Ashley Hatch, the forward who is recognized as one of the most talented athletes in the NWSL, revealed that she had sympathy for the most emotionally challenging part of her sports career. Despite her outstanding performance with the Washington Spirit, she was not included in the squad of the U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT), which includes the 2023 World Cup team, which left many fans and analysts surprised. Now, after a year, Hatch is telling her story of tough times, reflections, and the way she handled her emotions.

“Last year was probably one of the most difficult years in my career,” Hatch confessed, reflecting on the months following her snub from the USWNT team. However, for Hatch, the fight was not only about conquering her personal sorrow, it was about dealing with that widespread sadness by seeing all the other performers realize their aspirations, while continuing to compete strongly for the Spirit.

“When people look back on my career, I want them to be able to say like, ‘Oh my gosh, she was an amazing player. She did so many things for the Spirit,'” Hatch said. “If the national team is in that conversation, great; if not, [it’s not].”

Hatch’s perspective on her career shows maturity that goes beyond individual praise. While representing the USWNT is a huge honor, she understands that her value as a player and a person is not solely defined by that. Her contributions to soccer are just as important, and she’s committed to leaving a lasting legacy for the club. Hatch said, “I would like people to remember how I reacted to it. It wasn’t just powering through. Maybe from the outside perspective it looked like it, but it took a lot of conversations, a lot of self-reflection, and a lot of understanding from teammates and coaching staff.”

It was last year, when Hatch took to field knowing that she had not made it to the U.S. women’s national team roster, as informed by USWNT coach Vlatko Andonovski, while the world rested in oblivion. However, she had to option but to suit up and “suffer in silence” because the announcement was to be made public after a week. And to add to the pinch, four of her NSWL teammates namely Trinity Rodman, Ashley Sanchez, Andi Sullivan and Audrey Kingsbury had made it to the national team for the first time. So she did what any good teammate would do, she swallowed the lump in throat and took a day to herself.

“I was aware that my teammates had made it and I didn’t want to take away from their incredible accomplishment,” she said. “So I actually had a phone call with our coach. And I was like, ‘I think it’s best for me, but also best for the team if I could just come a day later. I need a little bit of extra spece.’ I also don’t want to be this dark cloud looming over these four other players who made it for the first time and I know the team wants to celebrate them.”

Though she tries to stay strong most of the time, she also had admitted to falling back on her old pattern. After all, she is only human. However, she has a strong support system in her husband, family and teammates, who often help her work through things. Though she couldn’t make it through the national team last year, age is still on her side. Hatch is only 29 years old and the next World Cup is just three years away. Till then, Hatch can continue to rule the field like she has done previously.

Ashley Hatch’s legacy

Hatch joined the NWSL in 2017. She was the 2nd overall pick in the NWSL College Draft, picked by North Carolina Courage. Hatch had a great rookie year. She scored 7 goals and won the NWSL Rookie of the Year award. This showed what was to come in her career, with both ups and downs.

In 2018, Hatch was traded to the Washington Spirit. This is where she started becoming one of the league’s top goal scorers. Hatch was key to their attacking success. Her season stats often had double-digit goals. She also became an important leader on the young Spirit team. Hatch played with aggression and high energy. She was skilled at scoring goals, which made her a focus for defenders.

As she plays at an elite level for her club, others will draw inspiration from Hatch’s resilience and reflection. But it’s not just a story about missing the World Cup. It’s how she responded and what she learned in doing so. Through self-reflection and leaning on those around her, Hatch isn’t just overcoming; she’s rewriting her legacy.