Stephanie Ochs Signs With North Carolina Courage
Stephanie Ochs has been acquired by the North Carolina Courage per league and team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed. Ochs was selected as the number one pick by the Washington Spirit in the 2013 NWSL Supplemental Draft. She suffered a season-ending ACL tear in 2015 as she returns to the pitch with the 2016 NWSL Champions.
NWSL Soccer News: The North Carolina Courage have signed former Houston Dash defender Stephanie Ochs.
“Steph will be a valuable addition to our group,” said NC Courage head coach Paul Riley. “She’s a hybrid player and has a lot of good tools. We are impressed by her speed, strength and passion for the game. She certainly fits our team on the field and in the locker room. Great to have her aboard.”
The San Diego native played for the WPSL Elite Western New York Flash in the 2012 season alongside current NC Courage player McCall Zerboni. That team went on to hoist its third championship with the pair on the roster. Ochs was selected number one overall by the Washington Spirit in the 2013 NWSL Supplemental Draft for the league’s first season. She played in the Spirit’s inaugural season, appearing in 22 matches and scoring one goal.
Ochs also suited up for Australian club Canberra United, appearing in 39 games as she recorded 12 goals between 2013 and 2016.
In 2014, Ochs was traded by Washington to the Houston Dash. She re-signed with the Dash in 2015 before suffering a season-ending ACL tear. Ochs returned to the Dash for 2016 but was released by Houston in April of 2017.
Ochs played collegiately for her hometown University of San Diego from 2008 to 2012 where she was a two-time USD Torero Female Athlete of the Year. Ochs helped lead her team to three NCAA Tournament selections. During her time at USD, Ochs scored 25 goals and recorded 31 assists, starting 77 of the 86 games she appeared in. During her senior year, Ochs was named the West Coast Conference Player of the Year.
The defender also boasts international experience as a member of the United States U23 Women’s National Team in 2013. She helped the team win the Four Nations Tournament in La Manga, Spain, and was named the tournament MVP for her outstanding play.
Ochs and the NC Courage take on the Boston Breakers this Saturday, June 17, at 7:30 pm ET.
