News

A record-breaking number of teams from the Girls Academy Program played in their respective national playoffs in Oceanside, California at SoCal Sports Complex from June 22-29. The Dash 2009 Girls had a great run, ultimately losing on a PK in the final against the Colorado Rush, 0-1. The event attracted hundreds of college coaches to recruit. Additionally, several USA national coaches attended the games, scouting for potential future players for the United States soccer youth national team(s). 

The Girls Academy teams continue to compete against the very best in the country with outstanding results.  Our challenging training environment, game schedule, and overall player developmental pathway help bring the best out of our players. Based upon our coaches’ care and our players’ efforts, DDY players receive a record number of college scholarship offers each year. 

"The GA put on an amazing event. Overall it was a great learning opportunity and experience. I can’t wait to go back to more events in the future," said Carden 'Flori' Allison, Dash Academy 2009 Captain. 

On all levels, the GA excelled on the national stage in Oceanside. "The Girls Academy playoffs highlighted our success and improvement in the last 12 months. We wrapped up the season with one (1) champions league finalist, two (2) semi-finalists, five (5) teams qualifying for playoffs, and one national championship finalist," remarked Steve Grave, Dash Academy 2009 Head Coach.  "More importantly, the event allowed our prospective student-athletes to showcase their talents in front of hundreds of college coaches. I could not be more proud of all the players, families, and staff involved in the program." 

If interested in the club's summer camp program, register now below or visit our website for a full list of soccer programming available at www.dynamodashyouth.com

Pictured above: Jorge Escobar and Benito Kemble

As part of the club’s mission and dedication to our members, personal development is a serious priority. We are very excited to announce that the following coaches have attained higher coaching certifications during the spring season through the United States Soccer Federation.  

• Benito Kemble & Jorge Escobar - 'A' License  
• Enrique Sanjuan - 'B' License 
• Johannus Cuarezma, Marcus Watt, Luis Flores & Jonny Haigh - 'C' License 

Dave Dengerink, the Coaching Education Director for the Dynamo Dash Youth, said, "I would like to congratulate the staff that have worked tremendously hard to continue with their coaching education in attaining higher licensing from our governing body of US Soccer”. Our coaching staff is the best in Houston, and we want to make sure we are investing in every opportunity for them to become more educated in their craft.    

As our coaches develop their skill sets, we aspire to use that knowledge to maximize the potential of our players.  Dengerink continued, "the club is committed to the continuing education and development of our coaching staff.  A great way to support the players on their development pathway is to provide the resources and development opportunities for those coaches providing the guidance."

A record-breaking number of teams will be advancing to their respective playoff opportunities across the country in the coming days. Teams are heading to Tennessee, California and Texas to represent the club in the USYS Regionals, ECNL | MLS NEXT Boys / Girls Academy League national playoffs.

"Our players have spent the season competing against tough competition from North and South Texas in the Frontier Development League, improving week after week," said Stuart Taylor, Head Coach, GA2 09 North / Dash Woodlands 06 PA. "I am proud of how far the girls have come this season and earning the opportunity to play in Tennessee at the USYS Southern Regionals is a great accomplishment. Thank you to South Texas Youth Soccer Association who hosted a fantastic event in Round Rock for the State Finals."

“Congratulations to this group of girls for winning State Cup. They have been part of the process since the Youth Academy and trusted the club to get them to the next level," said Mikey Olabarrieta, Beaumont Girls Director. "The team is a hard working and coachable group that represent unity and family. I’m very proud of this group who will now represent a whole state in regionals and I look forward to seeing how they compete against other state champions.”

The Elite Program teams continue to dominate, competing against the best in the country with outstanding results.  The challenging training environment, game schedule and overall player developmental pathway is very much connected with an unmatchable number of college scholarships awarded to our players.

"I am extremely proud of the teams advancing to the playoffs and being highly competitive throughout the year in their respective national leagues," said Dave Dengerink, Academy Director.  "The club has a responsibility to provide opportunities for our players to compete at the highest levels across the country and be recruited by the top schools in the nation.  We have continued to do that with outstanding results."

The club is extremely excited to announce that Brenton Saylor will take over the role of the Goalkeeper Director for the Girls Academy.  Saylor's coaching resume is highly impressive having worked as the Assistant / Goalkeeper Coach with Houston Dash (NWSL), Houston Dynamo Development Academy Goalkeeper Coach (MLS) along with eleven (11) years of coaching experience at the NCAA Div. I level. Saylor holds a United Soccer States Soccer Federation 'A' License.

