It was a day that would go down in history for Emma Hayes and the United States Women’s National Team (USWNT). On June 1, 2024, Hayes stepped onto the field as the official head coach for the first time, leading her team against South Korea in a friendly match at DSG Park in Denver, Colorado. The American women put on an impressive performance, with Mallory Swanson and Tierna Davidson scoring braces to secure a 4-0 victory.
Fast forward to today, June 26, 2025, and the 4-time world champions have returned to the very same field where they made their debut under Hayes’ leadership. This time, they are facing the Netherlands in the quarter-finals of the Women’s World Cup. As Hayes recalls the memories of her anxious debut, she makes an honest confession in the lead up to this new milestone.
The game against South Korea was a significant moment in Hayes’ coaching journey, as she took charge of the USWNT after the departure of the legendary Jill Ellis. Not only did she have big shoes to fill, but she also had to deal with the pressure of continuing the team’s dominance and success on the world stage. The friendly match against South Korea was a chance for her to test her strategies and tactics and see how the team would respond to her leadership.
And the USWNT did not disappoint. From the first whistle, they dominated the game, showcasing their trademark possession-based, attacking style of play. The combination of experience and talented youngsters proved lethal as Mallory Swanson and Tierna Davidson put on a clinic in front of goal. The fans at DSG Park were treated to a fantastic display of soccer, and Hayes’ debut ended on a high note with a convincing win.
But Hayes recalls feeling anxious and nervous before the game, as any new head coach would in their debut. In an interview after the match, she admitted, “I was a ball of nerves before the game. But as soon as the players stepped onto the field, everything just fell into place, and I knew that we were going to put on a strong performance.”
It was a crucial moment for Hayes and the team as they embarked on a new journey together. For the players, it was an opportunity to show their support for the new coach and her vision for the team. And for Hayes, it was a chance to prove that she was the right person for the job and capable of leading the USWNT to even greater heights.
Fast forward a year later, and Hayes and the USWNT find themselves in another pivotal moment. The quarter-final match against the Netherlands is a make-or-break game for both teams. The USWNT is looking to defend their title, while the Netherlands is determined to make a mark on the international stage. The stakes are high, and the pressure is on, but Hayes is ready for the challenge.
As she looks back on her debut in Denver, Hayes makes an honest confession, “I may have put on a brave face, but I was honestly anxious about making my debut as the head coach of such a prestigious team. But the unwavering support from the players and the fans made all the difference.”
Despite her nerves, Hayes’ debut as head coach was a success, and her honest confession only makes her more relatable as a leader. It shows that even the most experienced coaches have moments of doubt and fear, but what sets them apart is their ability to rise above it and deliver when it matters the most.
As the game against the Netherlands approaches, the USWNT will once again look to their trusted leader, Emma Hayes, to guide them to victory. And as the fans at DSG Park watch the legend herself on the sidelines, they will remember the anxious debut that brought them to this point and appreciate the journey that has led them here.
No matter what the outcome of this quarter-final match may be, one thing is certain, Emma Hayes has already left her mark as the head coach of the USWNT. Her debut will always be remembered as a milestone in the team’s history, and her honest confession only adds to her legacy. The future looks bright for the USWNT, and with Hayes at the helm, there’s nothing they can’t achieve.