(image via Harmon Dobson/The Denver Post)
We’re continuing our 2026 report card series, recapping each Houston Dash player’s season. Next up is rookie Cate Hardin.
2026 Grade: C
2026 by the numbers
Appearances: 18
Minutes played: 697
Goals: 0
Assists: 0
2026 in review
Hardin joined the club after spending the previous four years at the University of Georgia. While grouped in with the defenders and known to spend time at right back, Hardin was primarily utilized in a defensive midfield role during her first season in Houston.
She was one of the rookies who frequently found themselves on the team sheet. Cate struggled at times to find her rhythm, as midfielders often do in the star-studded NWSL. However, I think the way she covers the entire field shows plenty of potential for success.
Moment of the season
Hardin wasn’t able to get her name on the scoresheet, and while she didn’t start or finish many games, I think her best performance came in a 2-2 draw against Denver Summit.
She played the entire match in place of Avery Patterson at right back, making 11 defensive contributions to help the team secure a point in its first-ever visit to Colorado.
Looking forward
A couple of weeks ago, Hardin signed a new contract that will keep her in Houston through 2028. It seems the club believes in Cate and will expect her to make a leap in her sophomore season, alongside the rest of her rookie teammates, in 2027.
