Emma Hayes, USWNT Excited to Have ‘Security Blanket’ Naomi Girma Back

After the U.S. Women’s National Team victory over China PR, Sam Coffey intentionally sought out Naomi Girma to give her a hug of celebration but also one of gratitude.

Coffey, USA’s defensive midfielder, was able to breathe a sigh of relief knowing Girma was again on the backline after nagging injuries kept the defender out of commission internationally in 2025.

“Having her on the field is like having a security blanket and just being wrapped in it,” Coffey said. “... I can't put into words what she means to this team.”

Head coach Emma Hayes echoed how valuable it was to have the center back on her side again.

The backline of Girma, Avery Patterson, Emily Sonnett and Crystal Dunn helped hold No. 17 FIFA-ranked China scoreless, and for the most part, far from the U.S. goal. It was the 26th shutout Girma has contributed to as a USWNT starter.

In the post-game press conference, Hayes that Girma told her that seeing the fans cheering for the U.S. team as the bus rolled into the stadium reminded her just how much she missed playing for the National Team.

“She's a world-class player, and you can see that,” Hayes said. “I thought she brought something to our performance I've been looking for, so I'm delighted we have her back.”

At 24 years old and despite having just 45 caps, Girma returned to the USWNT as a full-fledged veteran as Hayes continues to develop younger players as larger tournaments like the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup and 2028 Los Angeles Olympics draw closer.

Girma will be charged with helping players like Patterson acclimate to the international game. The Houston Dash defender earned just her third cap and made her second start in the friendly win.

“It just feels good to be back on the field with this group and playing with a lot of players, some I've never played with and some I haven't played with in six months,” Girma said.“So, just good to get that rhythm again.”

Goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce is one of several players who hadn’t played with Girma yet, although the two are more than familiar as Women’s Super League rivals with their clubs Manchester United and Chelsea FC. They recently met in the FA Women’s Cup Final where Girma (along with fellow USWNT teammate Catarina Macario) and Chelsea took home the trophy.

Tullis-Joyce, who earned her second start and clean sheet, was grateful to have Girma on her side this time around. Tullis-Joyce and Girma began their new relationship as teammates in camp in Minnesota, and the ‘keeper quickly noted Girma’s leadership and how articulate the defender was as the two bounced ideas off each other.

To no one’s surprise, Girma has picked up right where she left off at the end of 2024.

“It does feel natural now,” Girma said. “I was able to watch what we did before, and I think a lot of what Emma wants to do is layer on what we had done in the past year. So, I think the changes are good and easy for me to adapt to with that base knowledge of how we want to play. It was just nice to be back on the field.”

And just as much as she missed the team, they missed her, too. They'll get another chance to develop chemistry with Girma again when the U.S. takes on Jamaica on June 3rd in St. Louis, Mo. (7 p.m. CT / 8 p.m. ET on TNT, Max, Universo and Peacock in Spanish and Westwood One Sports on radio).

“I think everybody sees it on the field, but off the field as well,” Coffey said. “She's just a joy in this environment and such a light for us, and we have missed her so much.”