Catarina Macario is on her way to becoming the face of the U.S. women’s national team. A two-time Hermann Trophy winner and NCAA champion at Stanford University, the Brazilian-born Macario recently acquired American citizenship on the same day she was called into her first full camp with the senior national team.

Now in the Netherlands training with the USWNT, Macario spoke with Just Women’s Sports about her future with the U.S., whether or not she’ll play for Stanford this spring, and what she’s learned about herself off the field this past year.

First of all, huge congrats on becoming a U.S. citizen. We’re all super excited for you. Can you put into words what that moment meant to you given your 8-year journey since moving to San Diego?

I mean, it meant everything. It still means everything to me, because when I first moved to the U.S., obviously as a little girl, you know how amazing and inspiring the women’s national team players are. For so long, I’ve wanted to be able to join them, and not only that, but to be a part of this wonderful country, which I feel is truly my home, despite being born in Brazil. I truly feel more American than Brazilian given the fact that my developmental years were here. I went to high school here, middle school, and everything. So it was the happy ending to a long and challenging journey. But it’s also just the beginning.

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I saw your post and I loved how you mentioned the significance of being able to vote in this election and how that was super valuable to you. 

It was the first thing that I asked my officer when she facilitated the ceremony for me. It was the first thing that I wanted to do, because obviously, that is one right that a U.S. citizen has that a permanent resident does not have. Now I can actually voice my concerns, because I am a citizen of this country. So I’m grateful that it came just in time for me to do that.

I don’t know how much you can say about this, but where are you now in the process in terms of being eligible to play for the national team? 

Right now, I’m literally in the final steps. I have my U.S. citizenship, I have my physical passport, which is why I’m in the Netherlands. So now I just need FIFA to approve my waiver, and I guess just confirm so I can switch my naturalization from Brazil to the U.S. And then I’m good to go. I also do not know when that will happen—it can literally happen at any point. So if it comes before Friday, then I would be eligible to play. I’m just going with the flow and regardless of what happens, I’ll be prepared. 

I’m hoping that I’ll be able to play. If not, I still have a wonderful training environment here, and I’m learning so much from everyone and from all the coaches. Even if I have to miss a match, that’s okay, because I am learning so much. I’m just incredibly grateful to be here.

So when Vlatko called you in for this friendly, was his goal just to give you some experience, or is the assumption that you will be in the Olympic mix and eligible to play next summer in Tokyo?

I think his reasoning behind this camp was definitely getting me integrated within the mix and the group, and getting me with the players. It’s good to hear that he is talking about the Olympics and my role in it. I definitely want to be there. I think this camp was really the initial step to having that happen. Again, like I said, if I don’t play this match, it’s totally okay. It’s only a small part of the bigger picture.

It must be a huge confidence boost to hear him talk about that possibility for you. 

Yeah, any player would love to hear their coach talk about his goals for them. The fact that he has that confidence, that I could one, be eligible, and two, be able to play in that environment—that already gives me so much confidence. Now I want to prove to him and the team that I deserve to be here.

41' | Speechless. It's the @catarinamacario show on @Pac12Network with Stanford in the lead. #SCtop10
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— Stanford Women's Soccer (@StanfordWSoccer) October 28, 2018

Vlatko himself became an American citizen a few years back. Have you had any conversations with him about what it means to be naturalized as an American?

We briefly talked about it, and he just said how happy he was that I was finally able to gain the certificate that essentially is the seal of approval that you actually belong in the U.S. He just said how happy he was for me, and again, the possibility that citizenship will give me and my family, et cetera. And obviously in the soccer aspect of things, just how he cannot wait to finally be able to coach me and just get me in with the group and what not. So we were all really excited for this long process to have finally come to an end. But at the same time, it’s only the beginning. That was our conversation.

Let’s talk about your first camp with the National team, which was last month. We saw a bunch of new faces there, and this was your first time playing with some of these players. What was that experience like?

