One cannot deny the tough competition for a spot on their national team’s roster. Every player dreams of donning the colors of their beloved country. But the harsh reality is that only a few are lucky enough to live that dream. So, it would be natural for someone like Ashley Hatch to be surprised after receiving her re-invite to the USWNT camp.

Precisely, the Washington Spirit forward was called up for the recent January window by Emma Hayes. Though no matches are typically scheduled in the inaugural camp, it still takes place to analyze newcomers, especially youngsters. So it was more than difficult to believe for Hatch on how she even made the cut after going AWOL. “It was obviously very exciting,” began the 29-year-old while speaking with Deseret News.

“It was something that wasn’t really on the radar for (me), but when I got the email, I was just really excited for another opportunity to come into this environment,” added the former BYU Cougar. Notably, it would seem that receiving a national team call-up was nothing short of music to Ashley’s ears. However, moving forward, it also served as a reminder of past disappointments. So there was some “accepting and digesting everything that had happened in the past.”

For those unaware, Hatch didn’t appear for the team throughout last year. In fact, the last time she appeared for the American ladies was on December 5, 2023, during a friendly against China. That came after she was unfortunately left out of the World Cup that same year.

Yet, she was able to integrate seamlessly in the camp following her return. “It’s been a while and there’s lots of changes,” Hatch said. “So (it) kind of just felt like going into a new opportunity,” she added.

Notably, Hatch has made 21 appearances for the Stars and Stripes, including 5 goals and an assist. Now with the 2025 SheBelieves Cup on the way, she would be looking to book her place in the roster. In fact, she seems to have a plain and simple plan for the same!

Ashley Hatch won’t follow ‘super flashy’ ways to impress Emma Hayes and USWNT

Technically, earning a call-up to the January camp doesn’t guarantee Hatch a spot on the final roster. With no matches to showcase her goal-scoring prowess, the forward had to rely on other ways to make an impression during practice. Hence, the best she could do is just keep working hard and implementing things that are asked of her.

“It’s not a super flashy way, I guess, to set yourself apart, but I think that’s just how I’ve always operated. It’s just consistently doing the right things, and I feel like it’s become a habit for me to continue to do those things, and so I’ll just carry that into this environment,” she added.

Well, if not by her work ethic, then at least by throwing some words of praise for her new national team boss. The NWSL forward piled Hayes with a lot of compliments. “She’s very nice and very approachable, very fun and loving. She will talk to anyone and everyone,” Hatch said. “She’s just a fun person to be around.”

What looks good is that Hatch was finally able to end her year-long exile from the national camp. But as we move forward, would Emma Hayes consider her on the roster? Let us know in the comments.