The 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup is here and 21Ninety is rounding up the Black player’s you need to know on the U.S. Women’s National Team.
The team already played Vietnam on Saturday, nabbing a 3-nil win. On Thursday, team U.S.A. is scheduled to play against the Netherlands team. According to a Goal review of the match, “The U.S. will certainly rely on the past World Cup winners to lead the charge but, if the team wants to make a real run, it’ll likely come down to the newcomers. On Friday night, they looked ready for the challenge, even with bigger ones ahead.”
With the U.S having progressed to the next stage of the tournament, below are the Black women on the team’s roster.
Trinity Rodman
Trinity Rodman, 21, is a forward player for the U.S team. She is also the daughter of former NBA star, Dennis Rodman! Trinity became the youngest player in history ever drafted into the NWSL at 18.
Alana Cook
Alana Cook, 26, is one of the team’s defenders. She also plays for the OL Reign, a Seattle Based professional women’s football team. Cook has recorded 59 club appearances and 25 international appearances. Cook is vegan and enjoys playing the piano,
Naomi Girma
Naomi Girma, 23, is a defender for the women’s team who plays for San Diego’s Wave FC. In 2022 Girma was the No. 1 overall pick of the 2022 National Women’s Soccer League draft. Both of Girma’s parents immigrated from Ethiopia in their teens.
Crystal Dunn
Crystal Dunn, 31, plays for the Portland Thorns FC, a women’s professional soccer team based in Oregon. Dunn made her international debut in 2013 during a friendly game between the U.S and Scotland. According to the team’s website, Dunn loves to dance and is widely known as one of the best dancers on the U.S. team. She also keeps pet chickens in her backyard in Portland.
Sophia Smith
Sophia Smith, 22, plays forward for the U.S international team. Smith, like Crystal Dunn, also plays for the Portland Thorns FC. She played collegiate soccer while at Stanford. Sophia enjoys reading, spending time with family and interior design.
Alyssa Thompson
Alyssa Thompson, 18, plays forward for the U.S international team. Thompson is signed to Angel City Football Club, a Los Angeles based National Women’s Soccer League. Thompson was named Gatorade Player of the Year in 2021.
Lynn Williams
Lynn Williams, 30, plays forward for NJ/NY Gotham Football Club, a team based in Harrison, New Jersey. Williams has made a total of 53 international appearances. Her parents, David and Christine Williams, both competed in track & field at Fresno State. Williams hosts a podcast called “Snacks” with one of her longtime teammates.