2024 rookie class grades: Croix Bethune, Washington Spirit newcomers lead the pack in final year of NWSL draft

INDIVISA grades the 2024 NWSL rookie class after a monumental season for the league

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  Croix Bethune: A+

  Bethune has the potential to become one of the greatest midfielders in the league. A record-setting season included a league-leading 10 assists – tying the league mark – and becoming the first rookie in league history to have three assists in a single game.

  Her 18 goal-creations also tied her for first in the league, alongside Orlando’s Barbra Banda. She made her Olympics debut over the summer with the U.S. women’s national team, winning gold. Bethune told INDIVISA that she wants to build on this year, but noted that her rookie season could be described as both exciting and challenging to build on.

  "I'm definetly excited," Bethune said on The INDIVISA Show. "I think I've set the bar pretty high for myself. I'm definitely trying to write some new goals; but the goal for everyone each year should be to make it better than the last one."

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  Washington Spirit Rookie Class: A+

  While Bethune stands alone, the entire Spirit rookie class receives 10+ stars for their efforts this season.

  There is no doubt that the club would not have reached the championship final without them. When looking back on the class, they may just be one of the greatest in league history.

  Hal Hershfelt, the fifth-overall pick in the 2024 draft, played a massive part of the team’s midfield. She scored in her home debut, just the second game of the season, and became the fifth player in club history to score in their regular season home debut.

  An alternate at the Paris Olympics, Hershfelt later made her international debut in October. But before that, she played a key role in getting the club to the NWSL championship, scoring in the 93rd minute of the semifinal to send the club’s game against Gotham to penalties, where they would win in the shootout.

  Makenna Morris also had a standout rookie season, logging her first career goal and assist in her first start on July 6. In October, she became just the second rookie in Spirit history to record a brace, and her three game-winning goals this season made her one of just seven players in club history to reach that level.

  Others such as Courtney Brown, Heather Stainbrook, and Kate Wiesner all contributed heavily, with the rookie class notching 15 of the team’s 50 goals on the season. All around, not a bad get for Washington.

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  Ally Sentnor: A-

  The 2024 first-overall pick out of North Carolina, the only knock against Sentnor’s rookie season is that she was playing for the Utah Royals, who finished 11th in the regular season and found themselves with a new coach halfway through the season. Despite that, Sentnor was able to live up to expectations as a starter on the team’s young squad, and made her USWNT debut in early December.

  She shined during the Summer Cup in July, recording three goals and an assist during four games, and was named Rookie of the Month for her efforts. She finished the NWSL regular season with three goals and four assists, with those four assists tied for the second-most in a season in Utah history. Later named a finalist for Rookie of the Year, Sentnor’s rookie season was one that she’ll look to grow upon as she continues in the league.

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  Claire Hutton: A

  Teen midfielder Claire Hutton was one of the best rookies to play this season, signing with the Kansas City Current last December through the Under 18 entry mechanism. Her 44 tackles won ranked sixth in the league, and led the Current. She was also one of the club’s best passers, completing 584 – fourth-best for Kansas City.

  Hutton has the ability to not only complete passes, but chase other players down – no matter their skill level. She’s great 1v1 and it’s clear that the in-game IQ she possesses is beyond her years. She started in 21 of 24 games as a rookie.

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  Emma Sears: A

  When talking about impact players, Emma Sears goes near the top of the list. Her five goals on the season tied for the most among the rookie class and for the most at Racing Louisville. It’s crazy to think she almost retired from soccer after her senior year at Ohio State.

  But she didn’t, and the Racing Louisville forward factored in heavily for the club en route to the playoffs. An attacking midfielder, she tied for the most goal-creating actions of any player on the Louisville roster this season with seven, but Sears’ defense deserves mention as well.

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  Reilyn Turner: B+

  Alongside Sears, Reilyn Turner was one half of a solid rookie class for Racing Louisville before her trade to Portland. Her .74 goals and assists per 90 minutes ranks first for her club, while her four goals put her in second.

  Add in two assists and her six total points was tied for second with Sears behind Savannah DeMelo. All in all, it was a solid rookie season for the UCLA standout, who was traded to Portland in August. She added an additional goal with the Thorns in six matches played.

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  Savannah King: B

  Savy King was the second-overall pick to Bay FC in the 2024 draft, and she entered the season asked to play fullback rather than center back, which is where she spent the majority of her time at UNC. But, she took the transition in stride, and wound up having a solid rookie season for the Bay in their inaugural season.

  Her 39 tackles were the most by a rookie for the Bay, and the third-most by any defender behind Alyssa Malonson and Caprice Dydasco. She also added two assists on the season in 18 matches. Factor in that she’s still only 19 after forgoing her final three years of college eligibility, there’s plenty of room for growth and a lot to be excited about in the Bay.

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  Madison Curry: B+

  A fourth-round draft pick, Madison Curry made an impact for Angel City, leading the club in duels won (119), tackles won (45) and interceptions (43) and second in clearances (89). Her 43 tackles won were good for seventh in the league and she was also tied for fourth in interceptions.

  She was the only player to record at least 70 clearances and 45 tackles won during the 2024 season. A free agent this offseason, Curry was snapped up by Seattle Reign, with general manager Lesle Gallimore highlighting her defensive presence and their excitement over her potential impact.

  “Madi showcased her talent and impact during her impressive rookie season in the NWSL,” Gallimore said in a statement. “A tough, competitive defender, she gained valuable experience that only reinforced her potential, which made her a standout in our 2024 draft evaluations. Madi brings not only a strong defensive presence but also an ability to attack from the back, fitting seamlessly into our style of play.”

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  Gisele Thompson: B-

  Signed through the Under 18 entry mechanism by Angel City, Gisele Thompson has been widely regarded as a future star defender for the USWNT. Her rookie season was met with a steep learning curve that she admitted was “a lot of pressure.”

  “I didn't realize how much pressure it would be in the beginning, because when I was coming here last season, it was just like, ‘Oh, this is fun!' " she told ACFC. “Obviously I was working really hard because everyone around me was so amazing, but now it's different. You have to earn your spot, and I’m working really hard for it.”

  Thompson finished the season with 26 tackles won – fourth on the team – and 30 shot creating actions good for fourth on the team. She totaled 19 challenges, winning 13 of them, food for fourth on the team.