2024 Olympics
USWNT, Under New Boss Emma Hayes, Races to Olympic Triumph
Paris, July 25, 2024 — The United States Women's National Team (USWNT) has embarked on a new era under the leadership of Emma Hayes, and the early signs suggest that the team is well on its way to reclaiming its place at the pinnacle of women's soccer. As the USWNT prepares for its Olympic opener against Zambia, the anticipation and expectations are palpable.
Emma Hayes, a highly respected figure in women's soccer, took over the reins of the USWNT after a stellar 12-year tenure at Chelsea, where she transformed the club into a dominant force. Hayes' appointment came in the wake of the USWNT's disappointing performances at the 2023 World Cup, where they were eliminated in the round of 16, marking their earliest exit in the tournament's history.
"I am so privileged that I've been picked to do this job," Hayes told TIME in a recent interview. "Experiencing the things I have has prepared me for it. I am so privileged that I've been picked to do this job. And yeah, I'm loving it. I'm absolutely loving it."
Hayes' approach to coaching the USWNT has been characterized by her emphasis on learning, creativity, and individual development. "For me, leadership — you're not just born with it. It has to be learned," Hayes said. "There's skills you have to develop to be able to bring the best out in people, and that is a job in and of itself."
This philosophy has resonated with the players, who have welcomed Hayes' methods. "We have a coach who is willing to coach. There’s no reluctancy in having players learn," said U.S. captain Lindsey Horan. "Every single day, you’re learning something new. That’s the most important thing for this team right now."
Hayes has already begun to implement her playing philosophy, focusing on a balance between defensive solidity and offensive creativity. The preparatory friendlies provided a glimpse of what to expect, with the team showcasing a strong defensive performance, highlighted by four consecutive clean sheets. However, the lack of goals in a goalless draw against Costa Rica indicated that there is still work to be done in attack.
The team’s depth and talent are evident, with a mix of young stars like Sophia Smith and seasoned veterans. Hayes made a bold decision by leaving out veteran superstar Alex Morgan from the Olympic roster, a move that underscores her commitment to versatility and adaptability. "Versatility within the squad was a key part of that decision," Hayes explained. "It's not about Alex. It's about what the needs of the team were."
The USWNT finds itself in Group B alongside Zambia, Germany, and Australia, a challenging group that will test the team’s resilience and strategy. The structure of the women's tournament at the Olympics is relentless, with only the top two teams from each group, along with the two best third-placed teams, advancing to the quarter-finals.
The journey to Olympic gold will be intense, but the USWNT is no stranger to high expectations and pressure. The team has a storied history at the Olympics, having won four gold medals, but the last two editions have brought frustration. In Rio, they were eliminated in the quarter-finals, and in Tokyo, they took the bronze medal after a surprise defeat to Canada in the semi-finals.
Hayes' tenure represents a fresh start for the USWNT, and the players are fully committed to the mission. "At the World Cup, it was a lot of overthinking and felt robotic at times," said Sophia Smith. "With Emma, I feel really free to be myself and I feel like she believes in me and believes in every player on this team to bring what they have to this team."
The first games in Paris will be crucial in establishing the team's rhythm and confidence. The opener against Zambia is an opportunity to get off to a positive start, followed by matches against Germany and Australia, both formidable opponents.
The stakes are undeniably high for Hayes and the USWNT. The team has not won an Olympic gold since 2012, and the pressure to succeed is immense. However, Hayes remains focused on the task at hand. "I've got a job to do," she said. "My job is everybody's hobby. So everybody's entitled to an opinion, but at the end of the day, I'm the person who is charged with the responsibility of leading this team."
As the USWNT embarks on its quest for a fifth Olympic gold, the world will be watching. With Emma Hayes at the helm, the team has all the tools to turn past disappointments into triumphs. The journey to Paris 2024 is full of challenges and opportunities, and the USWNT is ready to make history once again.