Emma Hayes has been appointed head coach of the U.S. Women’s National Team and will take up the post in May, after the end of Chelsea’s current campaign.
U.S. Soccer President Cindy Parlow Cone told ussoccer.com: “Emma is a fantastic leader and world class coach who sets high standards for herself and for everyone around her. She has tremendous energy and an insatiable will to win. Her experience in the USA, her understanding of our soccer landscape and her appreciation of what it means to coach this team makes her a natural fit for this role and we could not be more pleased to have her leading our Women’s National Team forward.”
Hayes, who started her coaching career in the United States, said: “This is a huge honour to be given the opportunity to coach the most incredible team in world football history. The feelings and connection I have for this team and for this country run deep. I’ve dreamed about coaching the USA for a long time so to get this opportunity is a dream come true. I know there is work to do to achieve our goals of winning consistently at the highest levels. To get there, it will require dedication, devotion and collaboration from the players, staff and everyone at the U.S. Soccer Federation.”
“I understand how important this team is to the people and culture of the United States, not just the soccer community. I fully understand the place this team has in U.S. society. I’ve lived it. I remember being a young coach working my way up through the system in the U.S. and watching all those young girls aspire to play on the U.S. Women’s National Team. For me, the honour in building on that legacy is part of my motivation, no question.”
Interim head coach Twila Kilgore will continue in her role and then join Hayes’ staff full-time as an assistant coach.
