HOUSTON (October 15, 2026) - Houston Dash forward Kat Rader will compete in the 2026 NWSL Skills Challenge, presented by CarMax, the league announced today. The competition is part of the festivities scheduled for the NWSL Championship, presented by Google Pixel, in Washington, D.C.
The Skills Challenge will take place at 4:30 p.m. CT on Friday, Nov. 20 at Episcopal High School and features two teams composed of NWSL players competing in three contests. The winning team will be awarded a $35,000 prize, courtesy of CarMax. Fans can watch a broadcast of the NWSL Skills Challenge on the CBS Television Network or Paramount+ on Saturday, Nov. 28 at 1 p.m. CT
Rader is the third Houston Dash player (Michelle Alozie and Jane Campbell) to compete in the NWSL Skills Challenge. The forward has scored 10 goals this season and has created 38 chances. The first-year forward is also closing in on NWSL history, sitting one goal shy of matching the league’s single-season rookie scoring record of 11, set by Diana Ordóñez with the North Carolina Courage in 2023. Rader returns to Houston this week after competing in two friendlies with the U-23 U.S. Women's National Team in Georgia. She is one of eight Dash players returning from international duty this week.
This is the current NWSL Skills Challenge roster:
- Katie Atkinson (CHI)
- Kenza Dali (SD)
- Hal Hersfelt (WAS)
- Claire Hutton (BAY)
- Savy King (LA)
- Lo’eau LaBonta (KC)
- Ally Lemos (ORL)
- Carson Pickett (DEN)
- Kat Rader (HOU)
- Lilly Reale (BOS)
- Reyna Reyes (POR)
- Emma Sears (LOU)
- Jaedyn Shaw (GFC)
- Kailen Sheridan (NC)
Additional players will be confirmed at a later date and players competing in the NWSL Championship will not participate in the 2026 NWSL Skills Challenge.
Descriptions for each skills contest are below.
- Gauntlet: A fast-paced challenge that rewards quick decision-making, technical precision, and confident finishing. Beginning inside a designated starting circle, one attacking player has 60 seconds to create space, navigate defenders, and score on a series of mini goals, each carrying a different point value.
- Breakaway Circuit: Two teams compete head-to-head in a continuous relay that rewards teamwork, technical execution, and finishing under pressure. Beginning with a pass from the First Touch, each athlete must navigate Cutback Course, advance through Nutmeg Gate, and finish with a Closing Shot against the opposing team's goalkeeper.
- Precision Point: Athletes showcase their finishing ability through a precision-based shooting challenge designed to reward accuracy, placement, and composure. Each team, one at a time, target scoring zones throughout the goal with each target carrying a different point value based on size and difficulty.
Dash fans can watch Rader and all of their favorite Dash players on Sunday, Oct. 18 as they host the Orlando Pride at Shell Energy Stadium. Sunday's match is the annual Breast Cancer Awareness match, presented by The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. Fans who arrive early will receive a belt bag, courtesy of UT MD Anderson.
All tickets purchased for the match will include a $2 ticket add-on to submit messages of support and hope to be displayed on the video board on Sunday afternoon. All donated funds will support cancer research and treatment. A full overview of all ticket options for this match can be found HERE.
