CENTER ICE SPOTLIGHT: CHAYLA EDWARDS | CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, OHIO

INTRODUCING CHAYLA EDWARDS!

My name is Chayla Edwards, I was born and raised in Cleveland Heights, and I’m 19 years old. I started figure skating when I was 6 and then transitioned to hockey at age 7. I played for a boys and girls team until my freshmen year of high school, which is when I went to school in Pittsburgh and played for my high school team there. I currently play hockey at the University of Wisconsin where I’m a sophomore studying psychology.

First off I’ve always been passionate about social justice and creating change in my community. At my high school and even at my university I joined clubs where I could talk about diversity and racism in America. I was delighted with the opportunity to continue that work outside of my community and meet many other amazing hockey players of color.

I’m most looking forward to meeting other people in the movement and creating a network of amazing people of color. I’m really excited to continue to spread messages of equity and justice especially when it comes to hockey.

I can hand whistle! To do this I cup my hands around my mouth and blow into them making a whistle sound. I can do different pitches and perform a song with it.

I would have dinner with Blake Bolden. I met her a while back and I was in awe of her skill and the way she carried herself. And to see her today making such a difference not only on but off the ice is inspiring. 

The best advice I’ve been given that applies to both hockey and life is “don’t compare yourself to other people.” That is so important in hockey because there are many different stages of development in hockey. Some people may take longer to develop and reach their peak so it’s so important to just keep your head down, grind, and focus on your own improvement.

My dream for women’s hockey is for it to be as big and as celebrated as men’s hockey. I’d love to see female hockey players get paid as much as men and attract similar crowds.