Emma Hayes Opens Up: How the USWNT Job Helped Her Rediscover Joy
Emma Hayes, the head coach of the United States women’s national team (USWNT), has revealed that she was “unwell” before stepping into her new role. Speaking candidly on Monday, Hayes shared how her transition to international management has not only revitalized her career but also her personal well-being. “I feel like I’ve got my mojo back,” she said, reflecting on the transformative experience.
Hayes took over the USWNT following their shocking exit in the round of 16 at the 2023 World Cup. The team’s early departure marked a historic low point for the program, but Hayes has since steered them to redemption. Under her leadership, the USWNT claimed a gold medal at the 2024 Olympics and began a promising rebuild. For Hayes, the turnaround has been just as personal as it has been professional.
From Chelsea to the USWNT: A Career Reboot
Before joining the USWNT, Hayes spent 12 years at Chelsea, where she built a dynasty. Her tenure included five consecutive Women’s Super League (WSL) titles, cementing her legacy as one of the sport’s most successful coaches. However, the relentless grind of club management took its toll. “I definitely didn’t feel healthy at the end,” Hayes admitted. “I felt quite unwell at the end of my time at Chelsea. I’m not going to say it’s pressure; I just think it’s the stress, the toll it took on me.”
Despite her struggles, Hayes’ achievements didn’t go unnoticed. In 2024, she was honored with her first Ballon d’Or Coach of the Year award, a fitting recognition for her contributions to the game. Yet, it wasn’t until she stepped away from the club scene that she began to rediscover her passion for football.
Finding Balance and Joy
Hayes described how the shift to international management has allowed her to prioritize her health and family life. “I worried about [the change] for about four seconds,” she joked. “Then I said, okay, what’s the benefit? I get to get up and breathe, not rush. I get to take Harry [her son] to school, I get to go to the gym, I get to create my schedule in and around those things. I don’t sacrifice the things that make me feel healthy.”
For Hayes, the newfound balance has been life-changing. “Mojo means that I am loving football more than ever, and I’m clear about all the things that I want to do,” she explained. The USWNT job has not only reignited her love for the game but also given her a fresh perspective on what matters most.
Next Challenge: Facing England at Wembley
Hayes’ next big test comes on Nov. 30, when the USWNT faces England at Wembley Stadium. The match will mark the first time Hayes takes on the reigning European Champions as head coach. The two teams last met in October 2022, also at Wembley, where England secured a 2-1 victory in a friendly.
As Hayes prepares for the showdown, she remains focused on the bigger picture. Her journey with the USWNT is just beginning, and she’s determined to build a team that can compete at the highest level. “I didn’t know what to expect,” she said of her transition to international management. “But I feel like I’ve got my smile back and joy back that I didn’t realize how much I’d lost.”
Key Takeaways from Emma Hayes’ Journey
- Hayes led the USWNT to a gold medal at the 2024 Olympics, marking a significant rebound after their 2023 World Cup disappointment.
- Her time at Chelsea, while successful, left her feeling unwell due to the stress and demands of the job.
- International management has allowed Hayes to find a healthier work-life balance, reigniting her passion for football.
- The USWNT will face England on Nov. 30 at Wembley, a highly anticipated matchup against the European Champions.
Emma Hayes’ story is one of resilience and reinvention. From the pressures of club football to the freedom of international management, she has found a way to thrive both on and off the pitch. As the USWNT continues to rebuild under her guidance, one thing is clear: Hayes has her mojo back, and she’s ready to lead her team to even greater heights.
Originally Written by: Unknown
