Houston Dash sign defender Cate Hardin

(image via Houston Dash)

The Houston Dash have announced the signing of defender Cate Hardin for the 2026 season. Hardin joined the Dash for preseason as a non-roster invitee after finishing her college career at the University of Georgia.

Hardin, 22-years-old, started 21 matches and played 1,723 minutes for Georgia in 2025. She was named Second Team All-SEC in her senior season. Overall, she appeared in 81 matches for the Bulldogs, tallying nearly 6,000 minutes.

The signing will give Houston more depth on a backline that could use some reinforcement with the regular season kicking off in just 9 days. Paige Nielsen and Malia Berkely are the only natural centerbacks on the roster, while Christen Westphal can also play there if needed.

Houston begins their season on March 14, on the road against the San Diego Wave. The Dash will host Boston Legacy at Shell Energy Stadium on March 21 in their home opener.