When the NWSL and the player’s association abolished the college draft in 2024 as a part of its new collective bargaining agreement, it inadvertently eliminated the early spotlight shone on top-tier prospects ahead of the season. By the time No. 1 picks like Crystal Dunn (2014), Rose Lavelle (2017), and Sophia Wilson (née Smith, in 2020) laced up their boots for their first professional matches, even those who hadn’t followed their collegiate careers knew to narrow their focus and set their expectations high.

But now, all rookies must draw attention organically. Some signings may have been splashier than others, but a first-year pro’s performance on the pitch is now the primary determinant of how much spotlight she is afforded. It’s better this way — and when a player does manage to break through, it’s all the more exciting.

That is why this week’s three words are about San Diego Wave midfielder Lia Godfrey, who’s enjoying a stellar start with the No. 1 team in the NWSL.

Most valuable rookie

Godfrey, a 24-year-old University of Virginia graduate and a 2025 MAC Hermann Trophy semifinalist, signed with the Wave on December 30, 2025. It was a quiet announcement amid the New Years Eve confetti and debate about the league’s recently announced High Impact Player rule. But four months into her professional career, Godfrey’s game has been the loudest of any rookie in the league. She’s converted four goals from just five shots on target and recorded an assist across six games, four of which she started. Two of her goals were match-winners, and according to FotMob she has an xG (expected goals) of 1.45, all of which have helped situate the Wave at the top of the table.

Her first goal came against the Utah Royals on March 22. Entering the match in the 59th minute when the Wave were level with their hosts, Godfrey received a penetrating ball from fellow midfielder and veteran Kenza Dali in the box. One touch to cushion the pass and another to shoot was all she needed. Neither action carried the sizzling flamboyance for which many of Godfrey’s teammates are known, but both were efficient. She carries herself with an inner assurance that has a steadying effect on the Wave as the squad chisels away at the disciplined artistry they hope to sustain the whole season.

Godfrey showed up with that same energy three days later when the Wave hosted the Portland Thorns. That goal materialized in similar instinctive fashion, as Godfrey’s opportune positioning inside the box (where five of her six shots on target have been taken) allowed her to capitalize on a recycled ball and bury her attempt for her second go-ahead goal this season.

“In the box midfield including Kimmi (Ascanio), I think there’s a lot of creative minds and versatility in those positions,” Godfrey said in a press conference following the Utah win. “Building those relationships between the four of us and being able to play one-two touch I think is contributing a lot to our success.”

Her third goal is the pick of the bunch, namely because of how she manipulated the ball without touching it. In the 56th minute of San Diego’s meeting with the Chicago Stars, Godfrey received an incisive pass from Brazilian winger Dudinha (who also assisted her second goal) and used her body to shield the ball from her opponent. Then it was rinse and repeat finishing: a tender touch to settle the ball to her liking, followed by another calmly slotted shot.

Godfrey ran it back this weekend in the Wave’s stunning comeback road win over the Denver Summit, this time off a cheeky ball from the 18-year-old Ascanio.

that’s FOUR goals for the rookie Lia Godfrey 🌊 pic.twitter.com/9udOM3Vff7

— San Diego Wave FC (@sandiegowavefc) April 26, 2026

That output, plus an assist against the Summit that made it 2-2 before a Denver own goal secured San Diego’s victory, has landed Godfrey behind only Barbra Banda in the NWSL Golden Boot race. Not only is she in a class of her own among other rookies in the league, but Godfrey has already proven herself to be one of the most important additions to the Wave’s roster this season – which is no small feat when that roster includes names like Catarina Macario (who is still out with injury) and Gabi Portilho.

Godfrey and the Wave’s next big test comes Wednesday night in Portland, with the Thorns situated right behind San Diego for second in the table. If this feels like dejá vu, it’s because the two met five weeks ago. The Thorns don’t make a habit of losing at Providence Park, much less by a 3-1 scoreline as they did when they played the Wave on the road. Since then, Wilson has also opened her scoring account, with her first goal since becoming a mother, to add to Portland’s attack.

Is it too early to start casting nominations for Rookie of the Year? Probably. The NWSL season is long, a behemoth compared to an NCAA campaign, offering all young players plenty of time to experience the undulations of this league’s chaos. In many ways, Godfrey’s form transcends that conversation. If she continues to rise with the Wave this season, that story, too, will unfurl organically.