This month in sports, two of San Diego’s young stars plus a new face to the Wave were featured in local and national news outlets. Standout 2022 NWSL Rookie of the Year, Naomi Girma, local San Diego star Sierra Enge, and free agent-signing Danielle Colaprico all made a splash in the media.
Read on to see the Wave in recent news.
#1: What makes Naomi Girma key for USWNT and an NWSL standout with San Diego (The Athletic)
During her rookie breakout season in 2022, Naomi Girma quickly proved her value on and off the pitch for both Wave FC and the U.S. Women’s National Team.
After being drafted in January, the center back earned a starting spot in Casey Stoney’s backline and became the first NWSL player to win both Rookie of the Year and Defender of the Year awards. Girma also made her USWNT debut last year and proceeded to anchor the U.S.’s backline.
“It’s almost impossible to find a player whose coaches say more nice things about them than the Naomi Girma, the 22-year-old whose rapid rise has led to major roles along the backline with the San Diego Wave and the USWNT.
Her coaches every step of the way seemingly can’t help themselves.
‘When she steps on the field, everyone wants to play a little harder and be a little sharper because they care so much about her.’”
The Athletic
Girma was also recently recognized by Just Women’s Sports in the 23 Under 23 For 2023: Young Stars Shine Bright In Women’s Sports.
#2: Sierra Enge ready to make waves; taken by the Wave FC with the No. 13 overall pick (KUSI-SD)
Sierra Enge, a Cardiff local and Stanford University graduate, returns to Southern California to kickoff her professional career. At the 2023 NWSL Draft in January, the San Diego Wave traded up for the first pick in the second round and chose Enge as their first draftee.
The second round draftee talked to local press about her return home and the anticipation of a second season for Wave FC.
More:
Wave Welcome 1st Round Pick Sierra Enge (ABC 10)
Sierra Enge, San Diego First Round Talent (NBC 7)
Going back to SoCal: Sierra Enge returning to her hometown to play with Wave FC (The Striker)
#3: For Danielle Colaprico, moving to San Diego is a bet on herself (The Equalizer)
One of Wave FC’s recent free agency signings is former Chicago Red Star, Danielle Colaprico. The midfielder comes to San Diego after spending her whole professional career (8 years) in the Windy City. While Colaprico initially thought she was in Chicago to stay, she is excited to join the Wave with her former teammate, Rachel Hill, for the club’s second season.
“I felt like I hit a point in my career where I just wasn’t getting better. I thought, ‘Gee, is this it?’ But I feel like deep down I knew that I had more to give to the game and I felt like Casey Stoney was a coach that could do that to me. She wants to make me a better player; she thinks I have a lot more to give to the game as well.”
Danielle Colaprico, San Diego Wave FC Midfielder
San Diego will kick off its 2023 NWSL preseason on Monday, Feb. 6. Fans can secure a seat to all of the Wave’s home matches at Snapdragon Stadium by purchasing a season ticket for the 2023 campaign.
