This week Emily's sitting down with Laila Edwards, a true pioneer in the world of women’s hockey. Edwards recently made history as the first Black woman to compete for—and win gold with—Team USA Hockey. Beyond her Olympic success, she is a national champion and was a prolific scorer during her final collegiate season at Wisconsin, leading the nation with 35 goals.

In this conversation, Laila opens up about the whirlwind experience of winning gold in Milan and navigating the sudden surge of media attention that followed. She shares the nerves and pressures that come with being a trailblazer and how she has learned to transform those challenges into a platform for inspiring others. We also dive into her transition from high school to a decorated collegiate career, the mental resilience required to earn her ice time, and how she stayed even-keeled while switching positions on the world stage. Plus, she addresses the viral conversation surrounding the USA men's hockey team and why she believes that if you love a space, you belong in it—regardless of who else is in the room.

In this episode:

• The whirlwind of winning Olympic gold and returning to college life

• Navigating the pressures and responsibilities of being a trailblazer in hockey

• The mental shift required when transitioning to a high-level collegiate program

• Switching from forward to defense on the national team and trusting the process

• Techniques for staying calm and "even-keeled" during high-stakes moments

• Her reaction to the media cycle surrounding the men’s team at the White House

• The importance of representation and her message: "If you love it, you belong"

• Her experience as a Red Bull athlete and the transition to the PWHL draft

Quotable Moments:

"Don’t ever feel like you don’t belong. Don’t let that be the reason you don’t do it."

"I have the opportunity to change someone’s life essentially, and I think that is so cool. So any chance I get to do that, I’m going to take it."

"If you love something ... then you belong. No matter who looks like you and who doesn’t."

"Pressure is a privilege... look at all the good that’s coming out of it."

"I was a person before I was a hockey player... I want to leave an impression as a good person."

SOCIAL
@laila_edwards
@emilyabbate
@iheartwomenssports

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ASK ME A QUESTION: Email hello@hurdle.us to with your questions! Emily answers them every Friday on the show. 

Listen to Hurdle with Emily Abbate on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.