Gotham’s Rose Lavelle named U.S. women’s player of year

Gotham FC and United States Women’s National Team midfielder Rose Lavelle has been named the 2025 U.S. Soccer Player of the Year.

Lavelle received 29.2% of the weighted votes, followed by Sam Coffey (23.9%) and Catarina Macario (22.3%).

Voters for the award were collected from the respective U.S. National Team coaches, U.S. National Team players earning a 2025 selection, members of the U.S. Soccer Board of Directors, the U.S. Soccer Athlete Council, National Women’s Soccer League head coaches and select media members and administrators.

Lavelle, 30, was sidelined by an ankle injury for much of the first half of the year, but then made six appearances for the USWNT, scoring three goals and adding three assists.

The Cincinnati, Ohio native has made an even bigger impact at the club level.

After scoring six goals and adding two assists during the regular season, she led Gotham to the 2025 NWSL Championship, scoring the game-winning goal in the final to defeat the Washington Spirit 1-0.

This total not only allowed her to win the match MVP, but she also became the first player to score in two NWSL championships as well as a FIFA Women’s World Cup final.

“When I look back on last year, it’s a testament to the support system I had, with my family, the Gotham medical staff and with the national team, all my teammates, coaches and friends,” Lavelle said in a statement.

“I wouldn’t have even been able to win this award without all the support I received throughout the year just to get back on the court. So this award is definitely shared with everyone I’ve been lucky enough to have by my side along my journey.”

Lavelle’s club teammate, Lilly Reale, was voted US Soccer’s Young Player of the Year. Reale received 48% of the weighted votes, followed by Jordyn Bugg (29.6%) and Micayla Johnson (16.1%).

During his rookie season, Reale made a significant impact, logging 2,217 minutes in 29 matches in all competitions.

“This year in particular has been filled with major moments of growth, joy and many lessons,” Reale said. “Through it all, I feel so fortunate to have been surrounded by such charismatic teammates, coaches and fans.

“Being able to play alongside many of my role models and represent my country at the highest level is something I will never take for granted.”

After starting the year with the U.S. U23 team, Reale made his USWNT debut with a start on June 26 against Ireland and not only helped the team to a shutout, but also recorded his first career international assist. She then made six appearances for the USWNT in 2025.

The U.S. Women’s Soccer Player of the Year title has been awarded since 1985, when midfielder Sharon Remer won the first Women’s Player of the Year award.

Abby Wambach has won the award six times, the most of any female player. Mia Hamm has won it five times. Lavelle is the 22nd different player to win this award.

Reale is the 28th player to be named America’s Young Soccer Player of the Year, an award a player can only win once.

The first time it was awarded, in 1998, was to the current president of American football, Cindy Parlow Cone.