Croix Bethune’s record-breaking season redefines what it means to be a rookie in NWSL

Women's soccer is one big stage where the accounts of resilience, talent, and triumph glitter. In 2024, the name Croix Bethune did not just emerge; it erupted into the NWSL midfield and catapulted the Washington Spirit midfielder into the spotlight as Rookie of the Year. And it was not due to any lucky charm. It was a perfect storm of pure skill, coolness under pressure, and numbers that told the story of instant impact.

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A debut that started with a bang

Croix Bethune entered the NWSL as a highly anticipated prospect, selected third overall in January's draft. But while big promises are common, what Bethune did was rare: she turned potential into results right from the start.

Making an immediate mark in her first start of the season, she played with the composure of a veteran. Three goals in her first five matches - including a dramatic stoppage-time winner in the Spirit's home opener at Audi Field - were only the beginning. Fans gravitated to her immediately: this, it was clear was Bethune, something special.

But her influence wasn't limited to scoring. By her sixth match, Bethune recorded her first career assist. What followed was a deluge-nine more assists over the next 11 games. This run didn't just get her noticed; it catapulted her to the top of the league, tying the NWSL single-season assist record. That's quite something for any player, let alone a rookie.

A masterclass in assists and field vision

What makes Bethune different from all is that she has really great vision on the field. Few players can read games this way, anticipate where spaces are going to open up, and can execute such pinpoint passes. The match on May 1 against the Chicago Red Stars underlines that. With three assists in a single game, Bethune went into NWSL history. These weren't just assists-these were game-changing moments, perfectly threading the needle to set up teammates and secure a 4-2 victory.

These displays are about more than just statistics; they represent a player whose instinctive nature will influence the flow of a match and create chances that others would not see.

Moments that define careers

There are moments in every great player's career when they truly step up to the plate. Bethune had plenty of those. One that really stands out came on June 15 against the San Diego Wave. With the Washington Spirit trailing late in the game and nearly 20,000 fans packed into Audi Field, Bethune delivered. A perfect, pinpoint long ball was then followed by a strike that was executed just right to level the score, sending the crowd into a frenzy. It wasn't just a goal-it was a statement.

This was a performance about more than technique. It was about emotional control and the ability to deliver when it most mattered. That's what separates ordinary players from those destined to define their generation.

Awards and recognition: no flukes here

Bethune’s impact didn’t go unnoticed. She was named Rookie of the Month four times in the first five months of the season, an unprecedented achievement in the league’s history. Each award reflected another month of consistent, decisive performances. Unsurprisingly, she earned a call-up to the USWNT, solidifying her reputation as a talent that extends far beyond the NWSL.

Bethune wrapped up the regular season with five goals and 10 assists in just 17 games. It's worth noting that her season was cut short by a knee injury. Even so, her impact was enough to secure her a spot on the NWSL Best XI alongside the league's top stars.

A legacy in making

Looking at the history of Rookies of the Year for the NWSL, names like Julie Ertz, Trinity Rodman, and Naomi Girma come to mind; Bethune is in elite company. These are players who never just shone as newcomers but went ahead to become icons of the sport. Bethune is definitely following in their footsteps.

Few stars have risen as high as Bethune has in the NWSL, and fewer still have had such an impact. In just one season, she's proven herself one of the most influential players of her generation. For the Washington Spirit, she's the future. For fans, she's an inspiration. And for the league, she's a reminder of just how far women's soccer has come.