Dash Rookie Kat Rader Embraces New Chapter in Houston

(image via Houston Dash)

For Kat Rader, Houston already feels a little familiar.

In her first week with the Houston Dash, the rookie forward has arrived during an unexpected cold snap, but the transition into professional life has been anything but chilly. Between a welcoming locker room, familiar faces, and a unique family connection to the city, Rader is settling into her new chapter quickly.

“It’s been really great,” Rader said. “I actually have a lot of family here, so I’ve been to Houston a few times. There’s still so much I want to explore, but it’s been really good so far.”

A Houston Legacy

Rader’s connection to the city runs deeper than most newcomers. Her grandfather, Doug Rader, played for the Houston Astros, creating a rare multi-generation professional sports link in the same city.

While her grandfather has encouraged her to carve out her own path, the connection is something Rader embraces.

“He’s one of my biggest fans,” she said. “He watches all my games and texts me before every one. To be able to continue that legacy and wear Rader again in the city of Houston is really exciting for me.”

From Duke to the Dash

Rader arrives in Houston after finishing her collegiate career at Duke, where she developed into a versatile, attack-minded player. The transition from college to the professional ranks came with a new opportunity in the post-draft NWSL era, allowing her to speak directly with clubs and find the right fit.

Houston stood out early.

“They were one of the first teams I talked to,” Rader said. “Immediately, I felt a belief — not only in me as a player and a person, but in the direction the club was going.”

That clarity and confidence from head coach Fabrice Gautrat and President of Women’s Soccer Angela Hucles Mangano played a major role in her decision.

“I felt a lot of value here,” she said. “I’m excited to grow with the club and contribute in whatever way I can.”

An Attacking Mindset

On the field, Rader brings creativity and flexibility. During her time at Duke, she played across the front line as a nine, a ten, and on the wings. Playing a number of positions in college, she said, helped her gain a broader understanding of the game.

“I love to attack,” she said. “I love creating chances, scoring goals, getting assists, just helping the team create opportunities.”

That versatility fits naturally into a Dash squad that values movement, creativity, and adaptability in the attacking third.

Familiar Faces, New Bonds

Rader won’t be navigating her rookie season alone. She’s part of a four-player rookie class alongside Leah Klenke, Kate Faasse, and Linda Ullmark — a group already forming strong bonds early in preseason.

“All of us have played against each other a lot, coming from the ACC,” Rader said. “Now it’s really cool to finally be on the same side of the field.”

She’s also reunited with former Duke teammate Maggie Graham, providing a familiar presence as she adjusts to life in the NWSL.

“It’s been super nice to have a friendly face and someone I can pester with all my questions” Rader said. “She's been super helpful and I’m definitely really excited to play with her again.”

A Culture to Grow In

What’s stood out most to Rader in her first week, however, is the culture surrounding the team.

“Everyone’s been extremely welcoming,” she said. “Players, staff, everyone encourages you to ask questions and learn. You can really tell the culture runs throughout the organization, which I think is really, really special and something that will help the club reach its goals because you need everyone to be on board. You need everyone to be bought in and their culture, I can tell even through the first week, is just that.”

That environment, she believes, will be key as she transitions into one of the world’s most competitive leagues.

Looking Ahead

As she begins her professional career, Rader’s goals are simple and grounded.

“My biggest thing is just soaking everything in,” she said. “Learning from the veterans, learning from the coaches, and growing every day.”

With a new city, a strong support system, and a club moving forward with clear direction, Kat Rader’s journey with the Houston Dash is just getting started, but the foundation is already in place.