How Jaedyn Shaw Represents USWNT, Emma Hayes' Commitment to the U-23 Program

Emma Hayes does not see the U.S. U-23 Women’s National Team as a separate Youth National Team. Instead, it’s an extension of the USWNT.

Since Hayes took the coaching reins of the U.S. Women’s National Team in 2024, she has emphasized the importance of developing the larger player pool, whether that’s capping new players or strengthening the U-23 WNT program.

“What we’re learning is that we’ve got to give players collections of experiences,” Hayes said after the October camp roster announcement.

The USWNT will begin the international window in Philadelphia, Pa., where the U-23 WNT will run a concurrent camp just outside the city of brotherly love in Chester. It marks the third time two programs will run camps together. Hayes’ mentality goes hand-in-hand with the U.S. Way philosophy, which emphasizes increased programming to create more pathways for youth players to develop into senior team standouts.

Take midfielder Jaedyn Shaw as an embodiment of that vision.

Shaw earned her first cap in October 2023 when she was just 18 years old. She subbed on twice in that international window and scored in her second-ever appearance in a 3-0 win over Colombia. Already a young NWSL star, entering the league at 17 years old through the discovery process, it could seem like Shaw matured out of the youth system.

Instead, with the young talent experiencing a dip in form for her club — not uncommon for such a young player — Hayes saw a growth opportunity. The now 20-year-old, currently with Gotham FC after a trade from the North Carolina Courage, spent the last two FIFA windows with the U-23 squad. For the October international window, Hayes called up Shaw to the senior team as the USWNT is set to face Portugal and New Zealand.

“Jaedyn has taken on board everything that we’ve been asking of her,” Hayes said. “... I think she’s really starting to put all those things together. She’s an incredible goal threat in so many ways. I think this is an opportunity for us to see from the last time she’s been in to now, how much of that gap has she closed?”

Hayes sees both squads – the USWNT and the U-23 WNT — as one deep player pool, and the door is never closed on either side for players under 23. Hayes called up 19-year-old defender Jordyn Bugg for the upcoming camp. Bugg got her first call-up in the most recent window in late June and appeared in two matches, which earned her another call-up in October.

“We brought Jordyn into camp, and she was so impressive," said Hayes. “Not just in her performance in games but also in training. I think she’s also been so consistent in what she’s doing for Seattle Reign FC. Do I think she’s a candidate for 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup? Yes, I do. Do I want Jordyn to go to an Under-20 World Cup next year? Absolutely.”

Bugg was one of five players to earn their first caps in that last window as Hayes did not call up European players who were coming off a long 2024-25 season in the spring. Just as Hayes knows the value of young players continuing to spend time with the youth teams, she’s also empowered them at the highest international level. Hayes has given 24 players their first caps in just 25 matches as head coach. 

“I think they’re all interlinked,” Hayes said. “I think when you get the opportunity to step up at international level, and you’re playing with the best in class, it gives you a taste of something. My goal is always: I want you to return to your club, and you go, ‘I want more of that. My job when I go back to club is raise the bar with that.’”

Midfielder Claire Hutton echoed that sentiment after her second USWNT camp in April. Hutton got her first USWNT minutes in the 2025 SheBelieves Cup, then got the start against Brazil in the second leg of the April window. Even coming off a loss, Hutton said the experience was transformative.

“Just as a player who is young, knowing that I have represented the country, and hopefully in the future get to, it's just something that I can add on to,” Hutton said in April. “And that was a battle. I've never played a game like that before, so knowing that I had that — I can do anything now.”

Hutton took that confidence to her club, the Kansas City Current, which won the NWSL Shield in record time and is primed for a deep playoff run in November. The experience she has received playing consistent and meaningful minutes with the Current has also given her confidence when she enters the USWNT arena. For the National Team, she scored her first international goal in July and earned her fourth straight USWNT call-up in this upcoming window.

It’s been a process for Hayes and her staff to build up the U-23 program from a talent ID and scouting perspective, but is content with the comprehensive plan in place after more than a year under her belt as USWNT head coach.

“Now, we’ve got a thread for them to be able to develop with country and with club,” Hayes said.

And that can only benefit the USWNT in the future.