NWSL Rookie of the Month

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The National Women's Soccer League Rookie of the Month is a monthly women's soccer award given to individual players in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) participating in their first season as a professional.

Contents

Selection

In 2022, the winner was selected by the NWSL Media Association, an organization of journalists who regularly cover the league. [1] Since 2023, the winner is selected by the NWSL Media Association and the league's broadcast talent. [2]

Winners

2022

MonthPos.Nat.PlayerClubStatlineRef.
May
DF
Flag of the United States.svg  USA Naomi Girma San Diego Wave FC 85% passing, 27 clearances, 4 blocks, 9 interceptions [1] [3]
June
MF
Flag of the United States.svg  USA Sam Coffey Portland Thorns FC 85% passing led league in June; 6 shots, 1 assist [4] [5]
July
MF
Flag of the United States.svg  USA Savannah DeMelo Racing Louisville FC 2 goals; leads all rookies in minutes played through July 31 [6]
August
FW
Flag of Mexico.svg  MEX Diana Ordóñez North Carolina Courage 5 goals, including 2 braces [7]
September/
October
DF
Flag of the United States.svg  USA Naomi Girma (2) San Diego Wave FC Two shutouts, captained team vs. NC [8]

2023

MonthPos.Nat.PlayerClubStatlineRef.
March/
April
FW
Flag of the United States.svg  USA Alyssa Thompson Angel City FC Scored 11' into debut; 2G in 6 matches [2]
May
MF/DF
Flag of the United States.svg  USA Jenna Nighswonger NJ/NY Gotham FC 2 goals, 1 assist, 16 duels won [9]
June
MF
Flag of the United States.svg  USA Paige Metayer Washington Spirit 1 goal, 1 assist; tied for league scoring lead among rookies (3) [10]
July
MF/DF
Flag of the United States.svg  USA Jenna Nighswonger (2) NJ/NY Gotham FC 2 regular season goals; 2 Challenge Cup goals and assists [11]
August
FW
Flag of the United States.svg  USA Messiah Bright Orlando Pride Brace vs. NCC; 3 goals in 4 matches [12]
September/ October
FW
Flag of the United States.svg  USA Alexa Spaanstra Kansas City Current 2 goals vs. NJY [13]

Multiple winners

As of July 6, 2023

The below table lists players who have won on more than one occasion.

*
Indicates current NWSL player
RankN.PlayerTeam(s)Wins
1 Flag of the United States.svg Naomi Girma* San Diego Wave FC 2
Flag of the United States.svg Jenna Nighswonger* NJ/NY Gotham FC

See also

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References

  1. 1 2 "San Diego Wave FC Defender Naomi Girma Named May Rookie of the Month, Presented by Ally" (Press release). National Women's Soccer League. June 9, 2022. Retrieved July 12, 2022.
  2. 1 2 "Angel City FC Forward Alyssa Thompson Named March/April Rookie of the Month, Presented by Ally" (Press release). National Women's Soccer League. May 4, 2023. Retrieved May 4, 2023.
  3. Alicia Rodriguez (June 9, 2022). "San Diego Wave FC's Naomi Girma voted NWSL Rookie of the Month". LAG Confidential. Retrieved July 12, 2022.
  4. "Portland Thorns FC Midfielder Sam Coffey Named June Rookie of the Month, Presented by Ally" (Press release). National Women's Soccer League. June 23, 2022. Retrieved July 12, 2022.
  5. Lamm, Keeley (June 28, 2022). "Penn State Women's Soccer Alum Sam Coffey Named NWSL Rookie Of The Month". Onward State. Retrieved July 12, 2022.
  6. "Racing Louisville FC Midfielder Savannah DeMelo Named July Rookie of the Month, Presented by Ally" (Press release). National Women's Soccer League. August 4, 2022. Retrieved August 4, 2022.
  7. "North Carolina Courage Forward Diana Ordóñez Named August Rookie of the Month, Presented by Ally" (Press release). National Women's Soccer League. September 7, 2022. Retrieved September 7, 2022.
  8. "Wave FC's Girma NWSL Rookie of the Month, on NWSL Team of the Month". LAG Confidential. October 14, 2022. Retrieved May 4, 2023.
  9. "NJ/NY Gotham FC Defender/Midfielder Jenna Nighswonger Named May Rookie of the Month, Presented by Ally" (Press release). National Women's Soccer League. June 6, 2023. Retrieved June 6, 2023.
  10. "Washington Spirit Midfielder Paige Metayer Named June Rookie of the Month, Presented by Ally" (Press release). National Women's Soccer League. July 6, 2023. Retrieved July 6, 2023.
  11. "National Women's Soccer League Official Site | NWSL". www.nwslsoccer.com. Retrieved October 19, 2023.
  12. "National Women's Soccer League Official Site | NWSL". www.nwslsoccer.com. Retrieved October 19, 2023.
  13. "National Women's Soccer League Official Site | NWSL". www.nwslsoccer.com. Retrieved January 23, 2024.