The Washington midfielder led the club in tackles and duels won

NEW YORK (October 2, 2025) - The National Women’s Soccer League announced today that Washington Spirit midfielder Deborah Abiodun has been named Rookie of the Month, presented by Ally, for the month of September by the NWSL Media Association and the league’s on-air broadcast talent.

This is Abiodun’s first time earning Rookie of the Month honors, just a month after making her NWSL debut. She started three of four games in September for the Spirit, leading the club in duels won and tackles won. She was also second in the league for tackles won.

Abiodun led all midfielders in possession in the middle third of the pitch with a staggering passing accuracy of 87.3%. Her presence in the midfield has helped the Spirit climb to second place in the standings. They are undefeated since June and punched their ticket to the playoffs in Week 22.

Ally, a financial services company with the nation’s largest all-digital bank and a leading brand in women’s sports, is also a primary sponsor of the NWSL and the official retail banking partner of the NWSLPA.

The NWSL Rookie of the Month, presented by Ally, is selected by the NWSL Media Association, a collection of writers that cover the league consistently, and the NWSL’s on-air broadcast talent. Awards for the month of May are based off performances during the regular season matches.