Ashley Sanchez Bio
Ashley Nicole Sanchez (born March 16, 1999) is an American professional soccer player who plays as a midfielder for the North Carolina Courage of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) and the United States national team. Sanchez played college soccer for the UCLA Bruins, earning first-team All-American honors and setting the program career assist record. She was drafted fourth overall by the Washington Spirit in the 2020 NWSL draft and helped lead the Spirit to the 2021 NWSL Championship. After four seasons in Washington, she was traded to the Courage in 2024.
Early Life and Background
Ashley Sanchez was born in Pasadena, California, to Julie and Ralph Sanchez. She was raised in Monrovia, a nearby city, and is of Mexican descent, with roots in Jalisco. Sanchez attended Mountain Park School for three years and Monrovia High School for one year, where she played for the varsity team in 2013. She began participating in national team camps in the same year and was named NSCAA Youth Girls All-American Player of the Year as a senior in 2016.
Throughout her youth, Sanchez played soccer for various clubs, including Santa Anita SC, Legends FC, and So Cal Blues. In 2016, she was recognized as the Cal South Youth Female Player of the Year and earned the title of U.S. Soccer Young Female Player of the Year. These early experiences laid the groundwork for her future in professional soccer.
Path to Soccer
Sanchez committed to play for the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Bruins, starting her collegiate career in 2017. She quickly made an impact, setting a record for assists by a freshman and earning numerous accolades, including Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Week. Her performance during her time at UCLA was remarkable, leading the team in goals and assists in her sophomore year and breaking the school’s career assist record by the end of her junior year.
After three successful seasons at UCLA, Sanchez declared for the NWSL draft and was selected fourth overall by the Washington Spirit in 2020. Her transition to the professional level was seamless, as she quickly established herself as a key player for the team.
Ashley Sanchez Career
Early Career (2020–2023)
Sanchez made her professional debut for the Washington Spirit during the 2020 NWSL Challenge Cup, where she was the youngest player on the squad at age 21. She started in four of the team’s five matches and earned the 2020 NWSL Challenge Cup Future Legend Award for her outstanding performance. In the 2021 season, Sanchez played 25 games, scoring five goals and helping the Spirit secure their first NWSL Championship title.
During the 2022 season, Sanchez continued to excel, leading the Spirit in assists, shots, and shots on goal. Her contributions were vital as she scored three goals in 19 appearances, showcasing her offensive prowess. In 2023, Sanchez was traded to the North Carolina Courage, marking a new chapter in her career.
Breakthrough (2021)
The 2021 season was a defining moment for Sanchez as she played a crucial role in leading the Washington Spirit to their first NWSL Championship. Her game-winning goal in the playoff match against OL Reign was instrumental in advancing the team to the finals, where they triumphed over the Chicago Red Stars. This victory solidified her status as a rising star in the league.
Notable Works and Milestones
Sanchez’s signature work includes her record-setting performance at UCLA and her pivotal role in the Washington Spirit’s championship win. She has received multiple accolades throughout her career, including being named the U.S. Soccer Young Female Player of the Year in 2016 and earning first-team All-American honors during her college career.
Ashley Sanchez Award Nominations
Ashley Sanchez has received several nominations throughout her career, reflecting her impact on the field and her contributions to her teams.
Ashley Sanchez Awards Won
Throughout her career, Sanchez has won various awards, including the U.S. Soccer Young Female Player of the Year in 2016 and the 2020 NWSL Challenge Cup Future Legend Award.
Ashley Sanchez Family
Ashley Sanchez has two older siblings, Evan and Sierra. Her grandfather, John Shirk, played football for the University of Southern California (USC) Trojans, highlighting a family legacy in sports.
Personal Life
Sanchez has an endorsement deal with Adidas and was featured in a Taco Bell commercial in 2022. She is known for her dedication to the sport and her commitment to excellence on and off the field.
