Yes, the captain of the Stanford team is also on the USWNT U-20's who missed out on the World Cup due to Covid and she is now also named as the best of the young ones, Naomi Girma. She played a massive role as Stanford rolled to the 2019 NCAA title, she was of course the PAC-10 Defensive Player of the Year. During the 2020 Concacaf U-20 Championships, she lead the stout defense of the Red, White & Blue with half a dozen games of utter domination, taking the title in a 4-1 drubbing of Mexico in the final. Overall #3 in minutes played, that one goal by El Tri was the only one they would relent over the half dozen games, 545' of blank sheets, unreal.
Nami informed "It's been such a crazy year, but it's always an honor to represent the USA & I'm proud of what our team was able to accomplish at the beginning of the year in Concacaf qualifying , even though the World Cup got cancelled. I'm especially thankful for the coaches and the medical staff, to be mentioned along with the past winners is very cool & humbling. My Family, my parents & brother have been so supportive. I'll always appreciate everything they've contributed to me as a person and a player."
This was her 2nd and last go 'round as an U-20 and was #3 with 31 caps at this level. She is but the 2nd defender to take this high honor over it's 23 years.
Naomi's junior year of play was cancelled, however in Oct. she was at her first full USWNT camp in Colorado.
U-20's HC Laura Harvey told "First and foremost, Naomi Girma is a great person and a fantastic leader. She is highly respected and always put the team first. On the field, she is smart, brave and always pushing to improve. I know it's rare for a defender to win this award."
Last years winner. Brianna Pinto has LI ties as her father played here. The first winner is now the Prez. of the USSF, what awaits this fine young woman?