Could Kennedy Wesley be the next big thing in United States Women’s National Team football?

Kennedy Wesley could become the 264th player to be capped for the United States Women’s National Team (USWNT) this month.

Called up to camp by Emma Hayes for the first time, she is looking to join the growing list of young U.S. players to debut under the English coach.

It is quite the achievement for the defender, who was torn between playing football and gymnastics until she was 15.

“I knew from when I was really young that I wanted to be a professional athlete in some sense,” she told All for XI.

“I came to the conclusion that if I really wanted to excel in any sport, I had to pick one.”

Excel is exactly what she has done—Stanford alumna to NWSL rookie, and now a mainstay in the San Diego Wave backline.

Despite her raw talent, Wesley also attributes her rise to picking the brain of Naomi Girma for the season they spent together before the latter’s million-dollar move to Chelsea.

“She is always some I looked up to in that position, on the field and off it,” the California native revealed.

“Talking to her and getting her ideas on how she adjusted from college to the league was super helpful.”

Despite being agemates, Wesley is a huge admirer of Girma's poise and calmness.

“She taught me so much between learning [new things] and things that I already had in my toolshed – it’s been kind of fun to put everything together,” she added.

For all she is inspired by others, though, Wesley is making her own way to the top.

How to watch upcoming USWNT friendlies – full schedule and roster

Wesley: Giving back to the community

Being able to give back to the community is something close to Wesley’s heart.

California isn’t just where she plays football; it is where her roots are. To that end, the centre-back has been fundraising for local organisations in a bid to combat hunger in the San Diego community.

“Being an athlete, being able to be properly fuelled for the day to be able to do the training and games that we do is super important,” she explained.

“But it’s also really important for people that aren’t in athletics, people that are just fuelling themselves for their daily lives.”

Kennedy is also at the heart of other volunteer efforts when time permits.

“To see what they are doing with food rescuing and supplying for so many different people, of all walks of life, I think it is just so awesome.

“If, with my platform, I’m able to help in a positive way, I’m more than happy to do so.”

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