Washington Spirit’s Croix Bethune honored as 2024 NWSL Rookie of the Year

NEW YORK – The National Women’s Soccer League today announced Washington Spirit midfielder Croix Bethune as the 2024 NWSL Rookie of the Year.

Bethune led the league in assists during the regular season, notching her 10th assist during Week 17, and tying the single-season record for assists set by Tobin Heath with the Portland Thorns in 2016. Bethune’s performance on May 1 in a 4-2 road victory over the Chicago Red Stars marked the first time in league history for a rookie to record three assists in one game.

The former Georgia Bulldog led all rookies this regular season with five goals and 10 assists through 17 matches played. The 2024 No. 3 overall draft pick was named the 2024 NWSL Rookie of the Month, presented by Ally, a record-breaking four times, notably registering one goal and seven assists throughout May.

In addition to the award, Croix Bethune will also receive a cash bonus from the NWSL and Ally to celebrate her accomplishments from her first season in the NWSL.

Ally, a financial services company with the nation’s largest all-digital bank and a leading brand in women’s sports, is also a primary sponsor of the NWSL and the official retail banking partner of the NWSLPA.

Voting Breakdown:

Preliminary Round: Owners/GMs/Coaches (25%), Media (25%) and Players (50%)
Final Round: Players (40%), Owners/GMs/Coaches (25%), Media (25%) and Fans (10%)

Full list of NWSL Rookies of the Year:

2013: Erika Tymrak, FC Kansas City
2014: Julie Ertz (Johnston), Chicago Red Stars
2015: Danielle Colaprico, Chicago Red Stars
2016: Rocky Rodriguez, NJ/NY Gotham FC (formerly Sky Blue FC)
2017: Ashley Hatch, North Carolina Courage
2018: Imani Dorsey, NJ/NY Gotham FC (formerly Sky Blue FC)
2019: Bethany Balcer, Reign FC
2021: Trinity Rodman, Washington Spirit
2022: Naomi Girma, San Diego Wave FC
2023: Jenna Nighswonger, NJ/NY Gotham FC
2024: Croix Bethune, Washington Spirit