Emma Hayes, the head coach of the United States women’s national soccer team, recently declared that soccer is on track to become the country’s top sport, overtaking baseball, basketball and American football.
Having arrived in the United States in 2002 to lead the amateur side Lady Riders, Hayes has spent more than two decades immersed in the American soccer ecosystem, moving through storied clubs such as the Chicago Red Stars, Washington Freedom, Western New York Flash and, most recently, Chelsea.
Her extensive résumé includes stints with some of the most visible platforms in the sport, giving her a front‑row view of how the game’s infrastructure has expanded from modest beginnings to a multi‑billion‑dollar landscape.
Hayes points to the rapid development of youth and grassroots programs as the foundation of the surge, noting that more children are picking up a ball than ever before, and that those early experiences are translating into a deeper fan base.
She also highlights the growing professional footprint, citing the increasing attendance figures and television deals that surround both the National Women’s Soccer League and Major League Soccer, which she says are reshaping how Americans consume the sport.
Beyond numbers, Hayes stresses the importance of relationships, honesty and consistency with her players, and she credits her family — especially her children and mother — for keeping her grounded amid the rising pressure.
Looking ahead to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, she believes that the heightened attention will not only boost the women’s game but also reinforce the broader momentum that could propel soccer to the summit of American sports.
The Path to Dominance
Adaptability, she says, is the secret sauce; coaches must evolve with the game, embrace new tactics and listen to the changing dynamics of the locker room.