NEW YORK (November 9, 2023) - The National Women’s Soccer League announced today that NJ/NY Gotham FC midfielder/defender Jenna Nighswonger has been named the 2023 NWSL Rookie of the Year, presented by Ally.

NEW YORK (November 9, 2023) - The National Women’s Soccer League announced today that NJ/NY Gotham FC midfielder/defender Jenna Nighswonger has been named the 2023 NWSL Rookie of the Year, presented by Ally.

Nighswonger appeared in 20 games, playing over 1,500 minutes in her first professional season, guiding her team to the playoffs with an 8-7-7 record. She showed an impressive impact on both sides of the ball, recording three goals, tied for second among all rookies, and 35 tackles won, seventh among all players and first among rookies. The fourth overall pick in the 2023 NWSL draft, presented by Ally, Nighswonger completed 495 passes to rank second among rookies and second on Gotham FC. Nighswonger also finished third among rookies in interceptions (18) and possessions won (107) and fourth in duels won (78). The former Florida State Seminole notched her first career goal in Week 6, scoring five minutes into her fifth NWSL game, helping Gotham defeat the Chicago Red Stars 2-1. Nighswonger struck again in her next match, a 4-1 road win against OL Reign. Nighswonger’s positional versatility earned her recognition throughout the regular season, as she was named to the Best XI of the month, presented by Mastercard, more than any other rookie this season, making the team twice as a defender and once as a midfielder. The 22-year-old was named Rookie of the Month, presented by Ally, in May and July, making her the only player to win the award twice this year. In addition to the award, Nighswonger will also receive a cash bonus from Ally to celebrate her accomplishments from her first season in the NWSL.

Voting Breakdown: Preliminary Round: Owners/GMs/Coaches (25%), Media (25%) and Players (50%)
Final Round: Players (40%), Owners/GMs/Coaches (25%), Media (25%) and Fans (10%)

Full list of NWSL Rookies of the Year
2013: Erika Tymrak, FC Kansas City
2014: Julie Ertz (Johnston), Chicago Red Stars
2015: Danielle Colaprico, Chicago Red Stars
2016: Raquel Rodriguez, NJ/NY Gotham FC
2017: Ashley Hatch, North Carolina Courage
2018: Imani Dorsey, NJ/NY Gotham FC
2019: Bethany Balcer, Reign FC
2021: Trinity Rodman, Washington Spirit
2022: Naomi Girma, San Diego Wave FC
2023: Jenna Nighswonger, NJ/NY Gotham FC