Kate Faasse, a Phoenix native and forward for the Houston Dash in the National Women's Soccer League, brings a championship pedigree from the University of North Carolina, where she helped the Tar Heels capture a national title and topped her high school scoring charts.
Arizona's Soccer Landscape
Though Arizona ranks 22nd nationally in the number of high schools sponsoring girls' soccer and in participant numbers, Faasse sees a steady rise in participation and believes the state's demanding climate already molds players for the rigors of professional play.
The National Women's Soccer League is eyeing expansion, with talks of a new franchise that could debut as early as 2028. A local developer has put forward a proposal for a team based in Mesa, a move that has caught the attention of the Dash striker.
Faasse welcomes the prospect, arguing that an NWSL presence would not only elevate the sport's profile in Arizona but also provide a tangible pathway for young girls who dream of playing professionally.