Welcome to the ShePlays Off-Season Updates page for the Houston Dash! This page is where we track all of the moves from the final whistle to the first kick-off, from trades to player signings and everything else you need to know.
As of the November 20th roster update, Houston had exercised contract options for nine players, intending to mutually exercise a tenth for Allysha Chapman. Chapman is currently on maternity leave.
Paulina Gramaglia is one of the aforementioned nine players, remaining on loan with Red Bull Bragantino into the start of the 2024 season. The remaining eight are Emily Alvarado, Madelyn Desiano, Jyllissa Harris, Sophie Hirst, Savannah Madden, Barabara Olivieri, Sarah Puntigam, and Cameron Tucker.
The option on Lindsi Jenning’s contract was not exercised, and Joelle Anderson is out of contract.
The Dash did not offer new contracts to three players, who have become restricted free agents:
- Ella Dederick
- Makamae Gomera-Stevens
- Devon Kerr
María Sánchez also enters the off-season as a restricted free agent, though different language is used regarding her roster position in Houston’s update.
Unrestricted free agents who spent the last season under contract with Houston are as follows:
- Caprice Dydasco
- Shea Groom
- Emily Curran
- Marisa Viggiano
In total, 22 players are currently under contract in Houston.
- Goalkeepers (3): Emily Alvarado, Jane Campbell, Savannah Madden
- Defenders (7): Alysha Chapman (maternity leave), Madelyn Desiano, Jyllissa Harris, Natalie Jacobs, Katie Lind, Courtney Petersen, Ally Prisock
- Midfielders (6): Andressa Alves, Sophie Hirst, Barbara Olivieri, Sarah Puntigam, Sophie Schmidt, Havana Solaun
- Forwards (6): Michelle Alozie, Ryan Gareis, Paulina Gramaglia (on loan), Diana Ordóñez, Nichelle Prince, Cameron Tucker
December 12 Trades
The Dash traded midfielder Joelle Anderson and $25,000 in allocation money to Bay FC for expansion draft protection.
Forward Cameron Tucker and $50,000 were traded to Utah Royals FC for expansion draft protection.
December 17 Trades
Houston traded $50,000 in allocation money to Bay FC for Sierra Enge.
Houston then acquired midfielder Belle Briede, a natural third-round pick in the 2024 NWSL Draft, and $60,000 in allocation money from San Diego Wave FC in exchange for Sierra Enge.
From this trade, Houston nets a third-round draft pick, $10,000 in allocation money, and Belle Briede.
December 18
Free agent María Sánchez signs a record deal with the Houston Dash, running through 2026 with a mutual option for 2027.
December 22
Fran Alonso is announced to be the next head coach of the Houston Dash.
December 28
Goalkeeper Devon Kerr announces her retirement.
January 11
Free agent Yuki Nagasato signs a two-year deal with Houston through 2025.
January 12 – NWSL Draft Day
The Dash selected five players and engaged in two trades during the 2024 NWSL Draft.
Houston sent $120,000 in allocation money to Utah Royals FC for the 21st overall pick in the 2024 NWSL Draft.
Houston sent the 40th overall pick in the 2024 NWSL Draft to North Carolina for $10,000 in allocation money, acquiring the 38th overall pick.
- No. 19, forward Avery Patterson, University of North Carolina
- No. 21, midfielder Kiki Van Zanten, Notre Dame
- No. 26, forward Amanda West, University of Pittsburgh
- No. 38, goalkeeper Heather Hinz, University of South Carolina
- No. 47, defender Alyssa Bourgeois, Santa Clara University
West is the first player to be drafted out of Pitt.
January 17
Houston trades Nichelle Prince to the Kansas City Current, receiving Cece Kizer and a 2024 international roster spot.
In total, 23 players are now currently under contract in Houston.
- Goalkeepers (3): Emily Alvarado, Jane Campbell, Savannah Madden
- Defenders (7): Alysha Chapman (maternity leave), Madelyn Desiano, Jyllissa Harris, Natalie Jacobs, Katie Lind, Courtney Petersen, Ally Prisock
- Midfielders (6): Andressa Alves, Belle Briede, Sophie Hirst, Barbara Olivieri, Sarah Puntigam, Sophie Schmidt, Havana Solaun
- Forwards (7): Michelle Alozie, Ryan Gareis, Paulina Gramaglia (on loan), Cece Kizer, Yuki Nagasato, Diana Ordóñez, María Sánchez
Click here to head back to the Off-Season Tracker Hub for all the latest updates around the league!