For Jenn and Ian Ozard, the past few months have been a whirlwind of pride, excitement and a few moments of joyful awe. Their daughter, Katie, is living out dreams that once seemed too good to be true.
This past summer, Katie was a part of Canada Soccer’s Women’s U-20 National Team, which won the Concacaf Women’s U-20 Championship, defeating Mexico 3-2 in Costa Rica. That accomplishment alone is worth a lifetime of pride, but Katie isn’t calling it quits there.
She’s now embarking on a journey that every parent dreams of. Especially for those who have been alongside their athlete through all the early mornings, late nights, long practices, road trips, heartbreaks and triumphs.
Katie is beginning her NCAA career with Sun Devil Soccer on a full scholarship.
“It’s almost surreal,” Ian, Katie’s father, reflected. “For her to achieve her dream of playing for Canada and then to come here and have the ability to play soccer on a four-year scholarship is unbelievable. What a great payback for all of her time and effort.”
Katie’s championship moment this summer was especially meaningful for her mother, Jenn.
“She’s always dreamed of playing for Canada,” Jen said. “To achieve that right before she starts her college career, it’s the perfect next step. She’s so excited and we’re just so proud of her.”
While Katie’s achievements on the field are impressive, her parents are equally proud of the person she’s growing into. She has accepted an offer to join Barrett, The Honors College at ASU, where she will begin a pre‑med program and follow in the footsteps of her physician parents.
“She’s a bit of a bookworm,” Jenn smiled. “She loves learning and she’s working with her academic advisor to create a program that’s flexible, because she has so many interests.”
The Ozards have always emphasized balance, knowing that athletic careers can change in an instant.
“Some of her teammates from the women’s national development program have gone pro,” Ian said. “But every step higher in your sport narrows who can continue and be successful. Katie’s an amazing athlete, but life happens. That’s why academics have always been so important to us.”
It was that shared focus on both athletic and academic success that drew the family to ASU and the soccer program led by Head Coach Graham Winkworth.
“The connection we’ve made with Coach Graham and the staff has such a family feel,” Jenn said. “The way the coaches banter reminds us of home. It’s reassuring to know she’s stepping into a program that feels like family. She’s going to a place where she’s going to have support in every way.”
Katie is no stranger to independence. She has lived on her own since she was 15 while training with Canada Soccer. “She did her own grocery shopping, her own laundry, took care of her own space and everything,” Ian laughed. “Honestly, living at ASU might actually be easier for her, she has a meal plan now!”
Her parents also believe her maturity will make her a leader among her new teammates. “She has the grit, the resiliency and the life experience to support others,” Jenn said. “She’ll be great mental support for the other girls.”
For Jenn and Ian, it’s simple. Whether Katie goes on to play professionally, pursues a career in medicine or finds another path entirely, they will be proud.
“She’s chasing big dreams,” Ian said. “No matter where those dreams lead, we’re just thrilled to see her becoming the person she’s meant to be.”
If Katie’s ambition is any indication of what she will accomplish on the field, the sky is the limit for the next few years of Sun Devil Soccer.