Quick Bio Facts:

• USSF 'A' Coaching License. 
• Houston Dash Assistant Coach / GK (NWSL | 2020 Challenge Cup Champions | 2019-2022).
• Houston Dynamo Development Academy Goalkeeper Coach (MLS | 2018-2021).
• 11 Years NCAA Women's Division I Coaching Experience.
• Rice University - 2017 Conference USA Champions, NCAA ranked #18 (2016-2018).
• Mercer University (2012-2015).
• Eastern Kentucky University (2010-2011).
• University of Tennessee at Martin (2008-2009).
• Former Region 2 & 3 ODP Staff Coach.  

"I am very excited for this opportunity.  The club has a great deal of momentum that has been created by the players and staff, and I'm excited to join that," said Brenton. "I look forward to helping create a great experience for the players within an environment that teaches, stretches, and allows the player to grow while enjoying the game."

"The Dash Academy program is extremely pleased to add Brenton to the staff. Anytime you can add a person of Brenton’s character and coaching background the program is going to continue to improve," said Dave Dengerink, Academy Director. "This program is about helping our players reach their individual goals and compete with the best in the country.  Brenton will help our players do that and be a tremendous new addition to the Girls Academy staff." 

"The club continues to evolve coaching staff roles and assignments in preparation for the upcoming fall season," said Alex Cardenas, Boys Academy Director. "The Elite Boys Program continues to improve and compete with excellent results both locally and nationally and next season will be no different."

"The club continues to evolve and develop coaching staff roles and assignments in preparation for the fall season," said Stuart Fitzsimons, Competitive Director. "Based upon projected membership growth, there will be further coaching staff additions and exciting changes to be announced in the near future."

The Girls Academy Spring Showcase headed to Bryan Park Soccer Complex outside of Greensboro, NC from April 28-30. The showcase featured U15 - U19 teams who played opponents outside of their conference during the event.  The Dash Academy traveled to the event with a group of 2004/05 players competing in the U19 age bracket and gained three tremendous results against national level competition.  Over three hundred college coaches from across the country were on site to scout the players.

Showcase Results: (3-0)

Team: Natasha Budisa, Thaleia Caldwell, Mia Brumlow, Lucy Smith, Caroline Fowlkes, Sophia Dean, Genesis Hernadez, Cadence Sanders, Kathryn Lennon, Olivia Schmidt, Ava Shannon, Lauren Littleton, Ava Gonzales, Haydan Erck, Maddie Ellis.

Coaching Staff: Dave Dengerink, Steven Grave.

"The competition was excellent as there was a really competitive atmosphere especially playing against teams that were an age group older." said Hayden Erck, U17 Girls Academy. "Also, it was a cool experience to be able to coordinate and talk with the college coaches after games and throughout the event going on."

“The event provided a great platform for us to showcase our players in front of the top college programs in the country, said Dave Dengerink, Academy Director.  "It also provided a chance for our future 2004/05 team to play together prior to next season. It was a remarkable experience for the girls and enjoyable in every fashion."

“The team represented themselves superbly in another excellent Girls Academy League showcase," said Steven Grave, Academy Staff Coach. "Playing against U19 teams that are top of their respective conference provided a quality competitive environment with meaningful games that continue to accelerate our player's development. A huge thank you is extended to the players, families and staff for their continued commitment and support to the program.”

The club hosted its annual 3v3 Turf Cup at Bear Branch Sports Fields in The Woodlands, TX with over 175 teams on-site to celebrate the Easter festive weekend. It was a fun-filled, action-packed day for all the teams that traveled in from across the city of Houston. Activities included over 350+ games along with soccer tennis, live music, an Easter egg hunt, dance competitions and juggling stations. Amongst the fun, we had plenty of presentations and awards handed out throughout the day. 

 "Another great event of soccer in perfect weather conditions during the Easter holiday weekend. We saw a record-breaking attendance of teams and spectators along with some outstanding costumes and an array of festival activities," said Milton Arraez, Tournament Director. 

The club would like to thank Panera Bread and Potbelly for providing food and Memorial Hermann for first-class medical care. Fine Design T-Shirt Company was also on-site, providing a quality product for the members and our guest teams to purchase.

Awards:

Best Uniform Winners: Kicking Chickens (1st Place), Dragons United (2nd Place)