US Soccer Appoints Emma Hayes as Head Coach of Women's National Team in Historic Deal
Emma Hayes, the successful manager of Chelsea FC women's team, has been appointed as the head coach of the US Women's National Team, marking a historic move This announcement comes alongside a groundbreaking record contract signed between Hayes and the US Soccer Federation
Chelsea FC's women's manager, Emma Hayes, has been appointed as the head coach of the US Women's National Team, as announced by the US Soccer Federation on Tuesday.
Hayes has achieved remarkable success during her 11-year tenure at Chelsea, earning her the title of 2021's Best FIFA Women's Coach and placing her as a finalist for the 2023 award.
Hayes referred to her upcoming move as a "tremendous privilege" in the recent announcement, stating that she is thrilled to take charge of "the most extraordinary team in the history of world football," as stated in a press release by US Soccer. The 47-year-old will be succeeding Vlatko Andonovski, who resigned in August following the US team's heartbreaking elimination in the round-of-16 of the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, where they were defeated by Sweden in a thrilling penalty shootout, putting an end to their hopes of achieving an unprecedented third consecutive victory.
US Soccer, which, in May 2022, reached a parity agreement with female players on pay, stated, without further clarification, that Hayes' contract positions her as the highest-paid coach in women's soccer worldwide. CNN has reached out to US Soccer for information regarding the specifics of Hayes' deal.
According to US Soccer Sporting Director Matt Crocker, "We firmly believed that Emma was the ideal candidate to lead the US Women's National Team to greater heights. Her unwavering passion for the sport, exceptional coaching skills, ability to unite players and staff, commitment to personal growth as a coach, and admirable qualities as an individual are all truly remarkable."
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Hayes is set to stay with Chelsea until the conclusion of their season next spring. According to US Soccer, interim head coach Twila Kilgore is anticipated to remain as the manager for the USWNT and will also join Hayes' team as an assistant.
Since arriving in August 2012, Hayes has achieved numerous triumphs in her role as manager of the Women's Super League club Chelsea. Her resume boasts six FA WSL championships, five Women's FA Cups, and two FA Women's League Cups.
"The depth of my emotions and bond with this team and country is profound. Coaching the USA has been a long-standing dream of mine, so being given this opportunity is truly a dream come true," expressed Hayes.
"I am aware that there is work ahead in order to consistently attain victory at the highest echelons. Achieving this will necessitate unwavering commitment, wholeheartedness, and collaboration from the players, staff, and all individuals involved with the US Soccer Federation."
This wont be the English womans first foray into coaching in the US. Hayes managed in the W-League, at Iona College, and in the Womens Professional Soccer league.
Vlatko Andonovski, the Head Coach of the USA, is seen observing the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group E match between the USA and Netherlands at Wellington Regional Stadium in Wellington, New Zealand on July 27, 2023. The photograph is attributed to Buda Mendes/Getty Images.
US women's head coach, Vlatko Andonovski, resigns following the team's elimination from the World Cup.
"I grasp the significance this team holds within US society. I have personally experienced it," she expressed. "I can vividly recall being a young coach, navigating my way through the American system, witnessing countless young girls dreaming of representing the US Women's National Team on the field."
Building on that legacy is a source of motivation for me, without a doubt. The USWNT, having won the World Cup four times, made history by not reaching the tournament's semifinals for the first time.
US Soccer anticipates Hayes to formally join the team approximately two months prior to the commencement of the 2024 Olympics in Paris. Before the Summer Games, she intends to oversee four preparatory matches with the USWNT.
Commencing on July 25, the Olympic soccer tournament for women, which the US has triumphed in on four occasions, will commence.
