The Biggest Lesson Emma Hayes Learned From USWNT Stars- 'It's a Parallel Process'

Ahead of three international friendlies in one week, Emma Hayes prepares the U.S. Women's National Team for a challenging stretch. The USWNT will play two friendly matches against the Republic of Ireland.

Hayes has been in charge of the USWNT since May 2024 and has quickly delivered silverware. She guided the USWNT to winning the gold medal in the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. 

The USWNT's record under Hayes is 16 wins, two draws, and two losses. The two losses occurred this year: against Japan in the 2025 SheBelieves Cup and against Brazil in a friendly match played in April.

Despite the results, Hayes has been publicly open about a big lesson she learned from her players after a year in charge of the USWNT.

Hayes spoke in The Female Quotient Lounge at the 2025 Cannes Lions Festival about how the USWNT players interact with her during training and ahead of matches. 

What Emma Hayes Learned From the USWNT Players

When Emma Hayes was asked about what she had learned from her players in the USWNT, the head coach gave an interesting answer that may give an insight into other coaches.

Hayes' impressive record with Team USA showcases how her answer shows truth in her way of coaching.

Emma Hayes: "Listening to them [USWNT players], your players teach you so much. It's a collaboration... What I've learned is that you're on a journey with them, and that parallel process is one that goes hand and hand."

Hayes gave an example of how this collaboration between coaches and players works.

Emma Hayes: "There will be moments, I say, 'I want to change something there in the pocket. I get a sense she's [opponent] high on your right-hand side. Is that what is happening? Do you think if I plug in this, it would work?' 'Yes, coach or no coach. '"