In the fiercely competitive world of professional soccer, where experience often reigns supreme, one young star is rewriting the script. At just 23 years old, Washington Spirit midfielder Croix Bethune has taken the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) by storm, racking up accolades and shattering records in her rookie season. Her message is clear: age is no barrier to greatness on the pitch.
A Rookie Season for the Ages
Bethune’s inaugural campaign with the Spirit has been nothing short of spectacular. The dynamic playmaker tied an NWSL record with an astonishing 10 assists, equaling a mark set by none other than U.S. Women’s National Team legend Tobin Heath. For Bethune, matching the achievements of her childhood idol was a dream come true.
“Tobin is so cheeky and creative, and she has great soccer IQ,” Bethune told ESPN. “I feel like there’s a lot of similarities and just watching her play was always so much fun.”
Croix Bethune on comparisons to USWNT star Tobin Heath
Talent Recognized: NWSL Individual Honors
Bethune’s stellar performances did not go unnoticed. The NWSL recognized her as both the Rookie of the Year and the inaugural Midfielder of the Year, making her only the second player to earn multiple individual awards in their debut season. San Diego Wave defender Naomi Girma achieved the same feat in 2022.
For Bethune, the accolades are a testament to her unwavering dedication and love for the game. “I honestly love it,” she said of the youth movement in the NWSL and USWNT. “I think it’s showing that no matter what class or how old you are, if you’re a baller, you’re a baller.”
International Glory: An Olympic Dream Realized
Bethune’s meteoric rise didn’t stop at the NWSL. The midfield maestro also earned her first cap for the USWNT and was part of the squad that clinched Olympic gold in August. Remarkably, Bethune had written down the Olympics as one of her goals at the start of 2024, despite having never previously represented her country at the senior level.
“I feel like when it’s time to play and perform, I’m just out there doing what I love, just having fun,” Bethune explained. “I feel like I naturally go into a state of flow or calmness.”
Setback and Resilience: Overcoming Injury
Bethune’s fairytale rookie year took an unfortunate turn when she suffered a torn meniscus while throwing out a celebratory first pitch in late August. The injury ruled her out of the Spirit’s NWSL Championship clash against the Orlando Pride, but Bethune remains undeterred.
“The first week or two were tough, especially coming to peace with what happened,” she admitted. “But after that, just the support being around and flipping my mentality like let’s put this work in to get back, it was fine after that.”
The Future is Bright
With her sights set on a return to action in 2025, Bethune is determined to build on her incredible debut campaign. “Of course, staying healthy, but building on this year,” she said of her future ambitions. “Having such a great rookie season, I feel like a lot of people might think it will be hard to top or do better, but for me, I feel like this is just the base to build off of that and to continue to elevate as a player.”
As the NWSL and USWNT continue to embrace a new generation of talented youngsters, Croix Bethune stands at the forefront, a shining example that age is just a number when it comes to chasing your dreams and leaving your mark on the beautiful game.
