Just a day after Emma Hayes announced a 24-player roster for the upcoming April friendlies against Brazil, an additional U23 roster has been revealed for a training camp scheduled to coincide with the senior international break. Hayes has been openly discussing her commitment to revitalizing the U.S. Soccer`s U23 program.
A `Futures Camp` was conducted in January, marking the program`s revival as a group of age-eligible players convened in Florida. Several participants from the January event later featured in the 2025 SheBelieves Cup and were included in the recent April roster for 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 coaches include 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 consistently emphasized the need to prioritize this age group by providing young professionals and elite college players with increased playing opportunities within a national team environment. This approach also offers more chances for these talented young players to compete with and against each other.`
She added, `With both the U-23 and the WNT camps taking place concurrently at the same training facility, both coaching staffs can observe both sets of players. 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 fantastic opportunity for both the players and the coaches.`
Several players on the U23 roster are already pursuing professional careers. Eva Gaetino (Paris Saint-Germain) rejoins the squad alongside Gisele Thompson (Angel City FC) and Savy King (Angel City FC) as part of the defensive unit. 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.
Here is the complete roster:
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.)
Dominic Ashworth