It seems that the National Women’s Soccer League has missed a key addition to their list of awards: Most Improved Player. It’s kind of surprising, really.
While it’s an unrecognized award in the NWSL, having a standout season usually means that a player gets the right opportunities and solid support to flourish. Three players come to mind who have elevated their teams significantly this year and maybe in the years ahead.
Four frontrunners for NWSL Most Improved Player
Janine Sonis (Denver Summit, DF)
A significant part of Janine Sonis’s success can be attributed to Racing Louisville’s head coach, Bev Yanez, who found a way to maximize her talent by shifting her from winger to fullback in 2025. This change resulted in her best season yet, marked by eight goal contributions—three goals and five assists—which led the team to its inaugural playoff appearance.
Fast forward to 2026, and the Canadian national team star has really outdone herself with Denver Summit FC, led by Nick Cushing.
Now primarily positioned as a defender, Sonis has recorded a whopping 20 goal contributions this season, consisting of 12 goals and eight assists for the new NWSL team.
She’s not just having a career year, but has also risen to become one of the top attacking fullbacks globally.
Pietra Tordin (Portland Thorns, ATK)
Pietra Tordin had quite the start as a rookie, making 26 appearances and scoring just four goals. But this season? Her second year has really been extraordinary.
Starting in 28 matches across all four attacking roles, she has reached impressive highs with eight goals and nine assists.
Plus, Tordin recently got called up to the U.S. Women’s National Team, signed a contract that extends through 2029, and was awarded the Rose City Riveters Supporters’ Player of the Year. Her potential seems limitless.
Cloé Lacasse (Utah Royals, FW)
Cloé Lacasse, who enjoyed a stint with teams like ÍBV in Iceland and Benfica in Portugal prior to her time with Arsenal, faced some challenges after joining the Utah Royals in 2024. An injury set her back for nearly a year.
But, during the 2026 NWSL season, she thrived, achieving 18 goal contributions, including 10 assists, which ranks her second in league history, just behind Croix Bethune’s recent record.
Lacasse, now 33, is truly having her best season yet, which is a major factor in leading Utah Royals to their first-ever playoff appearance.
What’s even more impressive is that she’s under contract until 2028.
Ashley Sanchez (NC Courage, FW)
Ashley Sanchez has also reached new heights this season, thanks in part to NC Courage’s head coach Mak Lind. He has played a pivotal role in using her talents as a winger.
What more can be said about this MVP frontrunner? Sanchez has racked up an impressive 25 goal contributions, which includes 20 goals and five assists—she has already beaten her previous best of nine overall contributions. As the MVP competition heats up, her skills are undeniable.
