# Sam Coffey: Why Emma Hayes Believes ‘They Don’t Make Players Like Her Anymore’

The journey of **Sam Coffey** from a World Cup omission to a cornerstone of the U.S. Women’s National Team is a testament to her resilience, tactical intelligence, and an old-school mentality that has new head coach Emma Hayes singing her praises. Just over a year after the profound disappointment of being left off the 2023 World Cup roster, the Portland Thorns midfielder has not only secured her spot but has become one of the first names on the teamsheet, embodying the “next woman up” spirit that defines the new era of the USWNT. Her transformation into a leader and midfield general has been swift, decisive, and absolutely essential for a team in transition.

### From World Cup Disappointment to Olympic Glory

For any elite athlete, missing out on the sport’s biggest tournament is a crushing blow. For the then 24-year-old Coffey, the 2023 World Cup snub was an event that she admits indelibly changed her. Raised in a family of journalists in Sleepy Hollow, New York, and a journalism student herself, Coffey possesses an inquisitive and analytical nature. Instead of letting the setback define her negatively, she used her problem-solving demeanor to dissect her game, identify areas for growth, and channel her frustration into fuel.

She returned to her club, the Portland Thorns, with renewed focus. Having been the 12th pick in the 2021 NWSL Draft, Coffey had already tasted success, winning an NWSL Championship in her 2022 rookie season. But the period after the World Cup saw her elevate her performance to a new level. She became the unquestioned leader and, eventually, the captain of the Thorns, commanding the midfield with authority and consistency. This club-level dominance did not go unnoticed. When Emma Hayes took the helm of the USWNT, she was looking for players with grit, intelligence, and reliability—qualities Sam Coffey had in spades. Her subsequent selection to the 2024 Olympic roster was not just a comeback; it was a validation of her relentless hard work and unwavering character.

## The Tactical Genius of Sam Coffey

Emma Hayes’s glowing assessment that “they don’t make players like Sam Coffey anymore” points to the midfielder’s unique and vital role on the pitch. At her core, Coffey is a traditional ball-winning No. 6. She is the anchor, the shield for the backline who excels at breaking up opposition attacks, winning 50/50 duels, and providing a calm, steady presence in the chaos of the midfield. Her game is built on positional discipline and an innate understanding of space and timing.

However, under Hayes, her role is evolving. The new coach has challenged Coffey to expand her game beyond that of a pure destroyer. By deploying her in a double pivot, often alongside another defensively-minded player like the prodigious 19-year-old Claire Hutton, Hayes is pushing Coffey higher up the pitch. This tactical tweak forces her to be more involved in possession, contribute to the build-up play, and even join the attack. The results have been immediate and impressive. Long considered a defensive specialist, Coffey has added a goal-scoring threat to her arsenal, finding the net twice in recent friendlies and demonstrating a new dimension to her play. She is the glue that binds the defensive and offensive units, controlling the team’s rhythm and telling a story, as she puts it, through her command of the game.

### A New Era of Leadership and Trust

With a new coach and a blend of new faces, the USWNT is undergoing a significant cultural shift. Hayes is building a team founded on trust and collective responsibility, and she sees Coffey as a central figure in this project. Despite being just 26 and relatively new to the international stage, she carries herself with the poise of a seasoned veteran. Her leadership is crucial for a squad that includes exciting young talents like Jaedyn Shaw and Jenna Nighswonger, who are part of the current USWNT squad.

Her burgeoning partnership with fellow New Yorker Claire Hutton is a perfect example of this new dynamic. Their on-field chemistry has developed rapidly, built on a foundation of mutual trust and understanding. “We have trust in each other,” Hutton noted. “We have trust in different people having the ball. And I think that just goes to show that the way Emma is creating the team culture… is unmatched.” This trust allows both players to step out of their comfort zones, confident that their partner will provide cover.

As the USWNT builds towards the 2027 World Cup, players like **Sam Coffey** are proving to be indispensable. She is more than just a talented player; she is a solution-seeker, a leader, and the resilient heartbeat of a team rediscovering its identity. Her journey is a powerful narrative of turning adversity into strength, proving that while they may not make them like her anymore, the USWNT is incredibly fortunate to have her. To follow her continued progress and all other developments, check back here for more news.