Laila Edwards is preparing to make history on the ice, and she has some high-profile support in her corner. The Team USA hockey standout recently shared that Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce was among those who contributed to a GoFundMe campaign organized to help her family travel to see her compete in the Winter Olympics.

In an exclusive interview with People, Edwards detailed the surprise of seeing the three-time Super Bowl champion’s name appear on the donor list. The fund was established to ensure her parents and siblings could be present in Italy as she will become the first Black woman to play for the U.S. women’s national ice hockey team at the Olympic level. The donation from Kelce highlights a growing trend of professional athletes supporting one another across different sporting landscapes.

The significance of the moment is not lost on the 21-year-old forward. Edwards has been a rising star in the hockey world, previously earning MVP honors at the 2024 IIHF Women's World Championship. Despite her success on the international stage, the financial demands of sending an entire family across the globe for the duration of the Games remain a challenge for many Olympic athletes.

According to the report by People, the connection between the two athletes was sparked by Kelce’s appreciation for Edwards’ talent and the historic nature of her debut. While Kelce has become a global household name due to his performance on the football field and his high-profile personal life, this gesture points toward his interest in elevating other elite competitors who are breaking barriers in their respective sports.

Edwards noted that the outpouring of support from both the public and fellow athletes has allowed her to focus entirely on her preparation for the Games. Representing the Chicago Sky star energy in a different arena, she remains focused on the gold medal while carrying the weight of her historic milestone. The visibility brought by Kelce’s contribution has also helped shine a light on the broader need for support within the Olympic community.

As the Winter Games approach, Edwards is set to lead a talented U.S. roster looking to reclaim the top spot on the podium. With her family now confirmed to be in the stands thanks to the successful fundraising efforts, the focus shifts to the ice, where she continues to serve as a trailblazer for the next generation of Black hockey players.