Home / Sports / Olympic Gold Medalist Laila Edwards Throws First Pitch
Olympic Gold Medalist Laila Edwards Throws First Pitch
31 Mar
Summary
- Laila Edwards, Olympic gold medalist, will throw the first pitch.
- Edwards is a Cleveland Heights native and hockey star.
- She made history as the first Black woman to play for Team USA hockey.
Northeast Ohio will celebrate Olympic gold medalist Laila Edwards as she throws out the first pitch at the Cleveland Guardians' home opener on April 3. The event marks a homecoming for the Cleveland Heights native, who recently achieved a significant milestone in her athletic career.
Edwards was a pivotal player for Team USA's women's hockey team, helping them secure a gold medal in a thrilling 2-1 overtime victory against Canada on February 19. This achievement was historic, as she became the first Black woman to represent Team USA in hockey at the Winter Games.
Her hockey development began in local youth programs, and she has continued to excel collegiately, recently leading the Wisconsin Badgers to their second consecutive NCAA championship. Her impressive performance during the Winter Games included eight points, with two goals and six assists. She previously returned to Cleveland in November 2025 for the Rivalry Series. The Guardians' home opener against the Chicago Cubs is scheduled for 4:10 p.m. at Progressive Field.
