New Broncos, Same Success

Source: Tejus Akula

Like any strong women’s soccer program, Santa Clara’s has gone through waves of talented stars–Kelsey Turnbow, who led the team to its 2020 national championship – Farrah Walters, who scored goal after goal this season – and alumni legends, Brandi Chastain and Julie Ertz. Whether its college stars or unforgettable legends, the program has consistently produced high-level talent throughout head coach Jerry Smith’s 37 year tenure.

But few are or will be as great as Ertz, who was inaugurated into Santa Clara soccer’s “Ring of Fame” at the women’s team’s Oct. 21 match against LMU at Stevens Stadium.

“It's such a joy to be back,” said Ertz during her halftime ceremony. “I grew up here and this is my family.”

Ertz is the 6th member of the women’s soccer program to make the Santa Clara Ring of Fame, which includes Mandy Clemens, Chastain, Aly Wagner, Leslie Osborne and Danielle Slaton – all fellow national team players and alumni. 

The star played for Santa Clara from 2010-13, earning accolades including the West Coast Conference (WCC) “freshman of the year” in 2010, “all-WCC first team” her sophomore through senior years and “WCC player of the year” her senior year. 

In 2014, Ertz was drafted third overall to the Chicago Red Stars, where she played for most of her National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) career while simultaneously playing for the US Women’s National Team (USWNT). She retired after the National Team’s disappointing performance at the Women’s World Cup this summer where the team had its earliest exit from the tournament ever in the round of 16 to Sweden. 

Despite an underwhelming exit, Ertz has been the heart of the team for the last decade and she will be sorely missed as the USWNT moves on to a new era. The group of successful alumni is likely to soon grow. Kelsey Turnbow now plays for the San Diego Wave FC, Alex Loera plays for the Kansas City Current, Julie Doyle plays for the Orlando Pride and Sofia Huerta plays for the OL Reign in the NWSL. 

In this year’s roster, Farrah Walters has been recognized as the WCC offensive player of the week twice. Marlee Nicolos has also been named WCC defensive player of the week. Remaining players from the 2020 National Championship team, including Sally Menti, Makoto Nezu, Lucy Mitchell and Rachel Bastone, continue to cement their legacies, building on the empire that was established years ago.

“I’m really excited that we were able to honor Julie Ertz today,” said head coach Jerry Smith postgame. “A lot going on with Julie, with the alums, senior day, getting all the seniors on the field and a bounce-back win.”

The team is currently ranked 15th and has a good shot of making the tournament. A 2-0 victory over LMU on Julie Ertz day followed by a loss at Gonzaga on Sunday set the Broncos to a 4-2 WCC record. Living up to the team’s expectations as former conference champions is up in the air after their loss in Spokane, but an NCAA tournament run is still within reach for the Broncos.