OL Reign midfielder Jess Fishlock has been named the National Women’s Soccer League’s 2021 Most Valuable Player.
Fishlock scored five goals and added four assists while helping the Reign earn the No. 2 seed in the playoffs. She played in all but one match this year.
Fishlock has been a staple of the Reign franchise since the first season of the NWSL, in 2013. She was part of a dynamic midfield trio which won the NWSL Shield in 2014, when teammate Kim Little was named MVP.
“If you speak to most people around the league and ask the coaches if they could take one player from our team, it would always be [Jess],” said OL Reign head coach Laura Harvey. “I think that’s just a compliment of what she’s always brought to this team. The journey that she’s been on to get to this point has been phenomenal. I’m glad that she’s getting some recognition that she deserves.”
Fishlock will also receive a cash bonus from Budweiser for winning the award, according to the NWSL.
Voting Breakdown:
Preliminary Round: Owners/GMs/Coaches (25%), Media (25%) and Players (50%) Final Round: Players (50%), Owners/GMs/Coaches (20%), Media (20%) and Fans (10%).
Full list of NWSL MVPs
2013: Lauren Holiday, FC Kansas City
2014: Kim Little, Seattle Reign FC
2015: Crystal Dunn, Washington Spirit
2016: Lynn Williams, Western New York Flash
2017: Sam Kerr, Sky Blue FC
2018: Lindsey Horan, Portland Thorns FC
2019: Sam Kerr, Chicago Red Stars
2021: Jess Fishlock, OL Reign
