Sanchez played college soccer for the UCLA Bruins, where she was named first-team All-American and set the program career assist record.

Sanchez played extensively for the youth national team and was named the U.S. Soccer Young Female Player of the Year in 2016.

Born in Pasadena, California in the Los Angeles region to Julie and Ralph Sanchez, Ashley was raised in the nearby city of Monrovia.

[2] Sanchez played youth soccer for Santa Anita SC, Legends FC, and So Cal Blues.

[2] During the Bruins' eight-game win streak, she notched a goal or assist in each consecutive game elevating UCLA to be ranked sixth in the nation.

[2] During the 2017 NCAA College Cup, her four assists (tied for third-most in UCLA record books)[6] helped lead the team to the Championship where they were eliminated by Stanford Cardinal 3–2.

[15] During the 2021 season, Sanchez played a total of 25 games (starting in 24) and recorded 5 goals, displaying her versatility as an attacking player.

[16] Her vision and ability to create scoring opportunities were evident throughout the season, as she helped the Spirit push for a playoff spot.

[17][18] The Spirit finished the regular season in third place with a 11–7–6 record advancing to the NWSL Playoffs[14] where they defeated the North Carolina Courage 1–0 in extra time.

[19] Sanchez scored the game-winning goal in the team's second playoff match against OL Reign to advance to the championship final.

[27] She finished the season with team highs of 5 goals and 4 assists as the Courage placed fifth; Sanchez was nominated for NWSL Midfielder of the Year.

[33] In June 2023, Sanchez was named to the U.S. squad for the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand,[34] but did not get any playing time.

The campaign ran until the final day of the men's 2022 FIFA World Cup on a variety of platforms and channels.