March 4, 2024 – National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) – Racing Louisville FC News Release
Rookie attacker Emma Sears has signed her first professional contract, inking a one-year deal with Racing Louisville after the team selected her 28th overall in the second round of the NWSL Draft, the club announced Monday.
The agreement includes a mutual option for the 2025 season.
“Emma showed up on Day No. 1 ready to compete,” Racing head coach Bev Yanez said. “We have seen incredible glimpses of her game that make us very excited to see her in the environment consistently. She is eager to learn and willing to put in the work. We are truly excited for her to be a part of the squad!”
“Emma has proven her ability and professionalism since the first day she arrived in Louisville,” said Ryan Dell, the general manager for Racing Louisville. “We could not be more excited for her to make her mark for Racing.”
“I am super excited and honored to have signed my first professional contract with Racing Louisville,” Sears said. “Thank you to my family, close friends, coaches and teammates who have supported me thus far. I am grateful for this opportunity and cannot wait to play alongside such amazing players. I can’t wait to see what this season has in store for us. Go Racing!”
Sears, 23, signs with Racing amid a standout preseason. The Ohio native came to Louisville from Ohio State, where she starred for five seasons, totaling 25 goals and 15 assists in 83 appearances. She ranks 12th in Ohio State program history in career goals, 11th in career points (65) and 10th in career shot attempts (213), and she left college as one of only four players in program history to register multiple hat tricks.
With the Buckeyes, Sears earned All-Big Ten honors in three different seasons, including first-team recognition in 2023. She helped lead Ohio State to four NCAA Tournament berths, including a second-round appearance in 2022, when she scored the game-winner in an opening-round win over Bucknell.
Since joining Louisville, Sears has shown an ability to play a variety of roles across the attacking corps, providing depth as a center forward as well as a winger or attacking midfielder. She joins fellow newcomer Reilyn Turner in signing a rookie contract with Racing after last month’s NWSL Draft.
In addition to Turner, Sears boosts an attacking group that includes four players who competed at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup: Elexa Bahr (Colombia), Milly Clegg (New Zealand), Uchenna Kanu…