It’s been a whirlwind few years for Naomi Girma. The former Stanford Cardinal has gone from competing in high school soccer, with the California based Pioneer High School, to the FIFA World Cup in just 5 years. It’s the stuff of dreams. Born in San Jose, CA, in June 2000 to Ethiopian migrants, Girma was, and is, seemingly destined for the top of the women’s game. This summer, the young defender has the chance to truly announce herself on the world stage.
Early years
Girma spent her formative years, from around the age of 5 or 6, turning out on the San Jose youth soccer scene. This is where her love for the game has its deepest roots.
Girma’s father, Girma Aweke, formed a club for the Bay Area Ethiopian community known as Maleda Soccer Club. Girma would turn out for Maleda on a regular basis, before joining the Central Valley Crossfire in Girma’s native San Jose.
It was there, as an 11 year old, that her coach, Bob Joyce, encouraged her into the Olympic Development Program.
For this piece, Sporting Her spoke to Joyce, who was Girma’s coach from the u-11s to the u17s with the Crossfire.
A young talent
Joyce talked about how Girma’s talent levels were clear from an early age and that her natural talent, combined with her work ethic, are the principle reasons she has gotten to where she is today:
“Naomi’s talent was obvious at an early age: speed, quickness, psychological strength, and good natured. But getting to the highest level is difficult and with many obstacles. There are so many players who might be “destined” to be highly successful, but injuries and other factors get in the way. Naomi’s talent, dedication, and some good fortune have all played a part in navigating these obstacles successfully. Naomi’s success is the result of hard work combined with talent.”
Gaining admirers
Technically speaking, Girma plays in a manner that belies her young years. USWNT veteran, Carli Lloyd recently told Reuters:
“She’s threading balls down the middle of the field, skipping, bypassing the midfielders and and into the forward’s feet… She’s playing well ahead of her time for the little experience she’s had. It’s really impressive.”
Compliments such as these will come as no surprise to Joyce. When asked if there were any standout moments, in game, where he felt Girma’s ability truly stood out, he told Sporting Her: “There are too many memorable game moments. One thing that stands out for me is how many opposing coaches were highly complimentary of Naomi in their post-game comments. Naomi stood out as different (better) in the minds of many opposing coaches. Most opposing coaches never comment on any of my players – even the very dynamic players.”
As you can see, compliments and admiring glances are nothing new for Naomi Girma.
People that know her, often speak of her kindness and food heart. Several former teammates of Girma did not respond to enquiries from Sporting Her, but those that did described her in the warmest of terms. Something echoed by Joyce: “Naomi is kind, generous and funny. She is a happy person. This is ideal in a team setting but often underrated in player evaluations….I was happy for Naomi (regarding her World Cup selection).”
The world at her feet
It’s clear, from speaking to those people that were present during Girma’s formative years as a player, that she has the attitude and temperament to excel on the world stage.
Girma heads into the tournament firmly established as one of the core members of the San Diego Wave backline. She’s amassed 42 appearances for the second year, Southern California franchise. So far, in 2022, she has started every game, making 13 appearances.
Stanford boasts FIVE PLAYERS on the @USWNT World Cup Roster – the most from any program in the nation!
🇺🇸 @_alana_cook
🇺🇸 @naomi_girma
🇺🇸 @kelleymohara
🇺🇸 @sophsssmith
🇺🇸 @sunshine_sully #GoStanford https://t.co/ilHUQ9vLtK— Stanford Women's Soccer (@StanfordWSoccer) June 21, 2023
Her numbers, so far this season, stand up against some of the very best in the NWSL. She ranks 7th for pass success, with 87.5%, above the likes of Meghan Klingenberg, Denise O’Sullivan and Quinn. She also ranks highly in several key defensive areas such as clearances (11th) and blocks per 90 (7th).
A subtlety to her craft
When you look at her numbers and, indeed, her performances, it’s not hard to see why she’s regarded as one of the best young defenders in the women’s game. There’s a maturity to her game; particularly in the sense of her positioning. Her positional play is outstanding, as she doesn’t get drawn out very easily. If you look at the clip below (from the recent defeat to OL Reign), you’ll get a sample of what I’m referring to.
As OL Reign begin to build up an attack, a ball gets played down the line to Olivia van der Jagt, who occupies the inside right channel. At this point Girma is tracking Bethany Balcer, who drops into a deeper lying position. Instead of following Balcer, this creating a gap in the backline, she drops back a yard or two and holds the line. As OL Reign work the ball wide, Girma maintains a good position on the edge of the 6 yard box.
OL Reign win a corner, and Girma isn’t ultimately needed. But these are the moments of concentration, the fine margins, in a game that separate the best from the rest.
Similarly, there was a moment in the recent loss to Angel City that showed how positionally aware she is. Well, there were several moments to be fair, but for the purposes of this piece, I have highlighted the below clip. Look how she shifts into a left-back position as Kristen McNabb moves towards the ball. Girma is then perfectly placed to make a timely play on the ball. This action allows her side to reorganise as the ball goes out for a throw.
Now the more obvious stuff
Aside from the more subtle nuances of her play, anyone can see, from her highlight reels, how good she is (below).
how good is @naomi_girma?
(very very very good that's the answer) pic.twitter.com/7AKOeG48vh
— San Diego Wave FC (@sandiegowavefc) June 5, 2023
To those of us who are disciples of the NWSL and US Soccer, her talent has been clear ever since she first took the field for San Diego Wave in 2022.
For those, like Joyce, who played such an important part in her development, it’s been obvious even longer than that.
Now the world will get to see.
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