When you think about the United States Women's National Team, certain names just stand out, don't they? One person who certainly left a big mark on the game is Julie Beth Ertz. She's a name that resonates with soccer fans, someone who gave her all on the field for years. Her journey, from a young player to a celebrated figure, really shows what dedication and talent can achieve in the world of professional sports.
It's interesting to consider how a player becomes such a cornerstone for a team. For Julie Ertz, her impact was clear through her fearless play, her strong leadership, and that tactical brilliance she brought to every match. She was, in many ways, the heart of the team, always ready to make a big play or inspire her teammates.
So, as we look back at her career, it's a chance to appreciate the moments she created, the championships she helped win, and the legacy she leaves behind. Her story is more than just about soccer; it’s about growing up, finding your passion, and then, you know, stepping away on your own terms. It’s a pretty compelling story, actually.
Table of Contents
- Biography of Julie Ertz
- Personal Details and Bio Data
- A Career Filled with Grit and Glory
- USWNT Impact and World Cup Triumphs
- Life Beyond the Pitch: Family and New Ventures
- Saying Goodbye to the Game
- Frequently Asked Questions About Julie Ertz
Biography of Julie Ertz
Julie Beth Ertz, who was born Julie Beth Johnston, came into the world on April 6, 1992. Her birthplace was Mesa, Arizona, in the USA. She grew up as the eldest child in a Christian family, with her parents David and Kristi Johnston, and a younger sister named Melanie. This background, you know, probably played a part in shaping the person she became, both on and off the field.
Her soccer career began when she was quite young, just like many athletes. That passion for the game blossomed through her four seasons playing at Santa Clara University. It was during these years that she truly honed her skills and showed the potential that would eventually lead her to the very top levels of the sport. It’s almost like you could see the future champion in her even then, wouldn't you say?
After her college days, Julie Ertz stepped into the professional ranks. From 2014 to 2021, she played for the Chicago Red Stars, a club in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL). This period was a significant chunk of her professional playing time, where she was a formidable presence on the field. She briefly joined Angel City FC in 2023, which was a short but notable chapter near the end of her playing days. Her time with these clubs, you know, really showcased her abilities as a defender and midfielder.
Personal Details and Bio Data
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Julie Beth Ertz (née Johnston) |
| Born | April 6, 1992 |
| Birthplace | Mesa, Arizona, USA |
| Parents | David Johnston and Kristi Johnston |
| Sister | Melanie Johnston |
| Spouse | Zach Ertz (married 2017) |
| Children | Madden (son), Kace (twin son), Kyren (twin son) |
| Primary Position | Midfielder, Defender |
| Professional Clubs | Chicago Red Stars (2014-2021), Angel City FC (2023) |
| National Team | United States Women's National Team (USWNT) |
| Key Achievements | FIFA Women's World Cup Winner (youth and senior), Integral USWNT member |
A Career Filled with Grit and Glory
Julie Ertz was, to put it simply, a competitor and a champion. Her time with the US Women's National Team program saw her become one of their most prolific players. She was known for her leadership and grit, qualities that, you know, really define a player who makes a big difference in important matches. Her iconic blue headband became almost a symbol of her intensity on the field.
From the very beginning of her national team journey, she was a select player to win FIFA World Cups at both the youth and senior levels. This is a rather rare achievement, showing her talent was evident early on and sustained throughout her career. Being an integral member of the US teams from 2014 to 2021 meant she was consistently at the heart of their successes, which is pretty impressive, if you think about it.
Her ability to score goals from a defensive position was also a notable aspect of her play. There’s a memory, for instance, of her celebrating after scoring a goal against New Zealand during an international friendly soccer match in Commerce City, Colorado. These moments, you know, added another layer to her already impressive skill set as a player who could contribute on both ends of the field.
USWNT Impact and World Cup Triumphs
Julie Ertz became a true cornerstone of the USWNT. Her style of play, marked by fearlessness, strong leadership, and tactical brilliance, made her an indispensable part of the squad. She was the kind of player who, you know, could change the momentum of a game with her presence alone. This kind of impact is what legends are made of, really.
She was an integral member of the US teams that achieved significant success on the world stage. Being a double world champion, having won FIFA World Cups, puts her in a very exclusive group of players. These victories weren't just about winning games; they were about showing the world the strength and determination of American soccer, and she was a huge part of that.
Her role wasn't always about scoring goals or making flashy plays. Sometimes, it was about the hard work in the midfield, breaking up opponent attacks, and winning possession back for her team. This kind of work, while sometimes less visible, is absolutely vital for a team's success. It’s almost like she was the engine that kept everything running smoothly, you know, providing that consistent effort.
Life Beyond the Pitch: Family and New Ventures
Beyond her remarkable soccer career, Julie Ertz also has a significant personal life. She and her husband, Zach Ertz, who is a formidable presence in the NFL, are one of the most recognized power couples in American sports today. Their relationship history, which began when they met in 2012 at Stanford University, has been a story of mutual support and cheering each other on, both on and off the field. They have been married since 2017, and their bond is pretty clear for anyone to see.
The Ertz family has grown recently, too. Julie and Zach Ertz announced the arrival of twin baby boys, Kace and Kyren, on a Sunday in August. These twin boys join their older son, Madden, who is 2 years old. This expansion of their family is, you know, a big and exciting new chapter in their lives, showing that life continues to evolve beyond professional sports.
As she stepped away from playing, Julie Ertz also moved into new professional endeavors. She made her FOX Sports debut this summer as a studio analyst for the network’s inaugural presentation of UEFA Women’s Euro 2025™. This new role allows her to share her deep understanding of the game with a wider audience, which is, you know, a pretty cool transition for someone with her experience.
Saying Goodbye to the Game
The national team program said farewell to one of their most prolific players when Julie Ertz officially stepped away from the game after multiple seasons. Her retirement was a moment that many fans felt, as she had been such a consistent and powerful force on the field. She played her final U.S. Women’s National Team match on Thursday, September 21, taking on South Africa. It was a chance for her to say goodbye to the fans and her teammates in a meaningful way.
Julie Ertz, at 31, was an integral member of the US teams for a long time. She had been hanging up her cleats and retiring following the United States Women's National Team's loss on a Sunday. This decision, she said, was about being able to choose when she retired, which was a motivating factor for her. It’s a powerful thing, to be able to make that choice on your own terms, you know?
Her last time playing was a moment of reflection. She stated, "Unfortunately this is my last time in this," referring to her final game. This sentiment, you know, really captures the mixed feelings that come with leaving something you've dedicated so much of your life to. It was a poignant moment for a player who gave so much to the sport. You can learn more about her impact on our site, and also check out her career highlights for a deeper dive.
Frequently Asked Questions About Julie Ertz
When did Julie Ertz retire from soccer?
Julie Ertz officially stepped away from the game after multiple seasons, with her final U.S. Women’s National Team match played on Thursday, September 21. She announced her retirement following the United States Women's National Team's loss on a Sunday, which was, you know, a very recent development.
Who is Julie Ertz married to?
Julie Ertz is married to Zach Ertz, who is an NFL star. They met in 2012 at Stanford University and have been married since 2017. Their relationship is, you know, quite a public one, given their prominence in American sports.
What is Julie Ertz doing now?
After retiring from playing professional soccer, Julie Ertz has moved into a new role. She made her FOX Sports debut as a studio analyst for the network’s inaugural presentation of UEFA Women’s Euro 2025™. So, she's still involved with soccer, just in a different capacity, which is pretty neat.
