How the USWNT can learn from fearless teenager Jaedyn Shaw

Jaedyn Shaw is having a breakout year like no other.

At just 19, the teenage soccer sensation is ushering the USWNT into a new era.

With an interim boss at the helm and at a time of change, she has become an anchor of the attack, including most recently at the 2024 SheBelieves Cup.

While the USA will be hesitant to get carried away and pile the pressure on, there is no denying that Shaw has shot to stardom since her debut last year.

Seven goals in 11 outings for her country, this is a player rising to the occasion.

Unafraid and in-from, the USWNT can learn a lot from their new star.

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USWNT can learn from Jaedyn Shaw

Shaw is a special talent.

Despite only making her debut for the national team in 2023, the San Diego Wave forward has wasted no time in establishing herself on the big stage.

Earlier this year, she was named in the CONCACAF W Gold Cup roster, and it was there where she really took things up a gear.

Starring in all six games and scoring four, her performances warranted her the Golden Ball award, given to the player of the tournament.

The USA stormed to glory as Shaw became the first player in their history to score in four consecutive starts for the team.

At the 2024 SheBelieves Cup, she made it five with an equaliser against Japan as the Americans came from behind to advance to the final of the competition.

Her seamless transition to the world stage is born out of her fearlessness.

Not held back by the expectations that come with playing for the USWNT, the talented teen is a breath of fresh air on the pitch.

A player not afraid to take the game to their opponents, Jaedyn is rubbing off on those around her.

Such a goal-scoring record speaks for itself, but she brings much more to the set-up too, including bearing the weight of responsibility that comes with being a starter.

Resilient, assured, fearless – Shaw embodies what once made the USWNT a dreaded opposition.

Instilling that feeling back among the team is the first step to restoring the nation’s dominance, which begins with the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

If her teammates can tap into the energy Shaw is displaying every time she steps out on the pitch, redemption could be around the corner for a team that is beginning to live up to expectations once more.

Jaedyn Shaw’s teammates: “She’s playing way above her years”

Shaw’s performances on the pitch have not only garnered the attention of fans but have also left an impression on her teammates.

Abby Dahlkemper, who recently joined the youngster in San Diego, believes she ‘plays beyond her years’.

“It’s just undeniable the talent she has. She’s playing way above her years,” she told CNN.

“She can’t stop scoring for this team and she’s going to be a huge player for the team in the future - she’s a huge player for us now.”

USA captain Lindsey Horan has also been impressed with her abilities on and off the ball.

“She has a physical presence,” she said.

“She’s so smart on the ball and technical, savvy and creative.”

Such praise will likely resonate positively with Shaw, who is playing alongside the very players she has looked up to.

But while she learns from her idols, they can take just as much from her.

A fierce blend of youth and experience could be the key to unlocking a new era of greatness for the United States - and that starts with a teenager whom teams have yet to find an answer to.