Naomi Girma Shines as US Defense at Olympics
- Naomi Girma has been instrumental in leading the U.S. women's soccer team's defense during the Paris Olympics.
- The backline, supported by Alyssa Naeher in goal, has only allowed two goals throughout the tournament.
- Girma's performance has solidified her as a key player in the U.S. pursuit of Olympic success.
In a recent statement, U.S. women's national soccer team coach Emma Hayes lauded Naomi Girma as the best defender she has ever encountered, calling her performance "unbelievable." Girma, affectionately known as Nay, previously captained the Stanford University team that clinched the national championship in 2019, alongside notable players like Sophia Smith and Catarina Macario. While Macario was unable to join the team in France due to a minor injury, Girma's contributions have been pivotal since her national team debut in 2022. Girma's impressive career trajectory includes being the first overall pick in the National Women’s Soccer League draft by the San Diego Wave, where she earned both Rookie of the Year and Defender of the Year accolades. In 2023, she was recognized as U.S. Soccer's women’s Player of the Year, solidifying her status as a key player on the international stage. Hayes, who is focused on revitalizing a team that faced an early exit from the previous Women’s World Cup, emphasized Girma's steady presence on the field. As the U.S. team prepares for the World Cup final against Brazil, who recently triumphed over Spain, Girma reflects on the team's growth and experience. "Last year, a lot of us were transitioning in... now we’ve been on the national team for a lot longer and understand what it takes to win," she noted. The upcoming match promises to be a significant test for the team, with Girma at the forefront of their defensive strategy.