Ashley Lawrence - A Detailed Overview
Early Life
Ashley Lawrence was born on June 11, 1995 in Caledon, Ontario, Canada. As a child, she showed early talent in soccer and started her journey in this sport with a local club named Brams United under Dejan Prvulovic. Her exceptional talent made her a standout player, as she could use both feet expertly and had a natural understanding of the game.
Education and Early Career
Ashley's hard work and growing reputation within the soccer community landed her a scholarship to West Virginia University. There, she played for the Mountaineers from 2013 to 2016 and had a remarkable college career. During her time at West Virginia, she was often commended for her on-pitch intelligence, athleticism, and knack for scoring goals. In her senior year, she led her team to the finals of the NCAA Women's Soccer Championship.
International Career (2013-Present)
Ashley Lawrence's senior international career began when she was just 17. She made her international debut for Canada in January 2013 in a match against China. Lawrence represented her country in the FIFA Women's World Cup in 2015 and 2019, providing key contributions to the team. In the 2016 Olympic games, she helped Canada secure a bronze medal. During these competitions, her solid performances have established her as a dynamic force on the pitch. She also played in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, continuing to make significant contributions to the team.
Club Career (2017-Present)
After graduating from West Virginia University, Lawrence signed with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) of the Division 1 Féminine, France's top-tier women's professional soccer league, in January 2017. The move made her one of the few Canadians playing in Europe's top leagues. During her time at PSG, she has delivered strong performances, from solidifying the defense to supporting the attack. Her versatility and intelligence on the field have made her an essential player in the squad. Her consistency and performance helped her club to lift the League title in 2020-2021 season.
Personal Life
Beyond her commitment as an athlete, Lawrence gives back to the community through involvement in various charity events and youth soccer programs. She is considered a role model for young Canadian athletes, using her platform to inspire the younger generation. She's known to be reserved and humble off the pitch, with a keen focus on her career. As a strong advocate for gender equity in sports, Lawrence continually draws attention to the disparities that exist and champions for equality in soccer.
Style of Play
Ashley Lawrence is often celebrated for her versatility in soccer. She's able to contribute effectively as a defender, midfielder and forward. Known for her tactical intelligence, technical skills, speed, and strong work ethics, she brings a unique strength to any team she plays. Exceptionally versatile, she often plays as a fullback or midfielder but can adapt to virtually any position on the field. Her vision, agility, and precision in passing have made her an effective member of the team in both offensive and defensive roles.
Awards and Achievements
Throughout her career, Ashley Lawrence has earned a number of accolades. As a college player, she was named to the All-America First Team. For her professional career, she was a part of the team that led PSG to win the Division 1 Féminine title in the 2020-2021 season. On the international front, she was a key part in helping Canada clinch bronze at the 2016 Rio Olympics and was also named to the Best XI at the 2020 CONCACAF Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament.
Legacy and Future
Ashley Lawrence's career to date illustrates her steady rise as one of Canada's top football talents. She serves as an inspiring example to the young soccer talents aiming to represent Canada on the global stage. Her current contract with PSG runs until 2023 and her continued development will undoubtedly see her become one of the leading figures in women's soccer, both at home in Canada and internationally.
