Everyone asked Emily Sonnett to take up a leader’s role as she reached her 100 caps. The Georgian veteran has played every role one can think of. She has been flexible in adapting to different styles—full-back, center-back, and defensive midfielder. A proper versatile soccer player who every manager would love. When asked about her versatility, she jokingly attributed her effectiveness to the survival of the fittest, saying only the most powerful and adaptable ones succeed! Well, this sounds like an accurate definition of versatility.

But here’s a fact. Sonnett had not just survived; she thrived with exceptional skills and expertise that made her complete 100 international matches! This happened when her team defeated Iceland with a score of 3-1 on 24 October 2024.

And now that she has taken on the SheBelieves Cup 2025, her honor must be respected and valued. If not by all, at least by the ones who have seen her hustling. And here’s what one of her ex-teammates has to share. 

Sam Mewis took no time to express her gratitude for Sonnett’s achievement. Recently, Sam shared a heartwarming post for Sonnett on Instagram. She took out an old snap from her gallery where both stood together, holding each other and wearing the team’s training jerseys. It could be very well anticipated that Sam is emotional while acknowledging her ex-teammates glory.

And, to add a cherry on top of the cake, she even shared a heartfelt message that described their old times in the team together, struggling their way out to achieve the first 10 caps and finally congratulating Sonnett for making it to 100 when she wrote, “You made it.” It was more than just a mere Instagram post; it was a letter full of treasure, as the caption read, “From Sam to Sonnett.” 

Sam said, “There were many times we thought we wouldn’t make it to 10 caps, let alone 100. I am so proud of the journey you’ve been on, and I truly believe that no one has had to fight harder to get to this milestone than you have,” highlighting the challenges Sonnett faced as everyone initially doubted her potential. But Sonnett made her way clear through all the hurdles, and Sam called it a testament to her belief as refused to accept any nonsense! 

Now that Sonnett looks forward to her upcoming matches, she is full of power and strength after receiving such letters from her kin. If we look at USWNT’s latest win against Columbia, with a score of 2-0, Sonnet delivered an excellent performance in her role as the defensive midfielder.

She, alongside Emma Fox and Jenna Nighswonger, had done a good job of preventing the opponents from scoring even one goal! However, this isn’t where Sonnett tried to make an impact. For this time, she had yet another major role to play!

Is Emily Sonnett the new captain?

The 2025 SheBelieves Cup had a lot of anticipation from fans and spectators this year. While the US Women’s National Team’s performance at the large tournament was noteworthy, the spotlight was primarily on the players, receiving awards for their honorable accomplishments. As for Sonnett, it was her success in completing 100 international matches. As she stepped into her first match of this season, she played not just as a defender, but other roles adding to her versatility of adapting to new jobs!

Sonnett was the captain for her latest match against Columbia. Notably, she successfully led the team to claim their tournament’s first victory. It was another impressive sight offered by the hosts to the spectators when they saw Sonnett wearing the captain’s badge across her arm. 

Well, this came as a surprise. While everyone thought it was Lindsey Heaps taking the lead, especially in the opening match, Sonnett was seen as the leader. Heaps is the official skipper for the USWNT, who even led the team in the Paris Olympics 2024. But things took a different turn.

While it’s intriguing for another team member to take the new role, it’s important to consider if the role was offered merely as a recognition of her contributions. Or if there will be a new captain for USWNT in the upcoming matches as well!