Nigeria’s Gift Monday has been named the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) Player of the Week for round 22 of the 2025 regular season. The Washington Spirit forward has earned the award after her record-setting hat trick secured her team’s place in the play-offs.
Gift Monday dominated the fan vote on the league’s official X account, collecting 50.3 percent of the 881 votes. She finished ahead of Gotham FC midfielder Rose Lavelle (35 percent). Utah Royals goalkeeper Mia Justus (8.1 percent), and Kansas City Current striker Bia Zaneratto (6.7 percent).
Her award followed a stunning display in the Spirit’s emphatic 4-0 victory over Houston Dash. Making her first start since mid-August, the 23-year-old struck three times inside 36 minutes. The fastest hat trick from kick-off in NWSL history. Remarkably, it was also the first ever hat trick scored at Audi Field.
Monday opened the scoring in the 18th minute after connecting with a Trinity Rodman pass. She doubled the advantage three minutes later by converting a rebound from her own header. Her treble was completed with a one-touch finish, again assisted by Rodman, cementing her place in league history. Sofia Cantore later added a backheel strike, while goalkeeper Aubrey Kingsbury led the defense to an eighth clean sheet of the season.
Speaking after her historic night, Monday said: “Playing for the Super Falcons is always an honour. I’m thankful for this opportunity, and today felt special. It’s been a while since my last hat trick, but hard work and trust from my coach made it possible.”
Elsewhere, Justus shone in Utah’s 2-0 win over Bay FC, Zaneratto scored in Kansas City’s 4-1 triumph against Chicago. And Lavelle delivered a goal and assist in Gotham’s 3-0 win over Portland Thorns.
With Monday’s brilliance, Washington Spirit sealed back-to-back play-off qualifications in style.
