Washington Spirit midfielder Croix Bethune has officially been crowned the 2024 NWSL Rookie of the Year, marking a remarkable achievement for the young athlete. At just 23 years old, Bethune made significant waves in her inaugural professional season, showcasing her skills on the field before a season-ending knee injury cut her campaign short.
Drafted third overall last January, Bethune's debut season was nothing short of stellar. During her time on the pitch, she managed to score five goals and provide ten assists across just 17 matches. This impressive tally not only highlighted her individual talent but also helped her stand out among her peers. Despite missing part of the season due to injury, her contributions were undeniable, solidifying her place as the standout rookie of the league.
Her performance garnered her additional accolades, including being named to the NWSL Best XI First Team, reinforcing her recognition as one of the league's elite players. It was on May 1 against the Chicago Red Stars when Bethune made headlines by becoming the fourth player in NWSL history to achieve three assists in one game, underlining her playmaking prowess and ability to influence the game's outcome.
Interestingly, Bethune wasn't merely focused on her club performance; she also had remarkable success on the international stage. Adding to her achievements, she was part of the U.S. women's national team squad, which celebrated winning a gold medal at the Paris Olympics. This dual success on both club and national levels has set the stage for what many believe is just the beginning of her career.
Looking back at her season, Bethune expressed her disbelief at the rapid ascent of her career. "So much has happened within those 10 months. A lot of positive things have happened," she remarked, emphasizing how quickly time has passed amid her numerous achievements.
Recognized not just for her scoring ability but also her playmaking skills, Bethune finished the season with ten assists, tying the NWSL record set by the iconic Tobin Heath. Her remarkable assist tally put her three clear of any other player over the course of the league's 26-game season, reinforcing her standing as a formidable playmaker. Only three other players had more total goal contributions than Bethune throughout the season.
The NWSL Rookie of the Month title eluded no one from Bethune, as she bagged the award every month she was eligible. Her streak continued for three consecutive months, making her the first NWSL player ever to earn the honor repeatedly. Returning from her Olympic victory only fueled her ambition, helping solidify her claim to the Rookie of the Year title.
Bethune reflects on her time with the Spirit, noting the challenges she faced during the year, particularly the uncertainty revolving around the team's coaching staff. After the dismissal of Mark Parsons at the end of the 2023 season, the team was managed temporarily by Adrián González, though they later welcomed Jonatan Giráldez from Barcelona. Bethune adapted swiftly to this transitional phase, contributing positively to the team's dynamics.
"Not necessarily having expectations, but I knew we were gonna be good," Bethune shared, expressing her confidence about the team's potential from early on. Despite her injury, she remained actively involved, attending training sessions and providing support to her teammates. Her commitment to the team's success, even from the sidelines, speaks volumes about her character and dedication.
Her ability to forge strong connections within the team also played a pivotal role. Notably, she enjoyed moments of camaraderie with teammates, including USWNT star Emily Fox, who helped her explore the local food scene and maintain morale during recovery.
Now, as the 2024 season wraps up, Bethune's focus turns toward recovery and preparing for the next campaign. "I feel like this is just an unfortunate bump in the road... so, just set my goals and then be consistent with them again next year," she articulated, demonstrating foresight and determination.
Looking forward to 2025, the league's recent changes, including the removal of drafts, may reshape the atmosphere for rookies. Bethune’s path serves as both inspiration and anticipation for future players entering the league, hinting at exciting developments and possibilities.
Overall, Croix Bethune has not only claimed her recognition as the NWSL Rookie of the Year but has also showcased resilience and promise for her future endeavors within the league. Her story is just beginning, and fans of the Washington Spirit and the NWSL are eagerly awaiting what’s next for this talented midfielder as she sets her eyes on accomplishing even more remarkable feats.
