The San Diego Wave’s new sporting director and general manager has a NWSL pedigree, Southern California roots, a Stanford degree and a resume that few can match.
Camille Ashton was named the Wave’s new sporting director and general manager on Wednesday. She comes from the first-place Kansas City Current, where she served in the same role from 2022 until reg last month.
The 34-year-old Ashton replaces Molly Downtain, who left the club just before the start of the season. San Diego is 3-4-4 and in ninth place heading into Saturday’s match against the Washington Spirit in Washington, D.C.
In a statement, Ashton said she was “honored” to the club, citing her iration for president Jill Ellis, coach Casey Stoney and others. Inheriting a last-place Kansas City club, Ashton recruited Debinha, Vanessa DiBernardo, Bia Zaneratto and Temwa Chawinga to the Current. The team made an appearance in the 2022 NWSL title game, and is undefeated so far in 2024.
The Wave are “a club with a clear vision for success and a commitment to excellence,” Ashton said. “I look forward to working closely with Jill, Casey, the coaching staff, staff, players, ownership and front office to help this club win more trophies and make a lasting impact in this city. Being a part of the Wave and the vibrant city of San Diego, with its ionate fan base, is truly special.”
Said Ellis: “I’ve known Cami from back in her playing days, and her impressive track record and deep understanding as both a general manager and former player, combined with her ion and energy make her an exceptional fit with this club.”
A native of Newport Coast who attended Torbat V’Torah Community Day School in Irvine, Ashton has a resume that few in the NWSL can match.
Then known as Camille Levin, she starred at Stanford from 2008-11 then played professionally in the U.S., Sweden and Australia. She spent four seasons (2014-17) in the NWSL, playing for for Sky Blue FC, the Orlando Pride and Houston Dash, before spending the 2018 season in Norway.
Ashton retired from playing in 2019, then went to work for World Wrestling Entertainment in talent development. Kansas City hired her away from Blueprint Sports & Entertainment, where she served as a vice president. Ashton also holds a Master’s degree in sports management from the University of Miami.
The Wave said Ashton and her family will be transitioning to San Diego in the coming weeks.
Wave headed to Panama
The Wave will travel to Panama on Aug. 20 as part of the 2024/25 Concacaf W Champions Cup Preliminary Round.
The first-ever Champions Cup features 11 clubs from North America, Central America and the Caribbean. The winners qualify for the new FIFA Women’s Club World Cup, which will take place starting in January 2026.
The Wave will face Santa Fe FC in Panama. They’ll take on the Portland Thorns on Sept. 18, then travel to either Vancouver or El Salvador. The club will host Mexico City’s Club América Femenil on Oct. 16.
At the conclusion of Group Stage play, the group winners and runners-up will progress to the semifinals. Those matches will be held next May at a site to be determined.
Stanford South?
San Diego Wave FC Sporting Director and General Manager Camille Ashton played collegiately at Stanford before embarking on a pro career that included four seasons in the NWSL.
She’ll fit right in.
The Wave have taken Stanford players with their first pick all three of their NWSL drafts since entering the league.
San Diego selected defender Naomi Girma No. 1 overall and Belle Briede 27th in 2022, drafted Sierra Enge 13th in 2023 and Kennedy Wesley 12th last offseason. A fourth Stanford grad, Kyra Carusa, signed with the club midway through the 2023 season. All but Briede remain on the team.
