California native appeared in every minute of play during the month

CHICAGO (June 9, 2022) – The National Women’s Soccer League today announced San Diego Wave FC defender Naomi Girma as May’s Rookie of the Month, presented by Ally, as voted by the NWSL Media Association.

New this season, a star rookie will be recognized each month, with Ally helping to celebrate these players’ achievements. A league sponsor, as well as a sponsor of the NWSL Players Association, Ally continues to focus on driving equity in women’s sports and providing a platform for NWSL players’ success.

The No. 1 overall pick in the 2022 NWSL Draft, Girma has been a stalwart for league-leading San Diego. Playing every minute so far this season, she has anchored a Wave defense that’s allowed just five goals en route to a 4-1-2 record (13 points). A San Jose, Calif., native, Girma had an 85 percent distribution rating, with 27 clearances, 4 blocks and 9 interceptions in May. No stranger to success in her young career, Girma also led Stanford to a national title in 2019 and has earned international caps with the U.S. junior and senior squads.

The NWSL Rookie of the Month presented by Ally is selected each month of the regular season by the NWSL Media Association, a collection of writers that cover the league on a consistent basis.

COURTESY NWSL COMMUNICATIONS