Why Houston Dash believes Fabrice Gautrat will redefine their future | OneFootball

In naming its new head coach, the Houston Dash took a far more strategic approach by appointing Fabrice Gautrat to the job. With an accomplished-heavy résumé and more than 15 years of experience coaching at multiple levels, Gautrat is a key figure to where the Dash have to go in order to rise to a competitive level in the NWSL. But who is Fabrice Gautrat, and why was he picked to lead the Dash? Let's break down the news and understand what this hire means for the Dash.

Is Fabrice Gautrat the ideal choice for the Dash?

Gautrat's hiring was no accident. The process of finding the Dash's sixth head coach in team history was highly scrutinized with Angela Hucles Mangano at the helm as president of Women's Soccer. Gautrat checked all the important boxes for Hucles: developing players, winning championships. What really jumps off the page is his ability to build winning cultures and that is something the Dash desperately needs to become relevant in the NWSL.

With notable stints at North Carolina Courage and Chicago Red Stars, Gautrat has stood out as an architect of success, helping his teams into the postseason on multiple occasions and recently securing victory in the 2023 NWSL Challenge Cup.

A weighty résumé

The history of Gautrat speaks volumes about his versatility and commitment to the sport. He had been coaching at clubs and academies in both the United States and Europe before he landed with the Dash, from second assistant coach at Lyon to the director of training at Rush Soccer, gaining experience that made him a reference in team management and talent development.

And that is not all: the academic knowledge of kinesiology and physical education, added to a USSF A License and UEFA B License, speaks about a scientific and modern approach to soccer. That might just be the technical difference the Dash need to make their mark in an ever-competitive league.

What does it mean for Houston Dash?

Gautrat's signing symbolizes the ambition that the club really wants to grow into a power. As Gautrat himself underlined: "Right from the start of this process, through my discussions with Angela and across the leadership team, there's been an immediate alignment of vision and values. Their ambitions to create real cultural depth-first as the pathway to excellence in and out of the field really resonated with me".

These words show that Gautrat sees the Dash as a long-term project. He is committed not only to building a competitive team but also to implementing a culture that involves players, fans, and the Houston community. “I’m looking forward to working with the club to build something special that the city of Houston can be proud of”, he added.

Challenges ahead

Despite the excitement, Gautrat faces significant challenges. The Houston Dash needs tactical and structural adjustments to compete with the top teams in the NWSL. Moreover, creating a culture of excellence requires time and patience from both management and fans.

The other important point will be adapting to the present roster. Gautrat will have to identify strengths and weaknesses as quickly as possible to apply his philosophy and involve players in his vision. His past work with young talents could be the decider here and will help lay a good foundation for the future.

Impact on the landscape of the NWSL

The hiring of Gautrat also puts the Dash in a position of prominence within the NWSL. With the league constantly growing and attracting increasing global attention, choosing a coach with international credentials reinforces the club’s commitment to excellence. “Together, we’ll work to make the Dash a consistent contender in the NWSL”, Gautrat said, making it clear that his ambitions go beyond immediate performance.