“I’m jealous, I wish I was in that position.” This was Lynn Williams’ reaction upon seeing Crystal Dunn selected ahead of her in the USWNT‘s forward pool for the 2024 Paris Olympics—an understandable sentiment, especially considering the competition that exists to make the cut in the national team. While many may call this envy a bit toxic, Sam Mewis has come in defense of Williams, insisting she hasn’t ‘got the recognition that she deserves.’

It’s not like the NJ/NY Gotham FC star was snubbed by Emma Hayes during the recent Summer Games over her other comrades; even the English tactician has never failed to give the forward her deserved changes. One can also say that it was for the best that Lynn made her way into the squad. While that’s something for us to discuss later, the current scenario sees Mewis take a stand for her former USA teammate.

The USWNT icon claims that many have often underestimated Williams, who most recently managed to clinch a remarkable feat of breaking the all-time scoring record across all the competitions. That only had to emit more praise from Mewis’ mouth. “Lynn works so hard,” began the former defender on the 140th podcast episode of the Laughter Permitted With Julie Foudy, also a former US international.

“I don’t think she always got the recognition that she deserves…She just keeps scoring goals,” added Mewis, insisting that Willams has always managed to stand up for her teammates even on one leg. Interestingly, that was one of the qualities that even Foudy underlined. The retired midfielder admitted watching Lynn in action which always brought just one thought in her mind: “Oh my god, Lynn Williams is always there and ready.”

Well, this is something that we aren’t surprised to hear; Williams always seemed to have a ‘never-give’ attitude. Back when her name wasn’t called up by Emma Hayes for the Olympics (because she was sidelined due to injury), she took matters into her own hands by calling the English tactician directly as she had feared her spot in the final selection was at risk.

During the conversation, as she tried to make her case, Williams said, “You haven’t seen me there and you can’t see me now because I am still injured. But don’t write me off because I will be ready come the Olympics.” Well, of course, this worked, as a week later, Lynn received a call to join the squad in France. However, there was a catch: the Gotham forward was included as an alternate, one of the four extra players in the 22-player roster.

In a twist of fate, Catarina Macario suffered an injury at the last moment, allowing Lynn to move into the main squad, with Emily Sams stepping in as an alternate. The rest is history, as it only saw Hayes make an acknowledgment like no other for Williams.

Emma Hayes never doubted Lynn Williams despite initial snub

Lynn Williams began her redemption story in spectacular fashion, showcasing her experience as an Olympian. She netted a crucial second-half goal during the USWNT’s commanding 4-1 victory over Germany on the Olympic stage. The forward also made an appearance in the final against Brazil. Her standout performances, particularly breaking her scoring drought, earned well-deserved praise from Emma Hayes.

“A player who epitomizes everything you want in a squad, someone who cares, someone who trains with great intensity, someone who’s intentional, and everything she does is deserving of what she got tonight. She doesn’t give up on herself but most importantly, she’s the best teammate you could possibly have,” Hayes said in an interview earlier.

Even after the Olympics, the former Chelsea boss had called up Williams for a few international fixtures, indicating that despite the 31-year-old being in the final stages of her career, Emma Hayes is ready to count on her. Talk about recognition!