In City No. 4, during Victory No. 5, U.S. women’s national team head coach Emma Hayes gathered her players for a lesson on “pain caves” after a grueling quarterfinal match and before a semifinal. She showed them a video of ultramarathoner Courtney Dauwalter, who talked about pushing through mental and physical barriers to keep going. Hayes emphasized the importance of mental strength in their upcoming match against Germany, likening it to an ultramarathon where the mind takes over when the body can’t go on.
The USWNT players could have complained about their tough schedule, hot weather, or lack of substitutions, but Hayes wanted them to embrace the suffering and challenges they faced. She believed that enduring tough situations together would build chemistry and a collective will within the team. Despite only being in charge for a short time, Hayes wanted to see her players push through difficult moments and show their true character.
In the semifinal against Germany, the USWNT players struggled but kept fighting, eventually scoring the only goal of the game. Hayes encouraged them to dig deeper and suffer a little longer, pushing them to their limits. Her focus on mental toughness and building a strong team dynamic sets her apart as a manager, emphasizing the importance of psychological strength over tactical changes. The players recognized the impact Hayes had on the team, praising her humor and leadership qualities above all else.
“And I think that’s exactly what we needed,” Hayes reflected.
Hayes is known for her ability to mix humor with toughness. She pushes her players, sometimes using strong language, but also supports them and allows them to be themselves. “I don’t carry pressure around,” Hayes stated. “I enjoy being with the girls. We have created a psychologically safe environment for all of us.”
She can be unconventional at times. Before a Champions League semifinal against Chelsea, she showed her players a video of a UFC fighter repeating, “I’m the best.” Hayes has also arranged for Holocaust survivors to meet with the players and has even discussed geese and referenced conceptual art. After an incident where she pushed Arsenal coach Jonas Eidevall, Hayes recited lines from a Robert Frost poem in response to the controversy.
So, in Lyon on Monday, Hayes drew inspiration from Dauwalter, a renowned 39-year-old trail-running expert.
And the next day, her players were hard at work.
Now, they are preparing for the final on Saturday in Paris against Brazil. With just one extra day between games, they will continue to work hard for a shot at the gold medal.
“It’s tough,” Smith admitted. “But it’s definitely worth it.”