María Guadalupe Sánchez Morales Bio
María Guadalupe Sánchez Morales is a professional footballer who plays as a forward for Liga MX Femenil club Tigres UANL. Born on February 20, 1996, in Nampa, Idaho, United States, she represents the Mexico national team. Sánchez began her collegiate soccer career at Idaho State University before concluding at Santa Clara University in 2018. She launched her professional career with the Chicago Red Stars in 2019 and has since played for Guadalajara and Houston Dash, winning the Clausura title with Tigres UANL in 2021. As a senior international, she has participated in major tournaments, including the FIFA Women’s World Cup and the Pan American Games, where she helped Mexico secure a gold medal in 2023.
Early Life and Background
María Sánchez is the daughter of Roberto Sánchez and Irene Morales, both of whom were employed at a potato processing plant in American Falls, Idaho. Due to financial constraints, she was unable to join an elite club team and instead played high school soccer. At American Falls High School, she was a standout player, becoming the scoring leader in Idaho throughout her four years, with remarkable goal tallies of 26, 34, 50, and 78 in her freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior years, respectively. Her exceptional performance led to her number being retired by the school.
Path to Soccer
Despite her impressive high school record, María Sánchez received a scholarship offer only from Idaho State University, as she had not played for elite club teams. She played for the Idaho State Bengals during the 2014 and 2015 seasons, where she made a significant impact by scoring seven goals and leading her team in assists as a freshman. In her sophomore year, she scored 15 goals, earning a spot on the All-Conference team. In April 2016, she sought a more competitive environment and transferred to Santa Clara University, where she continued to excel on the field.
María Guadalupe Sánchez Morales Career
Early Career (2014-2019)
After transferring to Santa Clara University in January 2017, Sánchez played for the Santa Clara Broncos, appearing in all 23 games in her first season and scoring five goals. In 2018, she further showcased her talent by scoring eight goals and leading all NCAA Division I players with 16 assists. Following her collegiate success, she was drafted by the Chicago Red Stars in the 2019 NWSL College Draft as the fifteenth overall pick. She made seven appearances for the club during her debut season.
Breakthrough (2019-2021)
In December 2019, María Sánchez signed with CD Guadalajara on loan for the Clausura 2020. She wore number 7 for the team and made a significant impact during her time there. In 2021, she signed with Tigres UANL, where she contributed to the team’s success by winning the Clausura title. After a month-long loan to the Houston Dash in June 2021, she returned to Tigres UANL, where she continued to excel and became a key player for the club.
Notable Works and Milestones
Throughout her career, María Sánchez has achieved several notable milestones, including winning the Clausura title with Tigres UANL in 2021 and representing Mexico in the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup. She played a crucial role in Mexico’s gold medal victory at the 2023 Pan American Games, marking a historic achievement for the national team.
María Guadalupe Sánchez Morales Award Nominations
Throughout her career, María Sánchez has received recognition for her outstanding performances on the field, including her contributions to her teams and her national squad.
María Guadalupe Sánchez Morales Awards Won
María Sánchez has achieved significant accolades, including a gold medal at the 2023 Pan American Games, highlighting her contributions to the Mexico national team.
María Guadalupe Sánchez Morales Family
María Sánchez is the daughter of Roberto Sánchez and Irene Morales. Details about her family life beyond her parents are not publicly available.
Personal Life
In 2024, María Sánchez appeared in the first season of “The Offseason,” a reality television series that follows a group of NWSL players training before the new season. This appearance showcases her off-field personality and dedication to her sport.