Croix Bethune Shines Again with Washington Spirit: “I Set My Standards High!”

<p>The <span>washington spirit</span> have made their way back to the stage they desired: the 2025 NWSL Championship. Following a narrow miss in the 2024 Championship, the team comes back ready to demonstrate their capabilities. There has been considerable talk surrounding <span class="link">Trinity Rodman</span> and her contractual situation, but she isn't the only significant factor for the Spirit this time.</p>

<p>This year, midfielder Croix Bethune, who was also the 2024 rookie of the year, will rejoin the squad. Her impressive debut season was cut short due to a torn meniscus, which sidelined her for the entire 2024 NWSL playoffs.</p>

<p>“Being on the sidelines was difficult, especially as a competitor wanting to participate,” Bethune reflected on the Spirit’s absence from the 2024 playoff run.</p>

<p>“Watching the team come together was exciting, but returning from an injury and getting back into shape is always challenging. Being back and aiming for the championship means the world to me. I’m eager to elevate our game,” she added.</p>

<p>Here’s how to catch the championship match.</p>
<h2>NWSL Championship</h2>
<ul>
    <li><strong>date:</strong> Saturday, November 22 | <strong>time:</strong> 8 pm ET</li>
    <li><strong>location:</strong> PayPal Park — San Jose, California</li>
    <li><strong>tv:</strong> CBS</li>
    <li><strong>stream:</strong> Paramount+</li>
</ul>

<h2>A Rapid Ascent</h2>
<p>In just a year, Bethune has started to shape her legacy with impressive accolades. Last season, she matched the record for the most assists in a single season (10), level with former U.S. National Team player <span>Tobin Heath</span>. Alongside her five goals, her absence during last year’s championship was felt, but her return is expected to bolster the Spirit's chances.</p>

<p>Though she rejoined the team in April, it wasn’t until June that she played an entire match, and she only recently regained her full form. Bethune scored the pivotal goal that secured the Spirit’s semifinal victory.</p>

<p>“While I feel like I’m back, I’m still striving for more. I hold myself to high standards, so each playoff game showed me, ‘Yes, I can be this player,’” she expressed.</p>

<h2>Team Dynamics</h2>
<p>Bethune’s timing is impeccable; she has emerged as a creative force in the playoffs— exactly what the Spirit needed last year. Her teammate, Trinity Rodman, who has also been recovering from a back injury and an MCL sprain, values Bethune's return and has provided her with the support needed during this challenging phase.</p>

<p>“Having Croix back is incredible news for us. We witnessed her struggles from the outside, but inside, it's been tough. She’s faced a lot for someone so young, and I’m thrilled for her return,” Rodman stated.</p>

<p>Nigeria international <span>Gift Monday</span>, in her debut season with the Spirit, now stands as the team's top scorer with 10 goals this year, bringing potent attacking skills at a crucial time.</p>

<p>With the return of Rodman and Bethune, the Spirit shift from a reliance on a supportive roster to seem like an unstoppable force.</p>

<p>“Croix is a phenomenal player. She plays beyond just midfield; she can deliver anywhere on the forward line. When she has the ball, something special happens. It's a blessing to be on the same field,” said Monday.</p>

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        <p>NWSL European clubs ‘compete’ to retain Trinity Rodman as USL Super League pursues her signature</p>
        <p>Pardeep Khatri</p>
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            <img alt="NWSL will fight to keep Trinity Rodman as European clubs and USL Super League vie for her signature" src="https://sportshub.cbsistatic.com/i/r/2025/11/20/0cfdf954-3091-454b-9575-e3872177e99a/thumbnail/270x152/c50be6296e93378d7c016b1a48e9e9c1/washington-spirit-trinity-rodman.jpg" loading="lazy" height="152" width="270"/>
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<h2>Becoming Bethune</h2>
<p>As Bethune gears up for the conclusion of the 2025 season, she is working on rebuilding her chemistry with teammates while regaining her own rhythm. However, the mental aspect of her comeback proves to be more challenging than rekindling connections with her teammates.</p>

<p>“Reestablishing connections isn’t particularly difficult; we’re all athletes, so we naturally bond on the field. Communication has helped us transition smoothly,” Bethune noted.</p>

<p>Rodman understands the arduous journey back from injury. Having faced her own setbacks, she knows that regaining confidence encompasses both physical and mental hurdles.</p>

<p>“Getting over the mental block after an injury is tough. It’s about reassessing who you are as a player. I help Croix navigate that because I’ve been there,” Rodman shared.</p>

<p>“She'll laugh when I shout, ‘Shoot the ball, Croix!’ on the field. It’s all in good fun, yet her humility and gratitude for every chance are what make her shine. I can’t wait to see her perform on Saturday,” Rodman concluded.</p>