It was definitely quite the experience. It was almost easier or more welcoming to the point that I knew that there were other new players as well, so I didn’t feel like I was necessarily standing out as that one new college player who is playing with all these wonderful, well-acclimated players. I was just happy to, one, have my teammate Naomi Girma come with me and experience that with me. That was so much fun, especially because it was just a training camp, so you didn’t necessarily have that pressure to make a game day roster or something like that. Everyone was really just going with the flow each day, just trying their best and showing the different things they can do. It was really fun, though Colorado was very cold.

After a few days of camp, did you feel like you got into the swing of things?

To some extent, yes. Initially, I’d say that I definitely struggled with the pace of things. I briefly mentioned on a video that we had with the USWNT media team, for example, that during my first five-on-five, I had Becky Sauerbrunn and Ali Kreiger in my group, players who I obviously look up to and have grown up watching. To have them be in my group was like, “oh my gosh, what is happening.” Everyone just always brings that high intensity. That not only comes from playing already, but just the fact that they’re on the national team and obviously some of the best players in the world. They find a way to always reach the next level. I think for me, it was another level that I had not seen or experienced before. One that I obviously knew that I could reach, but to have had that right out of the gate, was just like oh, wow.

I will say that I definitely struggled for a few minutes and what not. But eventually towards the end of the camp, I felt like I was able to show some great potential. I felt like, one, obviously I wished that I could have done more, that my body was able to do more. But I definitely felt like it’s totally fine. With more training, I’ve got this, you know?

You mentioned the excitement you felt getting to play with Becky and Ali. Were there any other players specifically that you were most excited to go against last camp and now in the Netherlands?

Last camp, obviously, Lindsey Horan, who plays in the midfield. I have been playing midfield for about a year now. I just tried to learn as much from her as I could, on and off the field. She is obviously a wonderful player, and is very welcoming as well. So I was just taking in as much as I could from her. I was trained to keep my ground as well, because I obviously knew that they’re so amazing, but I also knew that I have something to bring to the table, you know? I had that mindset, that obviously I look up to this player a lot, but it doesn’t mean that I don’t belong in this space.

It’s also super cool that you are playing with so many former Stanford players.

Yeah, it’s great. It makes the transition that much smoother. My first camp, Kelley O’Hara would talk a lot with me. Especially on the field. I think because she had gone to Stanford, and had gone through that process, we almost felt closer more quickly. I had already imagined that she was a super cool person, but to have actually come to know her in person just makes it all the better. I definitely feel comfortable around her. It’s just wonderful. Especially this camp, we have even more people as well, with Alanna Cook, Jane Campbell, etc. We definitely have that bond. Even though some of us didn’t play together, we’ll still always look out for each other.

What does your timeline look like for both the national team and Stanford after this trip?

After this trip, the national team will take a break until January camp, and then in terms of Stanford, we have a report date for the end of December, and we’re supposed to start training in the beginning of January. That’s all I have thus far.

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How have you been balancing online classes and training? 

Honestly, in some ways it has been a blessing, and at the same time it has been hard. It’s to the point that, for example, if classes had not been online, I would not have been able to go to San Diego and do what I wanted to do. But it’s also very unfortunate, because I miss having that in person instruction, and just getting to know other people through class, and what not. So there are two sides of it.

In terms of training, I’d say that online school has probably made it easier to give me more flexibility, for example, if I want to train in the morning, that’s fine, because I’ll just watch the lecture later. While I feel like in person, my schedule is very structured, to the point that I can only practice during a two or three hour block, because that’s when I don’t have school. In terms of that, I’m very appreciative. I think I’ve been able to really fine tune the things that I wanted to work on. I’ve been able to have more agency in terms of training how I want to train, and focusing on what I want to do. And I mean there isn’t anything that we can do, really.

I’m not going to lie and say it’s not like I wasn’t sad that my season got postponed. But obviously, it is what it is. We have to do what is safe and healthy for everyone. We really just have to look at the things that we can take away from this time.

What have you heard from Stanford in terms of this season? 

