USWNT head coach Emma Hayes continues her efforts to develop the national team`s player pool by announcing a 20-player U-23 roster. This squad will participate in a training camp and play two friendly matches in Germany, specifically near Stuttgart, on May 30 and June 2. These fixtures represent the inaugural games for Hayes` revamped U-23 program in 2025.
“This provides an incredible chance for our U-23 players to compete against top European teams and gain essential experience that is greatly needed,” stated Hayes. “We are committed to developing our players through diverse experiences. As I`ve mentioned before, this means some players will participate in U-23 matches while others might be called up to the senior WNT. The goal is to expose them to a wider variety of high-level opposition, while the methodology and coaching principles remain consistent across both teams.”
The U-23 team will operate with its own coaching staff, led by Heather Dyche, head coach at the University of New Mexico. Serving as assistant coaches are Yolanda Thomas (Orlando Pride assistant coach), Stephanie Cox (a former USWNT player and 2008 Olympic gold medalist), and Louis Hunt (U.S. Youth National Team and former San Diego Wave goalkeeper coach).
The squad includes 15 players under the age of 23. In line with U-23 standards in Europe and an agreement with Germany, each team is allowed up to five `over-age` players born before January 1, 1999.
The roster primarily features professional players, with 16 from the NWSL and three from European clubs. Evelyn Shores, a midfielder from the University of North Carolina, is the only active collegiate player selected.
Ten players on the roster have scored in the NWSL this season: Jordyn Bugg and Maddie Dahlien (Seattle Reign FC), Lilly Reale and Sarah Schupansky (Gotham FC), Kennedy Wesley (San Diego Wave), Riley Jackson (North Carolina Courage), Caiya Hanks (Portland Thorns FC), Jameese Joseph (Chicago Stars FC), Makenna Morris (Washington Spirit), and Riley Tiernan (Angel City FC).
USWNT U-23 Roster
- Angelina Anderson (Angel City FC; Danville, Calif.)
- Jordan Silkowitz (Bay FC; Fairfax, Va.)
- Jordyn Bugg (Seattle Reign FC; El Cajon, Calif.)
- Lauren Flynn (Utah Royals FC; Arlington, Va.)
- Emily Mason (Seattle Reign FC; Flemington, N.J.)
- Lilly Reale (Gotham FC; Hingham, Mass.)
- Evelyn Shores (UNC; Atlanta, Ga.)
- Kennedy Wesley (San Diego Wave; Rossmoor, Calif.)
- Korbin Albert (Paris Saint-Germain FC, FRA; Grayslake, Ill.)
- Abi Brighton (Juventus FC, ITA; Beaufort, S.C.)
- Riley Jackson (North Carolina Courage; Roswell, Ga.)
- Samantha Meza (Seattle Reign FC; Balch Springs, Texas)
- Sarah Schupansky (Gotham FC; Pittsburgh, Pa.)
- Jaedyn Shaw (North Carolina Courage; Frisco, Texas)
- Maddie Dahlien (Seattle Reign FC; Edina, Minn.)
- Mia Fishel (Chelsea FC, ENG; San Diego, Calif.)
- Caiya Hanks (Portland Thorns FC; Kailua-Kona, Hawaii)
- Jameese Joseph (Chicago Stars FC; Beltsville, Md.)
- Makenna Morris (Washington Spirit; Germantown, Md.)
- Riley Tiernan (Angel City FC; Voorhees, N.J.)
