HOUSTON – The Houston Dash signed former Bulldog defender Annika Schmidt to a one-year contract through 2021, the Club announced Monday, Jan. 4. The Dash also hold an option to extend the contract through 2022.

Schmidt joins the Dash after spending the preseason with the team as a trialist prior to the 2020 season. The Zionsville, Indiana native continued the 2020 season overseas when she signed with Göteborg FC in Sweden on June 14, 2020. 

Schmidt anchored the Butler defense during the 2019 season, earning United Soccer Coaches First Team All-Region honors and First Team All-BIG EAST accolades. She started 17 games during her senior campaign, notching two goals, including the only score against No. 15 Wisconsin. Schmidt helped the Bulldogs post a .80 goals-against average for the season and limited opponents to 16 goals, which lead the conference.

Schmidt was a three-year starter for the Bulldog's defensive line after transferring from University of Connecticut as a redshirt sophomore. She was a three-time All-BIG EAST First Team selection, and a two-time United Soccer Coaches First Team All-Region choice. The defender had five career goals and two career assists. Schmidt saw time in 55 of 57 games as a Bulldog, starting 53 contests. She graduated in December of 2019 with a degree in Sports Media.