Former BYU Soccer Star Ashley Hatch Plans To Donate NWSL Bonuses To Support Black Community

HERRIMAN, Utah – Former BYU soccer standout and Washington Spirit forward Ashley Hatch announced that she is donating her goal bonuses from the 2020 NWSL Challenge Cup to the NAACP and DC Score.

Hatch shared her decision via an Instagram post prior to the Spirit’s first match of the Challenge Cup on Saturday, June 27. The NWSL Challenge Cup is a professional soccer tournament taking place in Herriman, Utah.

“Over the past few weeks, I have not been very outspoken on social media about the current events. I spent a lot (of) time learning, trying to understand, and discussing the issues with those closest to me. I want to be clear that I do my best to love and respect everyone the best way I can because I believe we are all brothers and sisters.” Hatch posted. “Because of my beliefs, I have made a promise ‘to bear one another’s burdens, that they made light; yea and… to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort.’ Life where you stand, support those individuals who may be hurting or suffering in and out of your circles. As a show of support for the Black Community, I will be donating all my goal bonuses from the 2020 NWSL Challenge Cup to two organizations that I stand behind and who’s missions I support: The NAACP and DC Score.”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Ashley Hatch (@ash_smash33) on Jun 27, 2020 at 5:45pm PDT

In addition to Hatch’s pledge. the Spirit published a statement about the Black Lives Matter movement prior to kicking off against the Chicago Red Stars.

“We, the players of the Washington Spirit, celebrate our differences and are united in the fight to end racial injustice, police brutality, and systematic racism against Black people and People of Color,” Spirit players said in a statement. “We respect each other. We love each other. We learn from each other. Together, we are committed to change. Black Lives Matter.”

pic.twitter.com/R5wWRbq2hf

— Washington Spirit (@WashSpirit) June 28, 2020

Washington took a 1-0 lead over Chicago into halftime. After stepping back onto the pitch in the second half, Hatch connected on a goal in the 46th minute to give the Spirit a 2-0 advantage.

⚡️ quick start from @WashSpirit!@ash_hatch33 turns up the ♨️ and nets the Spirit's second.

0-2 | #CHIvWAS

Tune in now on @CBSAllAccess and @Twitch. pic.twitter.com/rbyoKiLxrZ

— NWSL (@NWSL) June 28, 2020

Hatch and the Spirit held on for a 2-1 win over the Red Stars for their first win of the NWSL Challenge Cup.

Ashley Hatch’s BYU Career

Hatch was a star player for the Cougars from 2013-16. During her time at BYU, she scored 47 goals and dished out 21 assists. In her four seasons in Provo, Hatch helped the Cougars win 62 matches.

After her time at BYU, Hatch was selected with the second overall pick in the 2017 NWSL Draft by the North Carolina Courage.

In January 2018, Hatch was traded to the Spirit.