SAN FRANCISCO – Ever growing thanks the hard work being done to prepare for the upcoming campaign, Academy of Art women's soccer has announced the latest member of its Fall 2023 recruiting class as midfielder Ashley Tasev (Phoenix/Horizon High School).

"I chose to come to ART U because I felt they had amazing opportunities for me to continue my career in soccer and for me to earn a degree interior design," Tasev said. "I am most excited to play soccer and explore the beautiful city."

Tasev will enter Academy of Art as a true freshman after she graduates from Horizon High School in her hometown of Phoenix this spring, where she has played varsity soccer for the last three seasons after missing her freshman season. Over those three campaigns Tasev played in 36 matches for a total of 2,145 minutes, and netted 16 total goals (0.44/game) while also recording 13 assists (0.36/game) for a total of 45 points (1.25/game). The midfielder's best season was her senior campaign from this past year, posting 12 goals and 12 assists for 36 points leading to an average of 2.0 points per game, while the goals were fifth in the 5A Northeast Valley Region. Not only was she named team captain, she was selected to the All-Region First Team, the All-5A Second Team, and the Arizona Republic's All-Arizona Honorable Mention. 

In addition to her prep soccer career, Tasev was also a dual-sport athlete while at Horizon as she played on the varsity football team during her junior season (2021-22) by serving as the team's kicker for two games, going 1-for-3 (.333) on PAT attempts. That season, Horizon High School went on to defeat Salpointe in the state championship game to win their first 5A State Championship in 27 years. Outside of high school, Tasev has played for a number of competitive soccer clubs that include Sereno Soccer Club (three years), SC Del Sol (one year), North Scottsdale Soccer Club (four years), and FC Arizona (one year). 

Upon her arrival, Tasev will enroll in the School of Architecture with the goal of one day becoming an architect and helping people live in their dream spaces. She is now the fifth member of the ART U Fall 2023 recruiting class, as she joins Kayla Hampton, Jorryn Echeverria, Breanna Bernardson, and Valeria Perez Rivera.