Houston Dash with a busy Christmas season

The last week or two has been exceedingly busy for the Houston Dash. Christmas has come early for the Houston Dash. The Dash have made signings, resolved the James Clarkson dilemma, and will announce their new head coach today.

Things began on December 8th when the team announced the resigning of forward Michelle Alozie. The former Yale and University of Tennessee standout is signed through the 2024 season.

“Michelle grew tremendously in her role for us in 2022. She stepped up in high pressure circumstances and proved to us she was up for the task in each situation,” Dash general manager Alex Singer said. “The energy she brings when she steps on the field is electrifying. Her speed and ability to threaten on the attack in addition to the defensive work she commits to through her relentless pressure on the opposition are what makes her important. It is exciting as we know the potential that she has, and I look forward to seeing her development and impact over the next two years.”

Alozie appeared in 10 matches including the Houston Dash first ever playoff game in 2022. The Nigerian international scored two goals including the latest game tying goal in team history. Her record setting marker came in the first minute of second half stoppage time against the Washington Spirit in late August.

The 25 year old cited the Nigerian community in Houston as a reason for agreeing to stay in Houston.

Five days later, the team announced the signing of Natalie Jacobs to a contract through the 2024 season. Jacobs was a named as a National Team Replacement player after one season in Spain with former interim head coach Juan Carlos Amoros Real Betis Feminina. Jacobs was originally drafted by the Washington Spirit in 2020 after playing collegiately at the USC.

"I'm so excited. It's going to be my fourth year in the league. The Dash has been from top to bottom the most amazing place I've been,” Jacobs said. “(The club) is so professional, supportive, competitive. It's been great since I got here. I'm just very thankful that the Dash believe in me and that I get to be a part of this because it's a really special place.”

That signing was followed by the announcement a day later of the NWSL and NWSLPA Investigative report in which former Dash head coach James Clarkson was found our of compliance with NWSL policies regarding the treatment of players. It ended a saga that began just two days before the start of the 2022 season.

Two days ago, the team announced the resigning of defender Ally Prissock. The 12th overall pick by the Houston Dash in the 2019 NWSL Draft, Prissock has become a stalwart in the Dash backline. SHe played nearly every minute of the 2022 season helping to anchor one of the best defenses in the NWSL.

“Ally made strides this year, continues to develop as a player and held down our back line with consistently solid performances,” Dash general manager Alex Singer said. “She played a big role in the team’s success and bringing her back was a priority. I’m so glad she’ll be with us for the future.”

Prissock is signed through the 2024 season.

And that brings us to the 11AM introduction of Sam Laity as the team's head coach. Laity comes from Dash nemesis OL Reign where he has served as an Head Assistant Coach.

"I am excited about joining Houston Dash, the things that I've experienced in the very short period of time since I've been in discussions with the club, have really filled with hope that this club is doing
the right things that are necessary to not just be a competitive team,” Houston Dash head coach
Sam Laity said. “The values between the upper management and the coaching staff have to be aligned for the for the two of us to be successful and that is one of the things that drew me in.”