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Jeff Carlisle
Gotham FC midfielder and United States women’s national team player Rose Lavelle has been named U.S. Soccer’s Female Player of the Year for 2025.
Lavelle received 29.2% of the weighted vote, while Sam Coffey garnered 23.9% and Catarina Macario received 22.3%.
The voting panel consisted of U.S. national team coaches, players who earned caps in 2025, members of the U.S. Soccer Board of Directors, the U.S. Soccer Athletes’ Council, head coaches from the National Women’s Soccer League, along with select media representatives and administrators.
At 30, Lavelle faced an ankle injury that limited her participation in the early months of the year but still managed to feature in six matches for the USWNT, scoring three times and providing three assists.
Her impact was even more pronounced at the club level. During the regular season, she netted six goals and assisted on two while leading Gotham to the 2025 NWSL Championship, scoring the winning goal in a 1-0 victory over the Washington Spirit.
This goal not only earned her the game’s MVP title but also made her the first player to score in two NWSL Championships and a FIFA Women’s World Cup final.
“Looking back over the past year, it’s a true reflection of my supportive network, including family, the medical team at Gotham, my teammates, coaches, and friends,” said Lavelle in a statement. “I wouldn’t have been in this position to receive this award without their unwavering support throughout the year, helping me return to the field. This award is truly a shared accomplishment with all those who stood by me.”
Lavelle’s teammate at Gotham, Lilly Reale, was honored as U.S. Soccer’s Young Female Player of the Year, winning 48% of the weighted vote, followed by Jordyn Bugg (29.6%) and Micayla Johnson (16.1%).
In her rookie season, Reale made a significant impact, accumulating 2,217 minutes over 29 matches in all competitions.
“This year has been filled with significant growth, joy, and many lessons,” Reale stated. “I feel incredibly fortunate to have been surrounded by such inspiring teammates, coaches, and fans. Being able to play alongside my role models and represent my country at the highest level is a privilege I’ll always cherish.”
Reale started the year with the U.S. U23 team and made her USWNT debut on June 26 against Ireland, contributing to a shutout while recording her first international assist. In total, she made six appearances for the USWNT in 2025.
The U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year award has been presented since 1985, with midfielder Sharon Remer being the inaugural recipient. Abby Wambach holds the record with six wins, while Mia Hamm has five. Lavelle becomes the 22nd player to receive this honor.
Reale is the 28th athlete to earn the U.S. Soccer Young Female Player of the Year award, which can only be won once by an individual. The award was first given in 1998 to Cindy Parlow Cone, who is now the president of U.S. Soccer.