In 2024, Emma Sears performed to a high standard, with achievements such as her first international call-up and being selected in the NWSL draft, thus showing her significant potential as a football player. However, the American forward nearly ended her career after four seasons with the Ohio State Buckeyes, where she totalled 40 goal involvements.
After completing her fourth year of college in 2023, Sears planned to retire from football and focus entirely on a career in nutrition. However, following six months without playing, a conversation with an ex-coach prompted her to return for a fifth season with the Buckeyes.
Following this, Sears was then drafted into the NWSL for her rookie season, being selected 28th overall in the second round of the 2024 NWSL Draft by Racing Louisville FC. She quickly made her mark by scoring 5 goals in 26 games, which included 12 starts and 14 substitute appearances, totalling 1,480 minutes played.
Throughout her inaugural season, Sears produced the highest number of goal-creating actions per 90 minutes of any player on the Louisville roster and recorded 30 more progressive carries than the next-highest player on the team this season, highlighting her exceptional potential.
Her professional debut came against the recent winners of the NWSL Championship, Orlando Pride. Two of her goals during the campaign were nominated for back-to-back Goals of the Week. Following this impressive performance, Sears signed a three-year contract extension, committing to the NWSL team until 2027.
Her excellent form earned her a call-up to the USWNT for the first time in any age group in October 2024. During that international window, she made her debut as a substitute in the 55th minute for Yasmeen Ryan during an international friendly against Iceland. In that match, the Louisville forward scored her first USWNT goal and assisted captain Lindsey Horan, significantly contributing to the 3-1 victory. This achievement made her the first player to score on debut since Christen Press in 2013.
Following the announcement of the roster for the final international window and European tour, Sears was named one of six forwards and is eager to make an appearance in the upcoming games against England at Wembley or the Netherlands at the Bingoal Stadion.
Sears is looking to build on her accomplishments from the 2024 season and continue to establish herself as a notable player in both the NWSL and the national team.
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