The Women’s Game is an exclusive editorial series written by writer, broadcaster, and former college and pro soccer player Renee Washington for BrooklynFootballClub.com. Each week, Renee goes behind the scenes with Brooklyn FC Women, giving unique insights into the squad and sharing stories of the people behind the crest.
Brooklyn FC Women midfielder Ashlyn Miller loves photography. Not just as a hobby; but as a meaningful passion, one that has passed down through generations, with roots stretching all the way back to World War II.
“My great grandpa started taking pictures when he was in World War ll and developed his own film,” Miller says. “So when I got passed down his film cameras, I started taking pictures. My dad also owns his own videography company, and before he started [in video], he took pictures. So I have been around photography my whole life and loved it from a very young age.”
Now, when she’s not on the field, Miller is carrying on that family tradition, capturing the people, places and experiences she discovers along her life’s journey.
A Journey Worth Capturing
Before landing in Brooklyn, Miller’s soccer journey has taken her from the University of Texas to a short-term contract with the NWSL’s San Diego Wave FC, before she jumped overseas to join A-League Women’s club Brisbane Roar FC in Australia.
“When I played professionally in Australia was when I really started getting into film photography,” she says. “I got to travel to so many cool places which gave me a great opportunity to capture new scenery.”
The photographic connection to her family and home also helped her through the challenges of living in new places. As Miller continued building her professional career abroad, she had to learn to navigate new cultures and new expectations without the usual support of friends and family nearby.
“Living across the world from my friends and family certainly helped me grow as a person on and off the field,” she says. “That was one of my biggest challenges I’ve faced thus far in my career.”
Finding Her Place in New York
Now, in Brooklyn, Miller has continued her habit of exploring through photography, as well as through the city’s famous food scene. She discovered B&H, the renowned photo and video store in Manhattan — “one of the coolest places I’ve ever visited” — and Modern Bread and Bagel, the New York- and LA-based gluten-free bakery.
But it’s coffee that really excites Miller. She says it’s a great way to discover a new neighborhood and often jokes with friends that she is a true connoisseur. She even has a dream of opening her own cafe someday.
The coffee spots she likes include Paper Plane Coffee, not far from the team’s training facility in New Jersey, and one that is not only about the java that is on her list still, Frame, in SoHo.
“It’s decorated with film cameras, and is centered around the idea of photography so I’m excited to try that,” Miller says.
Up Next
Brooklyn FC hosts Tampa Bay Sun FC on Saturday, October 24. Get tickets via SeatGeek.
