Sky Blue FC midfielder Raquel “Rocky” Rodriguez was voted the 2016 NWSL Rookie of the Year.
Rodriguez beat out USWNT and Portland Thorns FC defender Emily Sonnett, the no. 1 pick in the 2016 NWSL college draft, and English-international Rachel Daly of the Houston Dash to win the honor.
The award was voted on by NWSL coaches, general managers, owners, players, media and fans of the league.
From the very start of her rookie season, Rodriguez has been a fixture in Sky Blue’s midfield. She made her professional debut in the team’s season opener against the Seattle Reign FC in Seattle and would go on to play in 18 games this season, starting in 17 of them.