Houston Dash sign Xavier defender Natalie Bain through 2026

CHESTER, PA - OCTOBER 22: Natalie Bain of the United States U23 national team dribbles during USWNT U-23 training at WSFS Bank Sportsplex on October 22, 2025 in Chester, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Brad Smith/ISI Photos/USSF/Getty Images) | Getty Images Houston Dash announced the signing of defender Natalie Bain to a contract through the 2026 season. Bain will join the Dash in May following the conclusion of her academic studies at Xavier University.

View this post on Instagram The 22-year-old defender has played primarily as a center back throughout her decorated collegiate career, and made an immediate impact as part of the school’s back line. In four seasons with the Musketeer’s Bain played in 85 matches with over 7,300 minutes played in that time. In her senior season Bain earned the Big East Defensive Player of the Year honors for a second season in a row, and also was named to the Big East First team after starting all matches with the team and earning three goals and four assists.

Over the course of four seasons Bain earned All-American honors from the United Soccer Coachers three times and also had a notable high school career with Notre Dame Academy and was named USA Today High School Player of the Year in 2021 when her school won the state championship. Bain has also received a call-up to the United States Under-23 Women’s National Team, most recently joining them for a camp in October 2025 concurrent with the senior national team. Houston has put forth a solid start to their 2026 NWSL campaign holding at fourth place in the NWSL standings through four matches played with nine points.

The Dash play their next match at home on April 25, against the North Carolina Courage.