Arizona’s Julie Johnston makes US team roster for Women’s World Cup

The 23-player roster for the U.S. women’s national soccer team is set, with familiar names such as Hope Solo, Abby Wambach and Megan Rapinoe headlining the final cut for the 2015 Women’s World Cup.

One name, however, will stand out above the rest for residents of the Valley.

Mesa native and Dobson High School graduate Julie Johnston will be joining the team as it heads to Canada with the hope of bringing home a third women’s World Cup title.

A member of the Chicago Red Stars of the National Women’s Soccer League, the 23-year-old defender attended Santa Clara University, earning all-conference and All-American honors. Not bad for someone who didn’t play soccer at the high school level.

In 2014, Johnston started in all 21 matches for the Red Stars, scoring two goals en route to being named league Rookie of the Year.

The 2015 Women’s World Cup kicks off June 6 with Johnston and her teammates taking the field June 8 against Australia in Winnipeg, Canada.