Houston Dash sign North Carolina midfielder Linda Ullmark
(image via Jerome Ibrahim)
After signing two players from college last week, the Houston Dash have added another, agreeing to a contract with North Carolina midfielder Linda Ullmark through the 2029 season. Ullmark appeared in 48 matches (all starts) for the Tar Heels across two seasons and scored 13 goals and tallied 13 assists.
“Linda is an exciting attacking talent with a proven winning mindset and the qualities to make an immediate impact at the professional level,” President of Women’s Soccer Angela Hucles Mangano said. “Her success in a championship environment at North Carolina, combined with her experience on the international youth stage, speaks to both her consistency and competitiveness. A player of her quality can align seamlessly with the standards, culture and long-term vision we are building in Houston, and we’re excited to support Linda’s continued growth at the next level.”
Ullmark was born in San Diego, California and moved to Japan and later Buffalo, New York. She was named New York Girls’ Soccer Gatorade Player of the Year as a junior when she scored 42 goals in 16 games. She also played for FC Buffalo in the USL W League. Ullmark went to North Carolina in 2024 and was the only freshman to start all 27 games for the Tar Heels that season. She helped UNC to the national title and was names in the All-Tournament Team. In 21 games as a sophomore in 2025, Ullmark scored 7 goals and a had a team-high 8 assists in 21 games. She has played internationally for the United States U19 and U20 teams. Ullmark played with the U20s in the 2025 Concacaf Championship and was named to the tournament’s Best XI after scoring 2 goals and adding 2 assists in 4 matches.
“I’m thrilled to embark on a new challenge and begin my professional career with the Houston Dash,” Ullmark said. “I am incredibly grateful to my family, coaches and teammates who supported me throughout this journey and helped prepare me for the opportunity to compete in the NWSL. I’m excited to challenge myself every day and continue growing as a professional under the guidance of the Dash’s technical staff. They have a clear vision of what they want to achieve this season, and I want to contribute to what they are building in Houston.”
Of the Dash’s rookie signings, Ullmark seems most likely to make an early impact. If Danielle Colaprico and Delanie Sheehan are in the center of the Houston midfield, and Yazmeen Ryan plays on the wing, there is a place for an attacking number 10, something the Dash haven’t really had since Barbara Olivieri left. Ullmark could take over in that role. She could also play wide, if Ryan plays more centrally. Her creativity and passing ability could see Ullmark break into the Houston lineup early on in 2026.
