When the puck drops at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy, the world will be watching a moment decades in the making. Laila Edwards is set to become the first Black woman to ever suit up for the U.S. Olympic Women’s Ice Hockey Team, a milestone that carries the weight of history and the hopes of a new generation of skaters.

The gravity of the moment is not lost on Edwards, even as she prepares to face the world’s most elite competition. In an exclusive interview with BET.com, the hockey standout reflected on the "crazy" reality of her journey from a 3-year-old on skates to a global pioneer.

"It makes me feel a lot of things," Edwards said. "It’s crazy to even think about. I mean, going to the Olympics in general, and then being the first Black woman to do so with the U.S. hockey team, it’s crazy. But I’m really proud and honored."

The dream didn't start with gold medals in mind. While she first hit the ice as a toddler, Edwards admits she didn't have Olympic aspirations until she was a young child. It was a classic rivalry—the United States versus Canada—that sparked the fire. Watching that gold medal game, she saw a future for herself, even if the television screen didn't yet reflect a lot of faces that looked like hers. Now, she is the one providing that mirror for others.

"That’s the coolest thing to me about all of this is being a representation for the little girls and little boys," she said. "It means the world. You know, it’s what I do."

Edwards’ path to the podium has been paved with an intense competitive drive. Known for a "championship mindset," she credits her upbringing for the fire that fuels her game. Growing up with siblings meant that every activity was a contest, and that "hate to lose" mentality translated perfectly to the ice.

However, that drive was supported by a foundation of sacrifice. Hockey is famously one of the most expensive youth sports, and Edwards is quick to point out that her family’s dedication is why she’s able to compete at this level today.

"My mom is my rock, my biggest supporter," Edwards shared. "My parents both had to make a lot of sacrifices. We didn't grow up with a lot of money and hockey is really expensive. So, yeah, it was tough, but they made their sacrifices and got me here today."

That support system has expanded as Edwards’ star has risen. She has caught the attention of major figures in the sports world who recognize the magnitude of her presence. NFL star Travis Kelce famously supported her family's travel efforts through a GoFundMe, and NBA veteran Larry Nance Jr. has been spotted rocking her jersey before games.

"It means the world," Edwards said of the high-profile support. "It shows how cool these people are outside of their athletic abilities. Larry just putting me a little bit more on the map and being a representation for little girls... I’m very grateful."

She recalled the "surreal" moment she saw Nance Jr. walking into an arena wearing her name on his back. "I remember seeing it on Instagram and thinking this is not real. He wasn’t just walking in casually; he was rocking it and pointing at the last name. It was cool."

Despite the accolades, Edwards remains deeply grounded. When she isn’t training for a gold medal, studying social work. While she isn't certain she will become a career social worker, the principles of the field—advocacy, leadership, and helping those in need—inform how she carries herself in the locker room.

"I love making an impact off the ice," Edwards explained. "I take that into hopping on the ice just by being a good leader, helping out people who need help, whether that’s freshmen, new people, or someone having a hard time. I want to do something that helps people in the future."

As she prepares to head to Italy, Edwards is looking forward to the simple joys of the Olympic experience: meeting athletes from other disciplines and, of course, the authentic Italian cuisine. A fan of Margherita pizza and Bolognese pasta, she joked that while she loves the food, she’ll be leaving the pasta-making to the experts.

But beyond the food and the festivities, Edwards is focused on the message her presence sends to Black families watching from home. Her advice to the next generation is simple: if you love the game, you belong in the building.

"I would want to tell them, you know, keep going if you love it," Edwards said. "There’s no such thing as not belonging in a space if you love it. No matter how many people look like you or how many people don’t... if you love it, you belong. That’s as simple as that."

Regardless of the final score in Italy, Edwards has already decided what she wants this chapter of her life to represent. While she is a world-class athlete, she wants her legacy to be defined by her character.

"I want this chapter to say Laila was a great athlete who accomplished a lot, but she’s an even better role model, person, and leader," she said. "I love hockey, but I’m more than a hockey player and I want to be seen as more than just a hockey player."

With the eyes of the nation on her, Laila Edwards is proving that she is exactly that—a leader whose impact will be felt long after the ice melts.