Emily Menges

Image of Emily Menges
Image of Player Emily Menges

Player Information

Emily Townsend Menges (born July 28, 1992) is an American professional soccer player who plays as a center back for Bay FC of the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL). She previously played for Portland Thorns FC, with whom she won two NWSL Shields and two NWSL Championships.
Birthdate:
28 July 1992
Full Name:
Emily Townsend Menges
Birthplace:
Garden City, New York, United States
Nationality:
American
Gender:
Female
Height (cm):
170
Status:
Married
Partner:
Rhian Wilkinson
Education:
Garden City High School (High School), Georgetown University (College)
Career Started:
2014
Notable Achievements:
NWSL Shield (2016, 2017), NWSL Championship (2016, 2017)
Awards:
Big East Defensive Player of the Year (Win Year 2013), NSCAA First Team All-American (Win Year 2013), Supporters' Player of the Year (Win Year 2016)
Current Team:
Bay FC
Draft Year:
2014
Drafted By:
Portland Thorns FC
Previous Teams:
Portland Thorns (From 2014, To 2023), Melbourne Victory (From 2019, To 2020)
Player Active:
From - 2014, To - Present

Emily Menges Bio

Emily Townsend Menges (born July 28, 1992) is an American professional soccer player who plays as a center back for Bay FC of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). She previously played for Portland Thorns FC, with whom she won two NWSL Shields and two NWSL Championships. Menges is recognized for her defensive skills and leadership on the field, making significant contributions to her teams throughout her career.

Early Life and Background

Emily Townsend Menges was born in Garden City, New York. She attended Garden City High School, where she began to develop her soccer skills. Menges played for the Albertson Fury ’91, a youth soccer club, winning three consecutive Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) State Open Cups from 2009 to 2011. Her early exposure to competitive soccer laid the foundation for her future success in the sport.

Path to Soccer

Menges continued her soccer journey by attending Georgetown University, where she played for the Georgetown Hoyas from 2010 to 2013. During her college career, she became one of the most decorated players in the program’s history, earning the Big East Defensive Player of the Year award and NSCAA First Team All-American honors in 2013. Menges was a key player for the Hoyas, leading the defense to 23 shutouts over her final two seasons and achieving a school-record 13 clean sheets as a junior in 2012. After a successful college career, Menges was selected by Portland Thorns FC with the 25th overall pick in the third round of the 2014 NWSL College Draft.

Emily Menges Career

Early Career (2014–2023)

Menges made her professional debut with Portland Thorns FC on April 12, 2014, helping the team secure a shutout in a 1–0 victory against the Houston Dash. Throughout her time with the Thorns, she established herself as a starting center back and played a crucial role in the team’s success. Menges was instrumental in helping the Thorns win the NWSL Shield in 2016 and 2017, as well as the NWSL Championship in both years. Her performance earned her recognition among fans, culminating in the Supporters’ Player of the Year award in 2016.

Breakthrough (2014–2023)

Menges’ breakthrough moment came shortly after her debut when she quickly became a vital part of the Thorns’ defense. Her contributions were pivotal during the 2016 and 2017 seasons, where she helped the team achieve significant milestones, including two NWSL Shields and two NWSL Championships. In 2021, Menges finished third in the NWSL Defender of the Year voting, further solidifying her status as one of the league’s top defenders.

Notable Works and Milestones

Emily Menges is known for her defensive prowess and leadership on the field. She has received several accolades, including the Big East Defensive Player of the Year and the Supporters’ Player of the Year. Menges’ journey in professional soccer has been marked by her dedication and commitment to excellence, making her a respected figure in the NWSL.

Emily Menges Award Nominations

Throughout her career, Emily Menges has received numerous nominations for her outstanding performances on the field, showcasing her skills as a top defender in the NWSL.

Emily Menges Awards Won

Emily Menges has won several prestigious awards during her career, highlighting her contributions to the sport and her teams’ successes.

Award Wins Year
Big East Defensive Player of the Year 1 2013
NSCAA First Team All-American 1 2013
Supporters’ Player of the Year 1 2016

Emily Menges Family

Emily Menges is married to former teammate and coach Rhian Wilkinson. The couple tied the knot on January 1, 2025. Menges has maintained a close relationship with her family, and they have been supportive of her soccer career.

Personal Life

In addition to her soccer career, Menges is the vice-president of the I’m Not Done Yet Foundation, an organization founded by her family after the tragic death of her brother Bobby in 2017. The foundation is dedicated to helping pediatric and young adult patients with cancer and other chronic illnesses. Menges’ commitment to her community and charitable work reflects her character both on and off the field.