A new season means another year’s worth of allotted silverware is up for grabs! It’s too early to know anything, but the internet never sleeps and we all kneel at the feet of the content god so here are some much too early predictions for the 2023 season!

MVP

Frontrunner: Debinha; The Brazilian attacker went God Mode just last season and almost got North Carolina into the playoffs despite a porous defense. If the Current’s new midfield provides the solidity they’re expected to, Debinha should run wild.

In contention: Sophia Smith, Mallory Swanson, Trinity Rodman

This being a World Cup year brings a few players into the spotlight. Though the NWSL tried to lessen the amount of time international players will be away, depending on how deep their national teams go, some players might miss a decent enough portion to give others an advantage.

In 2015 Crystal Dunn channeled lack of a callup into a Golden Boot and MVP winning year, and in 2019 Australia’s exit in the Round of 16 got Sam Kerr back in time to continue her league goalscoring tear. What I’m saying is if Vlatko doesn’t call up Lynn Williams the league should quake with fear.

André’s Sleeper Pick: Lynn Williams

Coach of the Year

Frontrunner: Laura Harvey; One of the hardest things to do in this league is maintain consistency, if Reign lift another trophy their coach will deserve a lot of credit,

In contention: Casey Stoney, Matt Potter

André’s Sleeper Pick: Juan Carlos Amorós

Rookie of the Year

Frontrunner: Michelle Cooper; The Duke star is one of the most pro-ready prospects and has a knack for finding routes to goal and putting the ball on target — and playing alongside Debinha is a cheat code. The record for goals in a rookie season is 11, Cooper’s a threat to break that mark.

In contention: Izzy D’Aquila, Jenna Nighswonger

André’s Sleeper Pick: Messiah Bright

Defender of the Year

Frontrunner: Naomi Girma; Girma won this award last year as a rookie and is unlikely to be unseated, but a couple defenders are returning from injury could have big years

In contention: Tierna Davidson, Natalia Kuikka, Emily Fox

André’s Sleeper Pick: Sarah Gorden

Golden Boot

Frontrunner: Sophia Smith; Smith is beginning to search for the peak of her powers, leaving jaw-dropping highlights in her wake. If she continues on this trajectory, last season’s MVP will pick up even more hardware this season.

In contention: Alex Morgan, Mallory Swanson, Lynn Williams

André’s Sleeper Pick: Diana Ordóñez

Goalkeeper of the Year

Frontrunner: Phallon Tullis-Joyce; It’s been said that the deep sea-loving shot-stopper protects the goal like several octopuses in a trench coat.

In contention: Kailen Sheridan, AD Franch, Bella Bixby

André’s Sleeper Pick: Katie Lund

Comeback Player of the Year

Ok this one doesn’t actually exist but it should. A lot of players have missed a lot of time on the pitch for reasons ranging from torn ligaments to giving birth, so let’s pick out a few who are back and primed for big seasons in 2023.

In contention: Crystal Dunn, Lynn Williams

Dunn came back late last season after giving birth in May and scored one of the goals of the season. An absolute rocket to knock San Diego Wave out in the semifinal round. Lynn Williams missed all last season with a DETACHED HAMSTRING! However, she’s back, still blindingly fast, and fueled by a trade out of Kansas City which left her “shocked.”