There’s no doubt that Orlando has a strong connection to the game of soccer. With both a men’s and women’s professional team in town, there’s no shortage of ways for those passionate about the port to share their fandom. And when it comes to the Orlando Pride, whether it’s the diehard Black Swans cheering incessantly for their team or perhaps a young girl sitting in the stands for the very first time, the connection the team has with its fans runs deep.

We had the chance to catch up with a handful of the Pride’s top performers—as well as head coach Seb Hines—to get to know them better on and off the field. These ladies stand out, not just because of their talented play, but also because of the many ways they’ve embraced the community and tried to make a positive impact.

Emily Madril, Defender

After a stellar college career at Florida State that included two NCAA titles and the honor of being names the 2021 ACC Defensive Player of the Year, Madril began her professional career overseas with BK Häcken FF of Sweden. She was the third overall selection in the 2023 NWSL draft. “My favorite thing about this team is the people. The players, the staff and the fans have made my experience here so rewarding thus far. It’s amazing to play with the legend Marta and to learn from all of the players,” says Madril.

The energy she gets from the crowd…

It is so rewarding to see all of the familiar faces after every game and to get to talk to the fans who have supported us throughout the whole season. It means so much to myself and the team knowing that we have their support through the highs and lows of the season. It makes us want to fight even harder and put on the best performance we can at Exploria Stadium and away games.

How she likes to unwind…

I love a good coffee shop. I don’t have a favorite one yet because there are so many that I have yet to try, but anywhere I can sit down and enjoy a coffee is a place I want to be. I also enjoy reading and playing cards with my teammates.

A shared love of the game…

I have three older siblings who all played soccer through high school so I wanted to be just like them and follow in their footsteps. I remember playing in our backyard until 10:30 at night and only stopping because our neighbors would come out and yell at us to let them sleep. Soccer is something that bonds my entire family. Their support of my career means the world to me and has helped me be successful.

Career goals…

I would love to be a part of the team to win an NWSL championship with Orlando Pride. I also want to make the U.S. national team roster and play in a World Cup.

Erika Tymrak, Midfielder

Tymrak is a University of Florida graduate and Bradenton native who joined the team in 2022 after being acquired in a trade with FC Kansas City. She credits her vegan diet—she hasn’t eaten meat in over eight years—with helping her excel on the pitch and she revels in the chance of being a role model for young girls hoping to someday follow in her footsteps. “Playing pro wasn’t a reality when I was growing up. Knowing that I can be a role model for so many young, aspiring girls is very rewarding,” she says.

The best part of the job…
The community of Orlando and playing in my home state.

Feeling the love…

Exploria Stadium has become our fortress and the fans have contributed to that big time. The atmosphere makes us so excited to compete and play for the fans. Shout out to the Black Swans supporters group, y’all are the best!

A fondness for the area…

I grew up in Florida, so I love the weather. Orlando has a great food scene and there’s always a ton to do between the theme parks, springs and beach on our off days.

[I also enjoy] kayaking the Emerald Cut, hiking through Little Big Econ Park and walking around Lake Eola.

Respect for a legend…

[Lionel] Messi will always be my inspiration.

On getting ready for a big match…

I always put my right sock on first. Personally, I play my best when I go into games feeling relaxed and calm, so I’ll always meditate before stepping on the pitch.

If it wasn’t for soccer…

I love real estate and traveling, so I’m sure I would have followed those passions.

Carrie Lawrence, Defender

Born in Orlando, Lawrence should be familiar to locals after being a three-year letter winner for the University of Central Florida from 2016-18 and in her senior year she was named Second Team All-American Athletic Conference. Unfortunately during the preseason, Lawrence suffered a season-ending injury when she tore her ACL, but she is quick to credit the way the club has rallied around her during this difficult time. “The genuine support I feel coming in everyday [means a lot]. Going through an ACL injury, it can be easy for people to forget about you.”

Playing where it all started…

Being from Orlando, although some of the fans are my family, they do a great job of making players feel welcome and like Orlando is home.

On off days…

I like going to restaurants on Park Avenue and exploring new places I’ve never been to.

Inspiring the next generation…

I think it is one of the most important parts of being a professional. Orlando has great club soccer teams and I try my best to be an inspiration for all the little girls here in my own city.

Her brother’s influence…

Growing up with an older brother that played soccer was all the competition I needed and more.

A creature of habit…

For home games I always get my car washed the morning of, and I have the same couple of songs I have to listen to before every game.

Beyond the game…

I’m studying to get my real estate license.

Hopes for the future…

To complete a season injury-free with a championship trophy in our hands!

Megan Montefusco, Defender

A decorated player who has excelled on both the national and international stages, Montefusco is a former No. 13 overall draft pick who helped lead the Houston Dash to the 2020 Challenge Cup title. Acquired via trade with Houston in 2022, she led the Pride in minutes played (1,861) and games started (21) last season. Since arriving in Orlando, she’s felt right at home. “There is nothing better than playing at home and feeling the energy of the crowd. I love getting to see some of the same faces after games and recapping an awesome win with them,” says Montefusco.

Favorite ways to enjoy the area…

I love being able to go to the beach and Disney on off days. It can feel like a vacation living here sometimes.

[But] my favorite place to go on an off day is Park Avenue in Winter Park for a coffee and to walk around. I also just love being home in Baldwin Park. I go on walks around the lake or out to dinner at one of our favorite spots, Seito Sushi.

A shared bond…

I have an older sister who played soccer and I wanted to be just like her growing up. I looked up to her and did whatever she did. I fell in love with soccer by just playing in our backyard together. I loved practicing new moves and working on things together then seeing it payoff in our games.

Sticking to a routine…

I try to keep my game day routine the same. I sleep in, go for a walk, watch film and write down a few things we worked on during the week at training. And I always eat avocado toast as one of my pregame meals.

A history buff…

One thing other people might not know about me is that I love watching documentaries on the Egyptian pyramids. I typically just watch reality TV—anything on Bravo—but I love learning about ancient history too

Julie Doyle, Forward

A native of Newport Beach, California who starred at Santa Clara University, Doyle bought her talents to the East Coast after being selected by the Pride with the No. 11 pick in the 2022 NWSL draft. When she’s not on the pitch, she likes to spend her free time at the beach, where she enjoys soaking up the sun and surfing. “I’m a Cali girl, so I love the beach and Florida has some of the best beaches,” says Doyle.

Learning from a legend…

I would have to say [it’s wonderful] being teammates with Marta. She’s just incredible on and off the pitch. It is such a privilege to learn from the best.

Making meaningful connections…

I take it upon myself to make genuine connections with our fans. They are the reason I get to play the sport I love as my job. It’s important that I express my gratitude for them supporting us so that they come back. When I was young, my parents took me to women’s national team matches, women’s college and pro games, and to the Julie Foudy soccer camps. All had a major impact on why I wanted to become a professional soccer player. They were my role models. I wanted to be just like them one day. I make it a goal of mine to inspire anyone watching. In college, I used to write “inspire” on my wrist. It’s crazy to think how the tables have turned.

Prior to the game…

Every game day I eat an Italian sub from Publix, I eat a kosher pickle so I don’t cramp and I listen to Britney Spears.

Before her career is all said and done…

I would like to make it to the international level one day.