Kate Del Fava has earned her first senior U.S. women’s national team call-up, with the Utah Royals defender joining Emma Hayes’ roster as an injury replacement for Naomi Girma.
The 28-year-old was already set to be in Atlanta this week with the U.S. Under-23s, where she was called in as an overage player. Instead, she will now join the senior team for its October camp and two matches against world No. 1 Spain.
Del Fava celebrated the news on her Instagram story with a simple message: “biggest dream come true.”
The call-up is the latest milestone in a steady NWSL rise for Del Fava. She has been a mainstay in the Royals’ defense since the club returned to the league in 2024, playing every minute of every match over the past two seasons. Her consistency has been particularly important during Utah’s best season to date, with the club pushing for its first-ever NWSL playoff appearance.
Del Fava has also contributed two goals this season, both coming via headers.
Her first involvement with the U.S. national team came in June, when she was selected for the U-23s’ trip to Brazil. That makes this senior call-up a relatively quick progression from her first national team opportunity at any level.
Now, she’ll have the chance to make her senior debut against Spain, while becoming the latest example of an NWSL defender earning an opportunity with the USWNT through consistent club performances.
