ATLANTA – Emma Hayes embraced her role as U.S. women's national team manager in 2024 with urgency, leading the USWNT to a historic gold medal victory at the 2024 Summer Olympics just 80 days into her tenure.

Following this success, Hayes has focused on building a sustainable future for women's soccer, launching "The WNT Way" in 2025 to prioritize women's needs in U.S. Soccer. This initiative aims to create an ecosystem that nurtures the growth of women and girls in the sport.

At the recent herLENS conference, co-hosted by U.S. Soccer, Hayes highlighted the importance of normalizing women's experiences in sports. She stated, "Winning is about creating a world... so that everyone across the landscape is in a better position."

Key components of Hayes' strategy include:

• Female 360 Approach: Comprehensive support for players, including health check-ins and nutrition strategies.
• Cultural Development: Focus on educating staff and players on women's issues in sports.
• Long-term Planning: Aligning U.S. Soccer's goals with future competitions like the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup and the 2028 Olympics.

Hayes draws from her experiences at Chelsea, emphasizing the need for a women-centered approach to game prep. Her commitment to issues like menstrual cycle tracking reflects her dedication to player health and performance.

With a record of utilizing 44 players in 2025 alone, Hayes prepares for upcoming friendlies against Spain, beginning October 10, aiming to affirm the USWNT's status as a top contender in the world.

As the team trains in Atlanta before heading to Philadelphia and Washington, D.C., the focus remains on building a legacy that transcends winning, ensuring that every young girl feels empowered through soccer.