Emma Hayes recently led the USWNT to the top of the podium at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Due to her recent success, the experienced coach felt the need to apologize to some fans who have not forgiven her for choosing Team USA over the English Lyonesses.
Hayes, 47, was born in London and trained as a footballer in the youth ranks of Premier League club Arsenal. Then, she spent 12 years managing Chelsea Women, with whom she won the FA Women’s Super League seven times, including five consecutive titles between 2019 and 2024.
After achieving her feat with the Blues, Hayes unexpectedly decided to take the helm of the USWNT. Hayes coached her first game for the USA on June 1, 2024, and within two months they had already claimed the Olympic gold medal, the fifth consecutive in the USA’s record.
Just a day after the narrow 1-0 victory over Brazil in the Olympic final, some voices began to reproach her for not choosing England over the USWNT. To all of them, Hayes responded that, despite everything, she is still a proud Englishwoman.
I feel lighter in the USA: Hayes
Six years after leaving Arsenal due to a career-ending ankle injury, Hayes began her career as a head coach with the Long Island Lady Riders of the USL W League. From 2003-2005, she managed the Iona Gaels of the NCAA, and from 2008-2010, she was at the helm of the Chicago Red Stars of the WPS.
Although the most successful phase of her career was coaching Chelsea from 2012 to 2024, American soccer has a special place in Hayes’ heart. “I’ve always found myself to be a little bit lighter when I’m in America. I don’t know why that is. Maybe my formative years working there have such an appreciation for the place,” she said in an interview with Sky News.
Despite everything, the coach remains proud of her English heritage and dedicated her recent triumph to her home country. “But don’t get me wrong, I’m a proud English woman today winning a gold medal, be it for another country,” said Hayes.
America gave her every opportunity
Despite her love for her homeland, Emma Hayes did not find the space there to grow in her profession. In the cradle of soccer, the women’s game has not received the attention it deserves, and that is why 20 years ago, she decided to leave “a pretty stuffy society”, to emigrate to the United States.
The coach recalled, “I went to America, and they looked after me, and they nurtured me and they opened doors for me and they gave me opportunities that England never ever gave me.”
Now, after winning the Olympic medal, Hayes said, “I’m just so happy, so happy, to repay that faith in me.” With her sights set on the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games, there is no doubt that the coach will have many more opportunities to continue giving back to the American fans.
