“If the United States comes up girl, are you going to take it? I was like ‘yes, dad’,” mentioned Emma Hayes before her father, Sid, passed away. Fast forward 12 years from London, Hayes led the USWNT to a stunning gold medal at the Paris Olympics. After dropping the nation’s icon, Alex Morgan, the English coach faced criticisms from the soccer fraternity. Yet, it proved to be a Midas touch. Well, all the credit goes to her late father.

He and his daughter witnessed the USWNT team winning gold at the 2012 London Olympics. Thereafter, the urge to coach the USWNT remained high; however, with multiple roadblocks ahead.

Emma Hayes credits late father for the USWNT job

After the historic gold medal victory, Hayes spoke emotionally about taking up the demanding role. According to BBC Sport, she mentioned, “This time last year my dad was dying. I didn’t think that I had the courage to come and do this. This team has embraced me and welcomed me into their family and allowed me to lead them. Honestly, it’s the greatest moment in my professional career.” 

But, she almost turned her job down!

It all came up in 2012 when the USWNT defeated Japan 2-1 to claim their fourth gold medal. In front of an Olympic record attendance (80,203) at Wembley, Hayes sat with her dad amidst a sabbatical for two years. Later, she led Chelsea to a stunning 16 major titles in 12 years embracing the English sunshine at its brightest. At that point, the USWNT started struggling to claim the gold after 2012. Sweden, silver medallists from Rio 2016, knocked out the USWNT in the quarterfinals of that Olympics. Tokyo was not good either!

They only claimed a bronze medal after a stunning comeback in the game to defeat Australia 4-3 in 2020. With Hayes deciding to leave Chelsea last year, the USWNT pounced on her, to reclaim their golden days. But at that moment, her father passed away. Yet, after his funeral, Hayes imagined her father’s voice saying, “You’ve got to go that interview girl,” according to Forbes.

It led to a fifth gold medal in Paris!

Hayes’ dreams come true!

Shoved with criticism regarding inexperienced younger players or even her substitution methods, Hayes delivered USWNT to the promised land, yet again. Mallory Swanson scored the winning goal in the 57th minute after receiving a through ball in the box from Korbin Albert. She took it gracefully and fired it into the back of the net, defeating Brazil 1-0.

A delighted Swanson claimed, “We’ve grown so much. We’re having so much fun and I’m just so happy.” All in all, it turned out to be amazing for Hayes. She has further enhanced her reputation of becoming one of the best coaches in the modern era. And thanks to her late father’s pep-talk, Hayes remains locked in.

One must say, the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup will be the next target!