Wave’s Girma Named NWSL Defender of Yr for 2nd Straight Season

San Diego Wave FC‘s Naomi Girma on Wednesday was named the 2023 NWSL Defender of the Yr, incomes the dignity for the second straight season.

The crew and the Nationwide Girls’s Soccer League introduced the award for Girma, taking part in in simply her second skilled season. She beat out Sarah Gorden of Angel Metropolis, Ali Krieger of Gotham), Kaleigh Kurtz of North Carolina and Sam Staab of Washington.

Girma helped to steer the crew to an 11-win season and the 2023 NWSL Protect. Solidifying her place as an anchor of the San Diego backline, Girma was among the many prime 5 gamers within the NWSL in passes accomplished (948) and passing accuracy (88.68%). 

She led a Wave protection that allowed solely 22 targets and 91 photographs on aim throughout the season, good for second-lowest and third fewest within the league, respectively. In 19 common season appearances, Girma conceded solely 4 fouls on a squad that gave up simply 222 fouls throughout the common season, good for fourth fewest within the NWSL.

Girma is also up for the league’s MVP award, which has but to be introduced. The Wave’s coach Casey Stoney and goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan additionally have been up for honors, however Coach of the Yr went to Juan Carlos Amorós of Gotham and Goalkeeper of the Yr went to Houston’s Jane Campbell.

As well as, Girma made the NWSL’s 2023 Finest XI First Workforce, named on Monday, as did teammate Jaedyn Shaw. Alex Morgan and Sheridan made the second crew.

The Wave’s season ended Sunday once they fell 1-0 of their semi-final match in opposition to OL Reign.