2023 Fantasy NWSL Round 1: Rookie Review

NWSL Fantasy 2023 Round 1 is in the books! The season openers provided many viewers with the opportunity to watch NWSL rookies for the first time. 

NWSL rookies have made their presence known in the last few seasons. Trinity Rodman was the 2021 NWSL Rookie of the Year and has established herself as one of the best players in the league. The award last season went to Naomi Girma, who also managed to secure the Defender of the Year accolade due to her stellar play. 

It’s likely the 2023 class of rookies also produces a few stars. For NWSL Fantasy roster selection, rookies can be some of the highest value players. They are typically priced at the lowest level ($75,000) but can possess impressive point-earning ability. The table and descriptions below highlight a handful of rookies who stood out in their NWSL debut. 

Alyssa Thompson: Thompson was likely the most well-known rookie to viewers entering Round 1 given her appearances with the USWNT and the fact that she was selected number 1 overall in the NWSL Draft. She did not disappoint, as the forward scored a beautiful goal in the 11th minute of play. All signs point to Thompson having a big year for Angel City, making her a great value pick for any Fantasy roster. Thompson also features in Nick’s Round 1 Summary.

Jenna Nighswonger: One of the surprises of the weekend was seeing Nighswonger appear for Gotham as a left back. She is categorized as a midfielder in NWSL Fantasy as she played an attacking role for her collegiate squad. But when veteran Ali Krieger exited the game with an early injury, Nighswonger admirably filled the spot for Gotham and helped lock down a victory. Whether on the back line or higher up the pitch, it seems safe to predict Nighswonger will be getting plenty more minutes for Gotham this season.

Michelle Cooper: Cooper was one of the most active players on the pitch for Kansas City in Round 1. Although the squad did not register a goal, much of the offensive play was being generated through Cooper. Her work rate, touches on the ball, and shots were encouraging. It’s possible Cooper’s minutes will be reduced once the Current roster gets fully healthy, but if she continues to perform like she did in Round 1, the team will likely find a spot for her in their starting lineup.

Emily Madril: Entering Round 1, there was perhaps no rookie with a better chance of being named to a starting lineup than Madril. Orlando selected Madril 3rd overall in the NWSL Draft knowing they needed to bolster their back line. As such, Madril is the only rookie in the table above with a price tag above $75,000. And while it was not an ideal debut for Madril considering Pride conceded 4 goals, she is still likely to play significant minutes for the squad this season and be a steady fantasy points earner throughout. 

Penelope Hocking: Hocking is one of many new faces on the Red Stars roster this season. She recorded a successful first outing for the club over the weekend as she looked to be one of the stronger attacking players on the pitch. Her speed and ability to take players on was noticeable and bodes well for her ability to generate fantasy points going forward.

Alexa Spaanstra: Spaanstra earned herself a starting spot on the Kansas City roster in Round 1. The forward is a fast and creative player who looked comfortable in her league debut. She may not remain a starter if Kansas City’s roster returns to full health, but she will likely continue to see the field if she can consistently play at or above the level she showed over the weekend. Spaanstra also features in Nick’s Round 1 Summary.

Olivia Wingate: Wingate did not get the start for the Courage over the weekend, but she subbed in during the second half to inject some positive offense into the team’s play. The outside forward showed impressive skills taking on players down the flank and she could see increased minutes as the season goes on and she grows into her role.