While Hayes was completing her marvelous tenure at English club Chelsea FC, interim boss Twila Kilgore collaborated with Hayes in introducing new players and giving heavier roles to young ones. Subtle changes marked the way the team performed. Confidence grew.So when she opened her first U.S. training camp here this week — the lead-up to her debut Saturday against South Korea — the 47-year-old Englishwoman made a point of learning more about her pupils as both players and people.
Defender Naomi Girma said Hayes arranged activities in large and small groups — “creating connections and understanding what motivates each of us.” “You can see a clear focus on how she wants us to play, how she wants us to act, the culture,” midfieldersaid. “There is a very clear intention in everything that she is doing with us. She is making it as clear as possible for us and being patient as well, knowing it’s going to be a process for everyone.”