Julia Ashley, Defender, Match Fit Chelsea FC

Class: 2015

IMG Academy 150: 83

Commitment: North Carolina

For many, simply playing college soccer is a dream that players strive and work for. That was true of Julia Ashley, but she always had a specific school in mind: North Carolina.

“I dreamed of playing for UNC since I was 7 years old,” she told TopDrawerSoccer.com. “I had a poster of Yael Averbuch, the Tar Heel great who comes from my local soccer program, on my bedroom wall. So while I was fortunate enough to be recruited by other top programs, the combination of an extremely competitive soccer environment coupled with excellent academics put UNC over the top.”

With that kind of desire, it was always a long shot for Ashley to turn down the opportunity. But when she saw everything up close, it basically became a no brainer.

“I loved the competitive environment at UNC,” she said. “Everything they do is a competition. After my visit, [I] just knew UNC was my top choice. The girls were great to me and Coach [Anson] Dorrance and his staff are amazing. The outstanding legacy UNC has built in women's soccer was also a very big factor.”

And it wasn’t just the soccer program that drew her to school.

“I really liked all the different academic opportunities available,” she said. “UNC has a great history of academic achievement, which is very important to me and my family. I was also really impressed with the beautiful campus and the Chapel Hill area. Just really felt at home at UNC.”

 

Other commitments:

Defender Karli Gutsche (VSI West Florida Flames) committed to UCF for the class of 2015.

Paige Reid (Solar Chelsea) committed to Louisiana-Monroe for the class of 2013.

Midfielder Emily Hansen (Intense Soccer Academy) committed to Iona College(w) for the class of 2013.

Defender Kelly Dorney (Concorde Fire) committed to Mississippi State for the class of 2014.

Defender Madeline Brock (Carolina Elite Soccer Academy) committed to Wake Forest for the class of 2013.

Forward Nathalie Marie (Mustang SC) committed to Stanford for the class of 2013.

Midfielder Sarah Sivic (Internationals SC) committed to Akron for the class of 2013.

Defender Mackenzie Dowd (Washington Premier FC) committed to Northeastern for the class of 2013.

Forward Madison Dunn (Battle of Monmouth – New Jersey) committed to Drexel for the class of 2014.