Houston Dash forward Melissa Henderson announced her retirement from professional soccer after five seasons in the NWSL.
“With a heavy, yet peaceful heart, I close a chapter of my life that has brought me so much joy these last 23 years,” Henderson said. “To my family, teammates, coaches, friends and fans – thank you. You have been a part of God’s journey for me from the beginning. Your love, support and encouragement have become my backbone throughout my career.”
The Garland, Texas, native made 37 appearances with 32 starts and tallied two assists during her three seasons with the Dash. Houston acquired Henderson via trade from FC Kansas City in July 2014. Henderson made 22 regular season appearances (16 starts) with FCKC in 2013-14, and scored one goal in the 2013 NWSL playoffs.
Henderson was a four-year letter winner at the University of Notre Dame. She finished her Notre Dame career tied for the fourth-most goals in school history (70) and led the Fighting Irish to the 2010 NCAA National Championship. She was a two-time first team All-America and three-time first team All-Big EAST selection. Henderson also earned Big East Offensive Player of the Year awards and was first runner-up for the Hermann Trophy during her junior year in 2010. As a junior at Berkner High School in Richardson, Texas, Henderson was named Gatorade High School Player of the Year.
