Did you know? Back in January 2025, the United Soccer Coaches Convention took place, where sporting director Matt Crocker unveiled the “US Way.” Simply put, it outlined the next steps for all teams under the US Soccer Federation. So, it’s hard to deny that something exciting is in store for the Emma Hayes-led women’s national team. To break the ice—yes, it’s called “The USWNT Way.” But now that we’re in March, has it actually helped the players address their underlying issues?

A lot, to be honest. And it’s not coming from us, but actually from Hayes’ own disciple Lynn Biyendolo. Having taken part in the recent SheBelieves Cup campaign, the forward spilled beans on how the former Chelsea boss is implementing a program for the American ladies that is completely viewed through the ‘women’s focused lens.’

“It was such an interesting conversation that we were having,” Lynn began while speaking on the latest episode of The Women’s Game podcast. “When we speak of the women’s team, we have always compared it to the men’s. I know with equal pay, we want to be paid as much as them and that made sense in that moment. But there are some things that we compare to the men’s game that don’t really apply to us or actually like a hindrance to us,” added the 31-year-old.

Think of it this way; Physically or hormonally, both males and females function way differently from each other. Woman’s menstrual cycle, for instance, is one factor that tends to affect their on-pitch performances. This is exactly the kind of challenge in the women’s game that Hayes made her team understand. Talk about not only going outside the box but even beyond the tactical board!

Biyendolo revealed that Hayes even put together a special presentation to educate the players on the percentage of female coaches in the sport. The presentation even highlighted the decline in girls participating in sports at a certain age in the U.S. Of course, exploring ways to bridge that gap goes without saying. Additionally, it showcased the growth of women’s sports, emphasizing how the number of female viewers has increased over the years.

Honestly, one shouldn’t be surprised by whether all such things are actually a part of Hayes’ philosophy. In fact, forget it’s only about wins, losses, or winning tournaments; the 48-year-old is playing a role beyond the pitch. While it is a good sign, little does one has to accept that it is a long-term process!

Emma Hayes’ “USWNT way” blueprint isn’t a magic bullet!

Lynn Biyendolo discussed how Emma Hayes has introduced “morning screenings” as part of the team’s routine. Upon arriving at training, players are required to complete basic hydration, stretching, and strain tests. This process allows them to identify any physical discrepancies from day to day, helping to monitor their overall condition more effectively.

The Seattle Reign forward also highlighted the differences in sleep requirements between men and women, emphasizing that women generally need more rest. She questioned whether the early timing of these screenings could be adjusted to better suit the players’ needs. This, however, raises questions about whether the early timing of these screenings could be adjusted to better suit the players’ needs.

Additionally, Biyendolo highlighted concerns about training schedules, wondering if they are optimized for both male and female athletes. The USWNT veteran urged the need for scrutiny regarding supplements. She questioned whether researchers specifically test them on women or primarily on men. In short, they designed the entire women’s lens perspective to address such queries.

While Lynn has high hopes that it helps the USWNT’s case, she knows its’ not a quick fix. “I’m excited to see how this translates. Obviously, it’s not going to happen overnight but just to get everybody thinking about it,” concluded Biyendolo.

Regardless, who would have thought that Emma Hayes is not only focused on winning games but also creating such a safe space for players to tackle such underlying issues? Genius indeed!