The Badgers secured the title with a victory over Ohio State at the Frozen Four on March 22, further cementing her legacy as a winner at every level of the game.

Edwards began her journey in the youth hockey programs of Cleveland Heights, a suburb on Cleveland's eastern edge that is also the hometown of NFL champions Travis and Jason Kelce. before rising through the ranks to become a global sports figure.