The U.S. U-17 Youth National team has named today four USL Super League Academy players to its roster for the 2024 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup. Dallas Trinity FC’s Jordyn Hardeman, Evan O’Steen and Kiara Gilmore and Carolina Ascent FC’s Molly Vapensky will join the team for the tournament in the Dominican Republic from Oct. 16-Nov. 3.
“We are delighted for the four talented young players who have joined USL Super League clubs this season as USL Academy signings who will now represent the United States on the international stage,” said USL Head of Global Football Development & Sporting Director Oliver Wyss. “These call-ups illustrate the opportunity young players can gain from being in the professional environment the Super League offers, mirroring the opportunity that has existed for more than a decade in the USL’s men’s pathway.
“For these players, training and competing alongside experienced veterans as they forge their paths in the game will be invaluable as they head to the Dominican Republic.”
Hardeman has started three matches for Dallas Trinity, playing all 270 minutes. The defender has recorded five clearances, six duels won, two tackles won, one block and an interception. The Midlothian, Texas native is part of the high school graduating class of 2025 and is committed to continuing her soccer career at the University of Virginia. She has nine caps with the US team at the U-17 level.
O’Steen is a goalkeeper from Grapevine, Texas, set to graduate high school in 2026 and continue her career at Florida State University. O’Steen plays for Solar Soccer Club 2007 ECNL and is a 2-time ECNL National Champion and the U-15 Texas Conference Player of the Year.
Gilmore is a defender from Allen, Texas and will graduate from high school in 2025 before heading to the University of Wisconsin. Gilmore recently won the 2024 CONCACAF Championship with the team earlier this year.
Vapensky is another one of the three goalkeepers named to the roster. Vapensky holds six caps at the U-17 level after locking down the net during the 2024 Concacaf Women’s U-17 Championship. She has been a consistent member of the U.S. Youth National Teams since the U-15 level. Vapensky won the 2022 Concacaf Women’s U15 Championship and the U-16 Mondial Montaigu Football Tournament in France.
The USA kicks off Group B action on Wednesday, Oct. 16 against reigning champions Spain before facing Colombia and the Korea Republic. All of the matches of the tournament will be broadcast in English on either FS2 or Fox Soccer Plus and in Spanish on the Telemundo family of networks.