Originally published December 8, 2014
By Jacquelyn Brazzale
In all the excitement over Saturday’s World Cup draw, U.S. soccer’s announcement that Lauren Holiday was named the Female Athlete of the Year, was a sidebar to national team’s placement in the group of death. Regardless, Holiday’s accomplishments and success in 2014 warrant a moment of recognition for the first player to win both the Female and Young Female Athlete awards in her ten-year career with the U.S. soccer program.
In 2014 Holiday found individual accomplishments for club and county. With NWSL Champions, FC Kansas City, Holiday finished second on her team in goals (8) and first in assists (7). Beyond the stats Holiday was a linchpin for her team, controlling the game through the middle, often the playmaker to launch an attack or make the final pass. She played a similar role with the national team but shouldered more defensive duties playing out of the back. She may lack her midfield partner and fellow nominee Carli Lloyd’s aggressive underpinning, but Holiday brings a sense of consistency and composure to an attack that can mold itself to face off against any opposing defense.
In 2013 Holiday struggled to find consistent playing time with a defined role. Her versatility worked against her as she used throughout the midfield. But when moved to holding center midfield in the place of an aging Shannon Boxx this year, the former Bruin found a comfortable and pivotal role with the U.S. National team.
“I actually am really enjoying playing the number six role. It is a challenge for me but a fun challenge. I get to see so many other things that you don’t get to see at the ten position. Now I am facing the whole field and I can spray those balls wide. I am actually having a really fun time at that position and I look forward to seeing how I grow,” Holiday said in a post game interview after a World Cup Qualifying game in Chicago.
The Indianapolis native also became the 30th player in USWNT history to reach 100 caps with the senior team in a 1-1 with Canada in May.
“I’m extremely honored and was pleasantly surprised,” said Holiday of winning the award. “Playing for the Women’s National Team is the best job in the world. The players around me make us better every day. Also, FC Kansas City has been phenomenal for me and I’ve really continued to grow there; that’s a testament to my team and my coaches. I’m extremely honored.” Holiday told U.S. Soccer.