They say you’re lucky if you get to meet your heroes but you’re truly fortunate if you get to play alongside them. For Lynn Williams, Megan Rapinoe was one of her biggest inspirations, not just on the field, but also valued her off-field conversations as teammates. With the Gotham FC forward among the senior players for the USWNT, she hopes to replicate the same role for her teammates. 

For the longest time, the USWNT has been more than just 11 players playing soccer on a pitch. They share a deep bond, with friendships that extend beyond the game. While many of them compete against each other domestically, they don’t appear as professionals doing their job – they are a close-knit group who genuinely support and care for each other, something that Lynn Williams wishes to carry forward. 

“Like I said, Alyssa was my sounding board, but I want to be that for younger players. For example, I would go up to Megan Rapinoe all the time and ask her questions about on the field, but also about life off the field,” said Williams in a pre-match conference ahead of her side’s friendly against England. 

With Alyssa Naeher set to hang up her gloves after the final two fixtures, Williams hopes that she absorbed enough wisdom from the retired players to pass it on to the younger generation. “Just being a complete teammate can go a long way. I hope to see myself in that role to bring people in,” said the 31-year-old. Williams also mentions that she used to be roommates with Naeher and the pair would hang out for a sip of coffee. 

Alex Morgan, Megan Rapinoe, and Alyssa Naeher were instrumental in leading the USWNT to World Cup glory, alongside their younger counterparts. Having witnessed their success, Lynn Williams hopes to recreate those moments in 2027 under the guidance of Emma Hayes, who has already set her sights on the big prize. 

Emma Hayes aims to recreate 2019 moment in 2027 

“I want to win the World Cup,” said Hayes ahead of her side’s friendly in Wembley. Since taking over the USWNT, Emma Hayes has led the team to Olympic Gold and her side remains unbeaten so far. However, it’s been a while since the USWNT won at Wembley, a venue that has previously hosted Hayes’ several trophies during her time at Stamford Bridge. 

With US Soccer announcing businesswoman Michelle Kang’s $30 million investment over the next five years into US Soccer and women’s sports, Emma Hayes is hopeful that this will lead to the proper development of youth teams. She envisions a future where wonder kids rise through the ranks for the Stars and Stripes. 

With an influx of new, young talent on the horizon, Lynn Williams is poised to be the perfect mentor, having once been guided by soccer icons herself. As the USWNT looks to the future, all eyes are set on the 2027 World Cup, where the team is expected to be among the favorites to lift the trophy once again.