Naomi Girma is our pick in our pre-Olympics dream starting XI because of her reliability and composure on the ball which has rocket-launched her into being a staple player on the USWNT despite her young age. Girma was selected as the first pick of the 2022 NWSL Draft and quickly gathered accolades being named to the Best XI, Rookie of the Month + Year, and Defender of the Year. She is one of the top-five ranked players for pass completion on the USWNT, contributing to the American's smooth and constantly transitioning back line. At her first World Cup in 2023, she played every minute only allowing three total shots on goal. 

Although the USWNT Olympic Roster has not been announced, it is almost definite that Girma will receive the call-up. She has been granted so much trust by the coaching staff and her teammates in her relatively short time with the team, yet she continues to rise to the task at hand. She is perhaps most exciting to watch when she is able to complete precise long balls, changing the point of attack as she targets through balls to the aggressive American frontline. Girma's skill and maturity has earned the respect of American fans quickly and fostered a reignited appreciation of defensive players in a team with such a formidable attacking line. In the 39 year history of the award, Naomi Girma is the first pure defender to win U.S. Soccer Women's Player of the Year. Her calmness on the ball and awareness is exactly what any team could want in a center back, so her selection to our dream XI was very apparent. It will not be long until Girma becomes a leader on this team which is insane to consider since she is so young. She is a player we are very excited to watch and will make all the difference in whatever lineup she is in.