NWSL signs Emily Madril to retain her eligibility for 2023 season

The NWSL has signed a contract with Emily Madril through 2025, allowing her to retain her eligibility for the 2023 season. 

The news comes after the player announced she would not return to Florida State University for collegiate soccer and forgo the remainder of her NCAA eligibility. The league will now distribute Madril’s rights in the upcoming 2023 draft, and loan her to Sweden’s BK Häcken FF through the end of the year. 

As per the NWSL’s draft eligibility requirements, a player must “not be under a current professional contract nor have previously signed a contract to play professionally.” 

“We are constantly evaluating our policies and procedures to ensure the NWSL is attracting and retaining the best players in the world,” NWSL chief operating officer Bill Ordower said in a statement. “Emily is a world-class player, and this move will allow her to continue training and competing at a high level this fall without forfeiting her eligibility for the 2023 season. We wish her luck overseas and look forward to her returning for the upcoming draft.”

Madril announced her decision in a Twitter statement, opening up about her frustrations with the FSU administration, and its failure to consider the players when searching for a new head coach. 

“We, as student athletes, have rights and would have had a valuable voice in this matter, unwavering in our commitment to the long-term success of the program,” wrote Madril.