The Houston Dash have signed defender Natalie Jacobs to a new four-year contract that begins on Jan. 1, 2025.

Jacobs, 27, has appeared in 55 matches since joining Houston in April 2022.

She has helped the Dash post five clean sheets this season after contributing to eight shutouts in 2023.

“Natalie’s leadership and growth over the last few years have been critical to establishing a new direction for the Houston Dash,” club president Jessica O’Neill said in a news release Friday. “On the field, she is a warrior and one of the best defenders in the league. She also has a passion to serve others, and we have seen that through her work with MD Anderson [Cancer Center] plus Dynamo and Dash Charities. We are thrilled that she chose to remain in Houston as we look to elevate the team on and off the field.”

Jacobs wore the captain’s armband in Houston’s 2-1 victory over Tigres UANL in the Femenil Summer Cup in July.

“This team, the city and the fans mean so much to me and I am grateful to re-sign with this organization. I love representing Houston and it means a lot to me that I will continue my journey here,” Jacobs said. “I believe in this club and the plan leadership presented for the future”

Drafted 13th overall by the NWSL’s Washington Spirit in 2020, Jacobs also played with Spain’s Real Betis in the 2021-22 season.

–Field Level Media