Spend a training session with Emma Hayes, in a matter of seconds, you will see and hear just how locked in, intentional, and brilliant her soccer brain is. They say elite soccer players’ minds are wired differently than those of other people, and the same holds true for the highest level of coaches vs. regular coaches.
There’s been research done on an elite soccer players' brains and the findings include three traits: responsiveness, the speed at which you do things, and the amount of information you can memorize. INDIVISA examines Hayes’ elite soccer intellect, straight from her former and current players and staff, breaking down her mindset, coaching, and approach to the game.
Lindsey Horan on learning from Hayes
As someone who believes soccer must be played beautifully, Horan has similar expectations on how the game should be coached.
“I always want to see how a coach speaks to the team. How they can gain integration right away and get the players listening,” Horan told GOAL. “She came in and you saw a real leader and a real coach – and someone who also cared a lot. You want to see the players listening and, with Emma, you sit up in your seat because you're so intrigued and inspired.”
Horan also appreciates the knowledge she can gain from a coach at this stage in her career. She doesn’t feel she's done learning, and relishes talking Xs and Os with someone who eats, sleeps, and breathes the game.
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"That was like the most exciting thing to me because, like, the way she speaks, the way she teaches the meetings, the culture, the questions she asks, the advice, the speeches - you can learn and you can take so much from all that," Horan said. "I'm just so excited for myself, but also for this team. We need that and, especially in this time period, new cycle and everything, it's really, really special.”
Sam Coffey on Hayes' ‘rare combination’
“I think she has the rare combination of a coach that is both clear and honest and direct and holds you accountable," she said, "while also, I think, deeply caring for you as a person and as a human being off the field.”
It may be something about Hayes’ banter that makes her so relatable to almost everyone who comes in contact with her, but for a player to have that in a coach is a rarity.
“I think when you have both, that's a coach that a lot of players want to play for and fight for," she says, "and I think it's safe to say that that's the case on this team. So I'm personally really enjoying learning from her, and I'm excited just to continue to lean into that process.”
Sophia Smith’s on trust Hayes inspires
“With Emma coming in, we’ve learned a lot, we've grown a lot and we’ve introduced a lot of new things that I think will help us find success in this tournament,” Smith said ahead of Olympics. “Emma is everything I heard she was in the best way possible. She creates such a welcoming environment and lets every player be exactly who they are off and on the field. I think Emma has the best balance of being a really fun person, connecting with us as people, and pushing us as players.”
That connection is factor Hayes prioritizes, and is part of what makes her soccer mind so brilliant. She's keenly aware that fostering a cohesive team, valuing everyone and being fans of the people that make up the team is vital.
Obviously, there are specific coaching techniques and skills involved - you have to know how to break down teams, how to get your players better - but there’s also that ability to connect with your team on a personal level that allows self expression to flow freely on the pitch.
Hayes on remaining team-focused
Hayes’ coaching experience dates back to 2001 when she was a youth soccer camp coach in Long Island. She went on to coach the Long Island Lady Riders in the USL W-League from 2001-2003 and stayed in New York to coach Division 1 soccer at Iona College.
Hayes’ coaching journey is all over the pond, different levels, different roles, and in different countries. That depth of experience and breadth of insight are significant parts of what makes her so gifted in what she does and sees on the field.
Hayes continued her coaching career as an assistant coach for Arsenal FC women’s team before eventually returning to the U.S. to coach the Chicago Red Stars in 2008. After her stint in Chicago, Hayes went to Chelsea FC women where she managed the team for 12 incredible years and won the FA Women’s Super League seven times.
How did she do it? If you get Hayes talking about soccer you’ll hear some Arsène Wenger in her voice, with the way that she sees fluid attacking football.
“Flexibility is what happens in a game,” Hayes said ahead of the Olympics. “So for me, as a starting point it’s to look at the opponent and look at our playing style, our principles, and then what tweaks to make to exploit that opponent.
“I’m only interested in us.”
She went on to talk about how the state of the game is constantly evolving, and how teams must adapt, but all the while keeping a laser focus on the team’s values, principles, and goals.
"I think the team is where the team is supposed to be, I don't focus on any of the things that I can't control," she said. "I feel satisfied that we have achieved what we have so far, keep building the connections and confidence.”
Hayes on having a winning mindset
It’s no secret that Hayes believes her fellow staff members are an extension of her, and when Hayes got hired by US Soccer, she was joined by three staff members from her Chelsea side.
On the sideline with Hayes are Denise Reddy, Stuart Searle, and Bart Caubergh. Each of these coaches bring a wealth of knowledge, and diverse skills to the team. Hayes surrounds herself with people who think of the game in a similar attacking way that she does, but also knows she needs to play with a lockdown defense, outside backs that can play inverted, and a midfield that can adapt on the fly.
“These are people who care deeply about the players," Hayes said, "and will provide them all the tools, knowledge and support to help them play at their best while working together towards common goals."
That's the thing about Hayes and the people she keeps around her – they all share a winning mindset. And what's behind that winning mindset? That brilliant soccer mind.