After becoming the first NWSL expansion team to not only make the postseason but also win a playoff game, San Diego Wave Fútbol Club defender Naomi Girma became the first rookie in league history to win two individual awards as she was named defender of the year and rookie of the year on Thursday.
“Wow, incredibly honored,” said Girma. “Thank you to my San Diego Wave Fútbol Club family and everyone who made this possible. I feel so thankful to be in this position and can’t wait for what’s to come.”
The 22-year-old won a national championship with Stanford in 2019 as captain of the team alongside this year’s NWSL Most Valuable Player award winner Sophia Smith. The announcement came a day after teammate Kailen Sheridan was named goalkeeper of the year with head coach Casey Stoney winning coach of the year honors as well.
“Congratulations on winning defender of the year and rookie of the year,” said Smith. “It’s honestly no surprise at all for those of us who know you. I’m so proud of you, so excited for you, this is just the beginning and I’m glad that the world can finally see how special you are.”
Besides helping lead the Wave to a third-seed and a trip to the semifinals this season, Girma was also part of the U.S. women’s national team that won the Concacaf Championship in July and secured a 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup berth. Girma played in 20 of the 22 regular matches accumulating 176 recoveries while leading all defenders in possession won in the defensive half.
“She’s a special player and she’s going to do special things with San Diego Wave in her career as a pro soccer player,” said teammate Alex Morgan.
Morgan finished as the NWSL Golden Boot winner after leading the league in goals scored with 15 and was among the five finalists for the MVP award.
Girma finished the regular season with 95 clearances, 24 interceptions, and 20 tackles logging in more than 1,900 minutes played (which included the quarterfinal victory over the Chicago Red Stars). “It’s an honor to be recognized and I know none of it is possible without my team and coaches,” Girma added. “I just feel grateful to be in this position.”
Photo courtesy of David Frerker
