Kat Rader, a Duke University graduate, has been named the NWSL Rookie of the Month for August, marking her second such honor of the 2026 season.
Rookie of the Month Award
During the month she recorded three goals for the Houston Dash, including her first professional brace, and converted every penalty kick she faced, a feat that helped the Dash secure a 1‑1 draw with Kansas City and a 5‑0 win over Chicago.
Her goals came at the fifth minute of the Chicago match and the 72nd minute, while the penalty conversion in the Kansas City game came in the 1‑1 draw, underscoring her composure under pressure.
Rader now leads all 2026 NWSL rookies with nine goals this season, a tally that underscores her impact early in the year and follows her May Rookie of the Month win.
The Houston Dash are slated to take on Orlando on September 6 at 7 p.m. ET, a match that will test the momentum Rader has built during her standout month.