The National Women’s Soccer League will hold its first live event to celebrate top players and coaches. The nominees for key awards have been announced ahead of the ceremony airing on ESPN2.
Temwa Chawinga from Kansas City Current is a leading candidate for Most Valuable Player, receiving nominations from two experts for her outstanding skills and goal-scoring. Another nominee is Esther González from NJ/NY Gotham FC, recognized for her important role in guiding her team to the championship game.
Lorena of Kansas City Current is nominated by two experts for Goalkeeper of the Year after an impressive season with 14 shutouts and few goals allowed. Claudia Dickey from Seattle Reign FC is also nominated for her strong performances that helped her team reach the playoffs.
Emily Sonnett from NJ/NY Gotham FC and Izzy Rodriguez from Kansas City Current are nominated for Defender of the Year. Rodriguez is noted for her key role in the team’s record-setting defense.
Claire Hutton from Kansas City Current is nominated by two experts for her steady midfield play. Olivia Moultrie from Portland Thorns is also recognized for her important contributions during the season.
Lily Reale from NJ/NY Gotham FC and Riley Tiernan from Angel City FC are nominated for Rookie of the Year, both having strong first seasons with notable scoring achievements.
Vlatko Andonovski of Kansas City Current and Bev Yanez of Racing Louisville FC are nominated for Coach of the Year. Andonovski is praised for leading the top team, while Yanez is recognized for successfully improving her team’s performance.
Gift Monday from Washington Spirit and Lorena from Kansas City Current are nominated for Newcomer of the Year, both making significant impacts in their debut seasons.
Mackenzie Arnold from Portland Thorns and Michelle Cooper from Kansas City Current are nominated for Most Improved Player, showing notable growth in goalkeeping and scoring respectively.
