Following Emma Hayes` unveiling of a 24-player roster for the upcoming April friendlies against Brazil, a U23 roster has also been announced for a training camp scheduled to coincide with the senior international matches. Hayes has openly discussed her dedication to revitalizing the U.S. Soccer`s U23 program.
A `Futures Camp` in Florida marked the program`s revival in January, bringing together a group of eligible young players. Notably, several participants from the January camp were subsequently featured in the 2025 SheBelieves Cup and have been included in the April roster for the friendlies against Brazil.
Lisa Cole, the lead WNT player pathway scout, will oversee the U23 camps, while Hayes and her staff will observe U23 training sessions throughout the week. The U23 assistant coaching team includes Heather Dyche, head coach at the University of New Mexico; Yolanda Thomas, assistant coach for Orlando Pride; and Louis Hunt, goalkeeper coach.
Cole stated, `Emma has emphasized the need to focus more on this age group, providing young professionals and elite college players with increased national team opportunities and more chances for these top young players to compete with and against each other.`
`With both the U-23 and the WNT camps occurring simultaneously at the same training location, both coaching staffs can evaluate both player groups. This setup allows everyone to gain a firsthand understanding of these camps and truly grasp the requirements for performing at the international level. It`s a valuable opportunity for both the players and the coaches.`
Several players on the U23 roster have already embarked on professional careers. Eva Gaetino of Paris Saint-Germain joins the squad, along with Gisele Thompson and Savy King, both from Angel City FC, in the defenders group. Forwards Reilyn Turner (Portland Thorns FC), Jameese Joseph (Chicago Stars FC), and Sarah Schupansky (Gotham FC) are all coming off recent starts with their respective NWSL clubs.
U.S. U-23 WNT April Roster
Goalkeepers (3): Izzy Lee (Illinois; Western Springs, Ill.), Nona Reason (Clemson; Noblesville, Ind.), Stephanie Sparkowski (Unattached; East Meadow, N.Y.)
Defenders (8): Zara Chavoshi (Orlando Pride; Potomac, Md.), Eva Gaetino (Paris Saint-Germain, FRA; Dexter, Mich.), Savy King (Angel City FC; West Hills, Calif.), Emily Mason (Seattle Reign; Flemington, N.J.), Lilly Reale (Gotham FC; Hingham, Mass.), Evelyn Shores (North Carolina; Atlanta, Ga.), Gisele Thompson (Angel City FC; Studio City, Calif.), Amelia Van Zanten (Florida State; Buffalo Grove, Ill.)
Midfielders (6): Meg Boade (Washington Spirit; Highlands Ranch, Colo.), Abi Brighton (Juventus FC, ITA; Beaufort, S.C.), Taylor Huff (Bay FC; Mansfield, Ohio), Riley Jackson (North Carolina Courage; Roswell, Ga.), Yuna McCormack (Florida State; Mill Valley, Calif.), Sally Menti (Seattle Reign; Seattle, Wash.)
Forwards (7): Maddie Dahlien (Seattle Reign; Edina, Minn.), Caiya Hanks (Portland Thorns FC; Kailua-Kona, Hawaii), Jameese Joseph (Chicago Stars; Beltsville, Md.), Quincy McMahon (San Diego Wave; Highlands Ranch, Colo.), Makenna Morris (Washington Spirit; Germantown, Md.), Sarah Schupansky (Gotham FC; Pittsburgh, Pa.), Reilyn Turner (Portland Thorns FC; Aliso Viejo, Calif.)
