Emma Hayes shares how leaving Chelsea reshaped her career with USWNT

Emma Hayes is indeed an icon in the field of women's soccer. The tantalizing phase in her career has turned a corner. After calling time on a Chelsea reign that broke barrier after barrier across ten-plus years, Hayes now finds herself at the helm of the USWNT. It's brought a renewed sense of joy and purpose to the daily grind. "I've regained my motivation, my smile, and my happiness, which I didn't even realize I had lost," she admitted during a recent press conference.

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With these words, Hayes underlines what her new role has meant so far from every perspective, personal and professional. She admits without any problems that the last years at Chelsea were exhausting and that she was always under such stress, leaving her unwell. Now she feels lighter, happier, eager for this new adventure, starting with the friendly against England at Wembley.

The Chelsea Exit: Between Success and Burnout

After 12 successful years managing Chelsea, Hayes decided to close a chapter that, though filled with achievements, had also come at a high personal cost. Her final moments at the club were overshadowed by feelings of stress and physical and emotional exhaustion, worsened by her going through menopause in such an exacting environment. "I definitely didn't feel healthy at the end," Hayes admits, explaining how this relentless routine left her vulnerable.

This final chapter does not belittle her contribution to Chelsea's history, but it underlines that even the most successful bosses are not immune in high-level sports management.

A Fresh Start with USWNT

Now at the helm of the USWNT, Hayes accepted a new challenge under circumstances that have allowed her to actually put both the team and her own well-being first. In charge of the rebuilding process after the disappointing 2023 World Cup, Hayes not only guided the team to Olympic gold in 2024 but also supplied American soccer with new energy.

What is most compelling about this shift is how Hayes was as candid as could be about being scared and anxious because of this new pace. "I was scared about how this new pace would affect me," she said. But instead of letting uncertainty rule her, Hayes turned the spotlight on what was positive: She could now take greater time for herself, her family, and her health. "I can breathe, take my son to school, go to the gym. I no longer sacrifice the things that make me feel healthy.

Facing England: A Special Reunion

The upcoming Wembley match against England brings up a different kind of challenge for Hayes, as she faces a team under the guidance of Sarina Wiegman, a coach she respects very much. More than just a game, it's a re-encounter with her roots, as Hayes will face players she helped mold during her Chelsea tenure, including former captain Millie Bright.

Now representing another country, Hayes conceded the national anthems would be a wave of emotions. "I'll hum along to both anthems because I love them both. But when the game starts, it's all business," she said, underscoring her competitive mindset is as sharp as ever.

Off the Field: An Ally

Hayes used the news conference to come to the defense of her former player Sam Kerr, who announced this week she is expecting a child with Kristie Mewis. Although news of the child's forthcoming arrival was received as joyous, Kerr and Mewis have been subject to homophobic abuse online. "Sam is going to be an incredible mother. It's not shocking to hear about the abuse, but it's unacceptable, " said Hayes.

It is with such influence and years of experience that Hayes keeps being an agent of change with issues extending beyond soccer into broader social conversations.

Personal and Professional Renewal

With a résumé stocked with trophies and individual awards, such as the Ballon d'Or Coach of the Year, Hayes could have easily hung her hat on it. Rather, she has challenged herself by entering into uncharted territory-very few would dare to do so after their achievements. The most inspiring aspect of her journey isn't about all the titles she has won; rather, it's that she dared to know her limits, reshuffle her priorities, and find a way of achieving balance.

And she takes that into the field. Under her leadership, the USWNT has not only regained its competitive edge but also benefited from a coach who understands the importance of mental and physical well-being in the high-pressure world of elite sports.