A surprise 9:30 p.m. meeting with United States Women’s National Team soccer head coach Emma Hayes ended with some positive news for Emily (Madril) Sams.
Sams, a Navarre native who played soccer for the Raiders and eventually went on to play at Florida State, was told she was being named an alternate for the USWNT that’s headed to France for the 2024 Olympics.
Sams was initially a training camp player, and was expecting to just be with the team for the week leading up to the Olympics. Now she’s one of 22 players headed to France.
“It was a shock to find out the way that I did. But I’m so honored and I’m just so excited to be there with the team, and to do whatever I can to help us succeed,” Sams said. “I definitely didn’t come into camp expecting this. I was just so excited, happy and appreciative. The first thing I wanted to do was go call my husband and family.”
Sams is currently a defender for the Orlando Pride of the National Women’s Soccer League, which is having an incredible 2024 season as well.
After being drafted by Orlando with the third overall pick in the 2023 NWSL Draft, Sams, who thought she had “been playing well for (her) club),” was waiting for an opportunity to get called up to the USWNT.
“Even the fact I thought I was going to be there just for the week, I was excited to get in front of the coaching staff and show them what I can do,” Sams said of originally being named a training camp player.
But now it’s the real deal. Sams is able to play with the best of the best from the United States, and experience the Olympics. Sams said the USWNT roster is a fairly diverse group, with several key veterans and a good number of new players to the international stage.
Four players have over 100 caps with the USWNT, including Lindsey Horan (148) and Crystal Dunn (147). Several players have 10 or less, allowing for veterans to bring the newcomers along, Sams said, while the new players can bring something different to the table.
“It’s like the best of the best, so I’m trying to soak it all in and get to know these girls a little bit better,” Sams said. “It’s a top, top level of play. I’m playing with some of the best players in the world right now. It’s fun to raise my standards to try to match their level. There is so much to learn from these players, from the players that have so many caps with the national team, or if they’re younger like me and just starting out, there’s so much to learn from everybody.”
Sams is hopeful that her husband and other family members, including her parents and sister, will be able to make it to France. Given how late the notice was that Sams would be going to France, everyone was trying to figure out flights to get across the Atlantic.
One of five siblings – who all played soccer – Sams noted she’s happy that she can experience the Olympics with her parents.
“The amount of hours and time, and money and resources, all those things (my parents) put to all of our careers, it’s so much fun to make it to this stage and be able to share that with them. I wouldn’t be here without their sacrifice and support,” Sams said. “I just hope they’re able to make it over there.”
Sams also mentioned she’s heard from several former teammates and coaches from the Navarre and Pensacola area, giving wishes for luck in success across the pond. Sams was a two-time PNJ Player of the Year, recording 32 goals and 18 assists for Navarre during her senior season.
That was before she enrolled early at Florida State, ultimately becoming a national champion with 62 appearances (61 starts), six goals and seven assists. Sams was the 2021 ACC Defensive Player of the Year.
“I have so many good memories from Navarre and Pensacola. Every one of those players, coaches and every single person I’ve met helped me get to where I am today,” Sams said. “I’m extremely grateful that they’re still wishing me luck. It means the world to me.”
Sams said she’s looking to bring back the skills and knowledge she’s gained from the USWNT back to Orlando when the NWSL season resumes. She’s started in 15 games for the Pride – who are sitting in first place in the NWSL with an 11-5 record – and has recorded a goal and an assist.
In the league since 2016, this is the best season to date for Orlando. The Pride’s best finish was back in 2017 when they finished third in the league. Orlando has been breaking several records, including a NWSL-record 17 consecutive undefeated match on July 6.
The NWSL season resumes in early August after the Olympics.
“Getting this experience will help me grow as a player and as a person. I’m a little bit out of my comfort zone, which is good. I think I can learn and take all that back to Orlando,” Sams said. “Hopefully we can keep it going. The fans have been so loyal over the last nine or 10 years, and we all just want to do something special for them and bring back a championship. … We’re doing really well and setting ourselves up for great success at the end of the season.”
But Sams is still trying to stay in the moment – even if this appearance with the USWNT could bring up opportunities beyond 2024, including a chance at the 2028 Summer Olympics, which will be in Los Angeles.
“Honestly, I just need to focus on the next couple weeks while doing what I can, and trying to prove myself, of course,” Sams said. “I’m just doing whatever I can to help this team be successful. … Hopefully that’ll lead to future call-ups in the future.”
The USWNT kicks off its Olympic Tournament with its first group stage game on Thursday against Zambia. That’s followed by a match on Saturday against Germany and a July 31 tilt against Australia.
“It’s going to be tough to win those games over there. All of our focus is on the next three games once we get to France,” Sams said. “I’m just focused on staying present and doing what I can do to help the team be the most successful right now.”
Ben Grieco is a sports reporter for the Pensacola News Journal. He can be reached on X (@BenGriecoSports) and via email at BGrieco@gannett.com.
Most Popular
Comments / 0