They say, “Every ending is a new beginning,” but for Alyssa Naeher, stepping away from the USWNT was as much about clarity as it was about courage. In a candid moment on The Women’s Game podcast, Alyssa Naeher shared how an honest conversation with USWNT coach Emma Hayes made her decision to retire from international soccer not only easier but also deeply affirming.

Naeher, a two-time World Cup champion and a cornerstone of the U.S. defense for over a decade, approached Hayes during the team’s camp in Austin with an open heart. “I told her, We had a big year. I’m 36, and I’ve got decisions to make.” She mentioned her retirement to Emma as she played a significant role in her decision.

Naeher admitted she entered the conversation at peace with her choice to step away. “The only thing that would’ve changed my mind is if Emma said, please no-no.” That would’ve made it harder for Naeher, but in her heart, she knew it was the right thing to do.

Hayes, known for her leadership, handled the discussion with grace. Instead of urging Naeher to reconsider, she was supportive and generous in her praise. “She was complimentary of the career I’ve had,” Naeher said. “She asked, ‘How can we make this special for you? How can we help you with this transition?’”

That thoughtful and empowering response helped Naeher clear her doubts. The conversation was less of a goodbye and more of a tribute to her legacy. For Naeher, who has been the pillar of dependability, the transition was bittersweet. It wasn’t easy to bid adieu to the international stage, but it became manageable through Hayes‘ empathy.

As she moves on with the Ch͏icago Re͏d Stars, Naeher st͏arts a new chap͏ter with no ͏re͏gret. Her conversation with ͏Hayes was an authentic example of thoughtful leadership, showing that even goodbyes can be cel͏ebrated.͏

Alyssa Naeher bids farewell to the USWNT after 15 glorious years

As they say, “All good things must come to͏ an end,” and for Alyssa N͏aeher, her 15 years with the U.S. women’s ͏national team w͏ould͏ e͏nd͏ on͏ a bittersweet not͏e. The veteran goa͏lke͏eper Naeher announced her re͏tirem͏ent from͏ international play, th͏us closing th͏e b͏ook on 15 year͏s͏ filled with rec͏ord-busting ͏performances ͏and͏ un͏y͏ie͏lding resilience.

Naeher’s international career is a tale of triumph. Her final matches will take place in Europe, where the USWNT will face England at Wembley Stadium on Nov. 30 and the Netherlands at Bingoal Stadium on Dec. 3. These games will serve as a fitting farewell for a player who has dedicated herself to the crest.

“Having the opportunity to be part of USWNT for the last 15 years has truly been the greatest honor,” Naeher said in a heartfelt statement. She showed appreciation to her teammates, coaches, and her family by setting at the forefront the relationships and memories that would forever be a crucial part of her life.

While she is taking her last step from the international scene, Naeher hasn’t finished her soccer journey yet. She recently signed a one-year contract extension with the Chicago Red Stars, committing to club soccer for one more year.

As Alyssa Naeher shifts her focus from international play to her club career, her legacy continues to inspire. A pioneer in goalkeeping and a supportive teammate, she sets a high standard of excellence both on and off the field.