Eliav Gabay
Following the US Women’s National Team winning Olympic Gold in Paris on what was manager Emma Hayes’ 75th day on the job, the excitement is palpable in the Valley as soccer fans prepare for the SheBelieves Cup.
It’s the 10th annual edition of this event and the US has won five straight headed into this year’s tourney.
How do you find depth and build a player pool?
Be bold. pic.twitter.com/4TtswtgyNZ
— U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team (@USWNT) February 11, 2025
While fans are used to these kinds of results from the US women, Hayes is aware of the tough competition facing them.
“Playing at the top level is tough in and of itself,” Hayes said. “Playing at the top level and winning all of the time is even harder. With the level of investment that’s going on worldwide, I think it’s impossible to expect that you’re going to win every game of every tournament without there being a threat…that isn’t the reality.”
The SheBelieves Cup will take place in Houston (Feb. 20), Glendale (Feb. 23), and San Diego (Feb. 26).
The US faces Australia at 3 PM at State Farm Stadium in the team’s first game back in Arizona since 2015.
“This will be my first time [in Arizona],” Hayes said. “We are playing in an unbelievable stadium…it’ll probably be the largest crowd in our 3-game spread. Looking forward to the atmosphere…I want us to be traveling around the country…showcase our talents to our fans.”
Hayes’ 23-player roster includes 12 from the Gold-winning Olympic team while a couple players make their USWNT debuts.
I believe, you believe, 𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐬, pres. by @Visa 🙌
We’ve got the squad, we just need you » https://t.co/BI8BfG5saY
— U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team (@USWNT) February 11, 2025
2024 Olympians not available:
“Trinity Rodman (still regaining her fitness as she rehabs her back injury), Mallory Swanson (personal commitments) and Sophia Smith (not physically ready for National Team competition).
Rose Lavelle (recovering from ankle surgery) and Naomi Girma (regaining fitness after recovering from a calf injury).”
“I believe in building, development, and winning – all at once,” Hayes said. “I do think you have to try and work towards all of them…This tournament is about developing the larger player pool…so that come a World Cup down the road, that we’ve got more players that are more experienced playing within the national team setup.”
One US Soccer great who knows plenty about making the most of her opportunities is two-time World Cup winner Julie Ertz, who will be at the game and was announced as a 2025 Arizona Hall of Fame inductee.
“I loved watching Julie Ertz play football,” Hayes said. “When she came back… I know, as a mom, how hard it is to do most things once you’ve given birth. I really respected the way she played. Such a leader…She takes no prisoners and she’s a warrior and someone you want on your team. She’s a winner.”
As the SheBelieves Cup makes its way to the desert, Hayes is focused on adding to the program’s winning reputation while developing the younger players.
“Preparing a team to find ways to be at their best, remove all the outside noises, and also respect the opponents we’re playing…is somewhere where I think our current roster is,” Hayes said. “Knowing who you are, get the best out of yourself…but also have humility and hunger to keep doing it.”
To see the best in the world, tickets are available here: https://www.ussoccer.com/shebelieves/cup
