Former Wake Forest University soccer player Tyla Ochoa has attracted renewed attention following the announcement of Sam Hartman as the lead of ABC’s The Bachelor Season 30. Hartman previously confirmed dating a Wake Forest soccer player, leading to speculation about his relationship with Ochoa and renewed interest in her personal background.
One of the questions surrounding Ochoa concerns her ethnicity and family heritage. Although her surname has Spanish origins, there is no verified public statement from Ochoa identifying her ethnic background. Her family has maintained a relatively private life, and her surname alone does not establish her ancestry.
What Is Tyla Ochoa’s Ethnicity?
Tyla Ochoa’s ethnicity has not been publicly confirmed through reliable biographical records or statements from the former college athlete.
The surname Ochoa is traditionally associated with the Basque region of Spain and is also found throughout Latin America. However, a surname cannot reliably establish someone’s ethnicity, nationality or family ancestry.
Ochoa is American and grew up in Encinitas, California. Her official Wake Forest University athletic biography provides information about her hometown, education and soccer career but does not specify her ethnicity.
There is also no verified public information establishing whether she identifies as Hispanic, Latina or with another ethnic background.
Who Are Tyla Ochoa’s Parents?
Tyla Ochoa’s parents are Jodi and Robert Ochoa, according to her Wake Forest University athletic biography.
Her father has publicly supported her soccer achievements, particularly during Wake Forest’s successful 2024 season. He celebrated her academic and athletic accomplishments as the university advanced through the NCAA Women’s Soccer Championship.
Robert previously discussed Tyla’s decision to attend Wake Forest, explaining that she wanted to receive a strong education while competing for a national championship.
Information about her parents’ ancestry, ethnic identities and extended family origins has not been publicly established.
Tyla Ochoa’s Childhood in California
Ochoa was born on February 8, 2003, and grew up in Encinitas, a coastal city in San Diego County, California.
She attended La Costa Canyon High School, where she developed her reputation as a competitive soccer player. She served as a team captain and helped her school win a CIF championship.
Ochoa also played for San Diego Surf, one of Southern California’s established youth soccer organizations. She captained her club team for four years and participated in several championship-winning campaigns.
Her performances helped her secure an opportunity to play NCAA Division I soccer at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
Tyla Ochoa’s Soccer Career at Wake Forest
Ochoa joined the Wake Forest women’s soccer program in 2021 as a defender. She appeared in 18 matches during her freshman season and contributed to a defensive unit that recorded 12 shutouts.
In August 2022, she scored her first collegiate goal against Georgia, helping Wake Forest secure a 1-0 victory.
She continued representing the university in 2023, appearing in 11 matches and recording two assists.
Her senior season in 2024 was affected by injury, limiting her playing time. Wake Forest nevertheless reached the NCAA Women’s College Cup championship match, finishing runner-up to North Carolina.
Ochoa graduated from Wake Forest in December 2024 with a degree in politics and international affairs.
Why Is Tyla Ochoa Being Linked to Sam Hartman?
Ochoa’s personal life has received attention because of her reported relationship with NFL quarterback Sam Hartman.
During a 2024 appearance on the Unemployable podcast, Hartman confirmed that he had a girlfriend who played soccer at Wake Forest University.
“I have a girlfriend. She plays soccer at Wake Forest. And she’s awesome. She’s great. She’ll be down here for the draft and everything,” Hartman said.
Although Hartman did not identify his girlfriend by name, fans connected his comments to Ochoa. Neither publicly confirmed the relationship or provided details about a reported separation.
Hartman’s selection as the next Bachelor has renewed interest in his previous relationships, including his reported connection with Ochoa.
Ochoa has since moved into a professional career outside college athletics. Her American upbringing and Wake Forest soccer background are documented, but her specific ethnicity remains publicly unconfirmed.
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