Rebeca begins new journey with Houston Dash
(image via Houston Dash)
In the bustling landscape of international women’s soccer, few journeys are as compelling as that of the one Rebeca is on. A young and promising talent from Brazil. Rebeca recently signed with the Houston Dash in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL). Leaving behind her homeland and the familiar comforts of her former club Cruzeiro, Rebeca now finds herself in the vibrant city of Houston, ready to take on the challenges of one of the most competitive leagues in the world. In a candid interview, she opened up about her decision to join the Dash, her aspirations for the future, and the obstacles she is prepared to overcome as she settles into her new life.
When asked why she chose Houston Dash as her next step, Rebeca’s answer was clear: the project and the vision presented to her resonated deeply. "Because of the project that Houston presented to me, like, the goals and because it's a well-structured team, which plays a strong league as well," she shared confidently. Her discussions with Dash representatives, head coach Fabrice Gautrat and President of Women’s Soccer Angela Hucles Mangano. solidified her decision, painting a picture of opportunity and growth that she was eager to embrace.
The transition from Brazil to the United States brings its own set of challenges—language being the most immediate. Rebeca admits that English is still a barrier, but she is committed to learning quickly. "I'm trying to adapt to the girls, like, visualizing... I think it might be a little difficult, but I'm young, so I want to work hard to evolve at the club," she explained. Her determination is evident as she continues to take English classes with a Brazilian teacher, determined to break down any walls that stand in her way.
On the field, Rebeca is eager to learn from her seasoned teammates, like Sophie Schmidt and Danielle Colaprico, both of whom have extensive experience in the NWSL. Although communication might still be limited, Rebeca watches closely during training, observing their movements and absorbing as much as she can from their play.
Back in Brazil, Rebeca played as a defensive midfielder, a role she grew comfortable with during her time at Cruzeiro and with the Under-17 and Under-20 Brazilian national teams. "Here they call it six, I think, midfielder," she said with a smile. Her versatility has been a hallmark of her development, allowing her to adapt as needed, whether it’s in a more defensive role or stepping up to control the midfield.
For Rebeca, simply joining the NWSL was already a dream realized, but she is far from satisfied. Her ambitions extend to becoming a key player for Houston Dash and ultimately securing a spot on Brazil's senior national team. "I think my other goal is to be able to adapt to the style of the club so that we can achieve high goals and also in the future the main team," she expressed with conviction. Her journey through the youth ranks has laid the foundation, but it is her commitment to hard work and growth that promises to set her apart.
Though she has yet to explore Houston’s Brazilian community, Rebeca is excited to find pieces of home in her new city. She spoke warmly of discovering local spots that celebrate Brazilian culture, from food to community events. "I haven't seen it yet," she admitted, but her eagerness to connect and settle in is unmistakable.
Game days in Houston are different from what she experienced back home. In Brazil, matchday routines were simpler, but here, she’s learning to adjust to a new rhythm. "I'll still have to look for some things to do on the day because it's a very large space from the time I wake up to the time of the game," she reflected. Adapting to this change is just one of many adjustments Rebeca is tackling head-on.
Rebeca's journey to the Houston Dash is just beginning, but her ambition and determination are already evident. As she learns the language, adapts to the physical demands of the NWSL, and finds her place in the city of Houston, she is proving that talent paired with hard work can transcend borders. Her goal of playing for Brazil's senior national team is firmly in her sights, and if her early steps with the Dash are any indication, Rebeca is well on her way to becoming a household name in women's soccer.
Follow her journey with the Houston Dash as Rebece navigates this new adventure and continues to chase her dreams on the international stage. You can see our full interview, with English subtitles, on our YouTube page.
