Naomi Girma has been a rock for the San Diego Wave this season alongside center back partner Abby Dahlkemper. The Wave had the second-lowest goals against from the regular season (22) and won the Shield — a trophy awarded to the team with the most points at the end of the regular season.
It shouldn’t be a surprise that the Wave is solid in central defense given head coach Casey Stoney spent her playing career as a center back, too. That foundational defensive security for the team could be instrumental in helping them reach a national championship in only their second season of play.
The Athletic spoke to defender of the year finalist Girma before the Wave’s semifinal game against OL Reign on Sunday, Nov. 5 at 9:30 p.m. ET.
This interview has been lightly edited for clarity and length.
You are about to face the Reign. Head coach Laura Harvey said most NWSL games are won or lost in the midfield. From your perspective, particularly in the Wave setup, do you agree?
I think second balls are a huge part of this league, and transition is a big part of this league too. A lot of that does happen in the midfield. So yes, I think that’s true. For us, it’s when we’re defending making sure that we’re communicating to our midfielders, making sure that they know what’s happening…
