Top Four Outstanding NWSL Rookies This Season
The infusion of talented NWSL rookies has upped the level of play in the league. The strong 2021 rookie class has made an immediate impact and far exceeded expectations. Players such as Trinity Rodman, Ebony Salmon, Emily Fox, and Victoria Pickett are poised to have long, productive careers. In addition, these standout rookies are inspiring future stars worldwide to pursue their dreams.
Trinity Rodman
Trinity Rodman, an attacker for the Washington Spirit, won NWSL Rookie of the Year. Rodman’s path to professional soccer has been quite fascinating.
After opting out of her freshman year at Washington State University due to the pandemic, Rodman entered the 2021 NWSL draft. The Spirit drafted the 18-year-old Rodman second overall, making her the youngest NWSL draftee in its nine-year history.
Rodman has made a substantial impact on the Spirit. In 19 games played, Rodman recorded six goals, six assists, and 33 interceptions. With her significant contributions, Rodman helped the Spirit to an 11-6-7 record and an NWSL Championship title.
Additionally, Rodman ranked high in several league statistical categories, including second in assists, third in shots, and third in shots on goal.
Ebony Salmon
In contrast to Rodman, Ebony Salmon has traveled a different path to the NWSL. The 20-year-old forward traveled across the pond from England and signed a two-year contract with Racing Louisville FC.
Immediately, Salmon announced her arrival to the NWSL by scoring her first goal under a minute in her debut game. The go-ahead goal was the deciding factor in the team’s victory over the Houston Dash. Additionally, the dazzling finish was featured on SportsCenter’s Top 10 plays the following day.
Salmon played in 20 games with 14 starts and led Racing Louisville FC in scoring six goals. Not to mention, she’s already been called up to the England national team and had a history with the youth national team.
Emily Fox
Emily Fox was picked first overall in the 2021 draft by Racing Louisville FC.
Adversity wouldn’t stop Fox. The former UNC Tarheel overcame multiple torn ACLs in college to become an elite NWSL defender.
The 23-year-old had an impressive regular season stat line: 57 clearances, 45 interceptions, and eight blocks. Through the regular season, Fox led the NWSL with 115 interceptions, 32 more than any player in the league.
Due to her stellar and consistent play, Fox was recognized as a 2021 NWSL Rookie of the Year finalist. As one of the league’s top defenders, Fox will anchor Racing Louisville FC defense for years to come.
In addition to her professional career, Fox has six USWNT appearances and is headed to Australia for the team’s upcoming matches.
Victoria Pickett
Kansas City Current midfielder Victoria Pickett has the distinction of scoring the game-winning goal in the team’s first franchise win.
As the elder stateswoman in the rookie class, the 25-year old led the league with 46 fouls suffered while committing only six fouls all season. Pickett was a steadying force, playing 1,503 minutes during the season, second-most on the team.
Pickett was one of three finalists for the 2021 Rookie of the Year.
“To have played in my first season since 2019 and be a finalist for ROTY alongside two future USWNT stars (Emily Fox and Trinity Rodman) is such an honor,” Pickett said in a Twitter post.
Well, Victoria, the real honor is to those of us watching four stellar NWSL rookies lead the way into the future of women’s professional soccer.
Featured image via @racinglouisvillefc on Instagram
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