By OkayGoal 
Youthful talent is everywhere in women’s soccer. With many youngsters seeking to emerge and represent the US at the senior level, Emma Hayes has several factors to consider. Here, we will look at prospective young defenders for the USWNT.
Jordyn Bugg (Seattle Reign FC)
Bugg has proved to be a highly productive defender. She has started all matches and has a goal to her name in her second season with Reign. Playing an important role for the US youth national team from 2023-2024 has given Bugg international experience. Being called up to the 2025 Futures Camp is just the initial step of Bugg gaining more senior team experience. Her defensive skill would add to the USWNT’s talent on the backline.
Gisele Thompson (Angel City FC)
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Gisele Thompson has demonstrated great quickness and ball control that enables her to escape dangerous scenarios on the defensive end. Although being an elite defender, she recently recorded her first goal in the NWSL. She and Alyssa Thompson have made history by being the first pair of sisters to combine for a goal, with Gisele being the goalscorer. Even in her play with Angel City this season, Gisele has demonstrated an excellent ability to assist her teammates. Her play style translates well to the senior national team as it resembles that of Crystal Dunn. She’s already been capped on the senior national team, but don’t be surprised if she becomes a mainstay.
Lilly Reale (NJ/NY Gotham)
Reale has been unreal for quite some time now. She accomplished a lot as a UCLA Bruin, receiving conference Defensive Player of the Year in three consecutive years. In 2022, she helped the Bruins lift the National Championship. Reale has demonstrated defensive wisdom and aggressiveness for Gotham. She has tallied one goal and one assist so far this season. As for international experience, she has represented the American youth squads and even participated in the 2022 U-20 World Cup. There’s no doubt her defensive dominance could be useful for the senior team.
Heather Gilchrist (Florida State)
From lifting the national title with the Seminoles in 2023 to being a consistent force in the 2024 season, Heather Gilchrist is a defensive talent who could help the USWNT rack up clean sheets. Her call-up to the 2025 Futures Camp is well deserved, not only for her collegiate success, but also for her role in the U-20 bronze-medal-winning team in 2024. Although not signing with a club yet, Hayes is sure to have kept tabs on Gilchrist for future development.
Emily Mason (Seattle Reign FC)
Earlier this year, Mason signed a contract with Seattle Reign. Her versatility and defensive skill package her as a player with unlimited potential. She has a long list of accomplishments for her time at Rutgers. Mason is familiar with international play, having experienced multiple games with the U-20 team. If her development continues to propel her forward, the USWNT would have another versatile player in their arsenal.
Featured image via Getty Images
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