Announcing that she will retire from the professional game of soccer, Julie Ertz

Julie Ertz, a midfielder for thе U.S. Womеn’s National Soccеr Tеam (USWNT) and NWSL’s Chicago Rеd Stars, has announced hеr rеtirеmеnt from еxpеrt soccеr on thе agе of 30. After reflecting on her acclaimed career, Ertz discovered the data on social media via an emotional Facebook post.

Ertz’s retirement marks thе еnd of an еra for thе U.S. Womеn’s Soccеr. Shе was a stalwart in thе midfiеld for almost a dеcadе, recognised for hеr physical and compеtitivе fashion of play. Off the sphere, Ertz changed into beloved through enthusiasts for her humility, ardour for the sport, and advocacy for equality in ladies’s sports.

In her retirement announcement, Ertz expressed gratitude for the lifelong lessons soccer has taught her. “Do you know there are no words that can adequately express my gratitude to you for the game of soccer that has shaped my entire life?” she wrote in her letter. “These two teams, these jerseys have given me my life’s greatest gifts.”

Career Highlights of Julie Ertz

• Played professionally from 2013-2022 for the Chicago Red Stars in the NWSL and Women’s Professional Soccer league
• Earned 117 caps with the USWNT, scoring 19 goals
• Helped lead the USWNT to World Cup glory in 2015 and 2019
• Won Olympic gold with the USWNT in 2012
• Named U.S. In 2017, she was named Soccer Female Player of the Year
• NWSL Champion with the Red Stars in 2021
• NWSL Shield winner in 2021
• 5x NWSL Best XI selection
• NWSL Second Best XI selection in 2013

Julie Ertz Early Life and College Career

Julie Ertz become born Julie Johnston on April 6, 1992 in Mesa, Arizona. She attended Dobson High School, where she was named Gatorade Arizona Girls Soccer Player of the Year in 2009 and 2010.

Ertz went on to have a adorned university career at Santa Clara University from 2010-2013. She made 89 appearances for the Broncos, scoring 31 desires as a defender/midfielder. Ertz changed into the WCC Freshman of the Year in 2010 and WCC Defender of the Year in 2011 and 2012.

In 2013, Ertz graduated from Santa Clara with a communications diploma. She forwent her senior season to go into the NWSL college draft, where she changed into selected no. 3 typical by means of the Chicago Red Stars.

Julie Ertz Breakout with USWNT and World Cup Glory

Aftеr two standout sеasons within thе NWSL, Ertz startеd out gеtting call-unitеd statеs of amеrica to thе USWNT in 2014. Shе cеmеntеd hеrsеlf as an ordinary in thе squad during 2015 World Cup qualifying.

At the 2015 World Cup in Canada, Ertz played each minute for the USWNT. She scored her first global goal in the crew’s opening suit in opposition to Australia. In the very last against Japan, Ertz helped the U.S. Keep a easy sheet as they received five-2 to say their first World Cup on account that 1999.

Following the World Cup victory, Ertz persevered to polish as a stalwart within the USWNT midfield. She turned into named U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year in 2017 and scored a dramatic recreation-triumphing header in opposition to Germany within the 2019 World Cup semifinals.

Ertz would assist lead the USWNT to again-to-again World Cup titles in 2019, defeating the Netherlands 2-zero inside the very last. She played an indispensable position inside the match, wearing the captain’s armband in area of the injured Megan Rapinoe.

NWSL Success with the Chicago Red Stars

At the club degree, Ertz had a a hit 9-year career with the Chicago Red Stars of the NWSL. She straight away became an impact participant when she become drafted in 2013, beginning 20 games in her rookie season and being named the NWSL’s 2d-great XI.

Ertz helped lead the Red Stars to 6 consecutive playoff video games from 2015-2020. In 2021, Ertz again recovered from a knee injury and received the NWSL championship, which prevented her from qualifying for the Olympics.

In 2022, Ertz executed 3 more video games for the Red Stars, before pronouncing in August that he might retire at the end of the season. He revamped one hundred appearances for the membership and cemented his legacy as taking into consideration one in all their best gamers.

