The excitement is building as new Head Coach Emma Hayes has officially announced the 18-player roster plus four alternates for the U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT) set to compete in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. This selection not only marks a significant step towards Olympic glory but also underscores a strategic blend of experienced veterans and promising newcomers poised to leave their mark on the global stage.

Head Coach Emma Hayes is quoted as saying, “Making an Olympic roster is a huge privilege and an honor and there is no denying that it was an extremely competitive process among the players and that there were difficult choices, especially considering how hard everyone has worked over the past 10 months. Choosing an 18-player roster plus alternates involved many considerations, but I am excited for the group we have selected and I’m looking forward to building on the work from last camp as we head into the Send-Off matches and then onto France. These are great opportunities for us to continue to show the progress we are making.”

A TRANSITION OF TALENT

In a roster characterized by both continuity and change, just eight players return from the squad that represented the USA in the 2020 Olympics, delayed to 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Conversely, the inclusion of ten athletes who were part of the USA’s 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup Team highlights a commitment to building upon recent successes and strategic planning for future tournaments.

Prior to the announcement, 19 USWNT players had already earned the distinction of participating in three or more Olympic Games—a testament to their enduring commitment and prowess on the international stage. Notably, the roster welcomes back three-time Olympians Alyssa Naeher, Crystal Dunn, and Lindsey Horan, whose leadership and experience will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in guiding the team’s pursuit of Olympic gold.

EMBRACING SECOND CHANCES AND FRESH STARTS

Among those making their second Olympic appearance are defenders Tierna Davidson, Emily Sonnett, and Casey Krueger, along with midfielders Rose Lavelle and Catarina Macario, and forward Mallory Swanson. Their return underscores resilience and growth since their previous Olympic campaigns, exemplifying the team’s evolution and determination.

For first-time Olympians such as goalkeeper Casey Murphy, defenders Emily Fox, Naomi Girma, and Jenna Nighswonger, midfielders Korbin Albert and Sam Coffey, and forwards Trinity Rodman, Sophia Smith, and Jaedyn Shaw, the 2024 Paris Olympics mark a milestone in their careers. Their inclusion represents a new chapter in USWNT history, showcasing fresh talent and potential in pursuit of Olympic excellence.

LOOKING AHEAD TO PARIS

The USWNT has a storied Olympic history, capturing the inaugural gold medal in women’s soccer in 1996 and adding to their accolades with consecutive gold medals in Athens (2004), Beijing (2008), and London (2012). Despite setbacks, including a quarterfinal exit in 2016 and a bronze medal in 2021, the team maintains an impressive record of 24 wins, 4 losses, and 7 draws in Olympic competition, symbolizing their enduring competitive spirit and commitment to excellence.

As the team gears up for the 2024 Paris Olympics, anticipation mounts not only for their performance but also for the unity and resilience they embody as a squad. With an average age of 26.8—the youngest since 2008—the roster combines youthful energy with seasoned expertise, promising an exciting blend of athleticism and strategy on the field.

2024 U.S. OLYMPIC WOMEN’S SOCCER TEAM ROSTER BY POSITION (CAPS/GOALS):

GOALKEEPERS (2): Casey Murphy (North Carolina Courage; 19), Alyssa Naeher (Chicago Red Stars; 104)

DEFENDERS (6): Tierna Davidson (NJ/NY Gotham FC; 58/3), Emily Fox (Arsenal FC, ENG; 49/1), Naomi Girma (San Diego Wave FC; 32/0), Casey Krueger (Washington Spirit; 49/0), Jenna Nighswonger (NJ/NY Gotham FC; 9/2), Emily Sonnett (NJ/NY Gotham FC; 91/2)

MIDFIELDERS (5): Korbin Albert (Paris Saint-Germain, FRA; 11/0), Sam Coffey (Portland Thorns FC; 17/1), Lindsey Horan (Olympique Lyon, FRA; 148/35), Rose Lavelle (NJ/NY Gotham FC; 100/24), Catarina Macario (Chelsea FC, ENG; 19/8)

FORWARDS (5):Crystal Dunn (NJ/NY Gotham FC; 147/25), Trinity Rodman (Washington Spirit; 38/7), Jaedyn Shaw (San Diego Wave FC; 14/7), Sophia Smith (Portland Thorns FC; 48/19), Mallory Swanson (Chicago Red Stars; 92/34)

ALTERNATES: Goalkeeper JaneCampbell, midfielder Hal Hershfelt, midfielder Croix Bethune and forward Lynn Williams.