Julia Ashley
Julia Ashley | |
|---|---|
| Born | November 11, 1996 Verona, New Jersey, United States |
| Occupation | Professional soccer player |
| Years active | 2019– |
| Known for | Playing for Adelaide United, Linköpings FC, Racing Louisville FC, Houston Dash; collegiate career with North Carolina Tar Heels |
Julia Elizabeth Ashley (born November 11, 1996) is a professional American soccer defender. Her career includes playing for clubs such as Adelaide United, Linköpings FC, Racing Louisville FC, and Houston Dash, alongside her collegiate tenure with the North Carolina Tar Heels.
Early life
Born in Verona, New Jersey to parents Suzanne and Martin Ashley, Julia has two sisters.[1][2] During her time at Verona High School, she participated in only one season of soccer, prioritizing her commitments to the club team Match Fit Colchesters. Additionally, Ashley distinguished herself in track and field, establishing school records in the 400 meters, 800 meters, and mile events, and achieved a national ranking of third in the mile as a freshman.[2]
University of North Carolina
In her freshman year at the University of North Carolina, Ashley started every match at right back across all 21 games and earned Freshman All-ACC recognition in 2015. As a sophomore, she appeared in 24 matches, ranking second on the team for minutes played. Her junior season saw her consistently starting defensively in all 22 games, garnering second-team All-ACC and All-ACC Academic accolades. During her senior year, Ashley was a starter in all 25 contests as the Tar Heels advanced to the College Cup Final, ultimately falling 1–0 to Florida State.[2]
Linköpings
Ashley signed a five-month contract with Swedish club Linköpings FC of the Damallsvenskan on January 20, 2019. She made her professional debut on February 16 in a Svenska Cupen fixture against Växjö and later appeared in her league debut versus the same opponent on April 17. Due to limited opportunities on the field attributed to injury and competition within the squad, she was released on May 22, 2019.
Adelaide United
In November 2019, Ashley signed with Australian side Adelaide United. She made her first appearance on November 14, starting in the opening match of the 2019–20 season against Western Sydney Wanderers.
OL Reign
Although chosen sixth overall by Sky Blue FC during the 2019 NWSL College Draft, Ashley opted not to sign with them, seeking either a trade or release. Subsequently, on January 17, 2020, Sky Blue traded her rights to Reign FC, where she secured a three-year contract on March 4, 2020.
Racing Louisville
Ashley was selected by Racing Louisville FC during the 2020 NWSL Expansion Draft held on November 12, 2020.
Houston Dash
In December 2021, she was traded to the Houston Dash.
International career
Ashley has been involved with the United States youth national teams. She was included in the pool for the U.S. U–20 squad and participated in a training camp in January 2016. In 2018, she was named to the U.S. U–23 roster for the 2018 Thorns Spring Invitational, and received another call-up for the U–23 team in March 2019 ahead of the La Manga Tournament in Spain.
Club
| Club | League | Season | League | Cup[lower-alpha 1] | Continental[lower-alpha 2] | Overall | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Appearances | Goals | Appearances | Goals | Appearances | Goals | Appearances | Goals | |||
| Linköpings | Damallsvenskan | 2019 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| Adelaide United | W-League | 2019–20 | 1 | 0 | – | – | 1 | 0 | ||
| Total career | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | ||
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