Chelsea manager Emma Hayes says "it's worrying" she is the first woman to win the Football Writers' Tribute award, despite being the 42nd recipient.
Hayes led Chelsea to a fourth consecutive Women's Super League title last season and will become the next USA manager this summer.
"We're here, we can't go backwards," she said.
"All I really wanted as a child was role models. To think [children today] have them is my favourite achievement."
Under Hayes, Chelsea have won six WSL titles, five FA Cups and two League Cups since 2015 and currently top the league after Sunday's 3-1 win over Manchester United.
"When I was growing up and aspiring to play an FA Cup final at Wembley for Tottenham and being Glenn Hoddle, scores of young girls and boys are thinking now about how amazing Millie Bright is or Sam Kerr is," added the 47-year-old.
"I think those are the moments I pinch myself about more than I do the achievements."
Hayes, who has led Chelsea to 13 major trophies since taking charge in 2012, will join up with the United States two months before the start of the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, which begin on 26 July 2024.
Asked if she expects to have mixed emotions when the time comes to leave Chelsea, Hayes said at the FWA Awards: "I don't think they'll be mixed, I'll be absolutely distraught.
"I'm a bit of a sobber. I think I'll cry my eyes out for the last few weeks.
"I think I'm now at a point where I'm looking forward to being in the crowd, coming back and hopefully watching Chelsea in many finals.
"I've done my bit and I certainly hope they welcome me back as a fan because that's how I see myself."