Ayo Oke's journey from a quiet night of unpacking to a national team call-up is a testament to her dedication and burgeoning talent in women's soccer. Her remarkable path, punctuated by collegiate success and a pivotal period in Mexico, underscores her readiness for the international stage.
This narrative explores Oke's surprising recruitment to the U.S. Women's National Team, detailing the events that led to her debut and the significant experiences that shaped her career before this momentous occasion.
The Unexpected Call-Up
Ayo Oke's life took an exhilarating turn one late Friday evening in Denver, Colorado. While settling into her new apartment, she stumbled upon an email that would redefine her career. The message, from the operations manager of the Denver Summit, the 2026 National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) expansion team, confirmed her unexpected inclusion in the U.S. women's national team camp. This opportunity arose as a late replacement for Avery Patterson, who withdrew due to illness. The news was so profound that Oke initially questioned its reality, waking her mother to share the unbelievable announcement, which was met with an ecstatic scream at midnight.
Within a mere 24 hours, Oke transitioned from her Denver apartment to the USWNT's team hotel in Long Beach, California. She was quickly outfitted with team gear and began preparing for her first training session, scheduled for the following Monday. Despite the initial whirlwind, the intensity of the elite soccer environment soon became apparent. Oke described the experience as both 'intense' and highly motivating, acknowledging the significant step up in competition and athleticism. After a few more rigorous training sessions, she found herself more composed, having overcome her initial nerves and fully embracing the demands of her new role within the national team.
A Journey Forged Through Collegiate and International Play
Oke's foundation in soccer was built during her four-year collegiate career, split between the University of California and UCLA. During her time with the Golden Bears from 2021 to 2022, she participated in 33 games, scoring two goals and providing 10 assists. Subsequently, with the Bruins from 2023 to 2024, she played in 32 games, contributing three goals and four assists. Following her graduation in December 2024, Oke chose to embark on her professional journey with Club Pachuca in LigaMX Femenil, a decision driven by her desire for substantial first-team experience and playing time, which she recognized would be crucial for attracting the attention of USWNT scouts and head coach Emma Hayes.
Her tenure at Club Pachuca proved highly successful and enriching. Oke expressed her enthusiasm for her time in Mexico, highlighting the opportunity to travel, learn Spanish, and immerse herself in a new culture. She played a pivotal role in Pachuca's impressive performance in the 2025 Clausura, where they secured a second-place finish in the regular season standings and ultimately clinched their first LigaMX Femenil title in May 2025. Additionally, Las Tuzas won the Campeon de Campeonas trophy in July and advanced to the semifinals of the 2025-26 Concacaf W Champions Cup in October. By the time she transferred to the Summit in January 2026, Oke had amassed 44 appearances, two goals, and six assists across all competitions for Pachuca, showcasing her significant contributions and solidifying her status as a valuable player.