Hayes has given opportunities to 24 USWNT debutants and, while many have impressed, some have more work to do
Since leading the U.S. women’s national team to Olympic gold at the 2024 Paris Games, manager Emma Hayes wasted no time reshaping the squad’s future.
From the Olympics on, she handed out first caps to 24 different players – an extraordinary number in such a short span, and a clear signal of her intent to thoroughly evaluate the entire player pool ahead of the 2027 World Cup.
This level of experimentation is rare for a USWNT head coach, but Hayes has emphasized the need to build a sustainable and competitive roster over time and has wanted to look at the entire playing pool – from youth to senior – since taking over the team last summer.
Several debutants impressed and staked claims for long-term roles, while others have faced setbacks due to injuries or inconsistency. As the team looks toward October fixtures, the selections made will likely offer the clearest picture yet of Hayes’s core roster and tactical vision for 2027.
INDIVISA breaks it all down in the USWNT Debutant Tier Rankings.
Getty ImagesHere for the long run
Phallon Tullis-Joyce: Based off recent performances, Tullis-Joyce may just be the No. 1 keeper, at the moment. Her pathway to starting in net for the USWNT has been far from linear. The goalkeeper began playing professionally for Reims in France, after not getting drafted into the NWSL following her collegiate career at University of Miami. She eventually found her way back to the NWSL, playing for OL Reign. In 2023, she signed with Manchester United in the WSL and then two years later was called into the national team camp and made her debut that April. Tullis-Joyce earned a clean sheet against Brazil, one of 10 USWNT keepers to earn a shutout in their first cap. She also recorded six saves.
Michelle Cooper: In her first performances under Hayes, Cooper made an immediate impact. After earning her first senior national team call‑up during the 2025 SheBelieves Cup, she debuted off the bench against Colombia. In her second cap against Australia, scored a stunning game‑winning goal. From her goal-scoring versatility, to her strength, size and service, Cooper is on a clear trajectory toward contention for the 2027 World Cup squad.
Gisele Thompson: At just 19 years old, Thompson has emerged as a standout young defender for both Angel City FC and the USWNT. After earning two senior caps during the 2025 SheBelieves Cup – debuting off the bench against Colombia and earning her first start versus Australia – she impressed Hayes. Her club season likewise featured meaningful moments, including scoring her first professional goal – assisted by sister Alyssa – forming the first sister‑to‑sister goal in NWSL history. Thompson has the ability to play up too, which makes her versatile.
Avery Patterson: Emerging as a dynamic defensive presence, Patterson has quickly made her mark on the USWNT. After earning her first senior cap in April - briefly subbing on in the second half of a 2-0 friendly win over Brazil – she earned her first start days later. In six appearances, she not only solidified her defensive stripes, but also scored her first senior international goal – heading one home in a 4-0 victory over Ireland. Patterson’s rapid ascent from Futures Camp attendee to senior team contributor reflects both her collegiate pedigree and her breakout rookie season with Houston Dash.
Ally Sentnor: After earning her first senior cap in November 2024 at Wembley Stadium, Sentnor started in the 2025 SheBelieves Cup – where the U.S. Youth Soccer Player of the Year drilled a stunning long-range strike for her first international goal. She added a second in the final match against Japan, becoming one of only six players to record goal contributions in all three games of the SheBelieves Cup. Her blend of calm finishing, intelligent movement, and natural goalscoring instincts mark her not just as a rising star, but as a potential no-brainer in the team’s future plans.
Claire Hutton: Just 19, Hutton has become a cornerstone of the USWNT midfield – and Sam Coffey's right-hand woman – by showcasing defensive maturity and tactical insight well beyond her years. Hutton earned her first senior cap in the SheBelieves Cup against Australia – starting and helping spring NWSL Kansas City teammate Michelle Cooper’s goal. Fellow midfielder Rose Lavelle told INDIVISA that she “plays well beyond her years."
Lily Yohannes: You're probably thinking, another teenager that can score? Perhaps, but even still, the 17-year-old has made a strikingly poised entry into the USWNT midfield, blending technical finesse with exceptional vision. Hayes handed her first senior call‑up in March 2024, and Yohannes didn’t waste time, scoring within her first 10 minutes on the field in a friendly against South Korea – becoming the third‑youngest goal scorer in USWNT history.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesLet's see more
Yazmeen Ryan: Making her senior debut for the USWNT in October 2024, Ryan immediately brought energy and pace from the wing. The Houston Dash forward has accumulated 12 caps and has found the back of the net twice, adding two assists. Her versatility – she's capable of playing central midfield, attacking midfield, and anywhere on the wing – is a strength. Still, we’ve only seen glimpses of what she can bring. Ryan needs to keep getting minutes.
Lilly Reale: Making her senior USWNT debut in June, Reale lined up at left back in a friendly against Ireland – and immediately left her mark by providing the assist for Alyssa Thompson’s goal in the 4-0 victory. Reale’s composure and ability to contribute going forward make her a compelling new face in the squad. But with just one cap and one decisive assist, the next step is clear: she needs more consistent minutes.
