Gotham FC Lilly Reale’s ‘unreal’ year culminates in NWSL Rookie of the Year nod

Intense emotions rushed through Gotham FC defender Lilly Reale when she was announced as this year’s Rookie of the Year Wednesday night at the NWSL’s annual awards ceremony.

Excitement. Pride. Disbelief. 

But Reale’s nerves settled as she made her way onto the stage and locked eyes with her best friend and longtime teammate, Ryan Campbell, who presented her the award. 

Gotham FC defender Lilly Reale receives a pass during the second half of their game against Racing Louisville FC at Sports Illustrated Stadium earlier this season. Lucas Boland-Imagn Images

“It was definitely an unreal moment,” Reale told The Post moments after receiving the award. “I was not really expecting it.” 

Reale beat out the two other finalists, Seattle Reign winger Maddie Dahlien and Angel City forward Riley Tiernan, who each boasted impressive rookie campaigns worthy of the award. 

Wednesday marked a pinnacle moment for Reale, who has experienced a whirlwind of highs and lows since she signed her first professional contract in January. 

Reale made her first U.S. Women’s National Team camp in June and was called up again to play for the national team in a pair of friendlies later this month.

Reale, 22, has been a steady defender for Gotham this season, appearing in all 28 matches, including Sunday’s semifinal win against the 2024 champion Orlando Pride that sent Gotham to their second NWSL championship in three years. 

Gotham FC defender Lilly Reale (4) battles for the ball against Orlando Pride midfielder Jacqueline Ovalle (13) during the first half of a game at Inter&Co Stadium earlier this season. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

“I owe a lot of that to my teammates and my coaches and honestly, the entire Gotham organization,” Reale said. “They’re really invested just in me as a player and a person. So I think obviously I’ve gotten a lot out of this year on the soccer field, but I think I’ve really just grown as a person off the field and that just makes it that much more special because I’m able to experience some of these huge milestones throughout the year.” 

Though it has been a special year for Reale, she noted that her season is not over yet, with Gotham set to play the Washington Spirit Saturday for this year’s NWSL title in San Jose, Calif.. 

“Eyes full focused on this weekend,” she said, “and really excited to compete for a championship.”