SAN DIEGO (Nov. 9, 2026) – The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) announced today that three San Diego Wave FC players and Head Coach Jonas Eidevall have been named finalists for the 2026 NWSL Awards, recognizing their standout performances throughout the 2026 regular season.
Wave FC’s four finalists are:
- Kennedy Wesley | Defender of the Year
- Kenza Dali | Midfielder of the Year
- Mimi Van Zanten | Rookie of the Year, presented by Ally
- Head Coach Jonas Eidevall | Coach of the Year
Fans can cast their votes HERE. Voting closes Wednesday, Nov. 11, at 5 p.m. PT.
Kennedy Wesley | Defender of the Year
Wesley anchored the Wave FC backline, becoming the first player in club history to earn NWSL Iron Woman honors after starting and playing every minute of the regular season. The U.S. Women’s National Team defender recorded 2,700 minutes across 30 appearances, contributing two goals, and 34 interceptions while competing in 64 headed duels and maintaining an 89% passing accuracy.
Kenza Dali | Midfielder of the Year
Dali established herself as one of the NWSL’s premier midfielders, leading the league with 63 chances created while ranking fifth in big chances created (14), and contributing four assists. The French international and Wave FC co-captain alongside Kennedy Wesley was the engine of San Diego’s midfield, dictating the tempo of play and driving the club’s possession-oriented attack throughout the season.
Mimi Van Zanten | Rookie of the Year, presented by Ally
Van Zanten emerged as one of the NWSL’s most impactful rookies, establishing herself as a dynamic presence on both sides of the ball for Wave FC. The outside back showcased her attacking ability with two goals and one assist in 29 appearances, while making significant defensive contributions with 65 tackles and 49 interceptions throughout her debut campaign.
Head Coach Jonas Eidevall | Coach of the Year
In his second season at the helm, Eidevall guided Wave FC to a club-record 58 points and an 18-8-4 record, improving on a 37-point campaign in 2025 and leading San Diego to the playoffs in each of his first two seasons. Under his leadership, Wave FC went 10-4-3 following the summer break, including an unbeaten final seven matches of the regulars season with six wins, while establishing an attractive, possession-oriented style of soccer that led the NWSL in total passes (15,880), shots (341), and shots on target (182).
Fan Voting Now Open
The finalists were selected through a preliminary round of voting involving NWSL players, owners, general managers, coaches, and media members. Preliminary voting was weighted by players (50%), owners/general managers/coaches (25%), and media (25%).
Fans now have the opportunity to vote for the individual award winners and the 2026 NWSL Best XI First and Second Teams, presented by Amazon Prime.
The final round of voting is weighted as follows: players (40%), owners/general managers/coaches (25%), media (25%), and fans (10%).
2026 NWSL Awards Ceremony
Award winners will be announced during the second annual NWSL Awards, presented by AT&T, on Wednesday, Nov. 18, in Washington, D.C. The ceremony will be broadcast live on ESPN2 at 3:30 p.m. PT, ahead of the 2026 NWSL Championship, presented by Google Pixel.
The ceremony will also recognize the NWSL Best XI First and Second Teams and announce the winner of the Lauren Holiday Impact Award, presented by Nationwide.
The 2026 NWSL Championship will take place Saturday, Nov. 21, at Audi Field in Washington, D.C., with kickoff scheduled for 5 p.m. PT. The match will air nationally on CBS and stream on Paramount+.
2026 NWSL Awards Finalists
Most Valuable Player, presented by AT&T: Temwa Chawinga (KC), Trinity Rodman (WAS), Ashley Sanchez (NC), Janine Sonis (DEN), Sophia Wilson (POR)
Defender of the Year: Tierna Davidson (GFC), Kate Del Fava (UTA), Sarah Gorden (LA), Janine Sonis (DEN), Kennedy Wesley (SD)
Goalkeeper of the Year, presented by e.l.f.: Ann-Katrin Berger (GFC), Jane Campbell (HOU), Jordan Silkowitz (BAY)
Midfielder of the Year: Croix Bethune (KC), Kenza Dali (SD), Jaelin Howell (GFC), Rose Lavelle (GFC), Mina Tanaka (UTA)
Rookie of the Year, presented by Ally: Jordynn Dudley (GFC), Kat Rader (HOU), Mimi Van Zanten (SD)
Coach of the Year: Juan Carlos Amorós (GFC), Jimmy Coenraets (UTA), Jonas Eidevall (SD)
