It’s not easy being Emma Hayes. From managing a college team to winning countless trophies with Chelsea, the English tactician has put in more than just blood, sweat, and tears to reach where she is today. Now, she is living her best life with the USWNT, which also seems to have increased her ‘likeness.’

Admit it, US soccer fans: there has been a different atmosphere within the women’s team ever since the former Blues manager arrived in the States. After just a couple of months of training the team, they came back from Paris with gold medals around their necks. But it’s not just the team’s transition that sets Hayes apart—it’s the personal transformation within the 48-year-old tactician.

“The thing I noticed about Emma Hayes since she’s become the USWNT coach, is her hair is shinier and bouncier,” remarked renowned commentator Christine Cupo on the recent CBS Sports Morning Footy show. “I feel like she did all the hard work at Chelsea, and now she can just like [relax]. The vibe is all exuberant,” added Cupo, insisting there is a bit of ‘likeness‘ about the English tactician.

Agreed. Be it laughter-filled press conferences or her own players heaping praise about her in all different ways, it sure looks like everything surrounding Hayes has changed. In fact, one who has been following the London-born manager since her WSL days may feel the difference she has shown ever since taking the USWNT job.

Not to mention that the States holds a special place in her heart, she once boldly claimed, “America means more to me than most people realize… I went to America; they looked after me, nurtured me, opened doors for me, and they gave me opportunities that England never ever gave me.”

No wonder her never-before-seen side seems to have come out as a USA manager. It’s good that fans are in luck, as they’ll be enjoying Emma’s presence for at least the next four years. That reminds us, how has the domestic-to-international transition been for Hayes?

Emma Hayes will look to ‘maximize’ opportunities despite sporadic meet-ups with the USWNT players

In the domestic stage, Hayes had the habit of being in constant touch with the players. However, such isn’t the case on the international front, which makes it seem like the 48-year-old must have faced issues over transitioning. However, that hasn’t been the case at all.

“I often say that coaching internationally is like being a grandparent, where you get them for ten days and you get to enjoy the qualities of the players, and then you send them back to their parent club,” remarked Hayes.

Even though it means the relationship building is significantly different, she still enjoys her job. “Because you don’t have games as often, you have to plan your time really, really well and maximise the opportunities when you are together, because you just don’t have that many chances to practice and rehearse. But it’s [a job] I’m really, really enjoying,” concluded Emma during her interview with FIFA after being named The Best FIFA Women’s Coach 2024.

These words are enough to suggest that Emma Hayes is having a blast while living the American dream. Let’s hope it stays that way.