DETROIT, MI (June 17, 2026) – PWHL San Jose selected defender Laila Edwards from the University of Wisconsin in the first round (fourth overall) of the 2026 PWHL Draft presented by Upper Deck, which is currently taking place at Fox Theatre in Detroit, MI.
Edwards played collegiately at the University of Wisconsin, helping to lead the Badgers to three national championships. In the 2025-26 season, the 22-year-old native of Cleveland Heights, OH, recorded 45 points (12G, 33A) in 28 games. As a junior, Edwards led the nation with 35 goals, the most for any Wisconsin player since the 2011-12 campaign. She amassed a total of 71 points in 41 games and was named All-WCHA First Team and a top three finalist for the Patty Kazmaier Award. In her time at Wisconsin, Edwards registered 199 points (81G, 118A) in 151 games and garnered All-WCHA Third Team honors as a sophomore and WCHA All-Rookie Team honors after the conclusion of her first season. On the international stage, Edwards won a gold medal with the United States at the 2026 Olympic Winter Games in Milan Cortina. She also won a pair of medals (one gold, one silver) while competing at the IIHF Women’s World Championship and was named the tournament’s MVP in 2024, becoming the youngest player (20 years old) to ever win the award.
The first two rounds of the 2026 PWHL Draft presented by Upper Deck is available in the U.S. on Scripps Sports platforms, including over-the-air television in select markets, nationally on Scripps FAST channel, Scripps Sports Network, and in Canada, on TSN2. Complete coverage of all rounds will also be available on TSN+ in Canada, in addition to the PWHL YouTube Channel, worldwide (with no blackouts). Visit thepwhl.com for full broadcast details and follow along with all selections here.