What happened?
It’s award season people—and the National Women's Soccer League just dropped their finalists for the Most Valuable Player, Defender, Goalkeeper, Rookie, and Coach of the Year. The league’s most standout players and leaders are getting some well deserved time in the spotlight. Hold on, there’s more. Croix Bethune, Vanessa DiBernardo, Lo’eau LaBonta, Marta, and Ashley Sanchez are vying to earn the first ever Midfielder of the Year accolade—a new addition to the NWSL Awards for 2024.
The bigger picture
Each award decision incorporates insights from those who know the game best—players, coaches, and media—while also letting the fans have their say. The voting process reveals a league striving to keep things balanced. Not to mention, adding the Midfielder of the Year is a nod to how critical that position is in the modern game. It’s about time to recognize players who bridge the gap between defense and attack, creativity and grit.
Full list of finalists below:
Most Valuable Player: Barbra Banda (ORL), Temwa Chawinga (KC), Marta (ORL), Trinity Rodman (WAS), Sophia Smith (POR)
Defender of the Year: Naomi Girma (SD), Kaleigh Kurtz (NC), Tara McKeown (WAS), Emily Sams (ORL), Kylie Strom (ORL) Goalkeeper of the Year: Ann-Katrin Berger (GFC), Mandy Haught (UTA), Anna Moorhouse (ORL)
Midfielder of the Year: Croix Bethune (WAS), Vanessa DiBernardo (KC), Lo’eau LaBonta (KC), Marta (ORL), Ashley Sanchez (NC)
Rookie of the Year, presented by Ally: Croix Bethune (WAS), Claire Hutton (KC), Ally Sentnor (UTA)
Coach of the Year: Juan Carlos Amorós (GFC), Vlatko Andonovski (KC), Seb Hines (ORL)
Did you know?
Trinity Rodman is one of the youngest MVP nominees ever at age 22. Her only company in that feat? Fellow 2024 nominee Sophia Smith, who won the MVP title herself back in 2022. Rodman’s electric season has been one for the books, and now she’s set to face off against veteran icon Marta—talk about a clash of generations.Yet, the fiery Rodman lit up the pitch all season. She is up against global, veteran legend, Marta. And that seems to be the theme of this year’s finalist list. Every category is packed with fresh talent going toe-to-toe with the league’s legends—redefining what it means to dominate the NWSL.
What's next for the nominees?
Fans, players, coaches, GMs, and the media all had their say in picking the finalists, and now it’s up to another round of voting to name the winners. Fans can weigh in—voting ballots are live until November 15 at 3 p.m. ET. After that, it’s just a waiting game until winners are crowned during the run-up to the 2024 NWSL Championship. Stay tuned. Every nominee is shaping what’s sure to be an unforgettable conclusion to the season.