The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) has been making headlines recently with the ongoing playoffs, but it seems that the league has sparked even more debate with its latest announcement. The finalists for the 2025 NWSL Awards have been declared by the stakeholders, and this has raised some eyebrows. One name, in particular, has been surprisingly omitted from the list – that of Emily Sonnett, a veteran player of the US Women’s National Team (USWNT).
Fans and experts alike were taken aback by this decision, with many questioning the reasoning behind Sonnett’s snub. The NWSL Awards are highly prestigious and winning one is a mark of recognition for the players and coaches, making this exclusion all the more controversial. Sonnett, who currently plays as a defender for Orlando Pride, has been a consistent performer throughout her career, and her exclusion from the list has left many puzzled.
For those who are not well-versed in Sonnett’s accomplishments, it’s worth noting that she has been an integral part of the USWNT squad for many years. She was a member of the team that won the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2019 and has also represented the US in the Olympics. On the club level, Sonnett has been a standout player for both Portland Thorns FC and Orlando Pride, with her stellar performances earning her the accolade of being named the 2018 NWSL Defender of the Year.
Given her impressive resume, it’s hard to fathom why Sonnett has not been considered for the NWSL Awards. The decision has raised questions about the transparency and fairness of the selection process. It’s not just fans who are unhappy with the snub, even Sonnett’s national team teammates have voiced their disappointment. Alex Morgan, Megan Rapinoe, and Rose Lavelle, all members of the USWNT and playing in the NWSL, have expressed their support for Sonnett on social media, with Morgan even stating that the exclusion “doesn’t make any sense.”
The NWSL has yet to address the omission, but one USWNT veteran, Ali Krieger, has taken matters into her own hands. In a series of tweets, Krieger called out the league for not recognizing what she believes to be Sonnett’s exceptional contributions to women’s soccer. Krieger praised Sonnett’s playing abilities, leadership skills, and her efforts to promote diversity and inclusion within the sport. She also pointed out that Sonnett has never been one to seek attention or recognition for her achievements, but that the league should have still acknowledged her.
Krieger’s tweets have struck a chord with many in the soccer community, with fans and players rallying behind Sonnett and expressing their support for her. Some have even questioned the message this exclusion sends to young aspiring players, especially girls, who look up to Sonnett and her teammates. It’s no secret that the USWNT has been a role model for young women, and Sonnett’s omission seems to go against the very idea of promoting and empowering female athletes.
The NWSL must realize that their actions have a wider impact than just announcing award finalists. By snubbing Sonnett, they are not only disregarding her achievements but also potentially undermining the confidence of young girls and women in sports. This is a concerning message, especially at a time when women’s sports are facing challenges in terms of representation and recognition.
It’s not too late for the NWSL to rectify their mistake and include Sonnett in the finalists’ list. As Krieger stated, Sonnett deserves to be acknowledged for her hard work and dedication to the sport. Moreover, it’s crucial for the integrity of the awards and the league’s credibility that deserving players are not overlooked.
In the end, Sonnett’s omission has sparked a much-needed conversation about the importance of recognizing and celebrating female athletes. It’s time for the NWSL to take a step back and reflect on their selection process to ensure that all the players who have contributed significantly to the sport are rightfully acknowledged. Sonnett may have been snubbed this year, but her impressive career and contributions to women’s soccer will not be forgotten. She remains a respected and admired player, not just by her teammates but by all those who follow the beautiful game.
