Rooted in Houston: Bárbara Olivieri is Excited for Next Chapter with the Dash

(image via Houston Dash)

Katy native Bárbara Olivieri knew her contract with her hometown Houston Dash was coming to an end. This week, she extended her contract with the Dash for another two years, a move that holds special meaning for her. "I’ve always wanted to stay here," Olivieri said when she sat down with Bayou City Soccer this week to talk about her new contract and her journey with her hometown club.

"Knowing that free agency was approaching made it feel like a bit of a waiting game," Olivieri said when discussing her contract ending on September 1 as players could begin signing deals for the 2025 season. “But I'm thrilled to extend my stay and contribute to the team's growth."

Olivieri's connection to the Dash goes way back. She recalled attending the team's very first game, an exhibition match, as a child. "It's surreal to think about how far we've come," she noted. "Now, being one of the players that kids come to see and get autographs from is just amazing."

As the Dash undergo a rebuilding phase, Olivieri's role as one of the team’s foundational players is crucial. "It's important for me to be a building block," she said. "We’re currently at the bottom of the standings, but I’m hopeful that with time, we can turn things around and fight for the top."

The team’s recent struggles have been a challenge, but Olivieri remains optimistic. "Even though we’re in last place, it’s a new start," she explained. "Our goal is to fight for every point and strive for a playoff spot."

Working under assistant coach Ricky Clarke this season has been a pivotal experience for Olivieri. "Ricky is great at keeping us motivated," she said. "His demands and encouragement help us stay focused and competitive."

(image via Houston Dash)

Off the field, Olivieri is embracing her role as a local ambassador, albeit with some playful confusion about her hometown. “There's a few of our staff that is actually from Houston. They get so mad at me because I say I'm from Houston, when I'm from Katy.” While she grew up 30 minutes west of downtown Houston, Olivieri is learning more about Houston that she didn’t get to as a child and enjoying sharing local recommendations with her teammates. "I’m still discovering Houston, but I’m definitely more experienced now," she laughed.

If you follow the Dash players on social media you may have spotted them engaging in activities like pickleball, a sport that has become a favorite among the players. "It’s a great social game and a nice break from the usual routine," Olivieri shared. “I think it's great that it's so popular.”

Looking ahead, Olivieri and the Dash are focused on building a strong finish to the season. "I honestly don't know how possible it is to make playoffs, but that's our goal. Trying to just win every game. We're going into this week looking for three points and hopefully at least fighting for a spot into the into playoffs. That's all we can hope for and to establish a little more of our way of playing to end off the season," she said.

Before concluding the interview, Olivieri had a message for the fans: "We appreciate all your support. Keep showing up and we promise to work hard to give you something to celebrate soon."

Bárbara Olivieri’s ongoing commitment to the Houston Dash and her hometown is evident in her dedication both on and off the field. As she continues to contribute to the team’s development and navigates the challenges of the season, her passion for the game and loyalty to the community shine through. With her focus set on both personal and team success, Olivieri embodies the spirit of a Houston hero, even one from Katy, dedicated to uplifting her team and inspiring her hometown.