The U.S. Women’s Deaf National Team (USDWNT) is headed back to Georgia as head coach Tricia Taliaferro has announced a 22-player roster for the team’s upcoming training camp, scheduled for July 28 through August 2 at the Arthur M. Blank National Training Center in Fayetteville, Georgia.
The camp marks another important step in the team’s preparations for the 2027 DIFA World Deaf Football Championships, which will be held next November in Parramatta and Sydney, Australia.
After a productive first gathering earlier this year, the squad will once again use the world-class facility in metro Atlanta to continue building chemistry and evaluating players as the program moves toward its next major international competition.
Building on Momentum in Georgia
This will be the Women’s Deaf National Team’s second visit to Fayetteville in 2026 after participating in the ADAPTandTHRIVE Invitational, presented by Haleon, in May.
Head coach Tricia Taliaferro believes the upcoming camp will provide an even clearer picture of the player pool as several athletes who missed the previous gathering return to the squad.
“I’m really happy to get this group back together after a strong first camp at the ADAPTandTHRIVE Invitational,” Taliaferro said.
“We’re bringing in a few players who missed that camp, so this second camp gives me my first real look at our full player pool. Our leaders sent a strong message at the end of ADAPTandTHRIVE for everyone to come in prepared, and that mentality of pushing and including each other is exactly what raises our standards. The momentum is high and this experience will push us to the next level of competition.”
Veteran Core Returns
The roster includes 16 players who represented the United States at the 2025 Deaflympics in Fukushima, Japan, giving the squad a strong blend of experience and continuity.
Among the returning veterans are:
- Gracie Fitzgerald
- Holly Hunter
- Ani Khachadourian
- Sophie Post
- Paris Price
- Mia White
Several of those players have become key contributors for the Deaf National Team over multiple international tournaments and will help guide newer members of the squad during camp.
Roster Highlights
Goalkeepers
- Taegan Ferrin
- Sierra Kaspar
- Ruby Miller
Defenders
- Eva Barbic
- Paige Beaudry
- Chelsey Tumey
- Faith Wylie
Midfielders
- Erin Cembrale
- Gracie Fitzgerald
- Holly Hunter
- Alexis Jones
- Ani Khachadourian
- Emma Neff
- Paris Price
- Sabina Shysh
Forwards
- Marissa Garate
- Haley Jetton
- Kaylee Kleist
- Casey King
- Tia LaBrecque
- Sophie Post
- Mia White
The roster features a combination of experienced internationals and several players looking to earn a larger role as preparations continue for next year’s world championship.
Georgia Continues to Play a Key Role
Hosting the camp at the Arthur M. Blank National Training Center underscores U.S. Soccer’s continued investment in its Extended National Teams, including the Deaf National Teams.
According to U.S. Soccer, the camp reflects the Federation’s commitment to the U.S. Way, providing elite facilities, infrastructure, and resources to help every national team compete successfully on the international stage.
For soccer fans in Georgia, it’s another opportunity to see one of the country’s national teams preparing close to home as Fayetteville continues to establish itself as a hub for U.S. Soccer development.
What This Means
The Women’s Deaf National Team continues to build toward the 2027 DIFA World Deaf Football Championships, and this training camp will play a crucial role in shaping the squad that ultimately travels to Australia.
With experienced Deaflympians returning alongside emerging talent, the competition for roster spots is expected to intensify as the United States aims to compete among the world’s best next year.
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Author: Quique Lopez
Quique Lopez doesn’t just cover soccer—he deconstructs it with the precision of a veteran and the wit of a storyteller. A former player who sees the pitch as both a tactical chessboard and a cultural stage, Quique balances sharp critiques with a genuine love for the game’s soul. He’s as quick to call out the ego of a superstar as he is to find the hidden beauty in a local derby.