Ashley Hatch’s journey into the world of sports didn’t begin with soccer—it actually started with tennis. As a young girl, she loved the game but eventually left it behind because it didn’t give her the space to run and move as freely as she wanted. That craving for movement led her to cross-country and track, where she could stretch her legs and truly embrace her athleticism.
Born in California, Ashley spent most of her formative years growing up in Utah and Arizona, alongside her three younger siblings. The strong family bonds and shared experiences with her brother and sisters shaped her life, grounding her in the values of hard work, faith, and love. Raised in a devoted Christian household, Ashley grew up as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She went on to attend Brigham Young University (BYU), a crucial step in both her academic and athletic career.
A Star’s Path: How Ashley Hatch Grew into Soccer Success
Preamble:
This article walks you through the life of Ashley Hatch, not just as a soccer star but as a person with a rich family background and personal story. She found love in her passion for the game, but also in her husband, Jeff Van Buren, whom she married in 2019. Ashley’s life is a tapestry woven from her experiences, her deep faith, and her unbreakable family bonds, with her parents, Barry and Anne Marie Hatch, playing key roles in her upbringing. Alongside her husband, she shares this journey with her siblings—McKenna Hatch Falagrady, Brianna Hatch, and Braxton Hatch—who have been her biggest supporters.
As you dive into Ashley Hatch’s Biography, you’ll not only learn about her achievements on the soccer field, but also discover the childhood memories, family connections, and life-defining moments that have shaped her into the person she is today. From her early beginnings in sports to her rise as a 5-foot soccer star, Ashley’s story is one of faith, determination, and success. Let this biography paint a picture of her remarkable journey from her early days to the heights of fame, and the balance she has found between her professional career and personal life.
How Ashley Hatch Became a Soccer Icon: Her Journey from Childhood to Moment of Fame.
Ashley Hatch Childhood Story:
For biography starters, she uses the nickname “Ash Smash.” Ashley Marie Hatch was born on the 25th of May 1995 to her parents, Barry Hatch (Father) and Anne Marie (Mother), in San Dimas, California.
The American forward is the first of three siblings in her parent’s marriage. Before continuing the athlete’s life story, we present Ashley Hatch’s mother and father.
Meet Ashley Hatch’s Parents, Barry Hatch (Father) and Anne Marie (Mother), standing with their daughter.
Growing Up:
This soccer player grew up in San Dimas, California, United States of America. Ashley Hatch’s family consists of Barry Hatch (Father) and Anne Marie (Mother). Her three siblings (Brother) McKenna Hatch Falagrady, (Sisters) Braxton Hatch, and Brianna Hatch.
Behold (Brother)McKenna Hatch Falagrady, (Sisters) Braxton Hatch, Brianna Hatch. Can you tell which of them is Marie?
However, although she was born in southern California, Marie grew up in Arizona with her family and her younger one. Ashley Hatch’s siblings made her childhood a very memorable one.
Behold the Childhood photo of Ashley with one of her sisters.
Moreover, Ashley Hatch’s family are Christians. Thus, they went to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
Simply put, they were not just a lover of sports but also lovers of God. This belief is what Marie has carried throughout her life. Even when she became famous, she never departed from it.
Ashely Hatch Early Years:
No doubt, she was a girl child, but her actions proved contrary to this. When young girls were busy crushing on boys or playing with cute toys and makeup, Ashley was focused on soccer.
But Ash Smash didn’t like football from the onset. Outdoor activities were her speciality, as she spent time with her sisters.
The Fun, exciting photo of Ashley Hatch’s Sisters, Brianna and Braxton, with her.
Hatch’s first love of sports was tennis. But she left tennis because it didn’t have enough grounds for her to run around.
Thus, she moved to cross-country and track. Hatch changed to playing soccer when she was eight, only because her friends were on the team that year.
Ashley Hatch’s sister joined her during this conquest. The siblings were so focused on training that they had a private park.
They would always go to practice even when lights were out and put on the generator to ensure she played football.