Advocacy and Impact Off the Field

Beyond her excellence on the field, Ertz also made a meaningful impact advocating for equality and empowerment. She was an ambassador for the You Can Play Project, which provides education and messaging for LGBTQ inclusion in sports.

Ertz also spoke openly about equity issues in soccer, including the USWNT’s fight for equal pay. She helped lead the national team in suing U.S. Soccer for gender discrimination in 2019. The lawsuit ultimately led to landmark collective bargaining agreements for the USWNT and NWSL providing increased compensation and maternity rights.

Throughout her career, Ertz has also been involved in numerous community initiatives. She has volunteered with Operation Gratitude, the Alzheimer’s Association, and Augie’s Quest for ALS research. Ertz and her husband, NFL player Zach Ertz, also established The Ertz Family Foundation focused on youth sports and education.

Reflections on an Impactful Career

In her retirement announcement posted on social media, Ertz expressed immeasurable appreciation for the sport that shaped her. She wrote that she will forever cherish the memories and friendships made through soccer.

Ertz also thanked her coaches, teammates, fans, and the numerous people backstage who supported her during her journey. “Thank you to all my coaches and supporting staff, as well as all the unmarried individuals who have contributed to the success of my career and these memoirs,” she wrote.

The legendary midfielder says she is looking forward to stepping away and spending more time with family. While her playing days are done, Ertz’s impact is sure to be felt for generations on and off the pitch. She leaves a lasting legacy as one of the greatest American soccer players and humble advocates for equality in women’s athletics.

Looking Ahead: The Future of the USWNT

With Ertz’s retirement, the USWNT will look towards developing its young core of up-and-coming stars. In the midfield, players like Lindsey Horan, Rose Lavelle, and Andi Sullivan are poised to take on larger roles moving forward.

The 2023 World Cup and 2024 Olympics also provide opportunities for young talents like Trinity Rodman, Ashley Sanchez, and Mallory Pugh to make their mark on the world stage. Veterans like Alex Morgan, Megan Rapinoe, and Becky Sauerbrunn have stated their intentions to play at least through 2023.

While Ertz’s world-class talent and leadership will be missed, the USWNT looks well-equipped for continued success. Head coach Vlatko Andonovsky will have the team ready to challenge for more trophies as the team begins a new season following Ertz’s retirement.

The future is bright for the US. women’s soccer at international and club level. Ertz was instrumental in elevating the game and paving the way for the next generation of American superstars.

In summary

Julie Ertz leaves behind an unparalleled legacy as one of soccer’s great champions, leaders, and ambassadors. Her technical brilliance, competitive fire, and compassionate heart propelled her to the top of the sport and transcended boundaries off the field.

While Ertz is stepping away from playing at just 30 years old, her impact is sure to endure for decades to come. The USWNT and NWSL owe much to her contributions towards advancing women’s athletics. Ertz set an inspiring example that the next era of soccer stars can follow as she passes the torch.

FAQ’s

When did Julie Ertz retire?

Ertz announced his retirement from expert soccer in August 2022 at the age of 30. His final sport changed on August 7, 2022 with the Chicago Red Stars.

Why did Julie Ertz retire at a young age?

Ertz retired earlier than most professional soccer players. She noted trying to step far from the sport on her own terms and spend more time with family. Ertz and her husband, NFL participant Zach Ertz, these days had their first child.

What is Julie Ertz’s legacy?

One of the most decorated players on the USWNT, Ertz is a World Cup champion, Olympic gold medalist, NWSL champion. She was a complete midfielder known for tenacious defense and clutch scoring. Ertz was also an advocate for equality in women’s sports.

What awards did Ertz win in her career?

Ertz gained the World Cup in 2015 and 2019, Olympic gold in 2012, 2017 U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year, 2021 NWSL Champion, 2021 NWSL Shield, and made 5 NWSL Best XI groups. She turned into one of the maximum dominant midfielders of her era.

What is subsequent for the USWNT?

The USWNT will look to young stars like Lindsey Horan, Rose Lavelle, Mallory Pugh, and Ashley Sanchez to step up in the midfield. Veterans Alex Morgan, Megan Rapinoe and Becky Sauerbrunn will offer leadership because the crew transitions to a brand new generation.