The role of the U.S. U18 Women’s National Team is simple – develop players for the older age groups in the national team system.

Given that parameter, it makes perfect sense that U.S. Soccer Director of Development April Heinrichs is the coach for the youth national team without an international event.

Heinrichs recently wrapped up camp with the U18s at the U.S. National Training Center in Carson, California. She spoke with TopDrawerSoccer.com about the camp, preparing this group for the next step, and who might be ready to jump into the U20 WNT soon.