Hayes brings back competitive nature
One of the most important parts of Hayes’ tenure thus far is the way she has brought a level of competitiveness back to the squad. Places are no longer guaranteed based on notoriety; they have to be earned on the pitch.
Among her first moves as USWNT boss was excluding someone like Alex Morgan from the Olympic roster for Paris 2024. It took guts but it sent a very clear message.
The result? One of the most competitive camp environments in recent memory, according to captain Lindsey Heaps.
“It’s the most competitive environment that I’ve ever been a part of, and that’s been through years and years and years,” she told reporters recently, as cited by CBS.
“That’s what makes it one of the best teams in the world for so long — to have that depth, to have these new young players coming through and absolutely killing it… the balance of experienced and new players is really important.”
Speaking specifically on Hayes’s impact, Heaps added: “I think she has been absolutely awesome in that [creating a competitive squad] but also giving confidence to everyone to go and do their thing and know that they’re here for a reason.”
Sixteen debuts alone in 2025 only reaffirms this, it is the most in a single calendar year since the start of the U.S. soccer program.
Nothing is ever certain – everyone will be afforded a chance.