Emma Hayes is bulking up her U.S. women’s national team staff just ahead of the Olympics, reportedly adding former Aston Villa head coach Carla Ward as an assistant.
According to the BBC, Ward has been given a role with multiple duties, including performance analysis and opposition scouting.
Hayes and Ward developed a close friendship during their time as coaches in the Women’s Super League. Hayes departed as Chelsea head coach at the end of the 2023-24 WSL season to take over the USWNT, while Ward stepped down as Villa head coach at the same time.
Announcing her departure from Villa, Ward said: “I now believe it is the right time for me to prioritize the other important things – such as my daughter and the rest of my family life.”
The USWNT will kick off its Olympics campaign on Thursday against Zambia, with further group-stage matches to come against Germany and Australia.
Hayes will look to lead the U.S. to its first gold medal since 2012.
[lawrence-related id=78489,78214,78198]