By Sisters Jane Cayer, Pat Flynn, and Susan Plews
Why were the Sisters at Stella Maris hooked on the Olympics?
Because one of our own is closely connected to the USA Women’s Ice Hockey Team!
Sister Pat Flynn’s grandniece, Laila Edwards, went for the gold.
Laila, who is the granddaughter of Pat’s sister, Carol Edwards, currently plays for the University of Wisconsin.
At the games in Italy, Laila's hockey skills consistently contributed to the USA’s winning scores, and Pat is justifiably proud of her.
It’s also noteworthy that Laila is the first Black team member, giving her an opportunity to be a role model for young aspiring players.
Pat admires her willingness and humility as she embraces this call.
In several stories in the New York Times, Laila and her family were lauded, saying she "grew up in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, where she is hockey royalty and an avatar of inclusivity.” After Laila and her team won the gold, the newspaper wrote,
"In victory, Team USA defender Laila Edwards made history at the 2026 Olympic Games in Milan-Cortina.
"The 22-year-old Ohio native became the first Black American woman to win a gold medal in women’s hockey when the United States beat Canada 2-1 in overtime in the gold-medal game. Eight days earlier, she played her first game with the Americans at the Olympic tournament, becoming the first Black woman to represent Team USA at the Olympic Games."
The Olympic Women’s Ice Hockey Team proved it knows how to win, but more importantly, the team worked together, cared about each other, and had a great team spirit. They also had throngs of SSNDs rooting for them.
CONGRATULATIONS LAILA AND TEAM USA!
Below Left: Laila poses with her grandmothers, Carol (Flynn) Edwards and Ernestine Gray
Below Right: Carol Edwards (left) poses with her sister, Sister Pat Flynn