To my understanding thus far, we are heading for it. The season will happen, with practice starting February third, if I’m not mistaken. And we start playing games in the beginning of March. So far, we are optimistic despite cases rising. We’ll just have to take it week by week. But I think this time has been good, as they can implement a safer protocol to have athletes return to playing.

There’s been a lot of talk around your professional future, either in the NWSL or Europe. Obviously, if you choose to go the NWSL route, you’re a shoe-in as the first pick. What will go into that decision, and have you set any personal timeline for making it?

Yeah, honestly that is big the question at the moment. It depends what’s happening with college. Obviously, I would love to play with Stanford again. But at the same time, it would be hard for me to play in the Olympics if I’m not playing games, or if I don’t have contact training, which I have already missed out on for essentially a year. If things are looking like they’ll keep getting postponed, or the season will be canceled, then I will definitely have to make a decision in terms of my future.

Thankfully, I’ve been taking many units and will be able to graduate after this quarter. So if I want to graduate now, I can, and I would be able to start my professional career without having to worry that I’m not getting my degree. I’ve always valued both my academic and athletic careers, so I’m just glad that I have finally reached the point where I can chill for now.

WATCH | GOLAZOOOOOO @catarinamacario ????@Pac12Network
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— Stanford Women's Soccer (@StanfordWSoccer) September 28, 2018

Obviously a lot has happened this year. We talked about Covid, there were also the protests over the summer and a contentious election, which we’re still dealing with. How has this year changed who you are off the field? 

I feel like 2020 has gone on for so long. As a person, I think that I’ve been able to take the time to really think of myself as more than an athlete. Especially because, given the pandemic, we have not been able to do as much as we are used to. It has really given me the time to reflect on what is important to me, whether that be Black Lives Matter, or even the election. To me, I’ve just really been able to take this time to think about who I want to be, how I want to use my platform, and the ways in which I want to make my voice heard. Which started with voting, as soon as I got my citizenship.

Despite so many bad things happening this year, I think this has been a great time to reflect. I think that myself and everyone else has a long way to go, but I’m excited for the future. I’m hoping that people will think of this year as an opportunity to reflect on their past selves, and also think about what they want to do going forward, what they want to say, what matters to them. I don’t think this would have been possible without the pandemic, honestly. Even though it’s horrible, there are always some silver linings to everything.

Last question for you. Obviously your first goal is to get through the final step of getting to play with the national team. Once that happens, what’s your ultimate goal with the national team?

Given that the Olympics are right around the corner, my ultimate goal as of now is to obviously make the roster. Ultimately, I think I just want to serve as an example that really anyone can achieve anything. Coming from Brazil, and going through so many obstacles, my goal now is to inspire people. That’s cliché, of course, the “never give up” message. It’s more just, that the things that are in your way will only make you stronger. They are there for a reason. I think for me, my whole life has really been a series of obstacles. If I can do it, then anyone can. And I’m not even saying, “Oh my gosh, I’ve had so many messed up things.” It’s not even that. If you have the determination and that commitment, and really believe in yourself, and you focus on your craft and what matters to you, then anything is possible.

I will carry that mentality going into the next few months leading into the Olympics. I will just work hard, and know that if it happens, it happens. If not, then I’m still going to be super proud of myself for coming this far and trying my hardest. At the end of the day, I won’t be disappointed. It’s going to be okay. We’ll move on from that. In four years, there will be another one. And even before then, there will be the World Cup.

In this week's episode of The Late Sub, host Claire Watkins discusses the importance of the current international window for the USWNT and digs into the players who did and did not make head coach Emma Hayes's latest 24-athlete roster.

Watkins begins with those not invited to this week's senior team camp, with Hayes using the concurrent U23 camp as a "minor league" for athletes who "need a little bit more development or need to be in a different training situation or have different leadership structures."

Watkins specifically digs into the placement of midfielder Korbin Albert and forwards Jaedyn Shaw and Mia Fishel with the U23 squad, as well as the overall omission of goalkeeper Jane Campbell.

Honing in on Albert, Watkins calls her U23 spot a demotion, saying "It's wild to me that someone who started the [2024] Olympic gold-medal match for the USWNT is now playing for the U23s when the senior team is in session."

