NWSL Awards 2025: Temwa Chawinga crowned MVP again; Lilly Reale named Rookie of the Year

Temwa Chawinga, Sam Hiatt, Lilly Reale, Lorena, Manaka Matsukubo, Bev Yanez and Tara McKeown headlined the 2025 NWSL Awards. The inaugural ceremony was delivered on Wednesday in San Jose ahead of the NWSL Championship, with stars dressing to impress on the blue carpet - including custom fits from Trinity Rodman and a Michael Jordan-inspired look from Kenza Dali. Here are all of the award winners...

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  MVP: Temwa Chawinga

  For the second year in a row, Kansas City Current forward Temwa Chawinga swept the prestigious MVP award. Chawinga becomes the first player in league history to win the honor back-to-back. Chawinga also won Golden Boot for her 15 goals this season.

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  Rookie of the Year: Lilly Reale

  Gotham FC defender Lilly Reale earned Rookie of the Year after appearing in all 26 matches, starting in the backline on 21 occasions. Reale also led Gotham in 36 interceptions. 

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  Defender of the Year: Tara McKeown

  Tara McKeown has been critical to the Washington Spirit's backline all season and has led her team to 11 clean sheets so far in 2025. She also finished second in the league in interceptions. 

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  Midfielder of the Year: Manaka Matsukubo

  Manaka won Midfielder of the Year after leading the North Carolina Courage with 11 goals this season and chipping in four assists. 

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  Goalkeeper of the Year: Lorena

  Kansas City Current goalkeeper Lorena led the league with 14 Regular Season clean sheets in just her first season in the NWSL. 

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  Coach of the Year: Bev Yanez

  Racing Louisville head coach Bev Yanez became the first person to make it to the NWSL playoffs as both a player in coach. After helping Racing Louisville advance to the postseason for the first time in history, Yanez earns Coach of the Year after the club's best season to date. 

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  Golden Boot: Temwa Chawinga

  Chawinga earned the Golden Boot Award for the second year in a row. This season, Chawinga scored 15 goals for the Kansas City Current.

• Best IX First and Second Teams
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  Lauren Holiday Impact Award: Sam Hiatt

  Hiatt earned the Lauren Holiday Impact Award for her outstanding service and character off the pitch, a recognition reserved for players who make a meaningful difference in their communities. As part of the honor, Nationwide will donate $50,000 to Candlelighters For Children With Cancer, the organization Hiatt personally selected.