Valley natives Julie Ertz, Jessica McDonald win ESPY as part of USWNT
Jul 10, 2019, 9:04 PM | Updated: 9:39 pm
(Getty Images Photos/Elsa and Richard Heathcote)
After winning some notable hardware earlier in the week, Valley natives Julie Ertz and Jessica McDonald took home yet another honor Wednesday night.
As part of the U.S. Women’s National Team, the duo won Best Team at the 2019 Espy’s for their triumphant win in the World Cup.
Add another trophy to the USWNT’s collection this week 🏆
They just won Best Team at the #ESPYS! pic.twitter.com/UaMKR6q5GK
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) July 11, 2019
Ertz, who was the team’s starting midfielder was born and raised in Mesa, while McDonald hails from Phoenix.
Both players played for Tempe-based Sereno Soccer Club, which is now known as Real Salt Lake Arizona.
Ertz attended Dobson High School in Mesa and graduated in 2010. She did not play high school soccer but instead devoted her time to playing with Sereno.
According to the club, Ertz played with the team from 2004 to 2010 on the U-13 through U-19 teams. She won the state title nine times during her time there and was captain of the team. During her time with U.S. team, she has had 88 appearances, 19 goals, and now two World Cup championships.
McDonald graduated from Cactus High School in Glendale where was a multi-sport athlete, leading her to a successful career in soccer now on the national team. From 2000–07, McDonald played for Sereno Soccer Club and helped the team win state championships each year she played.
KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Ali Vetnar contributed to this report.