A small glitch doesn’t define your future as the USWNT has proved it this year. The Stars and Stripes head to the 2024 Olympics in Paris under a new coach Emma Hayes, but with a lot of pressure to keep up their stature. Despite being without quite a few senior players this time, Hayes chose to go to the Olympics dropping one of the main strikers Alex Morgan. However, amid all the curiosity about what to expect considering the 2023 World Cup disappointment, captain Lindsey Horan has given a sneak peek into the team’s optimistic state of mind going forward.

Speaking on The Women’s Game podcast to Sam Mewis, USWNT has made a remarkable comeback despite their dismal 2023 World Cup performances according to Horan. She said, ” For me to see that and to see how far our teams have come just even from this past World Cup I think is the most important thing,” bringing back the focus on recent success.

However, articulating about the future she continued, “You guys all know that this Women’s National team holds a very high standard when we go into tournaments. We want gold, we want to win, but we know it’s a process and we know it starts here,” citing that aim to be the best still exists and the process has started.

The team had to exit the 2023 event after losing to Sweden on penalties in RO16. Regardless, the skipper is confident after the team’s recent displays. USWNT won the CONCACAF W Gold Cup and the SheBelieves Cup despite facing stiff challenges related to rivals and conditions.

However, the 2024 Olympics in France is expected to provide a tougher challenge with only top teams lined up in every game. In addition, unlike the World Cup, a team will potentially play six games within two weeks to earn a medal. On the other hand, coach Hayes already feels that the team has new horizons to reach for.

Emma Hayes propels USNWT to think differently

Already in transition, the USWNT moves to a new generation of stars. But, the team is expected to take a new approach under Emma Hayes. Earlier, Hayes discussed that more than winning the Olympics, it’s the team culture she wants to develop first. And recently she reiterated that the Stars and Stripes would not be basking in yesteryear’s glory. The former Chelsea manager communicated that the current USWNT will aim to create its own story without disregarding what the previous generations have done.

With 6 medals from the past including 4 golds, USWNT remains the most feared side in the upcoming competition. Along with Spain, these two teams enter the Olympics as the favorites to win the gold. With just under a week remaining, the team cannot wait to prove the critics wrong and regain its glory in France.