CARY, N.C. (Sept. 3, 2024) — North Carolina Courage forward Victoria Pickett is the club’s nominee for the 2024 Lauren Holiday Impact Award, presented by Nationwide. The National Women’s Soccer League announced the nominees from all 14 teams across the league Tuesday.
Newly reformatted to shine greater light on players who are making a difference in their communities, the Lauren Holiday Impact Award, presented by Nationwide, honors the ongoing example of excellence and commitment set by the two-time Olympic gold medalist, FIFA Women’s World Cup champion, National Soccer Hall of Fame inductee, and recipient of the Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian ESPY Award.
Pickett is nominated for her work with the Wake County chapter of the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI Wake County). Despite going through one of the hardest times of her life during the 2023 season with the sudden loss of her brother, Victoria fought back and now uses her loss to create awareness and break the stigma of mental illness for others.
Pickett and NAMI Wake County will be honored during the Courage’s Appreciation Night match on Friday, September 13. NAMI Wake County will also receive a $5,000 donation from the league and Nationwide.
Club supporters will have the chance to vote for a player nominee as part of the fan vote in October. The nominee with the most fan votes at the end of the month will receive additional funds to donate to their community partner and an organization of their choice.
At the end of the season, one nominee selected by a voting panel will be named the winner of the 2024 Lauren Holiday Impact Award, presented by Nationwide, and receive $30,000 to designate to a charitable organization of their choice. The winner will be announced the week of the 2024 NWSL Championship, presented by Google Pixel. Additionally, all 14 player nominees will be honored as part of Championship Week celebrations.
