Post by : Maya Rahman

Temwa Chawinga, the forward for Kansas City Current, etched her name in history on Wednesday by securing the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) Most Valuable Player (MVP) award for the second consecutive year. This remarkable feat makes her the first player ever to achieve back-to-back MVP titles. The award ceremony took place during the NWSL’s very first official awards show at the San Jose Civic Center.

Chawinga showcased yet another stellar season, netting 15 goals, which clinched her the NWSL Golden Boot for the second year running. Last season, she set a new league record with 20 goals. Her consistent performance solidifies her position as one of Kansas City’s key players.

Upon receiving her award, Chawinga expressed her heartfelt gratitude to her teammates, crediting their collaboration and morale for her success. She emphasized that her individual accolade reflects a team effort and could not be accomplished without their dedication throughout the season.

Only one other player, Sam Kerr, has previously won multiple NWSL MVP awards, earning hers in 2017 and 2019, alongside three consecutive Golden Boots from 2017 to 2019. Chawinga’s back-to-back MVP titles establish her as one of the premier athletes the league has encountered.

Several formidable players vied for the 2024 MVP award, with Chawinga surpassing notable competitors including her teammate Bia Zaneratto, San Diego Wave forward Delphine Cascarino, Gotham FC forward Esther González, and North Carolina Courage midfielder Manaka Matsukubo, all of whom delivered commendable performances this season.

The MVP voting utilized a weighted system: players contributed 40% of the total vote, coaches and officials 25%, media 25%, and fans 10%. This approach guarantees a holistic representation of different perspectives within the league.

Bev Yanez, coach of Racing Louisville, was honored as the NWSL Coach of the Year, leading her team to their finest season and playoff advancement. Yanez is also the first former NWSL player to receive this coaching award, and she thanked her team for their faith and continual support throughout the season.

Yanez’s recognition came ahead of Vlatko Andonovski, the coach of Kansas City Current, who guided his team to a record-breaking achievement with 21 wins and 65 points.

Kansas City also celebrated Lorena, the Brazilian international, who was named Goalkeeper of the Year due to her standout contributions this season.

The league also announced other significant awards: Tara McKeown of the Washington Spirit was named Defender of the Year, overcoming her shift from forward to center-back in 2023. She expressed that the accolade was significant, especially given her unexpected transition.

Lilly Reale, from Gotham FC and the U.S. women’s national team, was recognized as Rookie of the Year at just 22, contributing greatly throughout the regular season and playoffs.

Sam Hiatt of the Portland Thorns received the Lauren Holiday Impact Award for her involvement with Candlelighters Oregon, benefiting children with cancer. This accolade resulted in a $50,000 donation to assist families in need.

This awards ceremony represented an unforgettable milestone for the NWSL, spotlighting the league's evolution, the remarkable talents of its players, and the meaningful impacts they create both on and off the field. Temwa Chawinga’s monumental victory highlighted her incredible prowess and the promising future she is crafting in the sport.

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