Midfielder Rose Lavelle has been honored as the U.S. Soccer Player of the Year for 2025, marking a significant achievement in her career. She shares the spotlight with her Gotham FC teammate, Lilly Reale, who was awarded the title of U.S. Soccer Young Player of the Year. Both players played pivotal roles in securing the 2025 National Women’s Soccer League Championship for their team.
Reflecting on her recognition, Lavelle highlighted the importance of her support system, stating, “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. 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. This award is definitely shared with all the people I was lucky enough to have in my corner along the way.”
In 2025, Lavelle marked her return to the national team on June 26, facing off against the Republic of Ireland after overcoming an ankle injury. In her comeback match, she not only scored but also provided an assist, showcasing her prowess on the field. Over the course of the year, she started in five of her six appearances with the U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT) and scored goals in key matches against Portugal and New Zealand.
With Gotham FC, Lavelle was a driving force, starting in 13 of her 16 regular-season games, netting five goals, and contributing two assists. Her standout moment came in the NWSL Championship, where she scored the decisive goal in a 1-0 win against the Washington Spirit, earning her the MVP title for the match.
Lavelle garnered 29.2 percent of the weighted votes for the Player of the Year award, outperforming midfielder Sam Coffey, who received 23.9 percent, and forward Catarina Macario with 22.3 percent. Other nominees included defender Emily Fox and forward Alyssa Thompson.
Reale Claims Young Player of the Year Award
Lilly Reale enjoyed a remarkable year herself, winning the U.S. Soccer Young Player of the Year award with an impressive 48 percent of the weighted vote. Jordyn Bugg followed with 29.6 percent, and Micayla Johnson completed the top three at 16.1 percent. Other candidates included defender Pearl Cecil and forward Riley Tiernan.
Commenting on her achievement, Reale expressed her appreciation for the U.S. National Team program, stating, “I am constantly reminded of how special this National Team program is when I reflect on all the relationships, knowledge, laughs, and opportunities that U.S. Soccer has given me over the years.” She emphasized the significance of growth, joy, and the valuable lessons learned throughout the year, and expressed gratitude to those who supported her journey.
In addition to the Young Player of the Year honors, Reale was recognized as the NWSL’s Rookie of the Year, outperforming competitors like Maddie Dahlien and Tiernan. She was also selected to the league’s Second Best XI, further underscoring her skills.
Reale has been integrated into both the senior national and U-23 teams, scoring twice in a match against Germany, which culminated in a 2-1 victory for her team in Europe. She made her senior debut on June 26 against the Republic of Ireland and accumulated an assist in her first match, continuing to participate in subsequent games against Canada, New Zealand, and Italy.
As part of the recognition, U.S. Soccer Young Player of the Year recipients receive a $10,000 donation made by Henkel to a charity of their choice. Reale decided to contribute to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Boston, a cause close to her heart.
