Dublin Native Emma Sears Makes Impact with USWNT Ahead of SheBelieves Cup in Columbus Emma Sears, a forward for the U.S. women’s national team, is set to make her mark in her hometown as the SheBelieves Cup returns to Columbus for the second time. The event, which took place in 2024 before Sears gained national team recognition, now marks a significant milestone in her career. Sears, a native of Dublin, Ohio, will represent the U.S. in her hometown for the first time, with over 30 friends and family members in attendance to support her. Sears, who has made 14 appearances for the national team since October 2024, expressed her excitement about the opportunity to play in Columbus. “It’s really nice to be home,” she said, highlighting the comfort of having familiar faces in the stadium. Her journey to the national team began with a strong foundation in central Ohio, where she played for Dublin Jerome High School and later joined Ohio State University. After earning All-Ohio honors as a junior and senior, Sears transitioned to collegiate soccer, becoming a three-year starter for the Buckeyes. During her five seasons at Ohio State, she scored 25 goals, recorded 15 assists, and tallied two hat tricks, joining a select group of players with multiple hat tricks in program history. Sears’ professional career took off when she was selected 28th overall by Racing Louisville FC in the NWSL draft. She quickly made an impact, breaking into the starting lineup within two months and setting a rookie record with five goals in her first season. Her performances caught the attention of U.S. national team coach Emma Hayes, who acknowledged the challenges of transitioning from a non-traditional path to the national team.#shebelieves_cup #uswnt #ohio_state_university #emma_sears #racing_louisville_fc
