Belief, freedom, fun: U.S. soccer stars reveal why Emma Hayes was the key to gold at Paris 2024:
According to her players, those are the main factors that have contributed to Emma Hayes’ championship-winning debut as head coach of the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team (USWNT).After less than two months in her new position, the Englishwoman helped the United States win the Olympic football gold medal at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, defeating Brazil 1-0 in the process.
- The players feel that the arrival of the British coach was the impetus behind their achievement, as it put an end to their 12-year wait for another title at the Games.American women’s national team forward Sophia Smith exclusively told Olympics.com, “I think this [gold] is just the start for us.”
- “Emma deserves a lot of the credit for helping us finally find our footing—I know we’ve had our fair share of ups and downs.We only needed a little bit of guidance, but I think she has come in and helped us rediscover who we already thought we were.”
- Teammate Naomi Girma agrees, attributing their title-winning effort to their freedom to go against the grain.The defender remarked, “I think she just came in and allowed us to be ourselves and play freely and express ourselves.”
“I think our group is fantastic, and having that freedom allowed us to come together quickly and work well together.”How “world’s best” The USWNT is led by Naomi Girma.Why the USWNT’s journey to a gold medal in Paris 2024 is just beginning
The “hidden” aspect of the USWNT’s achievements
- Trinity Rodman, a pillar on the right wing, claims that there is a part of Hayes’s coaching that is invisible.When it comes down to it, she is all business and takes her work seriously, but she also encourages her players to have fun.
- Hayes is bringing joy to this side again, whether it’s on the field or in training.
- The 22-year-old told us, “I think it was huge for us, but I think the fun aspect goes a little bit unseen in sports.”
- “There is always dancing, there is always fun, and there is always music blasting [by designated team DJ Crystal Dunn] during training sessions and on game days.
- “I believe that unity and togetherness contribute to our success.”
- On the field, that kind of camaraderie and solidarity was evident as the current generation of American stars succeeded alongside one another.
- The player that won the match against Brazil, Mallory Swanson, said, “When a coach believes in you, it goes a long way.”
- Emma just said, “Play with joy and have fun,” and you could see that’s precisely what we did.
- “Off the field, we’re just best friends, and that comes through on the field.”
- Hayes is humble in her greatness, even when her players are praising her.
- From her perspective, the winning formula was already established; all she had to do was “facilitate” things.
- “I believe that [winning gold] is a culmination of the team and the journey it was already on,” Emma said.
- “I simply in and assisted in facilitating what was already under development.
We had a great tournament, and this team is incredibly versatile.