Lourdes’ Ashley Pennie is the Miami-Dade 7A-5A Girls Soccer Player of the Year
Lourdes Academy senior Ashley Pennie had been on the University of North Carolina’s radar for some time.
And like many aspiring girls soccer players nationwide, Pennie had long dreamed of joining the program that’s historically been the most successful in the nation.
Pennie’s hope is to soon add another national championship to the historic 21 titles that the Tar Heels already own when she heads up to Chapel Hill.
Before she departed, Pennie left an impression during her lone high school soccer season with the Bobcats.
Showing her skills in the midfield and on defense, Pennie became one of the more dominant players in Miami-Dade County and helped Lourdes advance to the Class 6A regional finals.
As such, Pennie earned Miami Herald Girls Soccer Player of the Year honors for Miami-Dade County for Classes 7A-5A.
“I’m extremely excited and motivated to be able to work, and be a part of such a great dynasty,” Pennie said. “I’m really excited to be put against top-notch players and have a chance to continue to grow and develop.”
Pennie signed with North Carolina last November, and spent most of her youth shining on the pitch while playing on club teams and on the United States Youth National squad.
But she had never played high school soccer until this past season.
Pennie’s motivation? Playing alongside her younger sister, freshman midfielder Brooke Pennie.
Their hopes of winning a state championship together were dashed by Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas in the regional finals. But Pennie was grateful for the experience and the support of her coaches both on her club and high school teams.
“When I reached my senior year and I was in a good place with my club environment, I wanted to have this experience,” Pennie said. “My coaches were good with it and everything worked out perfectly.”
