Emma Hayes guided the United States to a pair of wins against Korea in her introduction. Next up, Mexico in July. | Photo by Brad Smith/ISI Photos/USSF/Getty Images for USSF
The Top 5 best quotes from the new national team coach as she prepares for the Summer Games in Paris
Many believe Emma Hayes has what it takes to return the U.S. women’s national team to the No. 1 status in the world it coveted for decades.
Over the last few years, the prominence of the U.S. women’s team has dropped considerably as key players have retired from the world stage and young newcomers are asked to hold the line.
Despite wins in a pair of recent matches, the U.S. dropped to No. 5 in the latest FIFA women’s world rankings. And while it may not appear as though being the fifth best team in the world is that big of a scare, anyone who knows the dominance of the States for the last 40 years as the preeminent team to beat knows that the latest designation certainly came as a surprise.
For the first time, fans got an insider’s look at the philosophy of Hayes through the latest version of Inside the Crest, U.S. Soccer’s mini-documentary series which chronicles the exploits of both the men’s and women’s programs.
Usually, these are not much more than fluff for the program, but the latest offered a direct look at Hayes and a player pool eager to make her roster in advance of the 2024 Summer Games in Paris.
Hayes had several poignant comments to the group but these were the Top 5 quotables from Hayes to the team ahead of their back-to-back tune-up games against Korea Republic.
After the Olympic squad is selected, the group will have two tune up games in July. The first against rival Mexico on July 13 (3:30 p.m. ET, TNT, NBC Universo) and Costa Rica on July 16 (7:30 p.m. ET, TNT, NBC Universo).
“We have to find multiple ways to articulate the same things. Whether that be in the classroom or on the grass, my goal is to build a group of players who can compete.”
Emma Hayes to the group ahead of their first game, a 4-0 win against Korea Republic. This is now a group that is 7-1-2 overall in 2024, scoring 26 goals and allowing just seven.
“There’s going to be clunky moments … that’s normal. There’s going to be moments where we revert to back to things we’ve done before. Just so you know, it’s normal and it’s part of the process.”
Hayes was adamant in a team meeting that she’s not looking to change much but elevate with the group she’s got. And, right now even with the loss of players like Megan Rapinoe, Julie Ertz and others due to retiring from international duty, Hayes feels she can work what she’s got into one of the world’s best.
“Coaching is taking whatever our starting point is and adding another layer to it, and another layer … it’s absolutely essential that everybody is conscious of what their roles are.”
This was great as it added a bit of her philosophy on coaching and style and what she expects out of every player. There’s also an acknowledgment off the bat that she and her staff know that it comes down to their preparation as much as the execution. No scapegoating here.
“I think we spend so much time building pressure internally. As far as I’m concerned … this is a process, we’re on a journey and I’m excited to be a part of it.”
Took this to mean she doesn’t really care about the pressures from the federation. They hired her to do a job and gave her some pretty moldable tools to do it, so what is there to complain about? Results are all that matter and so far, she’s off to a good start.
“Wearing the [U.S. national team] badge should be the lightest thing you carry, not the heaviest. Enjoy the privilege.”
This quote says it all. Pressure’s off when it comes to worrying about playing for your country. You’re already here. Do your job and enjoy the ride.
