The USNWT Trifecta: Three Standout Players from the 2025 SheBelievesCup So Far
With the US prevailing in a dirty game against Columbia and a messy one against Australia in the 2025 SheBelievesCup. You don’t just believe in the US Women’s National Team, you’re amazed by them. Although still in pre-season, standout players are already revealing themselves. Forwards Gisele Thompson, Ally Sentnor, and mid-fielder Lily Yohannes have consistently made their field their own.
Forwards Thompson and Sentnor have been standout players during the 2025 tournament, with Sentnor heading into the final match with one goal and one assist. While Thompson hasn’t quite caught up yet, her performance on the field is nothing short of advantageous for the USNWT. Replacing Jenna Nighswonger in the game against Columbia, she then played as a starter in the Australia game; a clear vote of confidence from head coach Emma Hayes. However, these two will be hard-pressed in the final game against Japan, where forwards Mina Tanaka and Maika Hamano have a staggering six goals between them.
Lily Yohanness, at 17 years old and five foot eight inches, made the most of her playing time. Against Columbia, the midfielder caught every chance at receiving the ball and ensuring extended periods of possession for her team. Her footwork was technical and effective, seemingly sneaking in at every opportunity to gain possession and chart a long-field pass. “A great team performance,” said Yohannes when asked to speak about her calm and skill playing style during the pre-match interview against Australia, “I think we were all happy to get the win, of course…I think just having the players around me that…help me to be confident on the field”. A shockingly modest assessment from such a singular player.
Beyond these three standouts on the team, it appears a teamsman spirit pervades the national team. Hayes has remained optimistic while keeping the bigger picture in mind. Up to Coach Hayes, “This crest,” she said, patting the USWNT emblem on her chest during an interview, “is an honor for each and every one of us to rent for a little while, so enjoy every minute of it”. Coach Hayes has been vocal about her desire to play with the USNWT structure and expressed both interest and confidence in seeing what comes out on the field.
The timing of such experiments is ideal. With two friendlies against Brazil scheduled for early April, the team has plenty of time to work with the new, and notably young, talent on the field. The final match airs tonight at 10:30 PM EST against Japan with the US the victors of their previous matches in the tournament so far. Regardless, this pre-season tournament has had an impact on the developing style of the USNWT.
