United States women’s national team head coach Emma Hayes continues to surprise fans with her roster selections with the latest eyebrow raiser being a Lo’eau LaBonta USWNT call up for upcoming friendlies against China and Jamaica.
LaBonta, 32, could set a record as the oldest player to make her USWNT debut in the history of the program. The message from Hayes seems clear: If you’re playing well for your club, you will be in consideration for the national team regardless of age, prior appearances or other factors.
The Kansas City Current midfielder has captained her squad to an electric start to the 2025 NWSL season. She’s played every minute of the season so far as the Current sit top of the league with 21 points from nine games.
Lo’eau LaBonta USWNT call up
Before getting the USWNT call up, Lo'eau LaBonta told us what it would mean to her.
Should she take the field in the next friendly, at 32-years-old she will become the oldest U.S. Women's National team debutante on record. pic.twitter.com/u2zCpH6VUv— Just Women’s Sports (@justwsports) May 20, 2025
On Tuesday Hayes explained her decision to bring in LaBonta.
"She's deserving of the call-up," Hayes said during a Zoom press conference on Tuesday afternoon. “She's been consistent in everything that she has done. And I think with the volume of young players or less experienced players we're bringing in, I think we have to get that balance right.
“And obviously, with the 23’s program and two fantastic games in Germany, it's an opportunity for us to use that for less-developed players that are strong candidates for the '27 pool and look at someone like Lo'eau. She's a super player. This is the right moment to do it.”
Several familiar faces were called up to the U-23 squad rather than the senior team. Korbin Albert, Jaedyn Shaw and Mia Fishel will make the trip to Germany with the under 23’s.
LaBonta has recorded three goals and an assist so far this NWSL season and is a force in the midfield. The former Stanford star also brings an incredible energy that is matched by few players in the world.
LaBonta is all about having fun.
Pirouettes on grass? Leave it to Lo LaBonta pic.twitter.com/KL5kjSi8XP
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) April 20, 2025
the celly queen @L0momma | #TealRising pic.twitter.com/i1ziUV89fg
— KC Current (@thekccurrent) August 20, 2022
The USWNT will face China on May 31 at Allianz Field in Saint Paul, Minnesota. The next game will be against Jamaica on June 3 at Energizer Park in St. Louis, Missouri.
