The Houston Dash has taken a significant step forward by appointing Angela Hucles Mangano as the club’s president of women’s soccer and chief soccer officer. Her arrival at the Dash comes at a crucial moment for the franchise, which is aiming to turn around its fortunes after a challenging season both on and off the pitch.
Having recently parted ways with Angel City FC, where she served as the general manager, Hucles Mangano brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to the Dash. Her excitement about this new role is palpable, as she shared in a statement: “I’m ecstatic for this new opportunity with the Houston Dash and completely energized for the project ahead of us.” For someone like Hucles Mangano, who has dedicated her life to the sport—from her days on the pitch as a player to her roles as an executive—this is more than just a job; it’s a chance to make a meaningful impact.
She emphasized the importance of stability and consistency for driving the growth of the organization, saying, “Being able to bring in the experiences I’ve had in this sport to date… will be core components to the high-performance growth of the organization.” The Dash community—leadership, staff, players, and fans alike—should feel encouraged by her commitment to fostering transformation and collaboration.
The atmosphere around the Dash has been tumultuous lately. After a disappointing season that saw the team finish at the bottom of the 14-team NWSL standings, leadership changes were inevitable. In July, the Dash made the tough call to dismiss Alex Singer as general manager. This decision wasn’t taken lightly, but it reflected a commitment to ensuring the team’s direction aligns with the aspirations for success. Club president Jess O’Neill candidly acknowledged the need for change in light of the underwhelming performances.
Majority owner Ted Segal expressed his confidence in Hucles Mangano, highlighting her as a trailblazer in the sport: “We are thrilled to welcome Angela and her family to Houston. Angela presented an impressive plan for the future of the Houston Dash that aligns with our vision for sustained success on and off the pitch.” This enthusiasm from the ownership group sets a hopeful tone for the next chapter of the Dash, one that seeks not only improvement but a transformation into a consistent contender in the NWSL.
The challenges haven’t stopped there. The Dash navigated part of the season without stable leadership on the coaching side after Fran Alonso stepped away due to personal reasons. His absence was initially due to an illness but later labeled a personal leave, leading to his eventual termination in September after a prolonged period of uncertainty. The club has been under interim guidance from Erik Ustruck, a former Houston Dynamo player and Orlando Pride general manager, who stepped up as an advisor during this transition.
While the organization had aimed for an early October appointment for a new GM, the lengthy process only resumed in November, keeping the Dash on a tight timeline. Although Hucles Mangano is not officially stepping into a GM role, her responsibilities will encompass many of the duties associated with that position, giving her a critical say in the direction of the team.
Hucles Mangano’s pedigree in women’s soccer is undeniable; she is a two-time Olympic gold medalist and participated in two World Cups with the United States women’s national team. Her experience playing for the Boston Breakers in both the WUSA (2001-2003) and the WPS (2009) has forged a deep understanding of the game at various levels.
As the Dash crests a new wave of hope and ambition, the focus will turn to Hucles Mangano’s vision for the club. With her track record and passion for women’s soccer, she stands poised to be the catalyst for change that the Dash so desperately craves. Fans and stakeholders alike are encouraged to join her on this journey—one that promises growth, resilience, and renewed competitiveness in the NWSL. The time is now for the Houston Dash to stand tall, and with Angela Hucles Mangano at the helm, the future looks bright.
