Emma Hayes just made a bold move, assigning young stars Jaedyn Shaw and Ally Sentnor to the U-23 squad for upcoming matches, even though they already have more than 50 caps and 17 goals between them for the USWNT. This isn’t a demotion, though. It’s a strategic play designed to build a deep, dominant force for the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil and beyond. Hayes is clearly shifting how the U-23s are used, making sure no talent goes undeveloped.
Hayes Isn’t About Bench Warmers, She’s About Development
Hayes didn’t mince words when she talked about her decision to send Shaw and Sentnor to the youth side. She flat out said she didn’t play Shaw in the last camp against Brazil, and that’s just not good for a player’s development. Look, camp experience is vital, but these two aren’t newbies. What they need most is to actually play in soccer games, and the U-23s offer that. They’ll get two matches under Heather Dyche, facing the Dominican Republic U-23s, all while training right alongside the senior USWNT at the Arthur M. Blank U.S. Soccer National Training Center.
“I want to prioritize the development of players, and I don’t want less experienced players always sitting on the bench and playing few minutes,” Hayes explained. She made it clear that Shaw and Sentnor are “still central to our plans” and that this move is part of their “prescribed journey,” not some negative consequence. Hayes even spoke with them both, and they totally get the importance of developing their game. The best part? She can watch them every single day with the U-23s. This isn’t just smart coaching; it’s a commitment to building for the future.
The Pressure Cooker: Competition Heats Up the Squad
This kind of player development only works if there’s real competition for spots, and Hayes has that in spades. Ashley Sanchez, for example, is absolutely lighting it up. She just forced her way back into the senior squad for the first time in two years, matching the NWSL record with 20 goals scored. Trinity Byars is also performing at an elite level. When players like that are pushing hard, there’s just not much room in the attack, even with injuries elsewhere on the squad. Hayes has to make tough calls, and that’s a good problem to have. It shows the incredible depth of talent available for the USWNT.
The national training center in Georgia is a game-changer for this approach. Before, the USWNT might have been spread out, prepping for games in Washington, D.C. or Chester, Pa. Now, with everyone under one roof, Hayes can keep an eye on both the senior and youth developments effortlessly. This integrated approach allows her to tinker with the lineup for upcoming friendlies against Spain, while still focusing on winning those games.
This isn’t just about preparing for Spain; it’s about setting the stage for Brazil 2027. Hayes is playing the long game, making sure that when the next World Cup rolls around, the USWNT will have a squad packed with players who are not just talented, but have also had consistent, high-level playing time to truly hone their skills. Get ready, because Hayes is building something special.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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