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Kate Del Fava earned her first call-up to the US women’s national team, joining Utah Royals defender Emma Hayes as an injury replacement for Naomi Girma.
The 28-year-old was already due to be in Atlanta this week with the U.S. Under-23s, where he was called up as a senior player. Instead, he will join the senior team for an October camp and two matches against world No. 1 Spain.
Del Fava celebrated the news on his Instagram story with a simple message: “my biggest dream came true.”
The challenge is the latest milestone in Del Fava’s continued NWSL rise. He has been a mainstay in the Royals’ defense since the club’s return to the league in 2024, playing every minute of every match over the past two seasons. His consistency was especially important in 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 with headers.
His first appearance with the U.S. national team came in June, when he was selected for the U-23s’ trip to Brazil. This makes this senior call-up a relatively quick progression from a first-team opportunity at any level.
Now she’ll have the chance to make her senior debut against Spain, becoming the latest example of an NWSL defender earning an opportunity with the USWNT through back-to-back club appearances.
