Former BYU All-American Ashley Hatch is enjoying a successful professional career with the Washington Spirit of the National Women’s Soccer League, but she appears to have her eye on coaching in the future.

Utah Valley women’s soccer coach Chris Lemay announced on Monday that he has hired Hatch as a volunteer assistant coach for the 2018 season.

“I am really excited for this unique opportunity to be a part of the Wolverine women’s soccer family,” Hatch said. “I am looking forward to learning from Coach Lemay and the rest of the staff as I take on this new role. As a professional soccer player with a couple years of experience under my belt I hope to provide some new insights and perspective to individual players and the team as a whole. I’m really looking forward to contributing to the program’s success this year.”

Hatch was drafted second overall in the 2017 NWSL Draft by the NC Courage where she was named the 2017 NWSL Rookie of the Year after tying a league record with seven goals. She led the Courage to the NWSL Shield in 2017 and an appearance in the NWSL Championship Final. Hatch currently leads the NWSL with 40 shots, ranking her one shot ahead of Seattle’s Megan Rapinoe. She also ranks eighth in the NWSL in shots on goal (14) and 19th in goals scored (3).

“The addition of Ashley to our staff is incredible in so many ways,” Lemay said. “For our players to have an in-house mentor on what it takes to play at the highest levels of the women’s game is immeasurable. She is a fantastic person and player and will add to our culture and competitiveness as soon as she is able to join us.

“Ashley has a desire to coach when her playing career is completed and this will give her great experience at the DI level. I am honored that she accepted our offer to be a part of our already strong staff and that she sees the value in learning here at UVU.”

Hatch will be coaching her sister, Brianna, who also began her playing career at BYU but transferred to UVU in 2016.