Izzy Rodriguez: Earning her first senior cap during the USWNT’s 4‑0 friendly win over Ireland in June, Rodriguez started at left-back and scored a first-half goal. It was special because she was the first USWNT player since Emma Sears (2013) to score in her first start. Even with the goal, the debut, and strong all around performance, Rodriguez will still need to get more consistent minutes.
Kerry Abello: Making her USWNT debut in June, Abello started at left-back in a 4-0 friendly win over Jamaica. The Orlando Pride defender has been instrumental in her club's success, and given her impact on the USWNT, she's another talented outside back that – with a little more time in front of Hayes – could make a strong case for herself.
Emma Sears: She made a remarkable debut for the USWNT last October. Sears came on as a 56th-minute substitute, assisted Lynn Biyendolo's equalizer and then scored in stoppage time. That made her the first USWNT debutant since Christen Press in 2013 to record both a goal and an assist in her first cap. Sears now has made eight appearance for the USWNT, but has a tough task to compete against other fast and technical wingers. One thing going for Sears? She is fit beyond measure and can keep up with the rigor an outside forward must bring at this level.
Getty ImagesShowing some promise
Tara Mckeown: In early 2025, McKeown received her first call-up for the SheBelieves Cup. She made her debut in the opening match against Colombia, starting at centerback alongside veteran Emily Sonnett and helping secure a shutout victory. McKeown has eight appearances, pairing with Sonnett during Naomi Girma's absence. The Washington Spirit defender could easily be the first off-the-bench option at centerback come 2027.
Emily Sams: After a standout 2024 season with the Orlando Pride, where she was named NWSL Defender of the Year and played a pivotal role in the team's league-leading defense, Sams earned her first senior cap last October. She started and played the full 90 in a 3-1 victory over Iceland. Sams has five appearences under Hayes, and is another promising option at centerback.
Sam Meza: She quickly emerged as a promising talent for the USWNT after a far from conventional pathway to the pros. Meza was selected 17th overall in the 2024 NWSL Draft by Seattle Reign FC, and her early professional journey included a loan to USL Super League's Dallas Trinity FC. Upon returning to Seattle in 2025, she became a key figure in the midfield, leading the team with 47 tackles and 29 tackles won, while also contributing two assists. Her performance in the NWSL earned her a call-up to the USWNT, and she made her senior debut in a 4-0 victory over Ireland, starting and playing 87 minutes. The midfielder has two caps under Hayes.
Eva Gaetino: In March 2024, Gaetino earned her first senior USWNT call-up for the SheBelieves Cup. She made her debut in a 3-0 victory over Argentina. At 22, her blend of physicality and international experience paints a promising future..
Claudia Dickey: Her remarkable shot-stopping ability and commanding presence in the box, especially during free kicks, earned her a call-up to the USWNT's January 2025 training camp. Dickey made her senior debut in a 4-0 victory over Ireland in June, becoming the 29th goalkeeper in USWNT history to earn a cap and the 10th to record a shutout in her debut. Dickey's blend of experience – she's been playing pro since 2022 – skill, and composure positions her as a promising candidate for the keeper pool.
Getty ImagesPerhaps?
Mandy McGlynn: In October 2024, McGlynn replaced an injured Jane Campbell, and then started in a friendly against Argentina, securing a 3-0 victory and recording a clean sheet. Since then, McGlynn has been a steady choice for Hayes in goal, earning the most minutes. Still, McGlynn has a lot of work to do to establish herself as the No. 1, and it doesn't help that she's in goal for Utah Royals in the NWSL – they sit in last place with 31 goals allowed. If McGlynn wants a legitimate chance at being named to the World Cup roster, she's going to have to find her niche goalkeeper skill – whether that's being a shot stopper, a strong distributor, or just all around more consistent.
Hal Hershfelt: After being selected fifth overall in the 2024 NWSL Draft by Washington Spirit, Hershfelt quickly became a fixture in the midfield. She rarely leaves a game un-bruised, as she's known for her tackling and box-to-box execution. Her performances at the club level earned her a call-up to the USWNT's training camp in June 2024, and she was named an alternate for the 2024 Olympics. After that, she earned her official first cap against in October. She has three appearances for the USWNT, but has been left off the training camp rosters since January.
Croix Bethune: The beginning of 2024 was a year and then some for Bethune, who not only picked up NWSL Rookie of the Year and NWSL Midfielder of the Year awards, but also made her USWNT debut in July. Bethune made her Olympic debut against Australia. Unfortunately, Bethune she was out of commission for the remainder of 2024 after sustaining a torn meniscus. She returned to the USWNT in June, showing some promise, but not standing out.
Jordyn Bugg: At just 18 years old, Bugg earned her first senior cap during the USWNT's match against in June, coming off the bench in the 72nd minute. In the subsequent game, she made her first start, partnering with McKeown at centerback. Bugg's performances have drawn praise for her composure and technical ability. Hayes highlighted her as a candidate for the 2028 Olympics, emphasizing the importance of long-term development.