USWNT's Emma Hayes Calls Deion Sanders 'Someone I Really Admire' After Meeting

As Emma Hayes gains her bearings as the head coach of the U.S. women's national team, she made time to meet with a coaching legend—but not one who coaches soccer.

Hayes, who was named head coach in November, met with Colorado football coach Deion Sanders this week as the team was in Colorado for an international friendly against South Korea. Per The Athletic's Melanie Anzidei, Hayes took it upon herself to set up the meeting.

"The girls (on the USWNT team) asked me afterward, 'Did you know who he who he was?' And I said, 'I was the one who set it up,'" Hayes said. "He is someone I really admire."

Hayes said she spoke to Sanders about caring for others and doing the things they love. She also admitted that she was "fangirling" meeting the Pro Football Hall of Famer.

Hayes led the USWNT in their first match of her tenure on Saturday against South Korea. She spent the last 12 years leading Chelsea in Women in the Women's Super League. Under her direction, Chelsea finished at the top of the Champions League eight times, including five consecutive seasons from 2019 to 2024.

Now, she takes on a new task of coaching the U.S. Women's National Team. After her initial match against South Korea on Saturday, Hayes and the USWNT will have a handful of international friendly matches before competing in Copa América starting in June. In July, they will compete in the Paris Olympics.