For the second time in a as many years, San Diego Wave FC’s Naomi Girma has been named the National Women’s Soccer League’s Defender of the Year.
The 23-year-old Girma anchored the Wave’s backline on the way to a NWSL Shield and top seed in the playoffs, finishing in the top five in the league in passes completed (948) and passing accuracy (88.68 percent). The Wave allowed just 22 goals on 91 shots all season.
Wednesday’s award is the latest for Girma, who on Monday was named to the NWSL’s 2023 Best XI First Team. She is one of five finalists for the NWSL Most Valuable Player award, which will be announced later this week.
The daughter of Ethopian immigrants who grew up in San Jose, Girma matriculated to Stanford, where she won a national championship and earned a 3.92 GPA. The Wave took Girma No. 1 overall in the NWSL’s 2021 draft, predicting — accurately — that she would adapt to the league quickly.
Girma was named NWSL Rookie of the Year and Defender of the Year last season, then was added to the United States Women’s National Team for last summer’s World Cup.
Girma rejoined the Wave after the World Cup, and the club secured the No. 1 seed in the NWSL playoffs. They received a first-round bye before falling 1-0 to Seattle’s OL Reign in Sunday’s league semifinals.
“She’s adapted to the league so quickly, like a seasoned professional,” Wave coach Casey Stoney said in March. “Her read on a game is some of the best I’ve ever seen. Her (one-on-one) defense is excellent. I think she could be one of the best defenders in the world.”
In June, the Wave and Girma celebrated her 23rd birthday by agreeing to a three-year extension with the club. He is under contract through the 2026 season.
