HOUSTON (Oct. 6, 2026) - The Houston Dash and midfielder Kiki Van Zanten agreed to a multi-year contract extension through the 2028 NWSL season with a mutual option for the 2029 season, the club announced today.
“Kiki has made significant strides since joining the Dash and we have seen her grow in confidence and consistency throughout her time with the club. She brings a strong work ethic, competes with purpose and continues to show that she has another level to reach as a player,” said Angela Hucles Mangano, President of Women’s Soccer. “Just as importantly, she has embraced our community and the standards we want to establish within this club. Players who demonstrate that level of commitment are important to the culture and identity we want to build here, which is why retaining players of Kiki’s caliber is an important part of our approach to building a competitive roster and establishing consistency within the group."
The 24-year-old was named NWSL Player of the Week (Week 4) following a standout performance in the Dash’s 4-3 victory over Racing Louisville FC at Shell Energy Stadium on April 3. The Illinois native scored a brace and won the decisive penalty kick to secure all three points for Houston. With back-to-back braces at home, Van Zanten became the fourth player in club history to record multiple braces in a single campaign.
Van Zanten was also named to the April Best XI of the month, presented by Amazon Prime, after leading the team with four goals through the opening stretch of the campaign. The midfielder has continued to play a key role for the Dash this season, tallying five goals and one assist in 22 appearances, including 18 starts.
“I believe in the direction of this club and the work being done in Houston,” Van Zanten said. “Since I arrived, I’ve seen the organization continue to evolve, and I want to be part of that progress. I’m grateful for the trust the club has placed in me and excited to continue developing as a player, contributing to this team and helping the Dash reach the goals we have set for ourselves.”
Van Zanten joined the Dash after being selected 21st overall in the 2024 NWSL Draft following a standout collegiate career at the University of Notre Dame. The midfielder made four appearances with the team before suffering a season ending foot injury in the 2024 season. Van Zanten returned from injury in 2025 to play 17 matches and finished that season with two goals and two assists.
The Jamaican international made her senior team debut on February 17, 2022, against Bermuda. Later that year she scored the game-winning goal against Cost Rica, helping Jamaica secure third place at the 2022 CONCACAF W Championship. Van Zanten helped Jamaica advance through Concacaf qualifying and secure a place in the 2026 Concacaf W Championship. Jamica will compete to secure qualification for both the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil and the LA 2028 Summer Olympics.
The Dash launched a special $12 offer for their next home match on Sunday, Oct. 18 as the Dash host the Orlando at Shell Energy Stadium to celebrate the contract extension, and this offer includes a Kiki Van Zanten poster. Fans can purchase those tickets HERE.
