USWNT manager Emma Hayes unveils 2024 Olympic roster
Trinity Rodman.
United States women’s national team manager Emma Hayes is relying on youth to bring home the gold in this summer's Olympics.
Hayes decided that the U.S.'s young talent was best suited for the challenge in Paris. Including alternates, the squad's average age is 26.8 years old, with only eight players having Olympic experience.
Announced Wednesday morning, the roster is highlighted by the attacking trio of Trinity Rodman, Sophia Smith and Mallory Swanson.
Their combination of speed, creativity and goal-scoring threat was on full display in Hayes' first games as head coach in May. Smith leads the NWSL Golden Boot race with 10 goals and six assists. Rodman and Swanson are top-five in the league for shots on target.
Despite San Diego Wave striker Alex Morgan's first major tournament exclusion since 2008, the USWNT's attacking depth shouldn't be a problem.
Morgan's teammate Jaedyn Shaw, 19, has been on a tear with the USWNT. She's the first USWNT player to score in her first five starts.
Gotham attacker Crystal Dunn provides Hayes' side with major tournament experience and versatility. She played outside back for previous iterations of the USWNT and could slot there if needed.
Gotham forward Lynn Williams and Washington Spirit rookie Croix Bethune will join the squad in Paris as alternative attacking threats. Williams, coming back from injury, has scored three goals in her seven club appearances and became the NWSL's all-time leading scorer in May.
Bethune continues to turn heads with her electric play in her first year as a pro, leading the NWSL in assists with nine.
San Diego Wave and two-time NWSL Defender of the Year Naomi Girma headlines a sturdy starting back line. She'll likely be complimented by experienced World Cup winners Tierna Davidson or Emily Sonnett.
Gotham FC's Jenna Nighswonger and Arsenal's Emily Fox have proven to be two of the best attacking fullbacks in the world.
Behind them is Alyssa Naeher, whose penalty heroics in the She Believes Cup solidified her as a seasoned clutch performer for the U.S.
Depth on the defensive end, however, may prove an issue for the U.S. if they struggle to stay healthy. While Dunn offers some security, Hayes did not name a defender as an alternate, instead opting for Washington Spirit rookie midfielder Hal Hershfelt.
The midfield appears to have good balance. USWNT captain and Olympique Lyon star Lindsey Horan is a hallmark piece of the team's identity with her ability to play make and provide an aerial attacking threat.
Gotham's Rose Lavelle, with 100 USWNT caps and a World Cup-winning goal on her resume, appears to be hitting her stride after dealing with an injury earlier in the club season.
Portland Thorn defensive midfielder Sam Coffey, not selected for last year's World Cup, will be a pivotal anchor for the middle three. She's back healthy from a knock earlier this month after impressing with the USWNT in May. Her interceptions and vision in the midfield allow players like Horan and Lavelle the freedom to move higher up the pitch.
The biggest question mark for the U.S. is what Hayes sees as their strength: youth. Her roster is the fourth-youngest ever sent to the Olympics and the youngest since 2008.
The inexperience and naivety could prove costly as the tournament progresses. The U.S. will definitely be one of the more talented teams in Paris, but in order to bring home the team's first gold medal since 2012, talent must come through when called upon.
The Hayes era is showing to be fresh-faced and exciting. For it to be a success, it must also be victorious.
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