The Football Federation of Finland awarded the 2021 Captain's Ball | Finland Player of the Year - Women to Thorns FC defender Natalia Kuikka, it was announced today. Kuikka appeared in 20 matches (15 starts) in her first season in Portland, helping the team to three trophies including the 2021 NWSL Shield.
The 26-year old former Florida State Seminole had 55 caps for her national team.
Meanwhile, Thorns midfielder Olivia Moultrie earned a call up to the U.S. Women's U-20 National Team for a Chula Vista-based training camp to prepare for next year's Concacaf U-20 Women's Championship place in the Dominican Republic.
Finally, Portland midfielder Angela Salem has been working on her coaching badges and recently finished her B License course.