The park was where the Hatch sisters showed their skills every day in their early childhood.
According to Desert News, the young girl told her parents that she no longer wanted to take part in soccer. But she had to go through with it because Ashley Hatch’s parents had already paid for the lessons. Something that started from a small, tiny passion turned into her career.
Ashley Hatch Husband-Jeff Van Buren:
The goal-scoring machine has done very well in her career. However, fans are eager to know about her love life. And she found peace and happiness in no order than Jeff Van Buren. Who is he, though? Let’s get to know about him.
Meet Jeff Van Buren, the man who gives love and affection to the Washington Spirits teammate.
Ashley Hatch’s husband is an alumna of Bravo High School and played American football in college. He also went to the same college as Marie before graduating from the Marriott School of Business in 2020. This is the first picture they shared as friends at Utah State University in 2016.
The pair became a couple on the 10th of May 2018 after going on their first date. Ashley and her then-boyfriend also spent periods with each other in outdoor activities, like hiking. They went to America for the canon, the mountains of rota in the United States. It was an interesting, beautiful love story.
The Smiles of a beautiful bride as Ashley Hatch’s Husband takes her to the altar.
The SheBelieves 2022 winner got engaged to Jeff on November 11, 2018. Ashely Hatch’s marriage to her husband became official on January 18, 2019. They organized the ceremony in the Gilbert, Arizona, temple, and the two became one. Their love story is beautiful because Van Buren is a Christian, like his wife.
Ashley Hatch’s Children:
At the time of writing Ashley Hatch’s biography, the competitive female star has no kids. But, if “Ash Smash” plans to bring kids into the world, her lovers will be the first to know when they arrive.
Ashley Hatch Family Background:
Her early childhood shows that her mother and father are a working couple. They took care of four children in Arizona. At the same time, they sponsor the career needs of their kids. Ashley Hatch’s family comes together on Sunday despite the parents’ busy schedule. This was a non-vocal rule in the house, so much so that it even got into the career lives.
No matter how good soccer was on Sunday, it was the day the household spent moments catching up. It goes a long way to show that Ashley Hatch’s mother and father valued these youth eras with their kids.
Family Life:
Ash Smash is no stranger to relying on her family to get through the toughest hours in her life.
Throughout Ashley Hatch’s Bio, we see that her household has been her sole foundation. So, let us begin with the head of the home.
Here are members of the Hatch family.
About Ashley Hatch’s Father:
Barry Hatch is the dad of an American soccer player. He is the one who bred this athletic woman into the forward she is today. Ashley Hatch’s father used soccer to become a bonding activity for children. Here is the image of Barry.
See Barry Hatch with the women he loves, his wife, and his daughter.
Ashley Hatch’s dad used his free periods and always took the children to the park. And soon, soccer became a family activity.
Even after the game, Barry has further won his family to Christ. So they are not just the love of soccer, a lover of work today.
During an interview, Ashley Hatch’s father once told her he believed she would score many more goals in the future.
That is the way to make a child grow on a solid foundation. And today, that dream is working out without any hindrance.
About Ashley Hatch’s Mother:
Anne Marie is the beautiful mother of the 5ft forward. She is the one who has gathered the family to become the mighty and hardworking woman she is today. There is much to be said about this woman.
Here is Ashley Hatch’s Mother, Anne. They both have lovely smiles on their faces.
But then the influence of a mother in your children’s life cannot be overemphasized. Ashley Hatch’s mother is always close to the hearts of her daughters. Marie kept her four children intact and ensured the family stayed united and loved.
About Ashley Hatch’s Sisters:
Brianna Hatch and Braxton Hatch are the ones who have made soccer history with Marie. Although Bri hadn’t been an athlete since early childhood, she was in the dance class. But when she saw her older sister Ashley in the game, she joined her. And the Hatch sisters have led their teams to victory.
Here are Braxton and Brianna as they join their older sister in her matrimony.
