Coach Emma Hayes had different levels to achieve when she joined the USWNT. The first milestone she could reach with the team was winning gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Now, it’s no surprise that the American ladies have shifted their focus to upcoming tournaments like the 2027 World Cup. But what if we told you there’s more to Hayes’ vision than just winning?
The first guess that many of you would make is, of course, to take part in the development of the female program. Yes, brownie points for those correct, but precisely, this next step has been called “The WNT Way”. This has come simultaneously with the US Soccer’s “The US Way” plan. It was unveiled by Sporting Director Matt Crocker at the United Soccer Coaches Convention in January.
“Preparing for an Olympics was far from challenging,” began Hayes while speaking with CBS Sports. “It was extremely enjoyable. But what it meant was that I was taking on a program where — of course, I know a lot about the program — but thinking about the future for that program both on and off the field has taken September up until the turn of the year.“
MARSEILLE, FRANCE – JULY 31: United States head coach Emma Hayes along the sidelines during the second half against Australia during the Women’s group B match during the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Stade de Marseille on July 31, 2024 in Marseille, France. (Photo by Brad Smith/ISI/Getty Images)
All such plans aren’t only the official comprehensive strategy for the US Soccer to move forward. It’s also about fostering player development while also redefining the federation’s role as a driving force behind the sport’s growth nationwide. That surely wouldn’t have been possible without retrospecting humbly, even though they hail the No. 1 spot in FIFA rankings.
“We’ve really had the opportunity to just zoom out and say, ‘Okay, beyond winning and beyond competing to win, what do we want our program to stand for? Beyond all the other extraordinary things it has done over a period of time,’” added Hayes. Simply put, expect Emma to introduce a structured process designed to further enhance the nation’s soccer system.
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