Ryan Gareis

Professional Soccer Player

Houston, Texas

Soccer Player

Hi! I'm Ryan Gareis

I’m from Naperville, Illinois, and have been playing soccer for as long as I can remember. I played club, for my high school, represented Illinois in the Olympic Development Program, and attended a U15 U.S. Youth National Team training camp before committing to the University of South Carolina to advance my career. I played there from 2017-2021, earning spots on the SEC All-Freshman Team and the United Soccer Coaches All-Southeast Region Third Team.

Then, in December 2021, I achieved a lifelong dream of being selected in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) draft! The Houston Dash drafted me and I have been with them ever since.

Off the field, I became a mother in May 2024 alongside my longtime partner, Pat Connaughton, who plays for the Milwaukee Bucks.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Selected by the Houston Dash in the 2022 NWSL Draft
Named Dash’s Young Player of the Year in 2022
Southeastern Conference (SEC) Academic Honor Roll
Named SEC Offensive Player of the Week several times
United Soccer Coaches All-Southeast Region Third Team
United Soccer Coaches Scholar All-South Region team

As I continue my journey with the Houston Dash and focus on my soccer career while prioritizing my new world as a mother to my son, Crew, I'm grateful for NOW's support to keep my family and me healthy and feeling our best day in and day out.

Ryan Gareis