If there was one controversy that followed coach Emma Hayes during her Olympic run with the USWNT, it was her use of substitutes. Critics and fans alike didn’t hold back, calling her out for questionable substitution choices during crucial moments. But despite the chatter, every sub Hayes put on the field seemed to make a statement. Lynn Williams scored a stunning goal off the bench against the Netherlands, while Emily Sonnett’s versatility kept opponents guessing. Yet, behind Sonnett’s stellar performance was a whirlwind of uncertainty about her role on the U.S. Olympic squad.

Sonnett had to come to terms with spending most of her time on the bench throughout Team USA’s Olympic campaign. “I’ve never actually been a starter, so I felt like I knew my role going in was going to be off the bench,” Sonnett shared on her recent appearance on the Women’s Game podcast. When host and former USWNT star Sam Mewis pressed her about dealing with the uncertainty of her position, Sonnett revealed that her adaptability was her greatest asset.

“As a natural center-back, I knew my biggest role and the best thing for this team was to be able to play anywhere I was needed,” the Gotham FC star explained. Sonnett went on to say that she became so focused on the team’s success that she stopped caring whether she started or came off the bench. Her selflessness paid off, but Sonnett also admitted that the packed Olympic schedule left her little time to reflect on her journey with the USWNT.

As the dust settles on their Olympic campaign, fans are left wondering just how much more Sonnett could have shown, had she been given a greater opportunity to shine.

Emily Sonnett calls attention to the rigorous turnaround at the Olympics

In tournaments like the Olympics, athletes need time to reflect and analyze their performances to improve as they progress. But sometimes, the fast-paced nature of these competitions doesn’t allow for much introspection. For Emily Sonnett, the whirlwind schedule of the Olympic games left little room for self-reflection. “Since it was such a quick turnaround from each game, there wasn’t much time to be like, ‘Oh yeah, I did well for the team,’ because you’re always looking at the next job,” Sonnett shared.

At the Paris 2024 Olympics, the tight schedule demanded that Sonnett and her USWNT teammates go the extra mile to recover between back-to-back matches. She highlighted the importance of prioritizing mental health to thrive under the immense pressure of the Games. Meanwhile, coach Emma Hayes faced criticism for not making enough substitutions, adding another layer of complexity to the team’s dynamic. On one hand, there was the relentless Olympic timetable, and on the other, a coach who pushed her players to their limits.

Despite these challenges, Sonnett emerged as a standout for the USWNT, making a significant impact as a super substitute. Her ability to adapt and perform under pressure was instrumental in the team’s historic run in Paris, proving that even in the face of adversity, resilience and focus can lead to success.