Ashley Hatch and her sisters are not stopping anytime soon. They are both determined to make history in soccer as the first sisters with incredible success, just like Megan Rapinoe and her twin.
About Ashley Hatch’s Brother:
McKenna Hatch Falagrady is this champion’s younger brother. He grew up as the only boy with her protecting her and her other sisters, Brianna and Braxton. While making sure other boys are not bullying them in the neighbourhood.
Behold Ashley Hatch Brother- McKenney.
A lack of documentation exists about McKenna Hatch Falagrady’s career or whole life. But we are sure Ashley Hatch’s brother always cheers his sister when she is on the pitch.
Ashley Hatch Family Origin:
The 5’9″ forward soccer player comes from Southland parts of California. A report shows that Ashley Hatch’s parents are also natives of the United States of America. Here is the map that shows where the athlete was born in San Dimas.
The map shows Ashley Hatch’s Family Origin in San Dimas.
We know southern California for its warm weather and diverse culture. It is also the centre of the entertainment industry that awaits Hollywood. Ashley Hatch’s country of origin is famous for its Temecula and Santa Barbara wine industry.
Ashley Hatch’s Ethnicity:
The tenacious competitor comes from the white American ethnic group. Ashley Hatch’s family roots are of European descent. And these make up 34% of the population in Southern California.
Ashley Hatch Education:
When it was time for the young girl to attend school, Ashley Hatch’s parents chose one of the best centres in Arizona. According to the BYU Cougars, it shows that she went to Highland High School in Arizona. See the building in the image below.
The forward is an alumnus of Highland School in Arizona.
After Ashely Hatch’s high school, the speedy winger continued her education. She went to Brigham Young University (BYU), a private research university in Provo, Utah.
Ashley Hatch Biography – Football Story:
The young Hatch began her career right after high school in college. She joined the BYU Cougars women’s team in 2013.
And stayed for three years, earning the WCC Freshman Team Awards title and All-West Honorable Mention. However, as seen in the image, she and her sister had been stacking up trophies.
The Hatch Sisters became winners from early childhood.
During her first year in the season, Ashley scored six goals with seven assists in 21 games. In 2014 the forward set a new school record with 15 shots in one match.
In addition to ranking second with multiple goals in history. And finally, Brad’s daughter was named Player of the Week by ESPNW on October 15.
Fast forward to the 2015 season, the top drawer ranked the dynamic the best in the West Coast Conference. That’s not all.
Ashley scored a hat trick, with 19 goals during the season. By the end of her junior year, she was the seventh-best female athlete in the country.
Of course, Ashley Hatch’s sister Brianna was also on the same winning streak as the forward. So she was never alone in this beautiful game. But what were some challenges the California soccer player faced?
Road to Fame Story:
The hardworking team member hasn’t always had it all rosy in her career. There have been rough periods when the storm hit her life.
The Hatch sisters had a rule when they were growing hit, and it was that they never played games on Sundays.
These girls were still budding out in their careers. Hence, they needed to work their muscles out to showcase their talents.
No matter how good the game was, Sundays were out. Despite that, Ashley Hatch’s sister and the forward got a scholarship for their college degree. Very incredible, right?
In the college draft of 2017, Marie joined the North Carolina Courage. She made her debut on the 10th of April, scoring her first goal in June.
More so, the California athlete helped her team finish winning the NWSL Shield. At the same time, the young soccer queen became the Rookie of the Year.
Behold the 2017 Rookie of the Year.
Ashley Hatch’s father has always been her biggest inspiration and hero in her journey. And followed by the Olympian Lolo Jones, who is a hurdle racer.
The soccer athlete admired her because of her resilience and determination to become better.
Ashley Hatch Bio – Rise to Fame Story:
The tenacious competitor went on a loan to Melbourne City in the 2017/18 season. She made 14 appearances with two goals, helping them win the W-League champions thrice.
After Melbourne, Ashley concluded her loan and was traded to Washington Spirit. The Gemini zodiac player was exchanged for Crystal Dunn. And victory came in the 2021 season when Hatch won the NWSL Golden Boot.
