Most players would run off to media, or to talk to new teammates, or go hang out with their families right after being the first overall pick in their draft. Caroline Harvey, the first overall pick in the 2026 PWHL Draft, did something else altogether, opting to put her special moment to the side to support her best friend and Team USA/University of Wisconsin teammate, Laila Edwards.
Harvey made sure she was waiting in the wings to watch Edwards get drafted fourth overall by PWHL San Jose right after her own name was called on Wednesday night.
She was beaming, clearly proud of her former teammate and her closest friend.
Harvey clapped nearly the entire time Edwards was announced and was introduced to executives and coaches of her new team, and quickly embraced her once she got off the stage.
The pair have been teammates at the University of Wisconsin for the past four years, coming in together as freshmen during the 2022-23 season, becoming roommates and team leaders. They’ve claimed three NCAA titles together as Badgers, but their friendship has become almost as well-known as their skills and success.
They’ve played together on Team USA, most recently winning gold in the 2026 Winter Olympics, and have competed alongside one another in the Women’s IIHF World Championship in 2024 and 2025, claiming silver and gold, respectively.
They are almost inseparable off the ice as well, constantly hanging out, filming viral TikToks, and going to events together. The two have attended Coachella and gone on Celebrity Family Feud.
Harvey and Edwards’ friendship began many years ago, when they first met at around age 10. Edwards said her initial reaction was that Harvey’s helmet was ugly, but she wouldn’t dare say anything because Harvey was so good (she did allow herself a small giggle). The relationship hasn’t changed much, except now Edwards has grown comfortable enough to troll her BFF like commenting “I love your confidence to post these pics” on a Harvey photo dump, and even having a beef going the day before the draft about their outfits — an argument many best friends know well.
Harvey was asked what she was going to wear to the draft, to which she replied “I haven’t even given Laila it yet,” looking hesitant to reveal it to anyone else first.
It seems she was right to hesitate, as Edwards’ response to the question dug at Harvey in frustration. “[Harvey’s] gatekeeping her outfit, matter of fact, so I’m just gatekeeping mine back,” she snipped.
“I was blessed enough she let me know what hairstyle she’s gonna do,” Edwards said sarcastically, looking unamused. “It’s like a wedding day, like you’re surprising your spouse,” she joked.
Harvey and Edwards both ended up showing out with their outfits while showing up for each other, revealing their secret looks on a special red carpet at the Fox Theatre.
Caroline Harvey shows off her look at the draft
Harvey made history as the first defenseman to ever go first overall in PWHL Draft history, getting picked up by the Vancouver Goldeneyes.
Edwards will become the tallest player in the PWHL at an impressive 6’1″ for the expansion PWHL San Jose.
The two won’t be too far apart, although many fans were hoping Edwards would be drafted second due to Seattle’s close proximity to Vancouver.
When asked about what it will be like to play on different teams and watch Harvey’s career from afar, Edwards gushed about her best friend.
“I think it’s gonna be super fun. Obviously it’ll be different for me, not to have her by my side but it’ll be great to see what she does. Vancouver’s so lucky,” she said after being drafted. “They’ve got a person thats just very decorated all around, and just happens to be good at hockey too.”
“I don’t know if you guys saw but I cried when she got picked,” she shared. “That’s my bestie, that’s my ride or die and I’m really proud of her.”
