Ashley Sanchez’s Resurgence: Crafting Her Unignorable USWNT Comeback
The North Carolina Courage and formerly Washington Spirit player Ashley Sanchez has had a year, unlike many others. Before her call-up to the 2023 World Cup, Sanchez was drafted in 2021 to the Washington Spirit and began her professional playing career there. Though only three years since her debut, the player has already experienced many career-span trials that come with professional soccer. Her journey seems to replicate that of longtime athletes.
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At 17 years old, Sanchez made her first appearance for the US Women’s National senior team; years later, her draft into the NWSL came. Since then, the player has seen her share of successes, setbacks, and, now, comeback. After her benching during the 2023 World Cup and absence from the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sanchez made a celebrated return to the USWNT roster. But Ashley Sanchez is no stranger to adversity, and her determination among the unpredictability of sports has been noteworthy.
Sanchez’s road back to the USWNT this year wasn’t an easy one. Last year, during the World Cup, Sanchez was called up to the national team. However, due to coaching decisions, the player did not appear in the tournament. In conjunction with the team’s early World Cup dismissal, her lack of playing time disappointed Sanchez and supporters.
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Though the previous year did not go as anticipated, Sanchez stayed ready for the moment when things would turn. However, before her major comeback to the USWNT, another upset appeared in her career. In early 2024, Sanchez was traded from the Washington Spirit to the North Carolina Courage in return for the No. 5 draft pick and $250,000 in allocation money. In an Instagram post Sanchez wrote, “Shocked and heartbroken to be leaving such a special place.”
After Sanchez was traded to the North Carolina Courage, she continued to find success on her new team. In the 2024 season, she scored 5 goals and made 4 assists, helping the team rank fifth in the league. Despite setbacks, the player has stayed determined to showcase her skills and abilities and maintain a level of consistency.
Coach Emma Hayes may have noted Sanchez’s skill during North Carolina’s September 30th matchup against the Chicago Stars. The USWNT coach spectated the game and possibly also Sanchez’s significant plays during the game. The match could have marked the beginning of her return to the USWNT. Weeks later, Sanchez was seen back on the USWNT roster, where many fans believed she belonged. On October 30th, in a matchup against Argentina, Sanchez returned to the USWNT pitch, playing in the starting lineup. The match made her 28th cap for the US and was a major comeback for the player.
Featured image via Getty Images
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