U.S. women’s national team captain Lindsey Heaps speaks to the media before practice at Santa Clara University’s Buck Shaw Field on Wednesday, April 8, 2026. **(Nina Glick/The Santa Clara)**

This week, the United States women’s national soccer team has been training at Buck Shaw Field, the home field of the Santa Clara soccer teams, to prepare for their upcoming international friendly match against Japan on Saturday, April 11, at 2:30 p.m. at PayPal Park.

While the national team practiced on Buck Shaw Field, the Santa Clara women’s soccer team practiced at the same time on the Stanton Soccer Field, facing the Stevens Soccer Training Center.

Santa Clara women’s soccer begins their practice on the field next to the U.S. women’s national team. **(Nina Glick/The Santa Clara)**

“It’s so cool for our students to see these athletes and how focused they are and how organized the training sessions are and how sharp things are,” said Santa Clara women’s soccer head coach Jerry Smith. “These are today’s legends, and it’s really cool to see them here.”

Santa Clara women’s soccer head coach Jerry Smith speaks with USWNT head coach Emma Hayes before USWNT practice at Buck Shaw Field on Wednesday, April 8, 2026. **(Nina Glick/The Santa Clara)**

Many stars, including Lindsey Heaps, Trinity Rodman, Sophia Wilson, Rose Lavelle and Alyssa Thompson, were at the stadium practicing with the team.

Rodman appeared to be enjoying herself on the practice field, even dancing to popular hit songs by Olivia Dean and Justin Bieber.

“Every time the U.S. women have been in San Jose to play, they’ve always played really well. And it’s a great atmosphere there at PayPal Park,” said Smith.

Sophia Wilson and Trinity Rodman during USWNT practice at Buck Shaw Field at Santa Clara University on Friday, April 10, 2026. **(Nina Glick/The Santa Clara)**

Several players on the national team also shared a positive view on playing in the Bay Area.

“The Bay Area has been amazing with sports,” said Claire Hutton, a Bay FC midfielder, who will be playing her first international friendly at her home stadium. “I’m hoping to get out to some other sports games soon, but from what I’ve heard, it’s one of the best sports cities in the world. So now being able to represent USA at my home now in PayPal Park is pretty cool.”

Goalkeeper Claudia Dickey unsuccessfully tries to save the ball from going into the goal during USWNT practice at Buck Shaw Field at Santa Clara University on Friday, April 10, 2026. **(Nina Glick/The Santa Clara)**

USWNT players participate in a drill during their practice at Buck Shaw Field at Santa Clara University on Friday, April 10, 2026. (Nina Glick/The Santa Clara)

“I think the Bay Area is obviously beautiful, and I‘m from the West Coast, so whenever we get to play over here, I’m really happy, because my family gets to come as well,” said Rodman. “PayPal Stadium is amazing, and obviously, being in the NWSL stadium helps.”

“This school is obviously a really strong sports school. Women’s soccer has always been really successful here. They’ve been training at the same time as us every day, so it’s always fun to see. It brings back a lot of memories,” said Wilson, when asked what it’s like to train at Santa Clara with its rich history in women’s soccer.

“It’s really cool. These are players that we look up to,” said Kennedy Schoennauer ’27, a defender on the Santa Clara women’s soccer team. “Obviously, the fact that they’re playing on the field that we get to play on is pretty cool.”

Santa Clara women’s soccer player Izzy de Buyl ’28 (left) watches the USWNT practice before her team begins its practice. **(Nina Glick/The Santa Clara)**

“Every time we step foot on the pitch, we’re here to inspire and show them anything is possible. I think being role models for them is really crucial, and that’s part of our job,” said Heaps, hoping to inspire young girls who dream of playing soccer.