Why do USWNT stars Trinity Rodman, Sophia Wilson and Mallory Swanson keep missing USA soccer camps?

The national team of the American ladies and head coach Emma Hayes play their first games of the year while organizing the 2025 Shebelieves Cup later this month. The group will want to win the competition against Australia, Colombia and Japan without the attacking trio of Mallory Swanson, Trinity Rodman and Sophia Wilson (Née Smith).

Hayes called a schedule of 23 players, Including three training players, and it includes a mix of Americans playing abroad in Europe and NWSL players in the previous season. The absence of the front line of “Triple Espresso” is not new, this will be their third consecutive absence of a camp dating from friendly competitions in November in 2024. Although there is concern about the consistent omissions, there is a greater, more strategic plan For Hayes.

“The way I view it is just what I can control. So they are not available. So I don’t have to think about it,” Hayes joked during her press conference.

“Of course I would love that those players are with us, but they are not. So what a chance it is for everyone to develop as a result. I would rather take these lessons now than I would say, six months in the Running to a large tournament.

“So we develop the WNT in addition to the 23 of the entire 23 for the entire year, starting from April, we will consistently develop more than 50 players every international break. And for me that is a chance and an opportunity we have to maximize.”

So they are not injuries?

While the Shelieves Cup selection dropped, there were added notes about the absent players. Rodman, still regaining her fitness while she restores her back injury, Swanson (personal obligations) and Wilson (not physically ready for the national team competition).

While Hayes is working hard to expand the player pool, backup of the U-23 program, and Launch a new strategy There is still general care for injury and previous season. Most of them will remember Rodman’s last at Pitch performance during the NWSL championship of 2024 with the Washington Spirit, a 1-0 loss for Orlando Pride, where the winger spent large periods of the game to stretch her back.

Her back injuries were flared up during her young career and the 22-year-old has earned some longer, especially because back problems can be difficult. However, she is not completely absent, because Rodman spoke with reporters during the NWSL Media Day last month about how useful the free time has been.

“It was a much needed reset. I had a very good out of season. I didn’t get on a plane and went everywhere. I finally stayed, because I think I have in three years. So it was really good,” she said Media.

In addition to getting extensive physiotherapy for her back, she spent time with her family and just tried to be present at the moment. Her conversations with Hayes about needing the extra time have happened regularly.

“She has been so receptive to everything I have said, and even she does her best to reach me how I am doing, and just to let me know that they work behind the scenes to get people to get to To be able to help with my back, just because it is a difficult location of injuries, because with sports you are a bit used to the knee-down injuries.

So yes, it was really fun. She is very supportive and very attentive to all of us, which is great … and the low season has helped a lot. I didn’t have to play every week, so that was fun. I really have to reset and rest. So yes, just aimed at building so slowly and not just immediately jumping back into things and doing it in the right way, because I have time. “

What is the previous season?

Most NWSL players are currently in the initial phase of the preseason with their club teams. But for Wilson and Swanson there is the added layer of limited conditioning in the low season to concentrate on recuperation. For Wilson, which was also to get married (she is no longer going through Smith) and with an absence of several team camps at the moment, it is better not to throw players in a ring of fire.

While Wilson is used to the thorns during the preseason, Swanson’s personal commitments also kept her out of the preseason with Chicago Stars FC. US Soccer has not given any details, probably because it is personal, although she has issued an explanation with her Chicago Stars Club, and the team also editorial in its statement in their Announcement of the preserving season schedule.

“I want to thank the club and the fans for their understanding during this time. I appreciate the friendliness and encouragement of my teammates and all Stars and hope to be back to the team and to play for our fans as I can, “Said Swanson in a release.

“As always, the Chicago Stars organization is ready to offer Mallory all the support she needs, both on and next to the field, and we will be ready to welcome her back with open arms when she is ready to return” , read the club release.

All in accordance with the strategy

Perhaps not ideal for missing the entire starting line a third consecutive camp, but a combination of injury care, previous season and strategy have each drawn up at the same time. For Hayes it is in accordance with more of what her staff has planned for the program that is moving forward and expects the players who have been engaged to get this window the best out of their chance.

“For those less experienced players, or not, who get their chances, it is up to them to make an impression. It is up to them to put themselves in a position. And this is the message I would give the team – you have to Making it is so difficult for me every month.

“But if you come in these situations, you have to grab it with both hands, you have to display the growth mind sets that are needed to be at this level, and then you have to prove that in both your training and on the field.