The National Women’s Soccer League continues to see new players make an immediate impact on their clubs, and the 2026 season is no different.
There was a long list of freshman players who could have made this list, but these three stood out to a clear and undeniable point.
Here are three names that many will be in the running for Rookie of the Year.
Amelia “Mimi” Van Zanten (San Diego Wave, DF)
Can a defenseman 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 best players at her position.
Compared to other defenders, he excelled:
- First in tackles (84) – fifth overall in NWSL
- Second in tackles (44) – ninth overall in NWSL
- Third in total duels won (151) – eighth in the NWSL
- Third in successful dribbles (25)
- Fourth in Completed Last Third Passes (259)
- Fifth in defensive contributions to 90
- Seventh in fouls
Whether it’s a forward, playmaker or defender, the San Diego Wave rookie takes care of business every second on the court.
Cat Rader (Houston Dash, FW)
Part of a bright young core with the Houston Dash, a team to watch out for in the near future, Rader has already been named Player of the Month twice this season (May and August).
With 10 goals, she is just shy of tying Diana Ordonez’s record.
Here he is an absolute nightmare to defend against:
- 10 goals – 10th most in NWSL
- 5.0 xA – 10th most in NWSL
He has the ability to play across the front line or as an attacking midfielder. Whether as a goalscorer or playmaker, the star striker was excellent.
Leah Godfrey (San Diego WaveMF)
Godfrey has already been rewarded for a stellar year by signing a lucrative contract extension through the 2029 season.
The midfielder gave San Diego exactly what it needed offensively:
- Six goals – Second most for a rookie
- Six assists – tied for sixth most in NWSL and leads rookie
- 12 goal contributions – third for AMs and leaders
- Created 4.9 xG – seventh for AMs, second for beginners
- 27.5 accurate passes per 90 – seventh most for AM
- 37 chances created – third for AMs and 18th overall in the NWSL
- 4.0 xA – Third for AMs, second for beginners
Trinity Byars and Godfrey led the Wave offense all season as they led the team in goals and assists, respectively.
Entering his rookie season, Godfrey was widely regarded as the most ready player available. And now he has defied those expectations and more.
With constant calls to the USA U23 team already, it’s only a matter of time before he receives his next senior team call-up.
Prediction: Mimi Van Zanten to win
What Van Zante is able to do as a defenseman, along with players like Godfrey, Melanie Barcenas, Kimmi Ascanio, Dudinha, Byars and more, speaks volumes for the incredible youth movement in San Diego under Jonas Eidevall.
Van Zanten has shut down top opposing forwards all season long with his unique skill set. Eye testing and analytics support this and more. Moreover, he was excellent both on the ball and in attack. Following in the footsteps of Lilly Reale last season, the NWSL has found its next premier defenseman in the next decade.