NEW YORK (November 21, 2024) - The National Women’s Soccer League announced today Orlando Pride defender Emily Sams has been voted the 2024 Defender of the Year, becoming the first player from the Pride to win the award.

Behind Sams’s lockdown play, the Orlando Pride defense conceded just 20 goals, tied for fewest in the league. Sams played in 25 matches (starting 24), including all 13 of the Pride’s shutouts which led the league in the category as well as consecutive minutes without conceding a goal.

The Boise, Idaho native ranked second in the NWSL in recoveries (163) and is the club leader in possessions in the defensive third (108), clearances (76) and blocks (16). Sams recorded an 88.18 percent passing accuracy, the best among Orlando Pride defenders.

Sams’s performance earned her three monthly Best XI honors this season, and contributed to the Pride's team success, as the club finished the regular season 18-2-6, clinching the first NWSL Shield and first trophy in club history. The standout center back helped the club set a league record for the regular-season win streak (8) and undefeated streak (24). The Orlando Pride only allowed one goal after the 75th minute in the entire regular season.

The list of finalists was decided after a preliminary round of voting by owners, general managers, coaches, players and media. The finalists were then voted on by fans, owners, general managers, coaches, players and media.

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 Defenders of the Year
2013: Becky Sauerbrunn, FC Kansas City
2014: Becky Sauerbrunn, FC Kansas City
2015: Becky Sauerbrunn, FC Kansas City
2016: Lauren Barnes, Seattle Reign FC
2017: Abby Dahlkemper, North Carolina Courage
2018: Abby Erceg, North Carolina Courage
2019: Becky Sauerbrunn, Utah Royals FC
2021: Caprice Dydasco, NJ/NY Gotham FC
2022: Naomi Girma, San Diego Wave FC
2023: Naomi Girma, San Diego Wave FC
2024: Emily Sams, Orlando Pride