Naperville native Ryan Gareis was a little nervous after being chosen by the Houston Dash in the fourth round of the 2022 NWSL draft.
She isn’t anymore.
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Gareis quickly acclimated to living in a new city and playing in a new environment. The former Neuqua Valley and South Carolina star is thriving as a professional athlete.
“It’s been incredible,” she said. “I’ve completely fallen in love with Houston. I like how you can do so many different things in the city. We’re in a really nice part, and the girls on the team have made everything amazing.”
Gareis, 24, is finding success as a second-year forward for the Dash (4-6-5). She has played in 32 games, including 11 starts, across all competitions over the past two seasons and has recorded three assists, the latest coming in a 1-0 win against Louisville on July 29.
“It’s a very athletic league, and so I really enjoy that playing style, being able to make those runs in behind,” she said. “But there was definitely a big transition period for me last year. I got to learn from a few different coaches that we had and from the older girls.
“This year has been a little different because I have a different confidence just because I have a year under my belt. I’m still trying to take every day as a learning opportunity because there is so much to learn and I’m only in my second year. So I feel like there’s a long way to go.”
As much as she likes Houston, Gareis still enjoys returning to her hometown, especially when that means playing against the Chicago Red Stars. She has played five times against the team she rooted for while she was growing up, including three at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview.
“I grew up going to those games, so it’s a very surreal moment,” Gareis said. “I have a lot of pride playing in that city.
“It makes me excited, too, because I would love to represent my home city. But it’s cool that Houston has become the home city as well. It’s kind of like my two worlds colliding.”
Those worlds collided again Saturday night at SeatGeek. Gareis started and played the first 45 minutes in the Dash’s 3-0 loss to the Red Stars in an NWSL Challenge Cup game.
Among the fans in attendance were Gareis’ parents and brother and several of her parents’ friends. Her boyfriend brought over a dozen of his buddies.
“I love the support that I get there from family and friends who grew up in the area,” Gareis said.
While much of her time is taken up with training and playing, Gareis has other irons in the fire. She and her closest friend on the Dash, defender Natalie Jacobs, have developed a side hustle.
“We started a little coaching business last year, just offering clinics and different opportunities like that,” Gareis said. “It’s something I’m planning on continuing no matter how long my soccer career lasts.”
That career could still be in its early stages. Gareis has gotten positive feedback from the Dash.
“Her potential is through the roof,” Dash general manager Alex Singer said in a news release before this season. “The versatility she displayed in her rookie season was important for us.”
Gareis won’t argue with that.
“They think I can go very far,” she said. “They’ve told me promising things, that I haven’t reached my ceiling yet and there’s a lot more to go, and I agree with that.
“So I’m excited to see how I can develop and how they can help me get to the next level. The dream is obviously to make it to the national team, but also go as far as I can and be successful for the club that I play for.”
Matt Le Cren is a freelance reporter for the Naperville Sun.