Soccer
The U.S. women’s national team saw two of its players earn individual honors on Friday.
Rose Lavelle was named U.S. Soccer’s Female Player of the Year for 2025 while Lilly Reale earned Young Female Player of the Year, the federation announced. The news comes after Chris Richards and Ben Cremaschi earned the same honors but for the U.S men’s national team.
Lavelle earned 29.2% of the weighted total vote, while Sam Coffey (23.9%) and Catarina Macario (22.3%) finished second and third respectively in the Player of the Year voting. Reale earned 48% of the weighted total vote for Young Female Player of the Year and was followed up by Jordyn Bugg (29.6%) and Micayla Johnson (16.1%).
“When I look at the past year, it feels like a testament to the support system I had, with my family, the medical staff at Gotham and with the National Team, all my teammates, coaches and friends,” said Lavelle. “I wouldn’t have been in the position to even be up for the award without all of the support I received throughout the year just to get back on the field. So, this award is definitely shared with all the people I was lucky enough to have in my corner along the way.”
Lavelle remains one of the key players in the USWNT squad as their 2026 schedule vastly approaches. The veteran midfielder returned to international play on June 26 against the Republic of Ireland and finished the year with six international caps. In the five matches she started, Lavelle at least registered one goal contribution in each.
At club level, Lavelle helped Gotham FC win the 2025 NWSL Championship, scoring the winning goal in a 1-0 finals victory over the Washington Spirit. She earned MVP honors that day, adding another trophy to her growing cabinet.
“I’m really happy for Rose, who is thriving. She’s an extremely selfless person who has been through a lot of adversity,”said USWNT Emma Hayes. “I think we all know that Rose is not only one of the best players in the world, but also one of the most fun to watch, and to coach, so it’s very satisfying to see her recognized in this way. As far as Lilly, it was a heck of a start to her pro career, but it wasn’t without adversity as well. She’s a mentally and physically strong young player and a great teammate, so we are looking forward to watching her continue grow into her roles for club and country.”
Reale enjoyed a productive rookie season with Gotham FC, which later led to her first USWNT call-up in June. She featured in all 26 NWSL regular season matches, as well as each three of Gotham’s postseason matches. Reale was later named the NWSL Rookie of the Year after registering 2,217 minutes in 29 combined appearances.
“I am constantly reminded of how special this National Team program is when I reflect on all of the relationships, knowledge, laughs and opportunities that U.S. Soccer has given me over the years,” said Reale. “It was this environment where I first learned what it truly took to reach the next level and just how different each person’s journey will look. This year in particular has been one marked by major growth moments, joy and lots of lessons. Through it all, I feel so lucky 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 that I’ll never take for granted.
“Looking back on all the incredible players that have won this award in past years only serves as added motivation for me to strive to follow in their footsteps. Thank you to everyone who has guided me on this journey, your support really means the world!”
Reale started 2025 by attending the USWNT Futures Camp in January and then was called up to the Under-23 training camp in April. She scored her first goal for the team in a 2-1 victory over Germany.
Her international debut with the USWNT camp on June 26 against Ireland where she produced her first senior assist. Reale finished the year with five senior caps overall, including a pair of shutout victories over Italy to close the year.
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