By OkayGoal 
Jaelin Howell’s return to the USWNT in late 2025 was a moment many U.S. soccer fans were waiting for. After several years of absence from international duty, Howell not only earned selection to the senior squad but also made her first appearance back. This was a meaningful milestone that represents both her resilience throughout all of these years and her quality performance at the club level.
From College Star to Early International Promise
Before turning professional, Jaelin Howell established herself as one of the most accomplished midfielders in recent U.S. college soccer history. While she was at Florida State University, Howell won back-to-back Hermann Trophies. They are awarded annually to the best player in NCAA Division I. She also played a central role in the university’s 2018 and 2021 national championship teams. Those achievements set high expectations for her professional and international career.
Howell then started her club career after being selected second overall in the 2022 NWSL Draft by Racing Louisville FC. She quickly established herself as a starter and a team leader while there; she was even a captain in 2023. Howell then joined Gotham FC in 2025, and she has been among the team’s most consistent performers since then.
Jaelin Howell’s 2025 Club Season
What made Jaelin Howell’s 2025 campaign special wasn’t just how she joined a strong club, but also the clear productivity and consistency she showed over the course of the season. In her first year with Gotham FC, Howell started every match and helped the club claim the 2025 NWSL Championship. Gotham also won the inaugural CONCACAF W Champions Cup. This highlights the team’s strength along with Howell’s role in midfield.
Individually, Howell led her team in aerial duels won (26), ranked near the top in tackles (32) and recoveries (70), and she scored her first career NWSL regular season goal. These diverse contributions made a compelling case for renewed national team consideration. Plus, Gotham’s decision to extend Howell’s contract through 2027 highlights how important she is.
Jaelin Howell’s Return to the USWNT
In November 2025, Emma Hayes named Jaelin Howell to the USWNT roster for the year’s final international window. It consisted of two friendly matches against Italy. Howell’s selection was a special moment because it was her first senior call since 2022. It was the moment that ended her three-year absence from the national team.
Howell deserved this special moment because she had worked her way back into contention through strong performances and sustained fitness. Her inclusion reflected both her tactical value as a midfielder and her leadership qualities, which developed over the years.
She managed to make an appearance in the second friendly against Italy as she entered the match around the 78th minute. The USWNT went on to secure a 2-0 win over Italy during that game. With this appearance, Howell finally gained her first cap in 2025 after a long absence.
Her Impact on the Field
At first glance, Howell’s impact in her return game might seem too little, especially since she didn’t contribute with goals or assists. Despite this, she still played an important role. When she came in, the team was already winning, and she helped them keep control of the tempo. Hayes’s bringing Howell in helped her maintain midfield balance along with good defense. Both of these secured the victory. In the few minutes she played, Howell managed to maintain possession. She certainly fulfilled the role required of her. Her contributions to any midfield line wouldn’t make it a surprise if she earned more caps in the new year.
What Her Return Means for the USWNT’s Midfield
Jaelin Howell’s profile as a midfielder is one defined by reliability. She excels in ball recoveries, defensive duels, and maintaining possession under pressure. These are qualities that are critical in controlling the tempo and flow of a game. Her return gives the USWNT more depth and tactical variety in midfield ahead of important months that include World Cup qualifying and other tournaments. As the national team continues to evolve under Hayes, having multiple players capable of balancing midfield roles will be essential.
Looking ahead, with the USWNT’s schedule in 2026, Howell’s return couldn’t have come at a better time. It puts her in a position to compete for minutes and to have an influence if she were included in these important windows. It is likely that she would have further opportunities with the USWNT. That is especially true if she was able to build on her club momentum. It is possible with having more regular starts, maintaining fitness, and providing midfield stability.
A Return That Was Long Overdue
Jaelin Howell’s return to the USWNT in 2025 was quite symbolic. After years away from the senior roster, she earned selection based on merit and finally saw the field in an international game once again. What makes her return noteworthy isn’t just that she played again but that she did so as a result of consistent professional performance. It was a great reminder that returning to the national team often requires patience, resilience, and sustained excellence at the club level. All of these are things Howell showed in 2025. Hopefully, this return would continue in 2026 and she would gain more minutes under Hayes’ guidance.
Image via @jaehowell
_
GIRLS SOCCER NETWORK: YOUR SOURCE FOR GIRLS SOCCER NEWS