SoccerToday Interview With NC Courage’s Ashley Hatch
As the next college players take the field to begin their professional careers, all eyes will be on the NWSL as it enters its fifth season. SoccerToday spoke with the top five draft picks of the 2017 NWSL College Draft to discuss their goals for the future and the source of their success thus far.
NWSL Soccer News: With the second pick of the 2017 NWSL College Draft, North Carolina Courage selected forward Ashley Hatch from Brigham Young University.
During her freshman season, Hatch was named to the All-WCC Freshman Team, recording six goals and made seven assists on the season. She also was named an All-WCC Honorable Mention during her first collegiate campaign.
Hatch was named to the All-WCC First Team on two occasions, including named to the NSCAA All-West Region First Team and receiving WCC Co-Player of the Year honors during her sophomore season.
Hatch joins a NC Courage side that recently relocated from Western New York after hoisting its first NWSL Championship in 2016.
SoccerToday spoke with Hatch following her selection as the No. 2 pick in the NWSL College Draft as she takes the next step to the professional level.
Chris Rael: What club team did you play for?
Ashley Hatch: I grew up in California and Arizona. I played for Gilbert Arsenal in Arizona and Legends FC in California. The coaches have all known what they were doing and they’ve taught me a lot during the process. I would say that I am the player I am today because of them. Also, my teammates have taught me a lot as well as my family.
Chris Rael: What is your biggest strength on the field?
Ashley Hatch: One of my biggest strengths is that I’m a pretty coachable person. I take all the feedback I get from coaches and take it very seriously. If they tell me to work on something, I do it until I have improved.
This is very important because coaches see things that you don’t as you’re playing — and they know different parts of the game.
If you want to learn and grow as a player, you need to be coachable.
Chris Rael: What is the biggest asset you bring to the team?
Ashley Hatch: I would say my hard work and energy. I feel like it can be contagious because when when one person is working hard it’s a lot easier for others to do so also.
Chris Rael: How have your experiences through club and college allowed for you to reach this accomplishment?
All those experience are very important. I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for all those steps. There are a lot of steps that have led up to this.
Being selected in the NWSL College Draft doesn’t just happen over night.
Every single stage has been a foundation to where I am now. I’m excited to take what I’ve learned to the next level.
Chris Rael: How will you continue to progress your talents on the field?
Ashley Hatch: By learning from my coaches and continuing to be coachable.
Chris Rael: What are your goals for the upcoming season?
Ashley Hatch: My goals are to go out to North Carolina and learn a lot. Develop as a player and add to the team.
Chris Rael: What are your thoughts on the club relocating to North Carolina?
Ashley Hatch: I’m really excited. It sounds like an amazing area. I’ve only heard good things about it. I’m excited to go experience it for myself and to be part of that community.
