Following Emma Hayes` announcement of the senior team roster for the Brazil friendlies, a U23 squad has also been named for a training camp. This camp will occur at the same time as the senior team`s international matches, as Hayes emphasizes the importance of developing the U23 program.
A `Futures Camp` in January marked the program`s revival, bringing together promising young players. Several participants from that camp have since been included in the SheBelieves Cup and the April friendlies roster against Brazil.
Lisa Cole, the lead scout for the national team player pathway, will oversee the U23 camps. Hayes and her staff will be present to observe the U23 training sessions throughout the week. The U23 coaching team includes Heather Dyche (University of New Mexico), Yolanda Thomas (Orlando Pride), and Louis Hunt (goalkeeper coach).
Cole stated that Hayes believes it`s crucial to give young professional and top college players more opportunities within the national team setup. This includes increased playing time and chances to compete with and against each other in a national environment.
Having both U23 and senior team camps simultaneously at the same location offers a valuable opportunity. Both coaching teams can assess players from both groups, allowing everyone to gain a better understanding of the demands of international level performance. This setup benefits both players and coaches.
Several U23 players are already professionals. Eva Gaetino (Paris Saint-Germain), Gisele Thompson (Angel City FC), and Savy King (Angel City FC) are among the defenders. Forwards like Reilyn Turner (Portland Thorns FC), Jameese Joseph (Chicago Stars FC), and Sarah Schupansky (Gotham FC) have all recently started for their 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.)
