Fan favorite and world-class central defender Naomi Girma has returned to the U.S. Women’s National Team roster as head coach Emma Hayes announced the squad for upcoming friendlies against China PR (May 31 in St. Paul, Minn.) and Jamaica (June 3 in St. Louis, Mo.).
Girma was invited to the USWNT January camp, but injuries forced her to drop out and she has yet to see action for the USA in 2025 after also missing the SheBelieves Cup and the April matches against Brazil due to a calf issue.
Now, Girma is back and fresh off Women’s Super League and FA Cup titles with Chelsea FC.
“You cannot underestimate the importance of players like Naomi Girma to this team,” Hayes said after the roster announcement Tuesday.
Girma earned her first cap in 2022 and has been a mainstay for the USA ever since. In the Paris Olympics last summer, the defender played every minute of the team’s golden campaign.
“We've been without a lot of experienced players over the last [several] months, so to start getting some of them back in this camp with Naomi I think will add a lot of not just quality, but the leadership piece,” Hayes said. “She's the vice-captain in the team. She's someone who is growing into that role. I know she's missed [being with the USWNT) terribly.”
Since Girma last played for the National Team, veteran defender Tierna Davidson went down with a torn ACL, and senior team newcomers like Avery Patterson and Gisele Thompson have joined the mix. Patterson got her first call-up and first start in April. Both return on this roster, but Thompson will get run as a winger instead of a defender.
This roster features an average of 30.7 caps as Hayes continues to give young and uncapped players a chance to develop in the build-up to larger tournaments. Girma’s 44 appearances and elite talent are a welcome balance.
“I know she’s very, very excited to be back in with us, and one that we for sure welcome,” Hayes said.
