Roster Moves
The Dash began their off-season by re-signing Sophie Schmidt to a two-year contract and Allysha Chapman to a one-year contract.
Contract options were exercised for Ella Dederick and Marisa Viggiano in November, but not for Valerie Gauvin. It was also announced that Lindsey Harris, Tierrny Wiltshire, and Bri Visalli would not return to the team following the conclusion of their contracts.
Paulina Gramaglia’s loan to Houston has been made a permanent transfer, signing a one-year deal with an option for 2024 before being sent on loan in February 2023 to Red Bull Bragantino for the rest of the year.
Forward Michelle Alozie was signed through 2024 in mid-December, as were Defenders Natalie Jacobs and Ally Prisock.
Emily Curran (formerly Ogle) has signed a one-year deal with a club option.
Late in January, 2022 NWSL Draft pick Ryan Gareis signed a three-year deal to stay in Houston.
New Signings
Devon Kerr signed a one-year contract with Houston in December following three years and a NWSL Championship with the Washington Spirit.
Midfielder Havana Solaun has signed a two-year deal, coming to the Dash from the North Carolina Courage.
Trades
Just before the draft, Houston acquired Diana Ordóñez and the 30th overall pick from the North Carolina Courage. North Carolina received Houston’s 8th overall pick, $100,000 in allocation money, Houston’s natural 2024 first-round pick, and an international spot for 2023.
Draft Day
The Houston Dash made four selections at the 2023 NWSL Draft, including one of only two players selected from the NCAA Champions, UCLA.
Up first with the 20th overall pick, Houston selected Sophie Hirst from Harvard University, closely followed by Jyllissa Harris from the University of South Carolina with pick 22.
At the start of the third round, Houston was in the mix as trades started flying. Houston started off by trading their 30th overall pick to the Washington Spirit in exchange for the 32nd overall pick and $30,000 in allocation money. The 32nd overall pick was then traded from Houston to Portland Thorns FC, in exchange for the 36th overall pick and $20,000 in allocation money.
The 36th overall pick was used to select Lindsi Jennings from Louisiana State University, and Madelyn Desiano from UCLA was selected with the final pick of the evening, going 48th.
On the opening day of the 2023 NWSL season, the Dash announced the signings of Hirst, Desiano, and Harris, along with Savannah Madden, who had been invited to pre-season as a non-roster invitee. All four were signed to contracts through the 2023 season with an option for 2024.