Columbus, OH – As the 2026 SheBelieves Cup unfolds, U.S. Women’s National Team coach Emma Hayes has highlighted forward Emma Sears as a player defined by resilience and determination. The Dublin, Ohio native is poised to represent the U.S. In her hometown for the first time, a moment made all the more special with over 30 friends and family expected to attend the match against Canada on March 4 at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field.
Sears’ journey to the national team hasn’t followed a conventional path, but Hayes believes that’s precisely what makes the 24-year-old – who will turn 25 on Monday – such a valuable asset. The SheBelieves Cup provides a crucial opportunity for the USWNT to prepare for World Cup qualifying this fall, and Hayes is focused on developing the player pool and raising standards.
“Some players come through the youth national team system, or have gone to the top programs in the country, collegiately,” Hayes said. “It’s not always so effortless when you’re not coming from the traditional route. … But she’s a fighter and she’s not going away.”
From Ohio State to the National Stage
Sears’ path to professional soccer began at Dublin Jerome High School, where she earned All-Ohio first-team honors in both her junior and senior years. She continued her development at Ohio State University, spending five seasons with the Buckeyes and recording an impressive 25 goals, 15 assists, and two hat tricks, establishing herself as one of only four Buckeyes to achieve multiple hat tricks.
Drafted 28th overall by Racing Louisville FC in the 2024 NWSL draft, Sears quickly made an impact, breaking into the starting lineup within two months. By the conclude of the regular season, she set a Louisville rookie record with five goals, attracting the attention of Hayes and earning her a spot on the USWNT roster. She has since earned 14 caps with the national team, scoring six goals, including a hat trick against New Zealand on October 29.
Hayes Praises Sears’ Growth and Impact
Hayes has been particularly impressed with Sears’ dedication to improving all facets of her game. “She makes absolutely everything count,” Hayes stated. “She has worked so hard on herself to become a student of the game, to work at decision-making, her execution in the finishing phase.” Hayes also noted Sears’ improving range of passing and her growing defensive awareness.
The coach believes that if the 2027 World Cup were held this year, Sears would be the first player off the bench. Although, Hayes sees even greater potential for growth. “She always makes an impact,” Hayes said. “The next jump is how is she going to push into the [starting] 11 on a regular basis?”
Sears herself acknowledges her unconventional path. “My path wasn’t exactly linear,” she said. “But I’ve kind of leaned into that, and I think that I take a lot of pride in the growth that I’ve experienced with this [U.S.] team.” She expressed her excitement about playing in front of a home crowd, saying, “It’s really nice to be home, having the comfortability piece of that, and knowing that I’m going to have familiar faces in the stadium at the game is really special to me.”
The U.S. Women’s National Team began the SheBelieves Cup with a 2-0 victory over Argentina on March 1. Following the match against Canada on March 4 at 6:45 p.m., the team will face Colombia on March 7 in Harrison, New Jersey.
As Sears continues to develop and refine her game, her story serves as an inspiration, demonstrating that success can be achieved through hard work, dedication, and a willingness to embrace an unconventional path. The SheBelieves Cup offers a significant platform for Sears to showcase her abilities and solidify her position as a key player for the USWNT as they prepare for future competitions.
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