LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Lynn Family Stadium won't be feeling all that "Foxy" any time soon. Racing Louisville FC on Monday announced they've traded star defender Emily Fox to North Carolina in exchange for two of the Courage's defenders.


What You Need To Know

  • Racing Louisville FC has traded away star defender Emily Fox to the North Carolina Courage

  • Louisville received veteran defenders Abby Erceg and Carson Pickett in the deal

  • While Fox's loss may be significant on its face, Racing Louisville has inked several key contract extensions and other promising off-season moves

  • The club, entering its third season also drafted four college standouts in the 2023 NWSL Draft

Fox, the 24-year-old first pick of the 2021 NWSL draft, had been with Racing Louisville since their first match as an expansion team. She's also a frequent starter on the U.S. Women's National Team, which is preparing to defend its World Cup title in Australia and New Zealand this summer.

In exchange for Fox, Louisville received veteran defenders Abby Erceg and Carson Pickett, the organization said. 

While Fox's loss may feel devastating on its face, Racing Louisville has secured several key contract extensions and other promising off-season moves.

Breakout defensive midfielder Jaelin Howell and keeper Katie Lund both inked extensions through 2025.

At the NWSL Draft, Louisville tapped a trio of attacking players and a standout defender to add to its ranks. Racing drafted Ohio State's Kayla Fischer, New Mexico's Jadyn Edwards and Alabama's Riley Parker for their offense and Notre Dame's Brianna Martinez for their back line.

Entering its third season after two less-than-stellar seasons as a brand new NWSL expansion team marred by controversy, Racing Louisville remains hopeful for the future under Kim Björkegren.