Breaking Down the USWNT’s Future Stars Roster

One of the biggest reasons the USWNT has sustained its success at the international level is the strength of the pipeline of young talent. Getting insight into who the next generation of stars might be and experiencing what it is like to be a senior USWNT player is huge for their development. Emma Hayes named a 24-player USWNT futures team roster. Here’s a closer look at who to keep an eye on in the future. 

 

USWNT Futures Camp Roster

GOALKEEPERS (3): Jordan Brown (Georgia; Las Vegas, Nev.), Mia Justus (Utah Royals; Lakewood, Ohio), Neeku Purcell (Brooklyn FC; Seattle, Wash.)

DEFENDERS (7): Jordyn Bugg (Seattle Reign FC; El Cajon, Calif.), Heather Gilchrist (Florida State; Boulder, Colo.), Savy King (Bay FC; West Hills, Calif.), Emily Mason (Rutgers; Flemington, N.J.), Makenna Morris (Washington Spirit; Germantown, Md.), Lilly Reale (NJ/NY Gotham FC; Hingham, Mass.), Gisele Thompson (Angel City FC; Studio City, Calif.)

MIDFIELDERS (6): Taylor Huff (Florida State; Mansfield, Ohio), Claire Hutton (Kansas City Current; Bethlehem, N.Y.), Riley Jackson (North Carolina Courage; Roswell, Ga.), Ainsley McCammon (Seattle Reign FC; Bedford, Texas), Yuna McCormack (Florida State; Mill Valley, Calif.), Lexi Missimo (Texas; Southlake, Texas)

FORWARDS (8): Michelle Cooper (Kansas City Current; Clarkston, Mich.), Maddie Dahlien (UNC; Edina, Minn.), Jordynn Dudley (Florida State; Milton, Ga.), Kate Faasse (UNC; Phoenix, Ariz.), Jameese Joseph (Chicago Stars; Beltsville, Md.), Avery Patterson (Houston Dash; Jacksonville, Fla.), Pietra Tordin (Princeton; Miami, Fla.), Reilyn Turner (Portland Thorns FC; Aliso Viejo, Calif.)

 

Key Players to Note

Jordyn Bugg – Centerback, Seattle Reign

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Jordyn Bugg is looking like she has the potential to be a starting center back for the USWNT senior team one day. At just 18, she’s been trusted at a youth national team level along with the Seattle Reign. Bugg considers Naomi Girma a mentor, and you can see parts of Girma’s defensive style in how Bugg plays. The Reign have taken a sink-or-swim mentality with her by giving her six appearances in 2024. It’s one thing for young attacking players to get chances; it’s rare for young defenders to get these kinds of opportunities at a young age. This highlights how good Bugg is right now, with the potential to be a future starter for the USWNT.

 

Lilly Reale – Centerback, Gotham FC

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Lilly Reale was arguably the best college defender in the country for the last two years. A three-time First-Team All-American, Reale was easily the most coveted young defender entering NWSL free agency. Gotham FC wasted no time snatching her up and adding her to their roster. Similar to Bugg, Reale could be a future starter for the national team and is likely to make an immediate impact with Gotham in the NWSL.

 

Taylor Huff – Midfielder, Bay FC

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Taylor Huff was a baller at the University of Tennessee and Florida State. Her overall stats took a hit, but only because her role changed slightly, and the Seminoles have been loaded the last three seasons. Huff would’ve likely been a first-round pick in the NWSL Draft, which is why Bay FC went and got her in an area of the pitch where they need help. This USWNT camp is important to show that she can make a similar impact to what former FSU alums Jenna Nighswonger and Emily Sams have done since becoming pros. Huff has a ton of potential and is a fun player to watch.

 

Ainsley McCammon – Midfielder, Seattle Reign

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Ainsley McCammon just captained the U17 USWNT at the World Cup, where they finished third. Seattle signed her and gave her four club appearances this past season. McCammon has shown tremendous leadership skills already to go with a high level of skill for her age group. It feels like she’s just scratching the surface of her abilities, which makes this futures camp huge for her development moving forward.

 

Lexi Missimo – Midfielder, University of Texas

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Lexi Missimo was the most prolific college player by a wide margin over the last three years. The Texas star posted 56 goals and 66 assists, leaving as the school’s all-time leader in both categories. As of writing this, Missimo has not signed with a team yet but is likely in discussions with numerous teams. The hype surrounding her has been growing since her high school days, and she’s going to be must-see TV this year wherever she signs. Missimo would’ve been one of the first names Emma Hayes wrote down when putting this futures roster together.

 

Jordynn Dudley – Forward, Florida State

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Of all the players listed, Jordynn Dudley has the greatest upside in being the next USWNT superstar. Dudley’s combination of height and speed with dribbling, passing, and finishing makes her dominant at the college level. If Dudley continues to improve, there’s no doubt she’s up next for USWNT star. It’s a big statement to make but her ability to take over the game at any time is a rare trait that most players don’t have. Be sure to keep an eye on her progress these next few years.

 

Jameese Joseph – Forward, Chicago Red Stars

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Jameese Joseph flashed a ton of potential in her rookie season with the Chicago Red Stars, netting two goals in 23 appearances. Of all the forwards, she’s a true futures player with the chance to benefit the most from this futures camp. I don’t count Reilyn Turner and Michelle Cooper, who have already proven themselves at the NWSL level. Joseph has another level of athleticism to go with her skill, which is why she’s a coveted prospect. Joseph is a player to watch if he takes her game to another level.

 

Featured image via Getty Images

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