Each Saturday morning, as a young child growing up in San Jose, California, Naomi Girma would participate in an informal version of soccer at the park. The children were divided into three groups: little, medium, and big. They would play without any formal coaching, enjoying the game and honing their skills. While Girma never made it to the big-kids group, her talent became evident by the time she reached third grade.
Girma entered the competitive US youth soccer scene and has now become a rising star for the United States women’s national team. She is poised to play a crucial role as a center-back in the team’s bid for a third consecutive World Cup victory. At only 23 years old, Girma combines exceptional one-on-one defending with skillful ball control, making her one of the country’s promising center-backs.
Girma’s upbringing in the Bay Area played a significant role in shaping who she is today as both a player and a person. Her father, a refugee from Ethiopia, established the Maleda Soccer Club, aimed at bringing Ethiopian families together and strengthening community bonds. Girma values the sense of community and family instilled in her from a young age, which she believes is a prominent aspect of Ethiopian culture.
From those Saturday mornings in the park, Girma’s soccer journey expanded to include statewide travel with her mother, who navigated the complex US youth soccer system. Girma’s mother, though not familiar with soccer, learned the sport’s intricacies to support her daughter’s passion. These experiences eventually led Girma to Stanford University, where she excelled academically and captained the women’s soccer team to an NCAA national championship in 2019.
Girma’s skills as a player are exceptional, and her coaches have praised her humility and consistent performance. She has the ability to distribute the ball accurately from her position as a center-back, thanks to her early years as a central midfielder. Girma’s versatility and calmness on the field make her a dangerous asset for her team, setting up opportunities for the midfielders and forwards.
In her professional career, Girma has been recognized as the NWSL Rookie of the Year and Defender of the Year. She played a crucial role in leading her team to success and adapting to a larger role when faced with challenges. Now, with the absence of key players due to injuries, Girma is likely to be thrust into even more significant responsibilities at the international level.
Despite her relative inexperience, Girma’s potential and talent make her a vital player for the United States. The coaching staff acknowledges that mistakes are bound to happen during Girma’s development as a defender but believes in her abilities and supports her growth. As the team prepares for the World Cup, Girma’s performance, along with her fellow young defenders, will play a crucial role in determining the team’s success.