Former Badger and current USWNT member Rose Lavelle was named U.S. Soccer's Female Player of the Year for 2025.
Lavelle, who was an All-American for Wisconsin, won the award after a short, but dominant season with Gotham FC. She was plagued by an ankle injury, but returned to lead the club to a NWSL Championship. She also added three goals and three assists over six matches at the international level with the USWNT.
Lavelle thanked her support system for helping her to achieve the prestigious honor.
"When I look at the past year, it feels like a testament to the support system I had, with my family, the medical staff at Gotham and with the National Team, all my teammates, coaches and friends,” said Lavelle. "I wouldn’t have been in the position to even be up for the award without all of the support I received throughout the year just to get back on the field. So, this award is definitely shared with all the people I was lucky enough to have in my corner along the way.”
Wisconsin women's sports continue to dominate after Lavelle's award
Lavelle's honor is another in a long string of achievements for Badger women's athletics. Volleyball has long been a powerhouse at Wisconsin, and made an impressive march all the way to the final four in this season's tournament. They were national champions in 2021.
Of course it's impossible not to mention hockey as well, as the Badger women are the defending National Champions and currently rank No. 1 in the country. They have an incredible eight national championships over the last 20 seasons.
And now Lavelle, who was a first-team All-American in 2015 for Wisconsin, has risen up to the top of her league. Lavelle is the 22nd player to win the award.