Emily Fox's path has been one of growth, both on and off the pitch. The 27-year-old US Women's National Team (USWNT) right-back made her 68th appearance in a recent friendly against Portugal. With the team looking to build momentum ahead of major tournaments like the 2026 World Cup, Fox is no stranger to high-stakes competition.
In fact, just last season, Fox was part of Arsenal's Champions League-winning side, and that experience has had a lasting impact on her game. "I feel like it added a whole other depth to me," she says of playing in the European top-flight. The 113 days between Arsenal's previous match before their Champions League win against OL Lyonnes – an impressive display for Fox who was instrumental in the team's victory – had them looking a bit rusty, but they managed to adapt and come out on top.
That ability to adjust is key for Hayes and her staff as they look to fine-tune the USWNT's tactics. "I think Emma and her staff are really good at that," Fox says of their coaching approach. They're constantly evaluating what works and what doesn't, making tweaks along the way to stay ahead of the curve.
Fox herself is an integral part of this team evolution. As one of only a handful of players who started in the Olympic gold medal match in Paris, she brings a wealth of experience to the table. Her speed and skill are crucial to the team's defense and attack, and she's no stranger to high-intensity matches.
But what Fox finds most exciting is watching her younger teammates grow and thrive. "With the game and with our national team there's just this buzz of excitement," she says. Younger players want to make a statement on the pitch, have fun, and enjoy themselves – it's an electric atmosphere that's driving the USWNT forward.
Looking ahead to 2027, Fox knows that every step counts. "I think with us having not seen each other in like four or five months, and then with Portugal being our first game," she reflects on the recent friendly, "it was a really good lesson also in the sense of how aggressive and physical we need to be." She's no stranger to pressure – but she's confident that this team can rise to the challenge.
Arsenal, meanwhile, are looking to bounce back from some early-season setbacks. Fox knows all about overcoming adversity – last season's Champions League win was a thrilling turnaround for the club. "It's time to turn it around and to come back and make a statement," she says with determination in her voice. The team will need to draw on that same spirit of resilience if they're going to have any hope of making a mark in this year's Women's Super League.
In short, Emily Fox is no one-trick pony – but she's certainly got a few tricks up her sleeve. With her combination of skill, determination, and quick wit, she's poised for even greater things in the world of USWNT football.
In fact, just last season, Fox was part of Arsenal's Champions League-winning side, and that experience has had a lasting impact on her game. "I feel like it added a whole other depth to me," she says of playing in the European top-flight. The 113 days between Arsenal's previous match before their Champions League win against OL Lyonnes – an impressive display for Fox who was instrumental in the team's victory – had them looking a bit rusty, but they managed to adapt and come out on top.
That ability to adjust is key for Hayes and her staff as they look to fine-tune the USWNT's tactics. "I think Emma and her staff are really good at that," Fox says of their coaching approach. They're constantly evaluating what works and what doesn't, making tweaks along the way to stay ahead of the curve.
Fox herself is an integral part of this team evolution. As one of only a handful of players who started in the Olympic gold medal match in Paris, she brings a wealth of experience to the table. Her speed and skill are crucial to the team's defense and attack, and she's no stranger to high-intensity matches.
But what Fox finds most exciting is watching her younger teammates grow and thrive. "With the game and with our national team there's just this buzz of excitement," she says. Younger players want to make a statement on the pitch, have fun, and enjoy themselves – it's an electric atmosphere that's driving the USWNT forward.
Looking ahead to 2027, Fox knows that every step counts. "I think with us having not seen each other in like four or five months, and then with Portugal being our first game," she reflects on the recent friendly, "it was a really good lesson also in the sense of how aggressive and physical we need to be." She's no stranger to pressure – but she's confident that this team can rise to the challenge.
Arsenal, meanwhile, are looking to bounce back from some early-season setbacks. Fox knows all about overcoming adversity – last season's Champions League win was a thrilling turnaround for the club. "It's time to turn it around and to come back and make a statement," she says with determination in her voice. The team will need to draw on that same spirit of resilience if they're going to have any hope of making a mark in this year's Women's Super League.
In short, Emily Fox is no one-trick pony – but she's certainly got a few tricks up her sleeve. With her combination of skill, determination, and quick wit, she's poised for even greater things in the world of USWNT football.