NASHVILLE, TN – Nashville SC announced on Tuesday the winners of the club’s 2024 awards. The awards were presented in a private ceremony at Geodis Park on Monday night.
Team MVP – Joe Willis
Goalkeeper Joe Willis was voted the team’s Most Valuable Player. The 36-year-old has made 30 appearances in all competitions so far this season, starting all but four of Nashville’s matches. Across those appearances, he’s logged eight clean sheets and 97 saves.
Fans’ Player of the Season – Jacob Shaffelburg
Midfielder Jacob Shaffelburg was named the Fans’ Player of the Year, the first time the club has given the award. Shaffelburg (who didn’t attend the ceremony after his wife Robyne gave birth to their daughter earlier in the week) has made 23 appearances in all competitions, logging four goals and four assists, as well as playing a crucial role for Canada in their run to the Copa América semi-finals.
Offensive Player of the Year – Sam Surridge
Sam Surridge took home the Offensive Player of the Year award, with his 11 goals in all competitions leading the team. It’s the first time the award has gone to anyone other than Hany Mukhtar, with Surridge adding three assists in 26 appearances in 2024.
Defender of the Year – Walker Zimmerman
Unsurprisingly, Walker Zimmerman was voted the team’s Defender of the Year. The U.S. international recovered from injury early in the season to play just over 1,700 minutes and 21 appearances in all competitions this year, keeping eight clean sheets in all competitions.
Humanitarian of the Year – Taylor Washington
Defender Taylor Washington was named Nashville’s Humanitarian of the Year for the second consecutive season. The 31-year-old has worked with Nashville Rescue Mission, Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital, Dominic’s Toy Chest and others this season to serve the community.
Newcomer of the Year – Tyler Boyd
Winger Tyler Boyd was voted Newcomer of the Year. After arriving from the LA Galaxy in the winter, logged three goals and three assists in 24 appearances in all competitions before suffering a season-ending ACL injury in July.
Goal of the Year – Aníbal Godoy
Midfielder Aníbal Godoy was given the Goal of the Season award for his bicycle kick effort against Columbus Crew.
THAT'S A GODOY BICYCLE KICK. 🚲
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) March 31, 2024
Nashville ends the first half up 2-1 at home! pic.twitter.com/4H9M2uyQXR
Huntsville City Player of the Year and Fans’ Player of the Year – Jonny Bolaños
Huntsville City FC star attacker Jonny Bolaños was awarded both the Club and Fans’ Player of the Year for his performances in MLS NEXT Pro this season. The 26-year-old winger has started all but one of Huntsville’s matches in 2024, leading the team with eight goals and seven assists.
Nashville SC Academy Player of the Year – Chris Applewhite
17-year-old center back Chris Applewhite was voted Academy Player of the Season after his breakout campaign with Huntsville. The defender has played 1,404 minutes in 18 matches (16 starts) and has been a consistent starter for Huntsville in 2024. He was also named an MLS NEXT All-Star.
