Chicago Red Stars goalkeeper Alyssa Neher has been named the 2024 U.S. Soccer Female Athlete of the Year, capping off a year that saw her win an Olympic gold medal and retire from international soccer.

Nach received 40.8 percent of the weighted vote, defeating last year's winner, San Diego Tide guard Naomi Girma, who received 32.2 percent.

Votes for U.S. Soccer women's players came from their respective national team coaches, 2024 national team players, members of the U.S. Soccer Board of Directors, the U.S. Soccer Players Council, National Women's Soccer League head coaches and select media members and administrators. Fans also vote for the award, accounting for 15% of the total votes cast.

Nahe, 36, is the second goalkeeper to win the award since its inception in 1985. Another legendary U.S. women’s national team goalkeeper, Hope Solo, won the honor in 2009. Abby Wambach has won the award six times, the most of any player. Mia Hamm is a five-time winner.

The award is one of several Naher will receive for his 2024 meritorious service. She was also selected as the 2024 FIFA Women's Goalkeeper of the Year and was named to the FIFA Women's 11th Player of the Year. She is the 21st recipient of the U.S. Soccer Award for Different Players.

"This is an incredible honor and caps off a very special year for this team," Nach said.

"This team is made up of a special group of players, coaches and staff, and you can feel that energy all year long and we have a chance to achieve great things. I've been inspired by it all year long and I've been unbelievable. The inspiration from our teammates; the commitment to the team and our goals for the hard work we put in, and all their love and support.”

Nach was a key part of the U.S. women's soccer team's victory at the Olympics, playing every minute of the game and making several key saves, including a stunning overtime save against Germany in the semifinals. . She conceded just two goals during the Olympics, and after knocking out Brazil in the gold medal game, she became the first goalkeeper in women's football history to keep clean sheets in a World Cup final and an Olympic final.

As of 2024, she has made 18 starts, played 1,170 minutes, compiled a 13-1-3 record and a 0.50 GAA while allowing only 11 goals.

Naher announced her retirement last November, finishing her career with 115 games and an 89-15-6 record (WLD). In 2024, she became the third U.S. goalkeeper to play 100 games for her country.

Nach will continue her professional club career in Chicago during the upcoming NWSL season.