Why Are Naomi Girma and ‘Triple Espresso’ Missing From 2025 SheBelieves Cup? All USWNT Debutants Who Will Replace the Seniors

Excitement for the 2025 SheBelieves Cup is palpable, with the 10th edition of this annual friendly tournament just around the corner. As the kickoff approaches, participating teams have begun unveiling their official rosters, with the USWNT being the latest to do so. While several intriguing names made the cut, a few notable omissions have raised eyebrows—including Naomi Girma and the talented Triple Espresso consisting of Trinity Rodman, Mallory Swanson, and Sophia Smith. Their absence sparks plenty of questions, not just about why they were left out but also about who has been chosen to replace them.

A closer look at the 2025 SheBelieves Cup USWNT roster

Before we dive deeper into this, let’s take a quick look at the 23-player team that Emma Hayes announced:  

Goalkeepers: Jane Campbell, Mandy McGlynn

Defenders: Tierna Davidson, Crystal Dunn, Emily Fox, Tara McKeown, Jenna Nighswonger, Emily Sams, Emily Sonnett, Gisele Thompson.

Midfielders: Korbin Albert, Sam Coffey, Lindsey Heaps*, Claire Hutton, Jaedyn Shaw, Lily Yohannes.

Forwards: Lynn Biyendolo*, Michelle Cooper, Catarina Macario, Yazmeen Ryan, Emma Sears, Ally Sentnor, Alyssa Thompson.

*Lindsey Heaps (formerly Horan) and Lynn Biyendolo (formerly Williams) will represent the U.S. Women’s National Team under their married names for the first time.

Yes, yes, we know. We would be surprised if you didn’t have any questions about the team selection. But let’s also hear from the woman who made all the decisions. “This team is still growing, and I continue to be impressed with the dedication of our player pool to get better, individually and as a group,” said Emma Hayes.

Well, it is getting better. For starters, 12 players were part of the 22-player squad that Hayes took to France for the 2024 Paris Olympics. However, only four were regular starters, having started at least five games in the tournament. Coincidentally, 12 players from the squad were also part of the U.S.’ January training camp in Florida. 

But the question still remains as to why some of the most anticipated names of the Stars and Stripes aren’t on the team.

Why haven’t Naomi Girma, Triple Espresso, and other USWNT stars been called up?

Talking about those unavailable for selection, Trinity Rodman is still working on regaining her fitness as she rehabs her back injury. Meanwhile, Mallory Swanson is absent due to personal commitments, and Sophia Smith is not yet physically ready for the competition. Similarly, Rose Lavelle continues to recover from ankle surgery.

Lastly, Naomi Girma is also building back her fitness after a calf injury. In fact, the defender, who recently became the first female player involved in a $1 million transfer from San Diego Wave to Chelsea FC, has also yet to make her debut for her new club. Hence, with such injuries, it was only natural for Hayes to not call them up. Patience is one of the things that the 48-year-old stresses about with her star players.

“With many players at the beginning of their club preseasons, we’ll be patient with them but at the same time, we’re going to maximize the time we have together,” said the English tactician. No wonder she had to count on new arrivals. Speaking of which, the list of USWNT debutants includes the defender pair of Tara McKeown and Gisele Thompson, midfielder Claire Hutton, and forward Michelle Cooper.

Additionally, Hayes named Manchester United goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce, Angel City defender Savy King, and Bay FC midfielder Hannah Bebar as training players. While they won’t be part of the game roster, they will train with the squad throughout the tournament.

The former Chelsea boss also explained her decision to bring only two goalkeepers. She noted that this allowed her to include an extra outfield player. With the SheBelieves Cup taking place during the NWSL preseason, the physical demands on outfield players are especially high, making squad depth crucial.

That’s all for the squad update. Now the only thing that everyone is keen to see is how things work out for the USWNT.