Hayes is also turning her attention to the next generation of women's soccer players. She said she's concerned about the number of players who have dropped out of the sport. Studies have shown that increasing numbers of girls are dropping out of sports when they hit puberty for a variety of reasons, which include social expectations and lack of quality programs. "I think that's something that has to be addressed," she said. "The dropout rates, in my honest opinion, can be avoided if we understand girls better." Hayes said more needs to be done to keep kids in sports because of long-term effects on their lives. She pointed out that studies have shown that female athletes are more likely to be successful business leaders. A 2023 Deloitte survey found that 85% of women who played competitive sports say the skills they learned were important to success in their professional careers. As she tries to overhaul the U.S. women's program, Hayes is looking at the big picture. The career soccer coach said she hopes that she can have a lasting impact on the sport she loves. "Winning on the field is one thing, and I absolutely enjoy doing that, but I'm all about leaving the sport in a better place and making sure that create a system and an environment where generations beyond those that maybe I represent, you know, could enjoy the sport at a high level," Hayes added.