Ashley Sessa

"Trust yourself. People will doubt you, question you, and even try to box you in. Don't listen, just play your game."

Meet Ashley Sessa

Team: Northwestern University & U.S. Women's National Team
Position: Forward / Attacking Midfielder
Stick: Osaka Pro Tour 100 – Low Bow

"I was four, and wanted to play football like my brother but I was too small. I would run out on the football field trying to play. So my mom knew I needed to do something, so she signed me up for the rec league at our local YMCA. My first game I remember running down the field, I shot and scored and immediately fell in love with the game. The game just hooked me from the start."

Her biggest inspiration is close to home: "My mom. She's been there for the wins, the injuries, the long practices, and the messy days. She's the reason I know how to fight through tough moments and still show up with confidence."

What the Game Means to Her

"It's more than a sport — it's my launchpad. It gave me a college education, a business (AS3), and a platform to change the game for the next generation."

On representing the USA: "Wild. At 19, I was one of the youngest players ever named to an Olympic roster. Walking out in Paris with 'USA' on my jersey — and scoring my first Olympic goal — was something I'll carry forever."

Routines On and Off the Field

"Before: music up, tape on, visualize. After: decompress, ice, and usually find coffee or food with my teammates and then a very long nap. I love my naps."

A normal day: classes, practice, lift, film, meetings for AS3, and maybe a TikTok or brand shoot squeezed in. "I like being busy and building something beyond the field."

What makes her happy: "My family, coffee, my teammates, and seeing little kids light up when they learn new skills. That feeling when they realize they can play this game — it's everything."

Outside of hockey, she loves shopping, napping, and spending time with friends and family. Travel is a favorite too — especially trips to Belgium, where a stop at Mango for jeans is non-negotiable. She also loves designing, whether that's helping her mom plan out each room in the house or working on creative projects of her own.

Staying on top of her game comes down to consistency: "I take care of my body with training and recovery, but I also protect my mental health. Having ADHD, I've learned how to turn my hyperfocus into an advantage, especially under pressure."

Looking Ahead

"Another NCAA championship, LA 2028 Olympics, and more importantly, leaving the sport better than I found it."

On where the sport is headed: "The game is getting faster, more creative, and, finally, more visible. Social media and NIL are giving players like me a chance to push field hockey into spaces it hasn't been before."

The Osaka Partnership

"Being an Osaka athlete is the perfect match. Osaka is bold, creative, and not afraid to stand out — that's exactly how I want to play and live."

"The Pro Tour stick is part of my game now. But it's more than gear. Osaka has given me a global platform to tell my story and connect with players everywhere."

What sealed the partnership: "Because I don't do boring, Osaka stands out, just like I try to. When the opportunity came up, it felt like a partnership where I could actually build something, not just wear a logo."

Advice and Legacy

"Stop comparing yourself. Everyone's path is different. Focus on your growth, enjoy it, and remember why you started."

To her younger self: "Trust yourself. People will doubt you, question you, and even try to box you in. Don't listen, just play your game."

"Field hockey is still growing in the U.S., and I want to be part of the generation that makes sure kids everywhere get a shot to play. If I can inspire others to be fearless — on or off the field — that's the legacy I want."