When the U.S. Women’s National Team sealed Olympic gold in Paris, their legendary boss Emma Hayes got a text message that tells you everything about the reach of women’s football: it was from Sir Alex Ferguson. The Manchester United icon, a figure synonymous with winning, was apparently “sat in a bar in New York” and just watched the USWNT win. He told Hayes how proud he was of her. “To think that the first text I got when we won Olympic gold was from Sir Alex says everything about that man,” Hayes recalled. It’s a huge moment, showing just how modern and globally recognized women’s soccer has become, even for a titan like Fergie.
Hayes’s Meteoric Rise and What She’s Built So Far
Hayes has been at the helm of the USWNT since May 2024, and what a run it has been. She’s not just a coach, she’s a transformation specialist. Under her leadership, the team has already bagged an Olympic gold medal and a SheBelieves Cup. But it’s more than just trophies; Hayes has been reshaping the squad, integrating a ton of incredible up-and-coming talent. The return of the U.S. Under-23s program? That’s all under her watchful eye, expanding opportunities for waves of new talent to shine on the international stage. She’s already a legend in her own right, and she’s just getting started, now in the final prep stages for the CONCACAF W Championship, aiming for that 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup slot in Brazil.
Dropping Truth Bombs from the Coaching Mount Rushmore
Hayes recently spilled some serious wisdom on the ‘Men in Blazers’ podcast, revealing what she’s taken from some of the biggest names in coaching. First up, Mauricio Pochettino, the current USMNT boss and former Spurs manager. “I’m a Tottenham Hotspur fan. He’s given me my greatest memories,” Hayes said. You can feel the admiration there. Then there’s Thomas Tuchel, who used to coach Chelsea and now leads England. Hayes raved about his genius: “Diagonality, how to see football in a way that…watching him coach, he makes sessions so intense but so much fun, and he is such a great thinker. Orator. A really articulate guy. Love Thomas.” And of course, Sir Alex Ferguson’s “proud” text message speaks volumes. As Hayes herself put it, “Women’s football probably hasn’t been in your world, but that shows how modern you really are.” Talk about a moment!
Lessons From Arsenal’s Legend and a Basketball Icon
It’s not just the big names from the men’s game who have influenced Hayes. She also credits Vic Akers, the longtime Arsenal women’s head coach, as “the master.” Akers taught her about “Values, standards. It’s not who you are, it’s what you represent.” He also showed her “how you can give players the smallest gestures meant the most. He was one of my biggest teachers.” And when it comes to U.S. coaching icons, Hayes has nothing but love for women’s basketball legend Dawn Staley. “Dawn has been there, seen it, done it,” Hayes said, clearly admiring Staley’s experience and style. From a legendary football mind to a basketball titan, Hayes is soaking it all in, building an unshakeable foundation for the USWNT.
The USWNT is looking toward the upcoming CONCACAF W Championship as their path to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil. With Hayes at the helm, taking lessons from the absolute best, you know this squad is going to be ready for anything. Get hyped, because this team is on a mission.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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