Naomi Girma has had herself a pretty good rookie season.
The defender has been a foundational piece for the San Diego Wave, who have reached the playoffs in their expansion season. She’s also become a regular for the U.S. national team and looks a decent bet to start at next summer’s World Cup.
Girma was rewarded for her excellent rookie campaign on Friday when she was nominated for three NWSL year-end awards: MVP, Rookie of the Year and Defender of the Year.
Girma’s teammate for club and country Alex Morgan is also up for MVP after winning the Golden Boot, while the Wave duo are joined by fellow finalists Mallory Pugh, Sophia Smith, and Debinha.
Players, owners, general managers, coaches, and the media all voted to narrow down the award nominees to three finalists in each category. The winners will be announced in the lead-up to the NWSL Championship, which will be held at Audi Field in Washington, D.C. on October 29.
NWSL year-end award nominees
MVP
- Debinha (NC)
- Sophia Smith (POR)
- Mallory Pugh (CHI)
- Alex Morgan (SD)
- Naomi Girma (SD)
Defender of the Year
- Alana Cook (RGN)
- Naomi Girma (SD)
- Sofia Huerta (RGN)
- Carson Pickett (NC)
- Becky Sauerbrunn (POR)
Goalkeeper of the Year
- AD Franch (KC)
- Kailen Sheridan (SD)
- Phallon Tullis-Joyce (RGN)
Rookie of the Year
- Sam Coffey (POR)
- Naomi Girma (SD)
- Diana Ordóñez (NC)
Coach of the Year
- Laura Harvey (RGN)
- Matt Potter (KC)
- Casey Stoney (SD)
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