H-Town Lovin’: Yazmeen Ryan on Career in Soccer, Back-To-Back NWSL Championships, Time With the Houston Dash, Journey With USWNT, and Passions Beyond the Game

The Ballers Magazine
Jun 24
14 min read

Born and raised in Norman, Oklahoma, Yazmeen Ryan remembers her introduction to the world of soccer as if it were yesterday. Following in her older sisters' footsteps, Yazmeen recalls embarking on her soccer journey at just four years old and the immediate desire she felt to one day play the game at the highest level. A desire that was heightened during her sophomore year of high school after participating in an international trip to Costa Rica with ODP Regional Team III; and one that continued to fuel her in the years to come. "Playing in that tournament was when I realized I wanted to play the sport for as long as I could," she highlights. This was just the start. Upon graduating from high school, Yazmeen began her collegiate career at Texas Christian University (TCU) where she expanded her skill set and knowledge of the game further. She was all in. Before she knew it, the countless hours training on the pitch, watching film, and studying the game had paid off. With the sixth pick in the 2021 NWSL Draft, the Portland Thorns selected Yazmeen. This was it. This was the opportunity she had been working towards since a young age. It was up from there. From winning the Women's International Champions Cup and NWSL Shield in her rookie season to two back-to-back NWSL Championships with Portland and Gotham FC in 2022 and 2023 respectively, Yazmeen experienced tremendous success throughout her first few years in the league. In spite of this, she remained focused. Focused on growing season after season, building championship habits, and reaching her highest potential both on and off the pitch. It was this unwavering commitment and relentless work ethic that led her to achieve another incredible feat in 2024—her first call-up to the senior national team.

The rest is history! Since making her debut, Yazmeen has earned nine total caps for the USWNT. Currently in her fourth season in the NWSL and first with the Houston Dash, Yazmeen is excited to see all that's in store for this chapter of her professional career. As she looks to the future, there are several themes that remain at the forefront of her mind: the importance of versatility, constant evolution, and joy for the sport. "On the field, I want to do better statistically than the year before. So more goals, more assists. I want to level up my game in that way, and be a real

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contributor on the field. I want to win with this team and be a part of a group that is a first for winning the Championship or the Shield for this coming year," she emphasizes. Through it all, one thing is for certain: although Yazmeen's journey with the Dash is just getting started, she's already H-TOWN LOVIN'!

Let’s start all the way back! When did you say, “Ok, I'm really passionate about soccer. I want to go all-in on the sport”?

I think I kind of always knew. It was definitely my desire all the time, but I knew for sure when I was a sophomore in high school and I got to experience going to Costa Rica with an ODP team. It was a Region III (team) and that was my first international soccer trip. We played professional Costa Rican teams while we were there and were in the tournament. Playing in that tournament was when I was like: “Yeah, this is what I want to do for as long as I can.” That was when I really started to pursue (this) and take action. I think I committed to a college soon after, so I was really wanting to take the next steps (from there).

Photo credit: Jack Gorman of Getty Images

You mentioned that during your sophomore year, in having that international soccer trip, you really solidified your commitment to playing soccer at the highest level. How was that transition then from high school to college like for you?

It was a really good transition. I learned so much and I was always in a mindset where I wanted to learn more. I knew there was more that I wanted to do, so going into college, I was just a sponge. I had amazing coaches that taught me so many different things and so many aspects of the game that ultimately prepared me for professional soccer. It was a great transition. I loved my college experience and it was necessary in my development before reaching the professional level.

Take us back to your freshman season at TCU. What were some challenges that you faced early on?

I think the pace was definitely a jump from high school and club, and then the constant amount of running at all times—and throughout the entirety of the game. That is where you truly learn if you're fit or not (*laughs*). It’s just the overall mentality of wanting to keep going. Physically, I knew that I was fine and fit. But, it was the mentality piece that I learned had to match that—that was the biggest thing that I learned going into college. I think that propelled me tremendously.