Who Is María Sánchez? From Liga MX Femenil to NWSL Stardom
The NWSL draws many great players from different nationalities, and they keep proving themselves over and over again. Many great players shined right after joining the league; some had already been stars since their careers started. One of these players who deserves to be mentioned is María Sánchez, whose career numbers are jaw-dropping. Here is everything you need to know about Sánchez.
The Beginning of Her Career
When it comes to career numbers, María Sánchez doesn’t disappoint. During her high school years, she played for American Falls High School. The Mexican-American player scored 178 goals and made over 60 assists. Her time there broke many records, including scoring hat tricks in 13 consecutive games.
Her next step in her career was her journey with Idaho State University, where she scored 22 goals. This was impressive, considering she only played 37 games there. Her collegiate journey included one more stop as she transferred to Santa Clara in 2016, where she scored 13 goals and delivered 16 assists.
Time in the Liga MX Femenil
Before arriving at the NWSL, María Sánchez played in the Liga MX Femenil. She started there for the side of C.D. Guadalajara Femenil, also known as Chivas, where she scored five goals.
Sánchez then moved to Tigres UANL Femenil or Tigres, where she helped the team win the league title. Her time in the Liga MX Femenil helped her career as she got the chance to experience playing in professional leagues away from college and high school. Following her time there, Sánchez moved to the NWSL.
Sánchez Arriving to the NWSL
Despite arriving in the NWSL after leaving the Tigres, this wasn’t Sánchez’s first time in the league. Her first appearance in the league was with the Chicago Red Stars as she was drafted as the 15th overall pick in the 2019 NWSL draft. Sánchez went on to make seven appearances for the Red Stars. However, after the 2019 NWSL season, Sánchez went on loan to Guadalajara.
Since the Chicago Red Stars had the rights to Sánchez, Houston Dash traded her rights in the NWSL draft. This was followed by an agreement to have Sánchez play with Houston Dash for a short-term loan before the team finally signed her to a two-year contract in 2022.
Coming from Tigres, everyone had high expectations for Sánchez, and she was up to the task. Therefore, she was one of the players they protected during the 2022 NWSL Expansion Draft.
According to Just Women’s Sports, Sánchez spoke about her feelings regarding the move, and they were nothing but excitement. “Joining the Dash is such a privilege for me,” Sánchez said. “It’s getting another shot at my dream, and I couldn’t be more excited to do it with a team and coaching staff that I have tremendous respect for!” she said.
Being A Mexican Player in the NWSL
In an interview with Attacking Third podcast, María Sánchez said, “I think just generally we have a little presentation of Mexican players in the NWSL. I think for a lot of players, at least what I’ve experienced here in Mexico, it’s always the European dream. They want to go play in Europe. And for me, you know, being in the NWSL, and watching the games, and watching the league. For me, it’s the most competitive league in the world.”
“I think that’s what makes it really hard for players, and especially for Mexican soccer players in the last years [and] since the league started. I think it’s been tough, and I–for me, it’s my dream to kind of show and represent Mexico in the NWSL. Because I don’t think it’s happened really before, and that’s why it’s so important to me, and that’s why it’s my dream,” she continued.
What’s Next For María Sánchez?
Sánchez has kept proving herself to be an extraordinary talent in the NWSL. Plus, the Mexican player has high hopes for inspiring Latinas. Since the beginning of her career, Sánchez has broken many records. In addition to finding success with several different professional club teams, she’s also a member of the Mexican National Team.
She’s played on the Mexico senior women’s national team since 2015, making 35 appearances and scoring six goals.
Although Mexico fell short of making the 2023 Women’s World Cup and the past four Olympic Games, Mexico is undoubtedly looking to prove something at every chance, and Sánchez will be a big part of that.
Featured image via @houstondash on Instagram
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