Emma Hayes has returned to Minnesota a year after she accepted the role of manager for the U.S. women’s national soccer team (USWNT). After a press conference, she shares in the excitement of the fans, even signing rally towels as keepsakes before leaving. This moment may seem minor, but it highlights how her hiring has brought significant change to American soccer. Unlike her predecessor, Hayes is both a seasoned coach and a prominent figure who stands alongside star players.
The USWNT is a beacon of pride for American soccer, boasting a rich history filled with victories, including four World Cups and five Olympic gold medals. If they are a top-tier experience for American sports fans, then Hayes is a key figure in that narrative.
From the outset, expectations were high when Hayes won her first match as the official head coach in June 2024, during a friendly against South Korea in Denver and Minneapolis.
### Success On and Off the Field
After a disappointing exit in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, U.S. Soccer hired Hayes in November 2023, shortly before the Olympics in 2024. Previously the iconic Chelsea FC manager, she took the reins of the USWNT at a transitional time, inheriting a team that was adjusting to retirements and shifts in player careers. Though the personnel may be changing, the expectations for the USWNT—to win continuously—remain unaltered.
A year into her role, Hayes not only met these longstanding expectations but exceeded them. Advocating patience and a clear process since her arrival, she led the team to Olympic gold in Paris within just 75 days of work. She has managed to navigate roster changes while also laying a foundation for future success.
“I’ve realized the importance of maximizing moments with the players,” Hayes shared regarding her first year in charge. “There are many ways to enhance that experience, not just during long training camps but through innovative methods.”
While balancing a well-deserved break after the team’s gold medal success, Hayes has already set her sights on the 2027-28 cycle. She aims to expand the talent pool through initiatives like “Futures Camps,” which will revitalize the dormant U-23 program to support the Senior National Team’s goals.
In line with her innovative vision, Hayes introduced the “WNT Way,” a framework aimed at placing women’s perspectives at the forefront of all strategies. While the mission includes vying for trophies, it also seeks to evolve the entire WNT ecosystem, highlighting the need for sustainable changes in how female athletes, coaches, and referees operate.
This is a long-term initiative that extends beyond merely coaching the top-ranked team in the world. Hayes is particularly focused on fostering connections across multiple generations of players within a year.
### A Diverse Player Pool with Usual USWNT DNA
In her inaugural year, Hayes called 23 players to National Team Camp for the first time, among them Orlando Pride Defender Kelly Abelo and Kansas City’s midfielder Loyala Bootha. Nineteen players made their official debuts across 22 games under Hayes, surpassing the previous record set by her predecessor, who included 17 debutantes over three years.
Among the promising talents is 17-year-old midfielder Lily Johannes, who not only joined the USWNT camp but also made her senior debut under Hayes. Despite her youth, she has already showcased her skills, while Hayes is mindful to manage the expectations placed upon her at an early stage.
“I think Emma has been very clear in her expectations for me and the team,” Johannes stated. “Each camp allows us to build and adapt according to different opponents.”
Hayes is committed to nurturing her players, focusing on broadening her roster, exploring various prospects, and creating a supportive off-pitch environment. She emphasizes open communication and has engaged in leadership discussions with team captain Lindsay Heap and other key players.
Gilma, now in her fourth year with the national team, has emerged as a regular in the lineup. She actively sought Hayes’ insights regarding her transition to Chelsea FC and was named vice-captain earlier this year.
“There’s much to appreciate both from our performance on the field and the gold medal, but I believe the impact Hayes has had behind the scenes is where the real difference lies,” Gilma noted.
Heap, who has captained the team since 2023, recognizes Hayes’ role in her development, both as a player and a leader. “I’ve developed a relationship with her that I’ve never truly experienced before in a coach.”
### Charting the Course Ahead
Despite a challenging aftermath from the World Cup, Hayes has proven she is well-equipped to guide the team toward success, not just for the upcoming 2024 Olympics but also in resetting the program. Reflecting on her first year, she remarked, “Every opportunity counts, and we can’t afford to waste a single session at the international level.”
As the halfway mark of 2025 approaches, Hayes and her staff will continue focusing on the 2027-28 cycle, evaluating players, and preparing for future fixtures. After recently defeating China and Jamaica, the USWNT is set to host Ireland for friendly matches starting June 26 in Cincinnati, followed by another match against Canada on July 2. Additional friendly matches are expected later in the year, and each moment will be pivotal as the team gears up for World Cup qualifying rounds starting in November 2026.
### Fan Take
This news is significant for soccer fans as it signals a promising future for the USWNT under Hayes’ innovative leadership. Her focus on nurturing a diversified player pool and creating a sustainable structure could rejuvenate women’s soccer in the U.S., setting the stage for continued dominance on the global stage.
