Former Kansas City Current Leader Brings Proven Track Record and Vision to Further Elevate the Wave
Camille Ashton aims to take the San Diego Wave FC to new heights with her leadership and soccer expertise.
San Diego Wave FC has announced Camille Ashton as their new sporting director and general manager, bringing her extensive experience and notable accomplishments to the club. With Southern California roots, a distinguished playing career, and a robust resume in soccer management, Ashton’s appointment signals a new chapter for the Wave.
Ashton, formerly the general manager of Kansas City Current, steps into this role following the departure of Molly Downtain earlier in the season. As the Wave currently sits in ninth place with a 3-4-4 record, Ashton’s appointment is seen as a strategic move to elevate the team’s performance.
Jill Ellis, the club president, and former U.S. Women’s National Team coach, praised Ashton’s appointment. “I’ve known Cami from back in her playing days, and her impressive track record and deep understanding as both a general manager and former player, combined with her passion and energy, make her an exceptional fit with this club,” Ellis said.
Camille Ashton, 34, boasts an impressive pedigree in soccer. Born in Newport Coast, California, she has been involved in the sport from a young age. Ashton attended Torbat V’Torah Community Day School in Irvine and excelled in soccer, playing on a co-ed team and earning NSCAA All-America honors in 2006 and 2007.
Her soccer journey continued at Stanford University, where she played from 2008 to 2011. During her collegiate career, she helped lead the Stanford Cardinal to the 2011 NCAA Division I Women’s Soccer Tournament championship. Ashton finished her time at Stanford with 12 goals and 22 assists, showcasing her versatility and skill across multiple positions. Her achievements earned her numerous accolades, including NSCAA first-team All-America and All-Pac-12 first team honors.
After college, Ashton played professionally in the United States, Sweden, Australia, and Norway. She spent four seasons (2014-2017) in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) with Sky Blue FC, Orlando Pride, and Houston Dash before concluding her playing career with Vålerenga in Norway in 2018.
Transition to Management
Following her retirement in 2019, Ashton transitioned into sports management. She initially worked with World Wrestling Entertainment in talent development before joining Blueprint Sports & Entertainment as a vice president. Her expertise in player development and management soon caught the attention of Kansas City Current, where she was hired as general manager in 2022.
She recruited top talents such as Debinha, Vanessa DiBernardo, Bia Zaneratto, and Temwa Chawinga. Her strategic leadership led the Current to the NWSL title game in 2022, and the team remained undefeated in the 2024 season until her departure.
New Role at San Diego Wave FC
In her new role at San Diego Wave FC, Ashton is tasked with leading player acquisition and scouting, managing the coaching and technical staffs, overseeing development programs, and handling the soccer operations budget and team salary cap.
Ashton expressed her excitement about joining the Wave, stating, “I am honored to join San Diego Wave FC, a club with a clear vision for success and a commitment to excellence. I look forward to working closely with Jill Ellis, Casey Stoney, the coaching staff, support staff, players, ownership, and front office to help this club win more trophies and make a lasting impact in this city. Being part of the Wave and the vibrant city of San Diego, with its passionate fan base, is truly special.”
Ashton’s Southern California roots and extensive background in soccer add a unique layer of familiarity and expertise to her role at San Diego Wave FC. Her career trajectory, from a decorated player to a successful manager, exemplifies her deep understanding of the game and her ability to lead and inspire.
Ashton’s achievements extend beyond the field. She holds a Master’s degree in sports management from the University of Miami and was inducted into the Southern California Jewish Sports Hall of Fame in 2015. Her multifaceted experience in both playing and managing soccer provides her with a comprehensive perspective on the sport.
Camille Ashton’s appointment as sporting director and general manager of San Diego Wave FC marks a significant milestone for the club. Her proven track record, combined with her strategic vision and leadership, positions the Wave for future success. As Ashton steps into her new role, the San Diego Wave FC community looks forward to the positive impact she will undoubtedly bring to the team and the broader soccer landscape in Southern California.