"I think we're stuck in this question of, 'is she good enough or is she not?'" explains Watkins, noting that "Albert isn't giving [Hayes] those all-around performances that validate that roster spot when there are other players that could be given a look."

In contrast, Watkins backs Hayes's decisions to place the versatile Shaw and Fishel — who's still regaining form from a 2024 ACL tear — with the youth team.

Calling her "the player truly out in the cold here," Watkins worries that 30-year-old Campbell might be facing an "always the bridesmaid, never the bride of the US goalkeeper cycle," with Hayes opting for a largely untested trio of Mandy McGlynn, Phallon Tullis-Joyce, and Claudia Dickey as she continues seeking retired star Alyssa Naeher's replacement.

Top NWSL play fuels USWNT roster call-ups

The uncapped Dickey, says Watkins, is one of the players reaping the benefits of Hayes's developmental roster movements.

"She is statistically one of the highest performing goalkeepers in the NWSL this season," notes Watkins about the Seattle Reign starter. "The numbers do not lie. She is one of the best pure shot-stoppers in the league this year, if not the best."

Also snagging a shot at the senior team thanks to stellar NWSL play are Orlando Pride standout and "Swiss Army knife defender" Kerry Abello, Portland Thorns midfielder Olivia Moultrie, and Kansas City Current captain Lo'eau LaBonta.

LaBonta, who headlined this USWNT roster by earning her first-ever call-up at age 32, is a versatile midfielder with, according to Watkins, a "really, really strong" mentality as well as a "wonderful locker room presence."

Citing Hayes's previous comments about the age of certain players causing her to seek younger athletes, Watkins wonders if LaBonta's call-up isn't simply a long-overdue reward for years of top professional play, and instead, perhaps, a sign that Hayes is "learning that you need a little bit of both [youth and experience]."

"I think [LaBonta's] going to make herself hard to drop," states Watkins. "With 2027 only two years away, I'm not betting against LaBonta. She's going into this camp looking for more call-ups. This is not just a 'job well done' situation for her."

Finally, Watkins mentions that many younger players, like Kansas City's Michelle Cooper and Claire Hutton, and Utah's Ally Sentnor, are back in the mix "because they're playing too well for the U23s. They've been put into senior team camp and they've swam — they have not sunk."

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Summer friendlies serve as senior team try-outs

The stakes are high for the 24 athletes in this USWNT camp, with small windows to impress Hayes while facing two tough opponents in the upcoming days: May 31st's clash with China PR and a June 3rd date with Jamaica's Reggae Girlz.

"Who's going to be able to elevate their game even if they don't have a ton of experience?," asks Watkins. "It's up to the senior call-ups to make those players that are in the U23s harder to call back in. And those players in the U23s are going to probably have to show new sides of themselves to get back into the fold."

"This is the Emma Hayes system. And I cannot wait to say who says, 'Nope. This is not just a pat on the back. You're not dropping me.'"

About 'The Late Sub' with Claire Watkins

The Late Sub with Claire Watkins brings you the latest news and freshest takes on the USWNT, NWSL, and all things women's soccer. Special guest appearances featuring the biggest names in women’s sports make TLS a must-listen for every soccer fan.

Follow Claire on X/Twitter @ScoutRipley and subscribe to the Just Women's Sports newsletter for more.

Subscribe to The Late Sub to never miss an episode.

The world No. 1 USWNT is back in action on Saturday, taking on No. 17 China PR in the first of two early summer friendlies as head coach Emma Hayes continues evaluating talent across the 24-player roster.

"We have two different types of opponents ahead of us, so we'll have to be creative in breaking down those teams in different ways," Hayes told reporters earlier this month.

With an average of just 30.7 caps per player, this international window is an opportunity for NWSL favorites to prove their national team value — though the USWNT will be without one up-and-comer: Due to a minor hip injury, Angel City defender Gisele Thompson departed camp on Thursday, with Hayes opting not to replace the 19-year-old in the lineup.

