Sat Nov 16 19:20:00 UTC 2024: **NWSL Announces 2024 Award Finalists; Fan Voting Open Until Friday**

NEW YORK (November 12, 2024) – The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) revealed the finalists for its prestigious 2024 awards, including the coveted Most Valuable Player (MVP) award. This year’s nominees represent a diverse range of talent from across the league. For the first time, the NWSL is presenting a Midfielder of the Year award.

Fan voting for the individual awards, as well as the Best XI First and Second Teams, is now open and will conclude this Friday, November 15th at 3 p.m. ET. Fans can cast their votes online. The final round of voting will weigh player, owner/GM/coach, media, and fan votes at 40%, 25%, 25%, and 10% respectively.

The preliminary round saw players, owners, general managers, coaches, and media cast votes using a weighted system. The finalists are:

* **MVP:** 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:** Croix Bethune (WAS), Claire Hutton (KC), Ally Sentnor (UTA)
* **Coach of the Year:** Juan Carlos Amorós (GFC), Vlatko Andonovski (KC), Seb Hines (ORL)

The award winners will be announced in the days surrounding the 2024 NWSL Championship, which takes place on Saturday, November 23rd at 8 p.m. ET in Kansas City. The match will be televised on CBS and streamed on Paramount+. The Lauren Holiday Impact Award winner will also be announced during the week.

Read More