The USWNT player stories come out one by one and this time it’s Lynn Williams‘ turn to narrate. She is an experienced player among the young talents on the current USWNT roster. However, getting into Emma Hayes’ team was not straightforward. Consequently, she had her qualms in making the team without slight doubts creeping in.

Lynn came to The Women’s Game to describe becoming apprehensive about making the team. Likewise, the player suffered a thigh injury, which kept her out of some USWNT games. With Hayes coming to take over the reins, the players in the squad felt odd because of a new coach, new methods, and other factors that came into play. Moreover, she took over the camp, just two months before the Olympics. And Williams was fighting her own battles. Missing the pre-Olympics camp didn’t help, either.

Lynn Williams mentioned, “Yeah, I feel like this year, for me, has been very challenging. Like mentally, and having faith that everything’s going to work out. And so, obviously, I was injured in the camp before. Well, first, I wasn’t called into the camp before. And I also just happened to be injured. So even when I was called up, I couldn’t go. And that is very daunting, as you guys know.”

Usually, when the team heads for a major tournament, they have a camp to assess the players’ fitness levels and attitude before the tournament. When Vlatko Andonovski was the team’s coach, he had a settled lineup and Lynn Williams played a crucial role in the team. Her goals won multiple games and was the top player. Yet, everything flipped when Emma Hayes arrived, as the old guard felt shaky.

Lynn Williams doubted her place in the squad after Emma Hayes’ arrival

For a player who made 70 appearances for the USWNT, entry to the national team would be easy as it shows. Because Emma Hayes wanted the best and she had her own ways of setting up a team, some players remained concerned about their selection. One such player is Alex Morgan.

After USWNT’s legend, Morgan got the axe, Hayes took over the squad and stamped her authority. She preferred a rather fresh approach and selected players based on their current performances. Significantly, it worked wonders, as the USWNT won the Olympic gold medal. And guess what, Lynn Williams made the squad.

She appeared in two matches and even in the final to claim her Olympic gold medal. Hayes initially picked Williams as an alternative, but playing two games worked wonders for the NJ/NY Gotham FC attacker. Now 31, Williams aims to be in the squad, and with the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup arriving soon, she would want to stay in it for the distant future.

Her valuable experience can provide the edge for the USWNT in future competitions. Do you think she should remain in the squad? Let us know in the comments below.