Dorsey named 2018 NWSL Rookie of the Year

The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) announced on Wednesday that Sky Blue FC forward Imani Dorsey was named the 2018 NWSL Rookie of the Year. Dorsey beat out teammate Savannah McCaskill and the Washington Spirit’s Andi Sullivan for the award.

The 22-year-old made 13 appearances for Sky Blue after joining the club following her graduation from Duke University. She made her professional debut in the club’s home match against the Washington Spirit on June 8, and scored four goals and tallied an assist over the course of her shortened rookie season.

Those four goals put her in a three-way tie with Carli Lloyd and Katie Johnson for most team goals on the season.

“Imani has an incredible mentality and work ethic,” said Sky Blue FC Head Coach Denise Reddy in the team’s official release. “She was able to come into the team and quickly adapt to the professional environment, which is very difficult for a rookie to do.

“From game to game, she showed continual progression and played a vital role for the club. She is definitely worthy of receiving this honor, and we could not be any more excited for her.”

Dorsey is the second Sky Blue FC player to win the award. Raquel “Rocky” Rodriguez was named the league’s Rookie of the Year in 2016. Other past recipients are Erika Tymrak (2013), Julie Ertz (2014), Danielle Colaprico (2015), and Ashley Hatch (2017).

The NWSL Rookie of the Year award was voted on by club officials, players, fans, and members of the media.