Naomi Girma’s incredible rookie season has been recognized as she was honored with two major awards on the same day.
The San Diego Wave FC center back was named the 2022 NWSL Rookie of the Year and the 2022 NWSL Defender of the Year on Thursday, becoming the first rookie to win two individual end-of-year awards.
The top overall pick in the NWSL draft was an ever-present for the Wave in 2022, helping lead the expansion team to the third-best record in the league.
Girma also made her U.S. women’s national team debut in 2022 and looks set to be a cornerstone of the team for many years to come.
The 22-year-old was named to the league’s Best XI and is still up for the MVP award as well.
The Wave have enjoyed a clean sweep of the NWSL end-of-year awards so far, as Kailen Sheridan was named the NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year and Casey Stoney was recognized as the league’s Coach of the Year on Wednesday.
San Diego could make it an incredible five out of five if Girma or Alex Morgan wins the league’s MVP award. Though Sophia Smith of the Portland Thorns looks like the front-runner for the prize, Morgan could also nab the honor after winning the league’s Golden Boot in 2022.
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