Houston Dash NWSL Names Fabrice Gautrat New Head Coach

Houston Dash NWSL has appointed Fabrice Gautrat as its new head coach. The 37-year-old previously served as assistant coach for the North Carolina Courage and Chicago Red Stars.

What happened?

Gautrat's appointment comes after a tumultuous 2024 season for the Dash, which finished bottom of the NWSL standings with a 5-5-16 record.

Why it matters for Houston Dash NWSL

The team's president of women's soccer, Angela Hucles Mangano, stated that Gautrat was an excellent fit to lead the team, citing his ability to empower players and achieve sustained success.

What comes next?

Gautrat will be tasked with leading a team that has recently acquired high-profile players, including Yazmeen Ryan and Delanie Sheehan, who were part of Gotham FC's championship-winning team in 2023.

The Dash ended the 2024 season with a record-breaking move to sign Ryan, who earned her first cap with the USWNT. Sheehan joined the club immediately after entering free agency.

Gautrat, who is married to Morgan Gautrat, a two-time World Cup winner and current NWSL champion with the Orlando Pride, expressed his excitement to work with the club to build something special.