West Wake News

Two players from the North Carolina Courage have been recognized in the 2024 NWSL Best XI honors, presented by Amazon Prime. Defender Kaleigh Kurtz has been named to the first team, while defender Ryan Williams has secured a spot on the second team. The league office made this announcement on Monday.

The Best XI honors highlight the top 22 players in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL). Selections are based on a weighted voting system that includes input from players (40%), owners, general managers, and coaches (25%), media representatives (25%), and fans (10%). Athletes selected for both teams will receive a cash bonus.

Kurtz, who was a finalist for the league's Defender of the Year award, achieved her first appearance on the Best XI first team in 2024. This marks her second consecutive annual Best XI recognition following her second-team selection in 2023. Kurtz holds a league record for consecutive regular-season minutes played and had a passing accuracy of 86.02% with 21 interceptions during this season. She also recorded ten total shots, four of which were on target, one goal, and won 17 tackles.

Williams recently extended her contract with the Courage through 2027 and delivered her best statistical season yet, earning her first yearly recognition. In her role as right back starter for two years running, Williams won 55 tackles and made 53 interceptions—both ranking second in the league. Her passing rate stood at an impressive 85.65%, and she finished among the top five defenders with 22 chances created and winning 117 duels.

The Courage is one of three teams to have defenders named to both the first and second teams of Best XI this year, alongside Orlando and Washington—the two teams competing in Saturday's NWSL Championship.