Women’s Soccer Player of the Year – Julie Ertz
Julie Ertz stands out among women’s soccer players worldwide with an incredible career both as a professional player and inspiring person in her personal life. Her dedication to soccer can serve as an example for others while being an amazing wife and mother as well. Alongside Zach Ertz (Philadelphia Eagles tight end), Julie established Ertz Family Foundation in 2018 to empower others through sharing faith, learning through sports, advancing education and building supportive communities.
The programs of this foundation include a scholarship fund, the Philly Bridge Project and Philadelphia Youth Soccer Academy. Scholarships provide low-income families with scholarships to attend youth soccer programs. Philly Bridge Project brings underserved children and adults from underserved neighborhoods together at free sports facilities so that they may experience the health and social benefits associated with team activities like organized team sports. Philadelphia Youth Soccer Academy serves high schoolers so they may reach college-level competition.
Ertz currently plays for Angel City FC in the National Women’s Soccer League – her return after injury after 2021 – as midfielder wearing jersey number 8. Additionally, Ertz was part of the USWNT squad that won 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup!
At Dobson High School she excelled on two state championship-winning clubs – Arizona Arsenal Soccer Club and Sereno Soccer Club in Arizona – winning nine state titles during that time. When she graduated she moved on to Santa Clara University where she joined their Santa Clara Broncos before being drafted by Chicago Red Stars as part of their 2014 NWSL College Draft.
After being out for more than a year, Ertz returned to training this week in preparation for April’s friendlies against Ireland. It has been 611 days or approximately 8,79,840 minutes since she last played with the U.S. women’s national team and it remains uncertain what their plan for her post-national team involvement may be.
Ertz has earned herself a stellar reputation as an excellent defensive player on the USWNT, becoming an integral member. Off the pitch, she and husband Zach founded the Ertz Family Foundation with an aim to empower people through faith, learning through sports, and arts advancement to build supportive communities. Additionally to her foundation work, Ertz serves as an outstanding role model for young girls; inspiring teammates with her humble and generous nature as she’s also an exceptional mother; we can’t wait to watch her again one day in future matches!