History of Julie Ertz in Timeline

Julie Ertz is a celebrated American former professional soccer player. She played in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) for the Chicago Red Stars (2014-2021) and Angel City FC (2023). Ertz was a key member of the United States women's national team from 2013 to 2023, earning 123 caps. She debuted for the national team on February 9, 2013, in a friendly match against Scotland. Ertz is known for her versatility and strength as a midfielder and defender.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

April 6, 1992: Julie Ertz's Birth

On April 6, 1992, Julie Beth Ertz (née Johnston) was born. She later became an American professional soccer player.

1992: Birth in Mesa, Arizona

In 1992, Julie Ertz was born in Mesa, Arizona, to Kristi and David Johnston.

2004: Joins Sereno Soccer Club

In 2004, Julie Ertz joined Sereno Soccer Club in Phoenix, where she played for the 1992 side.

2006: Attends U14 National Identification Camp

In 2006, Julie Ertz attended the United States U14 National Identification Camp.

2006: Attends Dobson High School

In 2006, Julie Ertz began attending Dobson High School in Mesa, where she volunteered as a student athletic trainer.

2009: Called into U18 National Team Training Camp

In 2009, Julie Ertz was called into a U18 national team training camp, marking a step in her youth international career.

2010: Collegiate Soccer Career Begins

In 2010, Julie Ertz began her collegiate soccer career with the Santa Clara University Broncos.

2010: Leaves Sereno Soccer Club

In 2010, Julie Ertz ended her time with the Sereno Soccer Club, after playing with the team from 2004 to 2010.

2010: Graduates from Dobson High School

In 2010, Julie Ertz graduated from Dobson High School, having dedicated her time to Sereno Soccer Club instead of playing for the school's soccer team.

2010: Freshman Year at Santa Clara University

In 2010, as a freshman at Santa Clara University, Julie Ertz played in 20 games and led the team in assists, earning WCC Freshman of the Year and other honors.

2011: Sophomore Season at Santa Clara

In 2011, as a sophomore, Julie Ertz started all 21 games for the Broncos, scoring nine goals and providing four assists, earning NSCAA All-American First-Team honors.

2012: U20 FIFA Women's World Cup

In 2012, Julie Ertz captained the United States team to victory at the U20 FIFA Women's World Cup in Japan, also winning the Bronze Ball award.

2012: Junior Year at Santa Clara University

In 2012, during her junior year at Santa Clara University, Julie Ertz led the Broncos with eight goals and was named U.S. Soccer Young Female Athlete of the Year.

January 2013: First Call-Up to National Team

In January 2013, Julie Ertz received her first call-up to the United States women's national team, signaling the start of her senior international career.

February 9, 2013: First Appearance for USWNT

On February 9, 2013, Julie Ertz made her first appearance for the United States women's national team (USWNT) in an international friendly against Scotland, marking the start of her successful international career.

2013: Four Nations Tournament Victory

In 2013, Julie Ertz played for the U23 team in the Four Nations Tournament in La Manga, Spain, where the team emerged victorious.

2013: Senior Year at Santa Clara University

In 2013, during her senior year at Santa Clara University, Julie Ertz led the team with eight assists and was named WCC Player of the Year.

January 17, 2014: Drafted by Chicago Red Stars

On January 17, 2014, Julie Ertz was selected third overall by the Chicago Red Stars in the 2014 NWSL College Draft.

2014: Replaces Injured Player on CONCACAF Roster

In 2014, Julie Ertz replaced an injured Crystal Dunn on the roster for the CONCACAF Women's Championship one day before the team's first match of the tournament. She also played in the opening game of the International Tournament of Brasília on December 10.

2014: National Team Training Camp

In 2014, Julie Ertz started the year at a national team training camp from January 8 to 15 in Carson, California. She was later named to the roster for a match against Canada on May 8.

2014: Drafted by Chicago Red Stars

In 2014, Julie Ertz was selected third overall by the Chicago Red Stars in the NWSL College Draft, marking the beginning of her professional career.

2015: FIFA Women's World Cup Victory

In 2015, Julie Ertz helped the United States win the FIFA Women's World Cup. She played every minute of all seven games and was named to the FIFA Women's World Cup All-Star Team.

2015: First International Goal

In 2015, Julie Ertz scored her first international goal in the 7th minute of the Algarve Cup final against France on March 11, helping the United States win the tournament.

2015: Return to Red Stars After World Cup

In 2015, after commitments with the national team at the FIFA Women's World Cup, Julie Ertz returned to the Chicago Red Stars on July 22. She was also named to the NWSL Best XI and was a finalist for Defender of the Year.

2015: Qualified for FIFA Women's World Cup

In 2015, the United States qualified for the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup after a semi-final win against Mexico on October 24, 2014.

February 2016: Julie Ertz Engagement

In February 2016, Julie Ertz became engaged to NFL tight end Zach Ertz at Klein Field, the Stanford University baseball stadium where they first met.

2016: Joins National Team for Olympics

In 2016, Julie Ertz made twelve appearances for the Red Stars before joining the national team in preparation for the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. She was also a finalist for Defender of the Year for a third time.

March 26, 2017: Julie and Zach Ertz Wedding

On March 26, 2017, Julie Ertz married NFL tight end Zach Ertz on the coast of Santa Barbara, California.

2017: New Role in Attacking Midfield

In 2017, Julie Ertz debuted in a new role in attacking midfield for the Red Stars and was named to the NWSL Second XI.

2017: U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year

In 2017, after transitioning to center midfield for both club and country, Julie Ertz was awarded U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year.

2018: Return from Knee Injury

In 2018, Julie Ertz returned from a knee injury, making her first appearance of the season on April 28. She was named to the 2018 NWSL Second XI and was a finalist for Defender of the Year for a fourth time.

May 2019: FIFA Women's World Cup Roster

In May 2019, Julie Ertz was named to the final 23-player roster for the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup in France, marking her second World Cup appearance.

2019: NWSL Championship Appearance

At the end of the 2019 season, Julie Ertz and the Chicago Red Stars made their first appearance in the NWSL Championship against the North Carolina Courage.

2019: FIFA Women's World Cup Victory

In 2019, Julie Ertz contributed to the United States winning their title at the FIFA Women's World Cup.

2019: U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year

In 2019, Julie Ertz won the U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year award again.

March 5, 2020: Julie Ertz 100th Match

On March 5, 2020, at the SheBelieves Cup competition, Julie Ertz played her 100th match for the United States in a 2–0 win against England.

December 3, 2021: Traded to Angel City FC

On December 3, 2021, Julie Ertz's rights were traded to Angel City FC ahead of the upcoming expansion draft.

April 2022: Expecting First Child

In April 2022, Julie and Zach Ertz announced they were expecting their first child.

August 11, 2022: Birth of First Child

On August 11, 2022, Julie and Zach Ertz's son was born.

April 2023: Return to NWSL with Angel City FC

In April 2023, after a year and a half break, Julie Ertz signed with Angel City FC and made her return to the NWSL in a match against San Diego Wave FC.

August 31, 2023: Retirement Announcement

On August 31, 2023, Julie Ertz announced her retirement from professional soccer, marking the end of her distinguished career.

2023: Retirement from International Soccer

After the 2023 World Cup, Julie Ertz retired from international soccer, marking the end of her impactful career with the United States women's national team.