In the world of sports, few bonds are as powerful as that between a coach and a player. It’s a connection forged through the highs of victory, the heartbreak of defeat, and the relentless pursuit of improvement. For U.S. Women’s National Team star Sam Coffey, the relationship she shares with coach Emma Hayes goes beyond simple mentorship. Coffey’s recent experience during a challenging Olympic moment highlights just how transformative a coach’s influence can be when things don’t go as planned.

In a recent podcast, she talks about her Olympic journey, Coffey reflected on a pivotal moment when she received a yellow card and was suspended for the next match. She found herself overwhelmed with emotions, grappling with the weight of her role and the consequences of her actions. However, she soon realized that her coach, Hayes, wouldn’t allow her to dwell in self-doubt. Hayes’ message was straightforward yet impactful: “You have a job to finish, soldier, and you have to go finish it.” Coffey recalled thinking, “Okay—I’d literally go through a brick wall for this woman.”

This was precisely what Coffey needed. Emma Hayes’ tough love reminded her that emotions could wait; at that moment, the team required her full attention. “She was right,” Coffey noted. “Now was not the time for emotions; I could deal with those later. Right now, we had a job to finish, and it wasn’t done.” Hayes’s insistence on keeping a cool mind with a sense of duty pushed Coffey to push away any doubts.

Now, the USWNT is embarking on a new era under Hayes who has shown innovation and player development in recent matches against Iceland and Argentina. But what’s more? Let’s take a look. 

A woman with a plan- take a look at Emma Hayes’ bold moves and experiments with fresh talent

It’s clear—Hayes has a vision for the USWNT that’s forward-thinking, strategic, and exciting. She made a daring move with a significant rotation, featuring 10 lineup changes in the game against Argentina and introducing seven players to the USWNT over three matches. Her goal is to create a deeper, more adaptable roster for the 2027 World Cup.

Take a look at the results so far. Interestingly, in these games, 19-year-old Alyssa Thompson netted her first international goal, Naomi Girma added two goals, and newcomer Emma Sears both scored and assisted, achievements that have been rare in recent years. Hayes welcomed these changes to expand the player pool, bringing in fresh insights from her 12 successful years at Chelsea.

Also, despite a tight schedule, Hayes led the USWNT to an Olympic gold medal and used the October window to evaluate new talent and experiment with tactics. Hayes plans to expand the player pool with training and identification camps in January. This will give young players the chance to shine with seasoned veterans. By early 2025, she wants to establish a core team for the SheBelieves Cup. This will help shape the team’s identity for 2027. Hayes also aims to bridge the gap between youth and senior levels. She will do this by implementing U23 programming to make transitions smoother.

The road to 2027 starts now, and it’s going to be one wild ride. Will this new approach set a new standard for women’s soccer? Let us know in the comments!