Emma Hayes Envisions a Bold Future for USWNT Beyond World Cup
As the U.S. women's national team prepares for its next cycle, coach Emma Hayes focuses on shaping a new vision for the program.
Emma Hayes Envisions a Bold Future for USWNT Beyond World Cup
As the U.S. women’s national team (USWNT) paves its path forward, coach Emma Hayes emphasizes the importance of forming a strategy that transcends mere competition.
In preparing for the next international cycle, she reflects on the question: “What do we want our program to represent?” Although tasked with an urgent timeline of just 75 days to cement the team’s Olympic aspirations, Hayes is already looking ahead to the 2027-28 season.
The initiative she aims to launch, dubbed “The WNT Way,” focuses on embedding the female perspective into every aspect of the program, divesting from male-centric frameworks traditionally adopted in women’s soccer.
Hayes’ Vision for the WNT Way:
- Become a world leader in the ‘Female 360’ approach.
- Create an inclusive environment that values and nurtures development for female athletes.
- Push boundaries through innovative strategies.
Such a vision aligns with U.S. Soccer’s overarching policy known as “The U.S. Way,” emphasizing player growth and development on a national scale.
“Our preparation for the Olympics was incredibly rewarding, but now I must consider the wider implications for the program moving forward,” Hayes stated during a virtual meeting.
In her unprecedented role, she seeks to coordinate efforts from youth programs to professional leagues, ensuring that women’s soccer is recognized and promoted holistically. “This strategy isn’t merely about winning; it’s about redefining our identity and legacy in the sport,” she affirms.
Hayes acknowledges the challenges ahead — implementing these changes will require significant buy-in from stakeholders across various sectors, including NCAA programs and professional leagues like NWSL.
As she works on solidifying this female-first approach, Hayes aspires not just to elevate the game at home, but also to set new standards internationally. The journey may be long, but Hayes is committed to placing women at the forefront — shaping a future where they thrive, both on and off the field.
