Emma Hayes Advocates for Women's Health in Soccer at USWNT

At the U.S. National Team Training Center in Fayetteville, Georgia, Emma Hayes recounted a pivotal moment from her coaching career that reshaped her approach to women's soccer. In the 2016 FA Cup final, Hayes' Chelsea squad lost to Arsenal 1-0. Reflecting on the game, she later recognized that her players' hormonal fluctuations during their menstrual cycles impacted their performance, leading to a lack of coordination and reaction time. This revelation prompted Hayes to consider the broader implications of female physiology in sports, which she previously felt ill-prepared to address.

Hayes, who is open about her own experience with endometriosis, discovered a significant gap in knowledge regarding female athletes' health, as there was no specialized education available on the subject. She committed herself to normalizing discussions about women's health and investing in understanding these issues to enhance performance in soccer.

Since assuming the role of head coach for the U.S. women’s national team, Hayes has created an environment focused on integrating female physiology into training and competition. The U.S. team is preparing for the 2027 World Cup in Brazil and the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. Recently, they faced Spain in a friendly match, falling 2-0, but remain focused on qualification for upcoming tournaments.

Under Hayes, the team launched the second annual HerLens Conference, inviting 300 participants, including NWSL general managers and youth coaches, to engage in discussions about inclusivity and the unique challenges female athletes face. Hayes introduced the concept of "Female 360," which emphasizes a comprehensive understanding of a female player's experience both on and off the field. She views this initiative as a transformation that goes beyond winning games.

Hayes took over as head coach just weeks before the 2024 Paris Olympics, leading to a gold medal victory. Following this success, she sought feedback from players and coaches to refine her approach to women's soccer. Her methodology focuses on recognizing the distinct needs of female athletes, from nutritional requirements to equipment design. Hayes emphasizes that understanding these differences is vital to optimizing performance.

U.S. midfielder Sam Coffey acknowledged this paradigm shift, describing it as an eye-opening experience that helped her recognize biases in the sport. Coffey and her teammates benefit from Hayes' tailored approach to training, which considers various factors affecting female players. The National Training Center serves as an incubator for new ideas, aimed at extending these principles to youth clubs and communities nationwide.

The U.S. Soccer Federation supports Hayes' mission to redefine women's soccer, particularly in light of the 2031 World Cup co-hosted by the U.S. Hayes aims for the team to continue being a model for progress in women's sports, building on a legacy of advocacy for equal pay and representation.

The positive impact of Hayes' initiatives is evident among players, who report increased confidence and openness regarding their health. Georgie Bruinvels, the team's female health and research innovation lead, plays a crucial role in personalizing support based on players' needs, including monitoring their menstrual cycles.

With the potential for a competitive edge through this focused approach, Hayes remains committed to sharing insights and knowledge across the sport. "I want every little girl and woman to feel that this is more than just playing the game," she stated. "We can impact society in a profound way."