Emily Madril: The Defensive Star’s Journey to the Orlando Pride
The NWSL draft has come and gone, and the soccer world is buzzing about this fresh crop of rookie Socceristas. One player we’ve got our eye on is the newest member of Orlando Pride, Emily Madril. So let’s get to know this rising star, shall we?
High School Career in Idaho and Florida
Madril first started making waves in high school, both for Centennial High School and her club team Boise Timbers-Thorns. She didn’t let a move to Florida stop her from dominating on the field and picked up right where she left off at Navarre High School.
For her school, she scored over 100 goals scored and 70 assists. Madril racked up accolades like FHSAA 4A Player of the Year and Florida Dairy Farmer Miss Soccer.
Setbacks and Success at Florida State
After high school, Madril attended Florida State to play midfield for the Seminoles. During her freshman year, she started all but one match.
She had her highs and lows at Florida State. She redshirted her sophomore year due to an ACL tear. Unfortunately, but not all that uncommon, Madril suffered another ACL tear which left her on the sidelines of the 2019 season as well.
In 2020, the COVID-19-affected season, Madril returned with a vengeance and started every match. Then, in 2021, she helped lead the team to an NCAA College Cup victory over BYU. Afterward, she was named the ACC Defensive Player of the Year, received United Soccer Coaches First Team All-American honors, and College Cup All-Tournament Team honors.
Madril had one more year of college eligibility due to her redshirt sophomore year and COVID-19. However, she decided to forgo playing another season when FSU coach Mark Krikorian left the team, and she felt disrespected by the administration as they looked to hire another coach.
Going on Loan in Sweden
Before announcing her decision to forgo the rest of her collegiate career in August of 2022, Madril signed with the semi-pro team Racing Louisville FC in the USL W-League over the summer. During the season, she made nine appearances and scored four goals.
After announcing she would be going pro, she signed a contract with the NWSL, which would retain her eligibility for the 2023 NWSL Draft. In the fall of 2022, she went on loan in the Swedish Damallvenskan to BK Häcken FF, where she made five appearances and scored one goal.
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The Road to Orlando Pride
In January, the Orlando Pride drafted her in their first-round pick! And now she is the newest powerhouse in the Pride backline. Orlando Pride is one of the most well-known teams in the NWSL with some truly legendary players, but they haven’t been able to crack the top three in going on six years. However, with fresh legs like Madril joining the roster, things could change quickly.
The Pride had a difficult time defensively keeping the ball out of the back of the net last season. With Madril leading FSU to 14 shutouts in 2021, it’s possible that she can be the change-maker they need in their backline. Although she’s technically an NWSL rookie, she boasts tons of experience and will look to make her mark from the get-go.
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Emily Madril is a truly tenacious and versatile player. Much like Crystal Dunn and Julie Ertz, Madril is a threat from every corner of the field. She can score and defend and never lets anything stand in her way—things we know the USWNT is always looking for. We are excited to see how she does in her first season in the NWSL!
Featured image via @orlpride on Instagram
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