Emma Hayes, head coach of the United States women’s national soccer team, is advocating for a fundamental shift in the approach to women’s soccer, emphasizing a holistic perspective that addresses the unique needs of female athletes at all levels of the sport. Speaking at U.S. Soccer’s new headquarters in Georgia, Hayes expressed her desire to move beyond treating women’s soccer as merely a derivative of the men’s game.

Hayes, who assumed her role shortly before the 2024 Olympics, outlined her vision through initiatives like the "WNT Way," a comprehensive framework currently being implemented ahead of the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil and the 2031 World Cup, expected to be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, Costa Rica, and Jamaica. Central to this vision is the recognition that women’s soccer requires tailored training, management, and development practices—elements often overlooked in the current system.

In September, Hayes convened the “herLENS” conference, which brought together approximately 300 participants from across the sport to discuss issues such as retention of young female players, the effects of menstruation and hormonal cycles on athletic performance, and training methods designed specifically for women. The event underscored the growing acknowledgment that performance and well-being in women’s soccer are closely linked to understanding biological and social factors unique to female athletes.

Hayes’s focus on player welfare draws on her extensive experience with Chelsea Women, where she began to investigate the impact of menstrual cycles on players’ performance. Her approach continued with the U.S. team, where she conducted surveys to better understand her players’ needs, fostering an environment of openness and support. Former U.S. player Crystal Dunn noted that Hayes’s emphasis on holistic care created a safe space for athletes to express concerns that were typically avoided, such as discomfort related to menstrual cycles.

The U.S. women’s team is currently preparing for two key matches against Spain, the reigning Women’s World Cup champions, as part of their build-up to upcoming World Cup qualifying rounds. Hayes stressed the importance of these matches, but reaffirmed that her broader mission extends beyond individual games to encompass transforming the entire ecosystem of women’s soccer.

U.S. Soccer President Cindy Parlow Cone highlighted the country’s unique position to lead international efforts in reshaping the women’s game. She emphasized the responsibility to foster not only greater participation but also a more developmentally appropriate and engaging environment for female players at every level.

As Hayes and U.S. Soccer pursue this ambitious agenda, their efforts could signal a new chapter in women’s sports, emphasizing both competitive success and the holistic development of athletes.