Michigan product Bethany Balcer, the 22-year-old who joined Reign FC out of Spring Arbor University, was named 2019 NWSL Rookie of the Year. Balcer, who played youth ball withMichigan Fire Juniors, scored six goals and had two assists while appearing in all 24 regular-season games. Balcer was the first player from an NAIA school to sign an NWSL contract. She won two NAIAnational titles while at Spring Arbor. Runners-up were the Washington Spirit’s Jordan DiBiasi (second) and Sam Staab (third), as voted on by club officials,players, media and fans.
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