In a remarkable culmination of her illustrious career, Alyssa Naeher, the stalwart goalkeeper for the Chicago Red Stars, has been honored as the 2024 U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year. This accolade not only recognizes her exceptional skill on the field but also coincides with her retirement from international play and her recent Olympic gold medal win. Naeher’s achievement reflects the high regard in which she is held by peers, as she garnered 40.8% of the weighted votes, outpacing last year’s recipient, Naomi Girma, who secured 32.2%. This victory marks a significant milestone, highlighting Naeher’s enduring impact on the game and her critical role in her team’s success.
The selection process for the U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year stands as a testament to the collaborative nature of the sport. The votes stemmed from a diverse group, including National Team coaches, players, board members, and even a select few media members, alongside fan votes contributing 15% to the total tally. This multi-faceted voting structure ensures that the final recipient is not just a popular choice but also a player whose performance has genuinely resonated with various stakeholders involved in women’s soccer. Naeher’s victory, as only the second goalkeeper to receive this honor since its inception in 1985, elevates her legacy alongside legends like Hope Solo, underlining the critical role goalkeepers play in the sport.
Naeher’s 2024 was nothing short of spectacular. As the anchor of the United States women’s national team (USWNT) during the Olympic Games, she played a pivotal part in their gold medal victory. Her performance was exemplary, characterized by incredible resilience and skill, including critical saves in moments of high pressure. Notably, her clean sheet against Brazil in the final exemplified not only her technical ability but also her mental fortitude, as she became the first goalkeeper to achieve shutouts in both World Cup and Olympic finals—a feat yet to be replicated in women’s soccer.
Throughout the Olympic tournament, Naeher allowed only two goals, showcasing her prowess. In 2024 alone, she participated in 18 matches, accumulating over 1,170 minutes of play with an impressive record of 13 wins, only 1 loss, and 3 draws. These statistics underscore her reliability and dominance as a goalkeeper, with a Goals Against Average (GAA) of 0.50, a testimony to her defensive capabilities.
Beyond the statistical achievements, Naeher’s acceptance speech resonated with themes of camaraderie and mutual support. She stated that the honor was a reflection of the collective efforts of her teammates, coaches, and staff. This acknowledgment speaks volumes about her character, emphasizing the importance of teamwork in achieving personal and collective goals. Naeher’s humility and awe for her teammates underline her leadership qualities, setting an inspiring example for aspiring athletes everywhere.
Even with her retirement from international soccer announced last November and her impressive record of 115 caps, Naeher is far from finished. She plans to continue her club career with the Chicago Red Stars in the upcoming NWSL season. This next chapter not only presents her the opportunity to further hone her skills but also to mentor the next generation of soccer players. With an impressive W-L-D (Win-Loss-Draw) record of 89-15-6, her legacy in soccer remains firmly established while she continues to inspire both on and off the field.
Alyssa Naeher’s journey illustrates the blend of individual excellence and team dynamics that defines not just her career but the very essence of women’s soccer. As she transitions into this new phase, her influence will undeniably be felt, paving the way for future generations. The recognition as the U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year encapsulates a monumental year for Naeher, solidifying her place in the annals of soccer history while inspiring a renewed fervor in the sport.