The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) has officially opened fan voting for the 2024 Lauren Holiday Impact Award, presented by Nationwide. This prestigious honor recognizes NWSL players who go above and beyond to make a meaningful impact in their communities, celebrating both their service and character off the pitch. The Nominee with the most votes at the end of the month will be announced as the Fan Vote Winner in early November and will designate a charitable organization of their choice to receive a $5,000 donation with an additional $5,000 awarded to their predetermined community partner.
This year’s award spotlights players whose community work exemplifies the legacy of two-time Olympic gold medalist and World Cup champion Lauren Holiday. Here’s a look at the nominees and their community partners:
Club | Nominee | Community Partner |
Angel City FC | Rocky Rodríguez | Las Fotos Project |
Bay FC | Jen Beattie | Pink Ribbon Good |
Chicago Red Stars | Cari Roccaro | NAMI Chicago |
Houston Dash | Jane Campbell | The Ronald McDonald House |
Kansas City Current | AD Franch | WeCode KC |
NJ/NY Gotham FC | Abby Smith | PowerPlay |
North Carolina Courage | Victoria Pickett | NAMI Wake County |
Orlando Pride | Celia Jiménez | SpaceKids Global |
Portland Thorns FC | Sam Coffey | Helping Hands |
Racing Louisville FC | Katie Lund | Norton Children’s |
San Diego Wave FC | Kennedy Wesley | Challenged Athletes Foundation |
Seattle Reign FC | Shae Holmes | MS I’m Possible |
Utah Royals FC | Paige Monaghan | Special Olympics Utah |
Washington Spirit | Anna Heilferty | Friends of Anacostia Park |
In keeping with the spirit of the award, all clubs will coordinate a service project with their nominee and a local community organization. Each nominee and their community partner will be recognized during their club’s Appreciation Night match where the partner will also receive a $5,000 donation from the league and Nationwide.
Club supporters will have the chance to vote for a player nominee as part of the fan vote in October. The nominee with the most fan votes at the end of the month will receive additional funds to donate to their community partner and an organization of their choice.
At the end of the season, one nominee selected by a voting panel will be named the winner of the 2024 Lauren Holiday Impact Award, presented by Nationwide, and receive $30,000 to designate to a charitable organization of their choice. The winner of the award will be announced the week of the 2024 NWSL Championship, presented by Google Pixel. Additionally, all 14 player nominees will be honored as part of Championship Week celebrations.