Verena Hanshaw (née Aschauer) is an Austrian professional footballer renowned for her experience, versatility, and leadership as a defender. She has played for top clubs across Austria, Germany, Italy, and England, and is one of the most capped players in Austria’s women’s national team history.
Early Life and Background
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Full Name: Verena Hanshaw (born Verena Aschauer)
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Date of Birth: 20 January 1994
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Place of Birth: Vienna, Austria
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Height: 1.70 m
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Position: Defender (primarily left-back)
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Nationality: Austrian
Club Career
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USC Landhaus Wien (2009–2010): Began her senior career in Austria, making 15 appearances.
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Herforder SV (2010–2011): Moved to Germany’s Frauen-Bundesliga, playing 19 matches.
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BV Cloppenburg (2011–2014): Key figure in the club’s promotion to the Bundesliga, scoring 10 goals in 60 appearances.
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SC Freiburg (2014–2016): Made 26 league appearances in two seasons.
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SC Sand (2016–2018): Played 35 league matches, reaching the DFB-Pokal Frauen final.
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Eintracht Frankfurt (2018–2024): Established as a regular starter, making over 110 league appearances and helping the team reach multiple top-three Bundesliga finishes and the Champions League group stage.
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AS Roma (2024–2025): Signed in summer 2024, debuted in the Derby della Capitale, and won the Supercoppa Italiana in January 2025. Made 10 league appearances before transferring.
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West Ham United (2025–present): Joined the English Women’s Super League club in January 2025, debuting with a clean sheet against Everton.
International Career
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Austria National Team (2011–present):
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Over 110 caps and 9 goals, debuting at age 17.
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Played in UEFA Women’s Euro 2017 (named in the Tournament Best Eleven) and Euro 2022, starting all matches in both tournaments.
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Fifth most capped player and among the top scorers in Austrian women’s national team history.
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Honours & Achievements
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Club:
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2. Frauen-Bundesliga Champion and promotion with BV Cloppenburg
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Supercoppa Italiana Winner (2024–25, AS Roma)
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International:
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UEFA Women’s Euro 2017 semi-finalist with Austria
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UEFA Women’s Euro 2017 Best Eleven (only Austrian selected)
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Playing Profile
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Strengths: Tactical awareness, consistency, set-piece delivery, and leadership
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Style: Reliable left-back, comfortable in defense and supporting the attack, known for her stamina and technical skill
Personal Life
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Changed her surname from Aschauer to Hanshaw after marriage in July 2021.
FAQs About Verena Hanshaw
What position does Verena Hanshaw play?
Primarily left-back, also capable across the defensive line.
Which club does she play for?
West Ham United (as of 2025).
How old is Verena Hanshaw?
31 (born January 20, 1994).
What are her main achievements?
Over 110 Austria caps, UEFA Women’s Euro 2017 Best Eleven, and domestic honors in Germany and Italy.
What is her playing style?
Tactically astute, technically skilled, and a leader on and off the pitch.
Conclusion
Verena Hanshaw’s career spans top leagues in Austria, Germany, Italy, and England, as well as a distinguished international record. Her experience, reliability, and leadership make her a key figure in women’s football for both club and country.
