Written by Michael Lewis

Emma Hayes, who coached the Long Island Rough Riders women’s team when it was known has the Lady Riders, has been short-listed for the women’s coaching award in The Best FIFA Football Awards, the organization announced on Thursday.

Hayes, 46, who directs Chelsea in the Women’s Super League, was named FIFA’s Best Woman’s coach in 2021 and was a finalist last year.

Other coaches in the running for the award include:

* Sonia Bompastor (France / Olympique Lyonnais)

* Emma Hayes (England / Chelsea FC Women)

* Bev Priestman (England / Canadian National Team)

* Pia Sundhage (Sweden / Brazilian National Team)

* Martina Voss-Tecklenburg (Germany / German National Team)

* Sarina Wiegman (Netherlands / English National Team)

Hayes directed the Lady Riders during the 2002 W-League season in which Long Island won the Northeast Division title with an 11-3 record. The team, however, did not qualify for the national final four. Hayes was named W-League coach of the year.

She also coached at Iona College from 2003-06.

The London, England native was the assistant manager with Arsenal from 2006-08, coach of the Chicago Red Stars (Women’s Professional Soccer) from 2008-10 and has guided Chelsea since 2012.

In 2022, Hayes was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2022 New Year Honors for services to football.

Fans can vote for their favorite candidates in several categories on FIFA+ through Feb. 3.

The winners will be named on Feb. 27.