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.
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…
