Travis Kelce and brother Jason play a quiet but powerful role in Laila Edwards’ historic Milan Winter Olympic breakthrough

Laila Edwards became the story on ice as the 2026 Winter Olympics opened in Italy, and her name carried more than a box score. Laila Edwards took the spotlight not just for Team USA’s 5-1 win over the Czech Republic, but for what her presence meant.

She skated as the first Black woman to represent the United States in women’s Olympic hockey, a moment rooted in years of family sacrifice and community belief.This was history made by a 22-year-old forward who grew up chasing pucks in Cleveland Heights. The meaning ran deeper when it became known that two familiar names from that same city, Travis and Jason Kelce, helped make sure her family could witness it live.

Laila Edwards’ historic Milan moment gets an unlikely boost from Travis and Jason Kelce

Laila Edwards’ Olympic debut on February 5 came with 14 family members in the stands, including her 91-year-old grandmother Ernestine Gray.

That scene existed because of a GoFundMe launched by her parents to help them travel to Italy. “This just isn't something that we can afford to do on our own. So many communities have supported Laila throughout her years of hockey. We are asking for your help now so that we can be there to cheer Laila, to surround her with the love and support of family,” it read.Behind the scenes, Travis and Jason Kelce donated $10,000. When Travis later called Edwards, his message stayed with her.

“Everyone's got my back.” She told the Associated Press, “He’s rooting for me. They didn’t have to do that, but they did. And I’m really grateful.”“Obviously, my name’s on the roster, but I feel like my whole family made it to the Olympics,” she said. “All the sacrifices they’ve made, the things they’ve done to get me here, my parents, my siblings, I’m so grateful. And for them to get to come and share the experience is going to be really special.”

Her mother Charone Gray-Edwards added, “Oh my goodness. I was going to find words to describe the gratitude and appreciation.

But I haven’t yet.”The bond with the Kelces started earlier. On the New Heights podcast in 2023, Travis said, “One of Cleveland Heights’ own, and University of Wisconsin forward, Laila Edwards. Shoutout to Leila Edwards. She’s set to become the first Black woman to play for Team USA senior hockey team.

You got my love and support. Go out there and hold it down for Team USA baby!” Charone later reflected, “Two years ago, when Kelce first gave a shout-out to Laila, I thought it was huge and cool for him to acknowledge her.

And then when she said 'thank you' to him, he responded. He's been kind. So this is exciting that his kindness even went further.”The GoFundMe has now crossed $60,000. Edwards has already decided what comes next. “We really want to honor the money that’s been given to us.” Extra funds will return to Cleveland Heights through equipment and free ice time, closing the circle that started her journey.