Durham Reporter

Two players from the North Carolina Courage have been named to the 2024 NWSL Best XI, as announced by the league office. Defender Kaleigh Kurtz earned first team honors, while defender Ryan Williams was selected for the second team. The awards are presented by Amazon Prime.

The Best XI recognition highlights the top 22 players in the league. Selection is based on a weighted voting system involving players (40%), owners/GMs/coaches (25%), media (25%), and fans (10%). Athletes selected receive a cash bonus.

Kurtz, who was a finalist for Defender of the Year, secured her first spot on the Best XI first team in 2024. This marks her second consecutive year being recognized after earning second team honors in 2023. She holds the league record for consecutive regular-season minutes played and achieved a passing accuracy of 86.02% with 21 interceptions this year. Her stats also include one goal from ten shots, four of which were on target, and winning 17 tackles.

Williams recently extended her contract with North Carolina Courage through 2027 and had her best season statistically. As a regular starter at right back for two years, she won 55 tackles and made 53 interceptions—both ranking second in the league. Her passing rate stood at an impressive 85.65%, and she created 22 chances while winning 117 duels among defenders this season.

North Carolina Courage is one of three teams with defenders on both the first and second team Best XI, alongside Orlando and Washington, who will compete in Saturday’s NWSL Championship.