Anaheim, California – The Washington Spirit made a major trade before the NWSL Draft, sending midfielder Ashley Sanchez to the North Carolina Courage. The trade involved the fifth overall pick and $250,000 in allocation money. Sanchez had spent four seasons with Washington, scoring 17 goals and providing eight assists in 88 appearances across all competitions.
NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman confirmed the trade during the draft’s broadcast at the Anaheim Convention Center, generating excitement among fans in attendance. The trade gave Washington the fifth pick in the first round of the draft.
Mark Krikorian, the president of soccer operations and general manager for Washington, expressed gratitude for Sanchez’s contributions and wished her success in her new team. Sanchez had joined the Spirit as the fourth overall pick in the 2020 NWSL College Draft. Her partnership with Trinity Rodman in the attack helped the Spirit win the 2021 NWSL Championship and finish as runners-up in the 2022 NWSL Challenge Cup.
Sanchez, who earned multiple call-ups to the U.S. women’s national team, had a successful run in Washington that included a selection for the Women’s World Cup. However, she did not play in the tournament and struggled to make an impact upon returning to Washington. North Carolina head coach Sean Nahas praised Sanchez as a technically proficient and talented player, expressing excitement to work with her again.
In another trade, the Spirit sent defender Sam Staab to the Chicago Red Stars for the third overall pick. Staab was named a Defensive Player of the Year finalist and selected to the 2023 NWSL Best XI First Team during her time in Washington. Staab thanked the club and its fans on Instagram for their support and memories made.
Washington made four selections in the draft, including Croix Bethune from the University of Georgia as the third overall pick and Hal Hershfelt from Clemson as the fifth overall pick. The team also hired Jonatan Giráldez, the current manager for FC Barcelona Femení, as their next head coach. Giráldez will join the Spirit in June.
The Spirit’s roster moves come as they prepare for the upcoming season, with details about training camp and preseason yet to be announced. The team’s first match is scheduled for March 16.