“Julie was such a critical part of our success this summer,” said former U.S. Women’s National Team head coach Jill Ellis. “It’s wonderful that she’s being recognized in this way. She’s always a consummate professional regardless of the environment. Whether it’s in training, National Team games or in the NWSL, she always brings a level of professionalism, effort and talent.”
Ertz also had a banner club season, helping the Chicago Red Stars to second place in the league standings, a victory in the playoff semifinal and their first berth to the NWSL title game. She played every minute of her 14 regular season starts for the Red Stars and every minute of both playoff games when she was once again one of the best players on the field. She was named to the NWSL Best XI as a midfielder, but also played considerable minutes in the center of the defense. She tied with five other U.S. teammates for most regular season minutes played in the NWSL by any 2019 World Cup Team member.
“All of my teammates just had such an amazing year and we all know it takes an entire team to win a World Cup or have a successful club season,” said Ertz. “We are all a sum of the people around us, so I want to especially thank (my husband) Zach and my family, all my coaches for the National Team and the Red Stars, and all my teammates for their never-ending support. It’s emotional to be recognized in this way and it’s a cherry on top of a beautiful 2019. It’s incredible.”
The U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year has been awarded since 1985, when midfielder Sharon Remer earned the first Female Athlete of the Year honor. Abby Wambach won it six times, the most of any player.
Votes for U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year awards are collected from respective National Team coaches, National Team players who earned a cap in 2019, members of the U.S. Soccer Board of Directors, U.S. Soccer Athletes’ Council, National Women’s Soccer League head coaches, select media members and former players and administrators. In addition, select college coaches vote for U.S. Soccer’s Female Player of the Year award.