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Fresh faces to take on a familiar foe

The US has faced China PR a total of 60 times — more than any country other than No. 7 Canada. China also boasts the second-most US defeats with nine, though they haven't upended the USWNT since 2015.

In total, the USWNT boasts a 38-9-13 all-time record against their longtime rival, including arguably the team's most famous victory: the history-making penalty-kick win in the 1999 World Cup final at the Rose Bowl.

That said, the teams haven't squared off since December 2023 — some six months before Hayes took the helm.

"We have new faces, we have experience, we have veterans, we have young players. I think we're a really amazing blend of all of the above," said midfielder Sam Coffey this week. "I think more than anything, the common denominator in everyone here is just a hunger to get better."

How to watch the USWNT vs. China PR friendly match

The USWNT kicks off against China PR at 5:30 PM ET on Saturday in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Live coverage of the match will air on TBS.

Friday's WNBA action promises to bring the heat, delivering a major homecoming for new LA star Kelsey Plum as well as strategic veteran moves and rookies looking to right the ship while newly revamped teams continue to gel.

In the wake of significant offseason movement, the 2025 WNBA season is all about striking a balance between developing young talent and leveraging seasoned stars as former franchise players take on very familiar opponents.

Veteran-heavy teams will shoot to manage workloads this weekend, as powerhouse squads juggle shifting lineups while those that trailed last year fight to rise up the WNBA standings.

Highlighting the Friday night slate are a trio of games, all airing on ION:

• No. 1 New York Liberty (5-0) vs. No. 7 Washington Mystics (3-3), 7:30 PM ET: The reigning champion Liberty managed to eke out an 82-77 win over 2025 expansion side Golden State without injured stars Jonquel Jones and Nyara Sabally on Thursday — but can they hold off a Mystics team punching above their weight behind standout rookie duo Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen?

• No. 10 Los Angeles Sparks (2-4) vs. No. 6 Las Vegas Aces (2-2), 10 PM ET: Sparks guard Kelsey Plum will face her former teammates for the first time on Friday, taking on a Las Vegas side searching for redemption after Seattle spoiled Aces guard Jewell Loyd's own homecoming in last weekend's WNBA action.

• No. 2 Minnesota Lynx (5-0) vs. No. 3 Phoenix Mercury (4-1), 10 PM ET: Two of the league's top performers will hit the court in Arizona, as perennial MVP candidates Napheesa Collier and Alyssa Thomas go head-to-head for the first time in 2025.

A few teams have already faced adversity this year, but even more have settled into the grind as the longest-ever WNBA season rolls into June.

WNBA legend Candace Parker is gearing up for a busy summer, as two of her former franchises — the Chicago Sky and LA Sparks — recently announced plans to retire her No. 3 jersey this year.

The Chicago Sky announced on Wednesday that they will raise Parker's jersey in the Wintrust Arena rafters in an August 25th ceremony, honoring the Chicagoland product who helped them win their first-ever WNBA championship in 2021.

"I never imagined one day my jersey would hang in the rafters of my hometown team," said Parker in a statement. "Coming home to Chicago and helping bring the city its first WNBA championship here — it was personal. I'm beyond grateful to the city, the fans, and everyone who's been part of my journey. Chicago raised me, and this will always be home."

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Also in on the action is Los Angeles, where Parker spent a 13-year stint that including earning her first league title in 2016. The Sparks previously stated in late March that they would retire Parker's jersey in a June 29th celebration — during LA's game against the Sky.

The Chicago ceremony also coincides with a game against another of Parker's squads: The Sky will face the Las Vegas Aces — the final team Parker led to a WNBA championship in 2023.

Parker is the first Chicago player to have her jersey number retired, as well as the Sparks' third behind Lisa Leslie and Penny Toler.

"Candace is the best all-around player that has ever played in the WNBA," said Sparks co-owner and NBA legend Magic Johnson.

With an impact that still radiates throughout the WNBA, fans and former teammates alike are jumping at the chance to pay their respects to Parker this summer.