Emma Hayes is not messing around. Less than a year after taking the U.S. women’s national team manager job in 2024 and snatching an Olympic gold medal just 80 days in, she’s already steering the entire program way beyond the field. Hayes and U.S. Soccer just co-hosted the 2026 herLENS conference, a two-day deep dive into the work already happening to grow, support, and develop women and young girls in soccer. This isn’t just about winning games anymore.
The ‘WNT Way’ Is Here
Back in 2025, Hayes rolled out “The WNT Way,” a bold strategy that puts women right at the heart of everything U.S. Soccer does, and even beyond. We’re talking big-picture stuff, bigger than any single team or tournament. The herLENS conference, its second edition now, brought all those ideas to life. Sessions dove into research and data, educating everyone on the principles and normalizing goals through a woman’s unique perspective. Hayes made it crystal clear: the USWNT’s legacy, its impact, its importance, it all goes way past just collecting gold medals and World Cups. Winning is crucial, absolutely, but for Hayes, winning means creating a world. She’s talking about a collective effort by 2031 that doesn’t just reimagine the landscape but actually builds it, making sure everyone involved is in a better spot. This is next level.
The ‘Female 360’ Approach Is No Joke
This forward-thinking approach, dubbed “Female 360,” was a constant theme at the conference. Her staff and everyone involved are totally locked into it. What does that mean for the players? We’re talking serious support: player surveys, one-on-one sessions, and individual programs tailored for each athlete. This isn’t just about what happens on the pitch; it’s deep into overall health check-ins, hitting everything from hydration and nutrition strategies to menstrual cycle tracking. All of it designed to boost performance and overall health. Hayes has been vocal about this kind of women-focused research and support since 2025, a vision she’s had since her days with Chelsea back to 2016. This isn’t a new thought for her; it’s a mission.
So, while everyone’s still buzzing about that 2024 Olympic gold, and with the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup and 2028 Olympics on the horizon, Hayes is playing the long game. She’s laying down a foundation that could reshape U.S. Soccer for decades. Keep your eyes peeled, because what she’s building isn’t just for the next tournament; it’s for every woman and girl in soccer, and that’s something truly special to look forward to.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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