Rose Lavelle refused to bow down even after sustaining a gruesome injury the previous year, and her inspiring comeback story involves several other characters.

Lavelle sustained an ankle injury during the 2024 offseason, which sidelined her for most of the first half of the following year. However, the 30-year-old made a strong comeback in June 2025 and was elected U.S. Soccer’s Female Player of the Year for her outstanding performances thereafter.

The Gotham FC and USNWT midfielder recently talked about her recovery from the injury, saying, "When I look at the past year, it feels like a testament to the support system I had. I wouldn't have been in the position to even be up for the award without all of the support I received throughout the year just to get back on the field."

The Cincinnati, Ohio native also appreciated her family members, the medical staff at Gotham, and her teammates who helped her get through the process. She said, "So, this award is definitely shared with all the people I was lucky enough to have in my corner along the way."

It's worth noting that Lavelle won the award with 29.2% of the vote, followed by Sam Coffey (23.9%) and Catarina Macario (22.3%).

Rose Lavelle shone in the NWSL with Gotham FC

Lavelle scored 6 goals and 2 assists in the regular season. But the real highlight came in the championship match. She scored the only goal in Gotham’s 1-0 victory over the Washington Spirit in the 2025 NWSL Championship, which earned her a place in the history books.

It was the strike that earned her a place in the books. Rose Lavelle became the first player to score in two NWSL Championship finals and a FIFA Women’s World Cup final. She earned the MVP honors with Gotham FC.

HC Emma Hayes said it best: “Rose is not only one of the best players in the world, but also one of the most fun to watch, and to coach.” The veteran now holds 27 goals and 27 assists for the USWNT.

However, Lavelle's teammate, Lilly Reale, also enhanced Gotham FC's glory by becoming the U.S. Soccer Young Female Player of the Year. Debuting in June, she claimed 48% of the vote after a standout rookie season, logging 2,217 minutes across 29 matches.

With Gotham FC retaining both of them in 2026, their fans will hope for another successful season.

Written by

Fatema Kapasi

Edited by

Souvik Roy