The National Women’s Soccer League continues to see rookies make immediate impacts with their respective clubs and the 2026 season is no different.
There were a long list of first-year players who could have made this list, but these three have separated themselves to a point that was clear and undeniable.
Here are three names many will have as the contenders for the Rookie of the Year award.
Amelia “Mimi” Van Zanten (San Diego Wave, DF)
Could a defender win the award for the second year in a row? Mimi Van Zanten has the resume to make it happen and is already one of the very best players at her position.
Compared to other fullbacks, she has been outstanding:
- First in tackles (84) – Fifth overall in NWSL
- Second in interceptions (44) – Ninth overall in NWSL
- Third in total duels won (151) – Eighth overall in NWSL
- Third in successful dribbles (25)
- Fourth in accurate final third passes (259)
- Fifth in defensive contributions per 90
- Seventh in fouls drawn
Whether it has been as an attacker, playmaker or defender, the San Diego Wave rookie has taken care of business every single second out on the pitch.
Kat Rader (Houston Dash, FW)
Part of a bright young core with Houston Dash who will be a team to watch out for in the near future, Rader has already been named Rookie of the Month twice this season (May and August).
With 10 goals, she is just one away from tying the record set by Diana Ordóñez.
Here’s why she is a downright nightmare for opposing defenses:
- 10 goals – tied for 10th most in NWSL
- 5.0 xA – tied for 10th most in NWSL
She has the ability to play all over the frontline or as an attacking midfielder. Whether it is as a goalscorer or playmaker, the star attacker has been superb.
Lia Godfrey (San Diego Wave, MF)
Godfrey has already been rewarded for a stellar breakout year by signing a lucrative contract extension through the 2029 season.
The midfielder has given San Diego exactly what they needed in attack:
- Six goals – Second most for rookies
- Six assists – Tied sixth most in NWSL and leads rookies
- 12 goal contributions – Third for AMs and leads rookies
- 4.9 xG generated – Seventh most for AMs and second for rookies
- 27.5 accurate passes per 90 – Seventh most for AMs
- 37 chances created – Third most for AMs and 18th overall in NWSL
- 4.0 xA – Third most for AMs and second for rookies
Trinity Byars and Godfrey have spearheaded the Wave attack all season as they lead the team in goals and assists, respectively.
Heading into her rookie season, Godfrey was widely-regarded as the most pro-ready player available. Even now, she has smashed those expectations and more.
With steady call-ups to the U.S. U23 team already, it’s only a matter of time before she receives senior team invites next.
Prediction: Mimi Van Zanten to win
What Van Zanten has been able to accomplish as a defender speaks volumes to the incredible youth movement at San Diego under Jonas Eidevall alongside players such as Godfrey, Melanie Barcenas, Kimmi Ascanio, Dudinha, Byars and more.
Van Zanten has shut down the top opposing attackers all season long with one-of-a-kind skillset. The eye test and analytics back that up and more. On top of that, she has been terrific with the ball and in attack. Following in the footsteps of Lilly Reale last season, the NWSL has found their next premiere do-it-all defender for the next decade.