Rader Earns NWSL Rookie of the Month for Second Time

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Rader Earns NWSL Rookie of the Month for Second Time

9/3/2026 12:36:00 PM | Women's Soccer

DURHAM, N.C. – Former Duke women's soccer All-America selection Kat Rader has been tabbed the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) Rookie of the Month for August. It marks the second time this season she has earned the honor.

Rader, a 2025 Duke graduate, tallied three goals in the month for the Houston Dash, including her first professional brace. She converted from the penalty spot to score in Houston's 1-1 draw against Kansas City on Aug. 8 before recording a brace in the Dash's 5-0 victory over Chicago on Aug. 19. Rader opened the scoring in the fifth minute and added her second goal in the 72nd minute. Rader has converted both penalty kicks she has taken this season and leads all 2026 NWSL rookies with nine goals.

The honor marks Rader's second NWSL Rookie of the Month award this season after she previously earned the recognition in May.

Houston will next face Orlando Sunday, Sept. 6, at 7 p.m. ET.

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