Built in Houston: Leah Klenke’s Journey Comes Full Circle
(image via Houston Dash)
For Leah Klenke, signing with the Houston Dash wasn’t just the start of her professional career, it was the realization of a dream that began years ago in the stands at Shell Energy Stadium.
Growing up in Houston, Klenke spent her childhood watching Dash matches with her family and club teammates, imagining what it might be like to one day step onto that field herself. Now, after a decorated collegiate career at Notre Dame and years of offseason training with the club, she’s officially home.
“It’s honestly a dream come true,” Klenke said. “Ever since I was little, I would go watch Dash games with my family and with my club team here in Houston. I’m so grateful for this opportunity to be back home representing Houston, my club, and my family.”
Houston Roots
Klenke’s soccer journey is deeply rooted in the city. She spent her youth career with Albion, playing everywhere from Bear Creek Park to Meyer Park, the parks that have proven to be familiar grounds for countless Houston players.
“I’ve been with Albion ever since I was about six years old, all the way through high school,” she said. “Bear Creek, Meyer Park — all of those places. I remember playing tournaments where we’d have three games in a day, just running around forever.”
Those memories extend beyond the fields themselves. Klenke credits the relationships she built along the way with her coaches, teammates, and a tight-knit group of players who stayed together through years of club soccer as foundational to her development.
The Journey Away
Leaving Houston took Klenke to Notre Dame, where she fulfilled another childhood dream. With both parents being Notre Dame alumni, the program had long been part of her life.
“I always joke that I was brainwashed — everything in our house was Notre Dame,” she said with a laugh. “Playing there was amazing. Those four years were some of the best of my life.”
At Notre Dame, Klenke developed into a versatile defender while also earning a degree in business analytics, a point of pride as she transitions into the professional game.
“Getting that degree and having that experience meant a lot to me,” she said. “I made great friends, had great coaches, and I’m super proud of that time.”
Choosing Houston
With the NWSL no longer holding a college draft, Klenke entered the professional ranks with more choice over her next step. After months of conversations with clubs and visits across the league, Houston stood out, in part because it was familiar. Having trained with the Dash during the past three offseasons, Klenke knew exactly what she’d be stepping into.
“I knew what to expect,” she said. “I knew there was opportunity here. I knew the environment, and I knew this was where I wanted to be.”
She was particularly impressed by head coach Fabrice Gautrat and President of Women’s Soccer Angela Hucles Mangano, citing their clarity of vision and emphasis on culture.
“They have a plan for how they want the team to be and how they want to succeed,” Klenke said. “That really stood out to me. It feels like the club is on a really good path, and I’m excited to be part of that.”
A Defender with Energy
On the field, Klenke brings versatility and relentless energy. Comfortable at outside back, center back, or even higher up the flank, she prides herself on her work rate and two-way impact.
“I’m full of energy,” she said. “I love getting up and down the field. I like defending, but I also really enjoy getting into the attack, crossing, shooting, all of that.”
She’ll have the chance to learn alongside players she’s long admired, including her new teammate Avery Patterson.
“She’s someone I really look up to,” Klenke said. “Seeing the impact she’s made here is inspiring, and I hope I can do something similar.”
Home, On and Off the Field
Off the field, Klenke has quickly settled in, helped by a strong locker-room culture and a rookie class that already feels close. Alongside fellow newcomers Kat Rader, Kate Faasse, and Linda Ullmark, she’s found community in shared beginnings.
“We’ve all played against each other before, so it’s nice to finally be on the same side,” she said. “We’ve been getting coffee, hanging out — it’s been really good.”
As the lone Houston native of the group, Klenke has embraced her role as local guide, introducing her teammates to the city’s coffee shops, Mexican food, and soon, Houston’s Livestock Show and Rodeo.
Inspiring the Next Generation
For Klenke, returning home carries meaning beyond her own career. She hopes her journey shows young players, especially girls growing up in Houston, that there is a path forward.
“I wasn’t very good when I first started playing,” she said. “I wasn’t even on the first team. As long as you just set your mind to something and keep working towards it, like you can really do anything you want. And it's crazy to think to where I'm at now because I like never even thought this was really possible when I was younger.”
As someone who once sat in the stands dreaming, she understands the power of visibility.
“Personally, also, I have a younger sister, so I really am just doing everything to try to inspire her for the future. I really hope I can inspire as many young girls as possible,” she said.
Full Circle
Soon, Klenke will step onto the field at Shell Energy Stadium but this time not as a fan, but as a Houston Dash player, with family and friends watching from the stands.
What will that moment feel like? “I’m just going to be full of gratitude,” she said. “I’m going to take it all in, have fun, and appreciate the position I’m in.”
For a Houston kid who grew up chasing a dream across the city’s fields, there may be no place more fitting to begin her professional career, at home.
You can listen to our full interview with Leah everywhere you get your podcasts and on our YouTube page.
