Emma Hayes on October Roster: ‘I Want to Prioritize the Development of Players’
Trinity Byars, Pietra Tordin, Evelyn Shores earn first call-ups, Ashley Sanchez returns to USWNT roster for first time since January of 2025
U.S. Women’s National Team head coach Emma Hayes has made introducing new talent a hallmark of her tenure. In her first 32 matches, 32 different players earned their first caps, while 60 players have taken the field for the USWNT since Hayes took charge.
But after the 2026 January camp, those priorities shifted, and for three consecutive rosters, there were no uncapped players called up and thus no new debutantes.
Those numbers could change over the next few weeks.
Hayes named goalkeeper Jordan Silkowitz, midfielder Evelyn Shores and forwards Pietra Tordin and Trinity Byars to the 26-player roster for the USWNT’s matches against reigning world champion Spain on Oct. 10 and Oct. 13.
This is the third USWNT camp for Silkowitz, while Shores, Tordin and Byars bring extensive Youth National Team experience to their first call-ups.
Though the last few rosters had seen more consistency as the group prepares for the Concacaf W Championship and 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualification later this year, Hayes explained this camp was the right time to continue integrating new players.
“You can't always park the development of the generation that will be there for tomorrow,” Hayes said. “If I solely prioritize the (2027) World Cup, then I won't get the opportunity for players that could and will be impactful for this team in [the 2028 Olympics or 2031 World Cup].”
The roster also marks the return of forward Ashley Sanchez, a member of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup squad who has three international goals in 28 caps. She was last called up in January 2025 and is in the midst of a historic season with the North Carolina Courage, scoring 20 goals in 26 matches to tie the NWSL record for goals in a single season.
The four uncapped players are also enjoying strong NWSL campaigns. Byars (10g/2a), Shores (3g/7a) and Tordin (7g/9a) have each reached double-digit goal contributions, while Silkowitz ranks second in the league in saves (101) and has recorded seven clean sheets.
For Hayes, giving opportunities to those who consistently perform well at the club level is just as essential as continuing to build the connections among the team’s more experienced players.
“There are players that are part of our group that have earned unbelievable credit in the bank over a number of years and proven themselves at the international level,” Hayes said. "We have to maintain that group together and drip feed in the right moments where we might not necessarily even give players caps but bring them into the environment.”
October will also provide an opportunity to continue developing players within the USWNT’s youth pathway as the U.S. Under-23 Women’s National Team will hold a concurrent camp at the Arthur M. Blank U.S. Soccer National Training Center. The roster was announced on Sept. 30 and the team will two matches against the Dominican Republic at the end of its camp.
Hayes, who has been extensively involved with the youth pathway since joining the Federation, explained that several players who have recently been on senior rosters – most notably Jaedyn Shaw and Ally Sentnor – will instead be with the U-23 squad. The 21 and 22-year-old were both a part of the last three USWNT camps and have 37 and 23 USWNT caps, respectively.
“I want to prioritize the development of players,” Hayes said. “I don't want less experienced players always sitting on the bench and playing few minutes. Ally and Jaedyn are still central to our plans, but I think with Ashley Sanchez and Trinity Byars performing the way they have, there is a competition for places.”
A few injuries since the team’s last matches in Brazil have also allowed for a shuffle on the roster. Defender Emily Sonnett and midfielder Olivia Moultrie suffered major knee injuries, while midfielder Croix Bethune has been sidelined with a hip injury. Forward Catarina Macario has yet to return to the field this year for club or country due to a knee injury after leading the squad with 10 goals in 2025.
In the absence of these players, Hayes says it’s even more important to give chances to newer players right now.
“I have to think about the players that are available, which is why I've always been adamant that we have to develop a larger playing pool because just like that, something can happen,” Hayes said. "If I don't prepare players to be ready, then I won't be doing my job.”