Jane Campbell ready for chance with USWNT
(image via Aldo Canale)
To borrow from megastar Taylor Swift, the goalkeeper position with the United States Women’s National Team (USWNT) has been defined by eras. From 1994-2008, Briana Scurry made 175 caps as the USWNT’s mainstay in goal. Hope Solo then took over, earning 202 appearances from 2000-2016. Alyssa Naeher became the No. 1 goalkeeper for the United States from 2014-2024, with 115 caps to her name. Now with Naeher’s recent retirement, a new era is set to begin. For Houston Dash goalkeeper Jane Campbell, she’s ready for her chance to write her name in the Blank Space that currently is the USA number 1 shirt.
Campbell was named to the USWNT’s SheBelieves Cup roster last week by head coach Emma Hayes. The tournament kicks off on Thursday, February 20, at Campbell's home, Shell Energy Stadium. "I am really honored to get the call-up," Campbell said this week. “It's always such a blessing and such an honor to receive the email. I couldn’t be more excited, and to have the camp start in Houston is even better. I’m happy that the city gets to host the best team in the world. I’m so thankful to be a part of it."
Campbell is one of just two goalkeepers Hayes called up for the tournament, with the NWSL preseason in full swing and a desire to have more field players available to address fitness concerns. Alongside Campbell, Utah Royals goalkeeper Mandy McGlynn is the other goalkeeper on the active roster, with Manchester United’s Phallon Tullis-Joyce named as an alternate. While Hayes has been noncommittal on naming a starter, Campbell has a solid chance, given the limited competition and the first match being held in Houston.
Naeher played her final international match on December 3, 2024, in a 2-1 win over the Netherlands. Next week’s match will be the first for the USWNT since that game and the first chance for a new goalkeeper to step into the spotlight. Campbell spoke very highly of Naeher this week, acknowledging that she wouldn’t, and couldn’t, simply replace her predecessor. “Alyssa has her legacy with the federation and the team, and no one will ever be able to fill her shoes,” Campbell said when asked about stepping into Naeher’s former role. “She’s left an incredible legacy that every goalkeeper, whether it’s this next camp or in the years to come, will look up to and honor. Just as she did with the goalkeepers before her time. For me, I’m incredibly honored to get the call-up. I would never say I’m going to fill her shoes. I just can’t say that. She’s an incredible teammate, colleague, and friend.”
Campbell understands that the decision to replace Naeher, both in the short and long term, isn’t hers to make. “If it’s meant to be, it will be. I’m up for the challenge. It would be my dream come true to play for the US and wear the crest and the colors. But at the end of the day, that’s not my decision. It’s Coach Emma’s.” Campbell takes immense pride in representing the US. With eight previous caps, the SheBelieves Cup presents an opportunity for her to add to that tally.
For Campbell, the key to earning the opportunity lies in putting in the hard work. Known around the Dash facility as a warrior who always puts in the effort, this is just another step in her ongoing fight to secure her place. “I’m going to put my best foot forward and do my very best to be the best version of myself for that team. If that’s good enough, then I hope they choose me, and we’ll just see where the cookies crumble.”
Regardless of who starts in goal for the USWNT during this tournament, Campbell is in the mix, with a real shot. Even her Wildest Dreams could come true, wearing the USA shirt in front of her home fans in Houston. Campbell knows All Too Well that, You’re On Your Own Kid, and it’s time for her to do all she can to take this opportunity and make the most of it.
