Dynamo/Dash Delivery: Happy New Year Part 2

James Clarkson took over the Houston Dash in 2018, not in search of rebuilding a team but of building a team with an identity. If 2020 were any barometer, the Houston Dash have laid a solid foundation. Now entering his third year at the helm, Clarkson has his team on the brink of greatness.

Following 2020, Clarkson shared his simple yet effective process for building a team identity “First, I look for good people and then are those good people also good soccer players.” His formula helped bring Shea Groom, Bri Visalli, Megan Oyster, Katie Naughton and others to the Bayou City. His formula has kept Rachel Daly from returning to her native England permanently.

Clarkson reiterated his formula in so many words back in October when he signed a new contract with the organization.

“We have a team full of good people with ambition and determination to fight for championships. Next season, we will hopefully be able to play in front of all our fans and continue this journey together,” said Clarkson.

Photo by Jeremy Reper/ISI Photos/Getty Images

In just the last two weeks, the Dash have signed three more players to multi-year contracts, including their two newest members Emily Ogle and Gabby Seiler, along with mainstay Sophie Schmidt. This brings the number of players who have signed new deals with the club since winning the Challenge Cup six months ago to eleven. One of those eleven was Cece Kizer, recently selected in the expansion draft because, let’s face it, you can’t keep everyone.

Great things are expected of the Houston Dash in 2021 and with Clarkson at the helm, you can expect they will deliver.