The NWSL offseason has been busy, with new moves, trades, and signings announced every day.
Wednesday, December 10th brought three big announcements: Nigerian international Chioma Okafar signing with the
NC Courage, Avery Kalitta re-signing with Racing Louisville, and the Houston Dash playing a friendly match against the Dallas Trinity at the Cotton Bowl.
2024 WAFCON gold medalist Chioma Okafor signs with NC Courage
Nigerian international Chioma Okafar has signed a three year contract with the Courage through 2028 with a club option for 2029, her first professional contract.
22-year-old forward Okafar previously played in the NCAA at the University of Connecticut, where she contributed thirty goals and five assists during her four years. She has been named to the First Team All-Big East for the past three years, and was a 2024 MAC Hermann Trophy Semifinalist.
Internationally, Okafor plays for Nigeria and was part of the team that won WAFCON 2024.
“I am excited to call North Carolina home and sign with the Courage. From the early conversations with the team, I fell in love with the developmental plan they laid out for me and the drive to build back this club’s championship roots. I can’t wait to get to work in 2026,” Okafor said.
“We’re excited to welcome Chioma Okafor to the North Carolina Courage. Chioma is a dynamic, fearless attacker whose pace, power, and willingness to take on defenders bring dimensions we’ve been looking to add to our front line. Beyond her on-field qualities, Chioma brings a competitive edge and a growth mindset that fits the culture we’re building. She works, she listens, and she’s hungry to develop. We’re delighted Chioma is joining the Courage, and we’re looking forward to integrating her into our squad,” said Courage Chief Soccer Officer Ceri Bowley.
Midfielder Avery Kalitta re-signs for Racing Louisville
22-year-old midfielder Avery Kalitta has re-signed for Racing Louisville on a one year contract, the club announced on Wednsday.
Kalitta signed a full-time contract with Racing in May after a previous contract as an injury replacement player.
“I’m incredibly grateful and excited to be back in Louisville,” Kalitta said. “This team and community are what makes this place so special. I am looking forward to what we can accomplish this year!”
“We had Avery in and out of our environment at the start of season and we were very excited at the opportunity to bring her in full time. She was a great fit on and off the pitch for us with a ton of potential,” Racing head coach Bev Yanez said. “She brings a positive, professional demeanor every day and we are so grateful to be a part of her individual progression and appreciate all she brings to our group!”
“We are excited to bring back another piece from our 2025 playoff team,” Racing general manager Caitlyn Flores Milby said. “Avery fits our culture and her experience from last year’s success will pay dividends for us in 2026.”
Houston Dash to play Dallas Trinity at the Cotton Bowl
The Dallas Trinity will host the Houston Dash for an friendly match at the historic Cotton Bowl Stadium, the USL Super League club announced on Wednesday. The two Texas teams will face off on Saturday, February 28.
“We have great respect for the Houston Dash of the NWSL and the impact they’ve had on advancing women’s soccer, particularly in the state of Texas,” said Dallas Trinity FC Head Coach/General Manager Chris Petrucelli. “Hosting them for the inaugural I-45 Texas Showdown allows both clubs to highlight the growth of the sport in our state and to give fans an exciting matchup. We’re appreciative of the partnership and excited to help establish this as a marquee fixture for women’s soccer.”
The two clubs previously played a friendly that ended in a 1-1 tie earlier this year.
“We look forward to facing one of the premier teams in the Gainbridge Super League as we prepare for the upcoming NWSL season,” said Houston Dash President of Women’s Soccer Angela Hucles Mangano. “We appreciate Dallas Trinity’s hospitality and are excited for the opportunity to compete in a historic venue that has played such a meaningful role in the growth of soccer in this country.”
