San Diego Wave FC defender Naomi Girma has been named to the NWSL Best XI of the Month. This month’s award is a combination for the months of March and April, voted on by the NWSL Media Association and the NWSL’s on-air broadcast talent.
The reigning Rookie and Defender of the Year picked up where she left off last season, winning defensive half possession 35 times (league-high), while garnering an 88.4% passing accuracy rating across six matches. Girma also recorded 27 clearances, six blocks and six interceptions in all five regular-season matches.
In 2022, Girma was named to four out of five Best XI of the Month rosters and was named to the Best XI of the season.
March/April Best XI of the Month:
GK – Phallon Tullis-Joyce (RGN)
D – Naomi Girma (SD)
D – Emily Fox (NC)
D – Becky Sauerbrunn (POR)
D – Sam Staab (WAS)
M – Debinha (KC)
M – Crystal Dunn (POR)
M – Jess Fishlock (RGN)
F – Bethany Balcer (RGN)
F – Sophia Smith (POR)
F – Lynn Williams (NJNY)
