NEW YORK (November 8, 2023) -

The National Women’s Soccer League announced today San Diego Wave FC centerback Naomi Girma has been voted the 2023 Defender of the Year, becoming the second player to win the award in consecutive seasons.

NEW YORK (November 8, 2023) - The National Women’s Soccer League announced today San Diego Wave FC centerback Naomi Girma has been voted the 2023 Defender of the Year, becoming the second player to win the award in consecutive seasons.

Behind Girma’s lockdown play, San Diego’s defense conceded just 22 goals, the second fewest in the league while allowing just 91 shots on target, tied for the third lowest mark in the league. Girma played in 19 matches, including all nine of San Diego’s shutouts, as the club trailed only the North Carolina Courage (10) for the most in the league. The San Jose native recorded just four fouls in the regular season, as the Wave committed a total of 222, the fourth lowest total in the league. The 2022 Defender and Rookie of the Year, presented by Ally, was among the best passers in the NWSL, finishing fifth in completed passes (948) and third in passing accuracy (88.68%). Girma finished second among San Diego defenders in tackles won (15), blocks (15), interceptions (18) and possessions won (152) while finishing eighth among all defenders in the league with 80 clearances. Girma’s performance earned her three monthly Best XI honors this season, and contributed to San Diego’s team success, as the Wave finished the regular season 11-7-4, clinching the first NWSL Shield in club history. 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