Ashley is a recipient of the Golden Boot Award.
Hatch made her debut for her country, the United States, in 2016. She, a California-born, made it to the u-23 team 2018 for the tournament. The no 33 forward won the CONCACAF Women’s and the SheBelieves Cup in the 2022/23 season.
The SheBelives cup is also among Marie’s winnings.
When writing Ashley Hatch’s Bio, she is one of the most celebrated females in soccer. The NSWL athlete has also added coaching skills to her portfolio. Like Mallory Swanson and Rose Lavelle, she is bringing America to its glory. And the rest is history, they said.
Personal Life:
If there is one thing that strikes lovers of Ash Smash, it is her grits personality. And all thanks to Ashley Hatch’s Gemini zodiac sign. It makes her soft-spoken, always happy, and living life fully; that is how to describe this.
So what does the 5-foot-9 forward do when she is not on the pitch? Marie creates time for other activities in her life. The one on her top list is spending her youth vigour with her husband, Jeff. Hanging out and keeping the marriage alive is one of the best ways Ashley has kept her marriage intact.
Outdoor activities are a must for the soccer champion.
Aside from being a happy couple with her partner, she also spends moments with her family. And the athletic woman goes into severe training to take care of herself by visiting the gym.
As a rule from Ashley Hatch’s family, the day of Sundays is always the time to spend with his household. So, with that principle, she took it up to her marriage and date with her family.
Marie is a family-oriented woman. Who loves her household and every member of the home. Regardless of her career, her loved ones top her list.
Lifestyle:
Ash smashes’ life has no trace of a materialistic or extravagant lifestyle. In fact, going through all her photos on Instagram, you would never see her dressed with so many luxuries – the same as Simi Awujo. Indeed, she is living up to her Christian faith, not just in word but deed.
Untold Facts:
As we end Ashley Hatch’s biography, we will share more info about this reliable team moving forward. So, without any further hesitation, let’s begin.
Ashley Hatch’s Religion:
It is no secret that the NWSL Rookie of the Year 2017 is highly religious. Even in her bio, Ashely always expresses her Christian faith as a lover of Christ. The forward is a member of the church of Christ in Arizona.
Ashley Hatch’s FIFA:
The technical finisher has a very high rating from FIFA. This could be because of her incredible skills as a top goal scorer and her ability to lead her team to victory. Ashley Hatch, alongside Marie-Antoinette Katoto and Fran Kirby, enjoys a finishing stat of above 85%.
Ashley Hatch has a high FIFA rating of 82 and great skills, too.
End Note:
Ashley Marie Hatch was born on the 25th of May 1995 to her parents, Barry Hatch (Father) and Anne Marie (Mother), in San Dimas, California.
The former BYU Cougars grew up in Arizona in the United States of America with her family. Ashley Hatch’s siblings are McKenna Hatch Falagrady, Braxton Hatch (Brothers), Brianna Hatch (Sister), etc.
Marie got into sports with her younger sister. In fact, soccer was a family thing for them. More so, Ashley Hatch’s family are Christians, and they are a member of the Church of Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Arizona.
The American forward began her football journey at a very young age. Before Hatch joined Brigham Young University, she was part of the women’s soccer team. She then got her first professional club, signing with the North Carolina club in 2017.
Ashley, the 5-foot forward, won the NWSL Rookie of the Year in 2017. And by the SheBelives Cup in 2021 and 2022 2023. Lastly, Hatch won the Golden Boots Women’s Championship.
Ashley Hatch’s husband is Jeff Van Buuren, whom she married in 2019. They both met at college in BYU before they began dating in 2018. And finally, they exchange marital vows in front of their friends and family.
Appreciation:
We are so grateful for your taking the time to read our version of Ashley Hatch’s Biography. We pay attention to accuracy and fairness as we constantly deliver stories of female Soccer Players. Our article on these female footballers, Kadeisha Buchanan and Naomi Girma will interest you.
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