CARY, N.C. (Oct. 24, 2023) – The North Carolina Courage have two finalists for National Women’s Soccer League major awards. Forward Kerolin Nicoli is a finalist for league Most Valuable Player, presented by Bud Light, while Kaleigh Kurtz is one of five finalists for Defender of the Year. The NWSL announced finalists and the opening of the fan vote Tuesday afternoon.
Fans can vote for the finalists of five major awards and the overall Best XI from now through Friday, October 27, at 12:00 p.m. ET [here](https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/7574142/2023-NWSL-End-of-Year-Awards-Fans-Finalists?utm_source=brevo&utm_campaign=Kurtz and Kero awards&utm_medium=email). Kerolin was the NWSL Golden Boot runner-up and had a breakout campaign this season, netting 10 goals and three assists in league play despite missing time to represent Brazil in the FIFA Women’s World Cup. She is the third-ever Brazilian and fourth-ever Courage player to record double digit goals in a single NWSL season. She also scored the winning goal in the UKG NWSL Challenge Cup final, helping the Courage claim their second straight cup and NWSL-record seventh league trophy. Kerolin was named to the NWSL Best XI of the Month, presented by Mastercard, twice this season, earning the honors in both June and September/October. She was voted the league’s Player of the Week for match week 11 after a hat-trick on the road against the Chicago Red Stars. Kurtz turned in her second consecutive Iron Woman campaign, playing every possible minute of the regular season (and Challenge Cup). The center back was instrumental in leading the Courage to a league-best 10 clean sheets in the regular season while ranking 10th in clearances with 76. She passed with above 83% accuracy on the season, including 92% in the defensive half. Kurtz was named to the NWSL Best XI of June. She won 18 tackles and 74 duels on the season while being both a vocal and physical leader on and off the field. Fans can vote for any player with at least 11 matches played to the Best XI. With great seasons from midfielders captain Denise O’Sullivan and Narumi, defenders Malia Berkely, Emily Fox and Ryan Williams, and forward Tyler Lussi — among others — Courage Country has a chance to make their voices heard until the end of the week.
