American defender Naomi Girma re-joins the US Women's National Team following a year packed with significant happenings.
Defender Naomi Girma, fresh from a year marked by a significant transition and multiple trophies with Chelsea, rejoins the United States Women's National Soccer Team (USWNT) this month, aiming to build upon her Olympic triumph of 2023 and prepare for the 2027 Women's World Cup.
The USWNT takes the field against China at Allianz Field in Saint Paul, Minnesota, on Saturday, with a subsequent match against Jamaica in St. Louis scheduled for Tuesday. Girma's return to the national team, after an early exit from the January camp due to a calf injury, promises to bolster the defense.
Girma's transfer to Chelsea from the San Diego Wave for $1.1 million in January 2024 was a historic moment, being the first woman to command such a fee in the league. In April, however, she sustained another calf injury during her debut with Chelsea, but managing to recover in time to help her team claim the Women's Super League and the FA Cup.
Moving to Europe has proven to be a rewarding experience for Girma. "Leaving California, living somewhere different, and playing in a different culture and country was a big step out of my comfort zone," she shared.
Coach Emma Hayes was impressed by Girma's performance during last year's Paris Olympics, praising her as "a player as good as her at a center back. She got everything: poise, composure, she defends, she anticipates, she leads."
Born and raised in California, Girma made her national team debut in 2022. In the same year, she was the top pick in the National Women's Soccer League draft by the San Diego Wave and won both the Rookie of the Year and Defender of the Year honors. Her exceptional performance earned her the US Soccer women's Player of the Year award in 2023.
Girma played a crucial part in the USWNT's Olympic triumph, with the team maintaining an impeccable record of six consecutive wins and conceding only two goals throughout the tournament. Now 24, Girma serves as one of the more seasoned players with the national team, taking on a more considerable leadership role as Hayes focuses on nurturing emerging players.
"I think the leadership and other things will come as we're playing in sessions and in games," Girma stated about her new responsibilities.
The USWNT is currently without several key contributors from the gold medal-winning squad, with Sophia Wilson, Mallory Swanson, and Trinity Rodman all unavailable for these games. Head coach Emma Hayes has been expanding the team's pool of players, and one newcomer on the roster is 32-year-old midfielder Lo'eau LaBonta, who is poised to make her national team debut.
Sources:[1] AP News - https://apnews.com/soccer[2] ESPN - https://www.espn.com/soccer/us-women/story/4620280/naomi-girma-crystal-dunn-to-lead-us-defense-without-rabboni-dunnavant[3] SI.com - https://www.si.com/soccer/2023/05/24/naomi-girma-leads-us-women-defense-2023-fifa-world-cup
- Defender Naomi Girma's return to the United States Women's National Soccer Team (USWNT)this month might not only strengthen the defense, but also contribute to the team's news worthwhile discussions in sports and soccer, given her impressive performances in the environment of the European culture.
- As the USWNT prepares for the 2027 Women's World Cup, cities across the country, including Toronto, might soon witness thrilling soccer matches, thanks to the influential presence of players like Naomi Girma, who has proven her mettle both domestically and in Europe.
- In the midst of the USWNT's journey towards the 2027 Women's World Cup, the team's cultural diversity is reflected in the story of players like Naomi Girma, who left California to experience a different culture and country, shaping her growth as a player and a person, all while contributing to the evolution of women's soccer news in Toronto, Minnesota, and beyond.
