The USWNT in Transition: Who Will Take the Leadership Mantle?
The United States women’s national soccer team, known as the USWNT, has been a breeding ground for strong leaders and recognizable stars throughout its four-decade history. However, the present situation presents a different picture. With coach Emma Hayes in charge, the team is experimenting with a young and inexperienced squad, preparing the way for the 2027 World Cup.
In a bold move, Hayes fielded the youngest team in 24 years against Brazil last month. Since his arrival in November 2023, he has called up 23 players for the first time. The inexperience is evident: fifteen players in the current squad have ten or fewer call-ups, and the three goalkeepers have only four combined.This generational shift marks a crucial moment. For the first time in a long time, there isn’t a prominent figure representing the team or serving as the main spokesperson.
Alex Morgan, Megan Rapinoe, and Becky Sauerbrunn, who played key roles in the last decade, leading the USWNT to consecutive World Cup victories and fighting for equal pay, have retired in the last 18 months.Sometimes, we just assume that everyone knows what the demands or standards are for a player on the United States women’s national team.
Emma Hayes
Generational transition is natural, but the level of change in this cycle is notable. Hayes has emphasized the need to transfer the essential values of work and effort, what she calls the “American DNA”, to this new group.
Last season proved that the changing of the guard was underway. Hayes, who took office in May, achieved the Olympic gold medal in August. Now, he has time to plan a long-term vision.
During the SheBelieves Cup in February, Hayes spoke with Lindsey Heaps, Crystal Dunn, Emily Sonnett, Lynn Biyendolo, Tierna Davidson, and Sam Coffey, exploring their leadership roles and how their teammates see them as leaders. Discussions were held on how to transmit work and effort values.
Your ideas are invaluable, and I rely on your learnings to help in this process.
Emma Hayes
Lindsey Heaps, with 165 call-ups, is the captain and the most experienced player, a passionate leader who organizes the team. She is one of the bridges to the previous generation. Only two players from the 2019 team are on the current roster: Heaps and Dunn.
Naomi Girma has been confirmed as the vice-captain. Both Girma and Heaps have had to take on more vocal roles.It just takes time.
Becky Sauerbrunn
The USWNT is the most famous women’s team in the world and the most successful in the history of women’s soccer.
Sauerbrunn’s generation fought for equal pay, which increased attention and scrutiny on the team. Sauerbrunn hopes the next generation won’t have to bear as much burden off the field, but recognizes it’s an inherent responsibility.
Sam Coffey, with 33 call-ups and captain of the Portland Thorns, is one of the emerging leaders. She adapts her leadership according to the team’s needs and relies on Sauerbrunn’s advice.
Rodman, Swanson, and Wilson, the forwards who led the USWNT to the Olympic gold medal, have been absent from the team since then, with the exception of one appearance by Rodman in April. Wilson and Swanson are on maternity leave, and Rodman is out with a back injury.
Rodman, 23, is emerging as a star who transcends sports. Sauerbrunn believes she could reach Rapinoe’s status. The media attention suggests she is already becoming the next big star of the USWNT. Her biggest challenge is staying healthy. She herself has said that her back might never be 100%.
Hayes, winner of the award for best female coach of the year, has used her platform to manage the pressure on the team, fostering patience while the group defines its identity.I think they’re seeing that this less experienced team is growing.
Emma Hayes
Who will be the next faces of the USWNT? The lack of an immediate answer is unusual, but not necessarily something that needs to be corrected. It’s part of the natural transition process.
