Houston Dash bets big on Kiki Van Zanten after injury setback | OneFootball

The Houston Dash announced the extension of midfielder Kiki Van Zanten's contract for two more years, with a mutual option for the 2027 season. A player who missed part of the season due to a foot injury showed glimpses of being an important piece in the squad. The club is believing in her recovery and believes she can contribute to the team's rebuilding process.

For a Houston Dash looking for consistency in the NWSL, keeping Kiki on the roster is an important decision. Interim general manager Erik Ustruck highlighted the player's value: "Kiki's resilience stood out as she worked her way back from injury, and we're excited about what she can bring to the team next season. Her versatility is invaluable as we shape a new identity for the club."

Kiki Van Zanten's professional beginnings were enveloped with high hopes. Her inaugural match in March was against North Carolina Courage as she started racking up a total of four appearances and one start in a blink. However, an early step in NWSL derailed this progress due to a foot injury that she sustained from a match with Washington Spirit in April.

The renewal of the contract, despite the setback, shows that Dash believes in her talent. Kiki made it clear that she wanted to return stronger: "I want to make up for the time I lost on the field. I've learned so much about myself on and off the pitch over the past year, and I'm excited to finally get back to doing what I love most."

A history that justifies the investment

Coming in before the Houston Dash, Ki Ki Van Zanten had compiled an admirable resume. At Notre Dame, she recorded 27 goals and 9 assists over the course of 95 matches for the Fighting Irish; it culminated in four consecutive NCAA postseason tournaments.

That performance put her on the NWSL radar, where she was selected 21st overall in the 2024 Draft. To secure the pick, Houston Dash traded $120,000 in allocation money with Utah Royals FC, showing the club's early belief in her potential.

A standout on the international stage

She has also done well internationally, having represented the Jamaican Women's National Team since 2022. The most important moment of her career so far came during the 2022 Concacaf Women's Championship, where she scored against Costa Rica for the ticket to the Olympic playoffs.

At the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, Kiki was part of the historic Jamaican squad that reached the Round of 16, the first time a Caribbean team advanced that far in the tournament.

Looking to the future

The return of Kiki Van Zanten will be closely monitored by Dash supporters next season. Interim GM Erik Ustruck made it clear how much confidence the club has in her, saying, "She has ambitious goals for the coming season, and we strongly believe her contributions on and off the field will be positive influencers for the team in years to come."

For Kiki, the renewal is more than a chance to step back on the field; it’s about proving her resilience and determination: "I’m thrilled to return to Shell Energy Stadium next season and step onto the field with my teammates once again."