Dash add two midfielders
The Houston Dash continuted retooling their roster with the addition of two midfielders on Tuesday. Houston announced the signings of Maggie Graham and Daneille Colaprico. Graham signed through the 2027, from Duke University, and is the first collegiate player to sign with the Dash since the new CBA removed the college draft. Colaprico signed as a free agent through 2026 after spending the last two seasons with San Diego Wave FC.
Graham spent five seasons at Duke where she appeared in 101 matches. She scored 22 goals and added 15 assists for the Blue Devils in her collegiate career. Graham helped lead Duke to the ACC regular season title and the College Cup Final Four last season as a graduate student.
“I am excited and grateful to begin my professional career with an organization like the Houston Dash that is committed to building a competitive team and culture that supports and develops its’ players,” Graham said. “I look forward to growing as a player and learning from my new teammates as I navigate this transition. I am excited to help the team succeed in any way I can. I want to thank my family and everyone in the Duke University family that helped prepare me for this opportunity.”
The 22-year-old was a finalist for the 2024 Mac Hermann Trophy, awarded to the best college player. Graham was named ACC Midfielder of the Year last season, one of six awards she received at the end of 2024.
"We are thrilled that Maggie chose to begin her professional career in Houston and look forward to supporting her development and fostering opportunities for her to make an impact,” President of Women’s Soccer, Angela Hucles Mangano said. “She had a stellar collegiate career at Duke University and was among the best players in the nation last year. Combined with her work ethic and competitive nature we are excited about Maggie’s future with the Houston Dash.”
A NWSL veteran, Colaprico joins the Dash after playing more than 250 professional games. She debuted with the now named Chicago Stars FC in 2015 where she won NWSL Rookie of the Year. Colaprico has won three trophies in her career; the NWSL Shield in 2023, the NWSL Challenge Cup in 2024, and the Australian W-League Championship in 2018-19 when she played for Sydney FC on loan.
"I'm so excited to join the Houston Dash as they embark on this ambitious project under new leadership," Colaprico said. "I am grateful for the support and belief from club leadership to bring a new identity to the team. I understand the responsibility that comes with that and look forward to embracing this challenge with my new teammates.”
The 31-year-old spent eight seasons with Chicago, which included three loan stints in Australia, twice with Adelaide United and once with Sydney. She made 181 appearances with Chicago across all competitions, scoring six goals, before moving to San Diego in 2023. Colaprico spent two seasons with the Wave where she had one goal and one assist.
“Danielle is an impactful addition to our roster as we look to build a competitive team that will consistently challenge for titles. She has established herself as one of the most competitive and consistent players in our league with noteworthy accolades throughout her career,” Hucles Mangano said. “We look forward to her arrival and the impact she brings to the team and our community.”
These two sigings, one rookie and one veteran, help add depth to what is shaping up to be a solid midfield for the Dash. Houston re-signed Sarah Puntigam, Sophie Schmidt, Kiki Van Zanten, and Belle Briede earlier this offseason. Youngster Barb Olivieri and Zoe Matthews will also be involved in this group that includes the newly signed Delanie Sheehan as well.
New head coach Fabrice Gautrat will have a number of options to build his midfield with both attacking, defending, and two-way players. The signings of Graham and Colaprico put the Dash at 27 players on their roster as they head into preseason. The club can carry a maximum of 26 once the season starts.
