21-year-old Edwards headlines the U.S. women's hockey roster for Milan 2026, with Travis and Jason Kelce donating to her family’s GoFundMe so they can attend. Betting impact: added publicity and family support could slightly shorten prop odds on Edwards to register goals/assists and may marginally firm Team USA’s medal pricing.
Edwards Set for Olympic Debut as Kelce Brothers Help Send Family to Milan
Edwards, the 21-year-old forward who became the first Black woman named to the U.S. women's national hockey team, is preparing for her debut at the 2026 Winter Olympics Games. Family support — amplified by donations from Travis and Jason Kelce — has helped secure travel and accommodations so her relatives can attend in Milan.
How the Kelces Got Involved
The connection began after the Kelce brothers publicly recognized Edwards on their podcast, prompting a surprise direct-message conversation between Travis Kelce and Edwards. That public shoutout evolved into financial support: Travis donated to a family GoFundMe established to cover flights and lodging for the Olympics. Edwards says the brothers have stayed in touch about additional ways to help.
Potential Meeting in Italy
With Jason Kelce’s wife active in Olympic content creation, Edwards hopes the online support turns into an in-person encounter in Milan. The publicity around the Kelces’ backing raises Edwards’ profile and could increase media and fan attention when Team USA takes the ice.
What This Means on the Ice and for Bettors
Beyond the emotional lift of having family present, the spotlight and tangible support could boost Edwards’ confidence heading into the tournament. For bettors, that combination of morale and heightened visibility may translate into slightly shorter odds on player props (goals/assists) involving Edwards, and a marginal tightening of Team USA’s medal odds in futures markets.
Roots: Family Sacrifice Behind the Rise
Edwards credits her parents, Robert Edwards and Charone Gray Edwards, for the sacrifices that made her rise possible. She began skating at age four and relied on costly tournaments and travel to gain exposure and develop her game — investments her family prioritized to help her reach the national and Olympic stage.
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Trailblazing Team USA hockey forward says help from the Kelce brothers will bring her family to Milan Leer
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