Ally Sentnor Wins 2024 U.S. Soccer Young Female Player of the Year

Ally Sentnor has been named the 2024 U.S. Soccer Young Female Player of the Year, solidifying her status as one of the brightest talents in American soccer.

The award recognizes Sentnor’s exceptional performances on the field this year. She showcased her skills, determination, and potential as a future star for the U.S. Women’s National Team.

At just 20 years old, Sentnor continues to impress with her ability to rise to every challenge and make her mark on the game.

Achievements and Performances in 2024

In 2024, Ally Sentnor displayed exemplary talent and commitment on the field.

Sentnor also made her mark in the NWSL as a rookie for the Utah Royals. In her first season, she had 3 goals and 4 assists.

Also, her debut for the USWNT capped a landmark year, showcasing her readiness for the global stage.

She earned her first cap on November 30, coming on as a substitute in the 88th minute during a 0-0 draw against England at Wembley Stadium. She followed this by making her second appearance on December 3 in a 2-1 victory over the Netherlands in The Hague.

Background and Rise in Youth Soccer

On the girl’s side of soccer, Ally Sentnor has been a well known name in the community.

Her dedication was evident as she worked her way up through various youth programs

Ally Sentnor began her soccer journey at just six years old with Hingham’s South Shore Select and occasionally trained with the Boston Bolts boys’ team to further hone her skills.

She also played futsal, an indoor soccer variant that sharpened her touch in tight spaces.

Sentnor joined the varsity team at Thayer Academy as an eighth grader and graduated early in 2021.

Exceptional Career at UNC

Ally Sentnor had an incredible run at UNC, making a huge impact on the field.

After tearing her ACL in her Frosh (2021) season, she went on to take the college soccer world by storm.

During the 2023 season, she started all 23 games, leading the team with 11 goals, seven assists, and 29 points. Her 11 goals ranked third in the ACC, and her 29 points put her in the top five.

She scored five game-winners and even had a standout performance in the NCAA Quarterfinals, where she scored two goals and added an assist in a 5-point game against BYU.

Thanks to her impressive play, Sentnor was named the 2023 ACC Midfielder of the Year, earned first-team All-ACC honors, and landed third-team All-American recognition.

In January 2024, she decided to turn pro, forgoing her remaining eligibility and getting picked first overall in the NWSL Draft by the Utah Royals.

At UNC, she stood out for her leadership, goal-scoring, and playmaking, paving the way for a bright future in professional soccer.

Past U.S. Soccer Young Female Player of the Year Winners

The U.S. Soccer Young Female Player of the Year award has been presented annually since 1998 to recognize the nation’s top young female soccer talent.

Below is a list of past winners:

• 1998: Cindy Parlow
• 1999: Lorrie Fair
• 2000: Aly Wagner
• 2001: Aleisha Cramer
• 2002: Lindsay Tarpley
• 2003: Cat Reddick
• 2004: Heather O’Reilly
• 2005: Lori Chalupny
• 2006: Danesha Adams
• 2007: Lauren Cheney
• 2008: Kristie Mewis
• 2009: Tobin Heath
• 2010: Bianca Henninger
• 2011: Sydney Leroux
• 2012: Julie Johnston
• 2013: Lindsey Horan
• 2014: Mallory Pugh
• 2015: Emily Sonnett
• 2016: Ashley Sanchez
• 2017: Sophia Smith
• 2018: Tierna Davidson
• 2019: Brianna Pinto
• 2020: Naomi Girma
• 2021: Trinity Rodman
• 2022: Jaedyn Shaw
• 2023: Olivia Moultrie
• 2024: Ally Sentnor

Many of these athletes have progressed to earn caps with the U.S. Women’s National Team, and several have participated in FIFA Women’s World Cup tournaments.