Ashley Hatch, the former BYU Cougars soccer star who now plays for the Washington Spirit of the National Women’s Soccer League, is very open about sharing her beliefs as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
On Monday, she posted a video on Instagram she titled “Why I Go To Church.” In the video, Hatch shows clips of her and her husband, Jeff Van Buren, on their way to and from church, and several reasons why she attends are written in text.
The four reasons Hatch listed: It helps her feel God’s love, it gives her more purpose in life, it gives her a sense of community and it helps her learn and grow.
In the caption of the post, Hatch wrote, “Being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ is a big part of my life and has helped me grow into the person I am today.
“During my busy soccer season it can be hard to make it to church when I’m constantly on the road for games but when I do get free Sundays I love the opportunity I have to go to church. It helps me take a break from the world and gives me a true sense of purpose.”
Hatch, 30, starred at BYU from 2013-2016 and then was the second overall pick in the 2017 NWSL Draft and led the league in scoring in 2021 as the Spirit won the league championship.
As the Deseret News has reported, Hatch and Van Buren are expecting their first child in January.