For Laila Edwards, this year’s Winter Olympics is about far more than sport, and that’s something she’s getting comfortable with.

The 22-year-old may only be at the start of her career, but is already considered a trailblazer, becoming the first Black woman to feature in the US hockey team at a Winter Games.

Edwards made history when she took the ice at the Milano Rho Ice Hockey Arena on Thursday, where she helped Team USA beat the Czech Republic 5-1 in its first preliminary round match.

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The American was greeted by loud cheers from the traveling US fans when her name was announced as a starter, but the occasion didn’t seem to faze the young athlete, who has taken on so much responsibility of late.

“It means a lot. I take a lot of pride in it,” she told reporters after stepping off the ice in Milan.

“I’m just going to embrace it because representation matters, no matter how uncomfortable it can be. It’s for the next generation.

“I could not do interviews and not talk about it, but then the story doesn’t get out there. Maybe a little girl doesn’t see me, who looks like her. That’s what’s really important.”

Before even traveling to Italy for this year’s Games, Edwards had already made history by becoming the first Black woman to play for the US women’s hockey team and becoming the youngest American to win MVP at the women’s hockey world championships in 2024.

But being the first to break through the status quo hasn’t always sat comfortably with Edwards, who is keen to be credited not only for the color of her skin but also for her athletic ability. And, in truth, what an incredible hockey player she is.

Despite just turning 22, Edwards has such a presence on the rink. Standing over six feet tall, she towers over most of her opponents and has a mentality that allows her to be at peace with pressure.

That much was clear when she provided the first assist for Team USA on Thursday, kicking off what proved to be a smooth victory in her first Olympic appearance.

But despite the attention around her, Edwards looked totally relaxed. She joked around with teammates before and after the win, performing choreographed handshakes and jokingly taking a swipe at the overhead camera when she walked back to the locker room.