**Ashley Sanchez Shines in Historic Season for North Carolina Courage**
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In a remarkable year for Ashley Sanchez, the North Carolina Courage striker has tied the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) single-season scoring record and is poised to break it in the final stretch of the season. This achievement comes alongside her personal milestone of announcing her engagement to fellow soccer player Tommy Williamson, creating a season of celebration both on and off the pitch.
As the 2026 season draws to a close, Sanchez reflects on her journey with excitement. “It’s been amazing,” the 27-year-old stated in an interview with PEOPLE. “I don’t think it will hit me until the season’s over and I’ve really reflected on everything, but it’s been really incredible. I’m really proud of how I’ve been able to have the year that I have.” With 20 goals in 30 games, she has claimed the Golden Boot as well.
Interestingly, her fiancé played a pivotal role in her remarkable season. During a training session, he suggested that she switch positions from midfielder to left wing. “Sometimes I can be a little demanding when we train and it’s not the best for the relationship,” Sanchez joked, acknowledging her typically assertive nature. However, this suggestion led to a transformation in her gameplay, resulting in more direct shooting opportunities. Courage head coach Mak Lind recognised her renewed energy and solidified her role on the wing, which has evidently paid off.
Sanchez has longstanding ties to the goal, having started her journey in soccer at the tender age of three in Los Angeles County. “I was pretty good already and it’s always easier to enjoy something when you feel like you’re better than people,” she recalls, adding a humorous note about her peers being preoccupied with “picking flowers” while she focused on scoring. This early passion for the sport led her to secure a scholarship to UCLA by the eighth grade, where she excelled in assists as a midfielder, putting her goal-scoring instincts on the back burner for a time and prompting her to consider a professional career.
Despite navigating through a landscape where many young female players were unaware of a professional pathway, Sanchez entered the professional realm through the Washington Spirit after being drafted in 2020. Just a year later, she was instrumental in securing the club’s first and only NWSL Championship in 2021. Following her time with Washington, she transitioned to playing for North Carolina, where her scoring prowess has truly flourished in 2026.
Outside of soccer, Sanchez often describes herself as “lazy,” preferring to unwind when not training. She and Williamson, who met on a blind double date, enjoy the simpler pleasures of life, including walking their two dogs. “They’re just really some funny characters,” Sanchez says, demonstrating the light-hearted side of her life beyond the game.
She has dabbled in various hobbies, including crocheting, but admits some pursuits may be better left to others. Ultimately, her main focus remains on soccer. “You kind of get into that flow state and it feels like things are just working out for you, which is always nice,” she explains, referencing her current form. Sanchez emphasises that placing herself in advantageous positions has contributed significantly to her success this season.
While the Courage secured a win against the Denver Summit in their final match, the team was unfortunate in their bid for playoff contention owing to Seattle’s parallel victory over Orlando. As the NWSL playoffs commence on November 6, Sanchez’s stellar season stands as a testament to her hard work, adaptability, and her quest for excellence in the sport. Fans eagerly await to see if she will not only break the scoring record but also continue to influence the professional game from both the pitch and her personal life.