Early Life and Education

Julie Beth Ertz (née Johnston) was born on April 6, 1992, in Phoenix, Arizona, to Kristi and David Johnston. Inspired by her older sister Melanie, who also played soccer, Ertz developed a love for the game early on, beginning to play at age four and becoming deeply dedicated by age eight. She attended Dobson High School in Mesa, Arizona; however, she did not play for the school’s soccer team. Instead, she competed at a higher level with Sereno Soccer Club, a well-known club in Phoenix. During high school, she also volunteered as a student athletic trainer, showing her all-around commitment to sports and education.

Collegiate and Professional Career

Ertz played collegiate soccer at Santa Clara University for the Santa Clara Broncos, where she quickly established herself as a standout athlete. In the 2014 National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) College Draft, she was selected third overall by the Chicago Red Stars. She made her professional debut on April 19, 2014, against the Western New York Flash, scoring the match's only goal in a decisive performance.

Her international career also flourished. At the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Canada, Ertz started every match for the U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT) and played a critical defensive role throughout the tournament. Her exceptional play earned her a spot on the tournament’s All-Star Team, and the U.S. team ultimately won the World Cup title. She again represented the U.S. in the 2016 CONCACAF Women's Olympic Qualifying Championship, where the team claimed victory by defeating Canada 2–0 in the final.

Achievements and Net Worth

Julie Ertz is widely regarded as one of the top defensive players in women’s soccer. With a career that includes multiple championship titles, including the 2015 and 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cups, she has garnered several individual accolades and endorsements. While her exact net worth is not publicly confirmed, estimates place it in the range of $2 to $4 million, largely due to her professional contracts, brand partnerships, and national team incentives.

Marriage to Zach Ertz

Julie Ertz married NFL tight end Zach Ertz in March 2017. The couple first met in 2012 through mutual friends while attending a baseball game at Stanford University. At the time, Zach was playing football for Stanford, while Julie was attending nearby Santa Clara University, where she played soccer.

After Zach was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2013, their relationship became long-distance. Despite the challenges, they maintained a close bond, with Zach memorably commemorating his draft by gifting Julie a personalized item featuring his jersey number and initials. In early 2016, Zach proposed to Julie at the same Stanford baseball stadium where they first met. Their wedding took place on March 26, 2017, at the Bacara Resort in Santa Barbara, California.

Supporting Each Other’s Careers

Julie and Zach Ertz are known for their mutual support despite the demands of their respective sports. During the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup in France, Zach traveled abroad to support Julie, sharing moments from the tournament on social media. Their visible admiration for one another has made them one of sports’ most beloved athletic couples.