ORLANDO, Fla. (Aug. 18, 2022) — The Orlando Pride has acquired 2020 NWSL Challenge Cup champion defender Haley Hanson from the Houston Dash, it was announced today. In exchange, the Pride have traded $75,000 in Allocation Money and a 2023 NWSL Draft Second Round pick previously acquired from the OL Reign to Houston.
“Haley is a player that I've wanted to bring into our Club for quite some time and I'm thrilled to be able to add her to our group for the stretch run of the season,” Orlando Pride General Manager Ian Fleming said. “For the last few years, Haley has been a mainstay on the backline of an improving Houston side and her combination of athleticism, technical ability, and understanding of the game will be a great asset as we continue to build our squad both for the short- and long-term future in Orlando. The development of our new-look Orlando Pride continues and we are excited to have Haley be a part of it.”
Hanson, 26, joins the Pride following four and a half seasons as a member of the Dash. A product of Nebraska University, Hanson was selected with the No. 7 pick in the 2018 NWSL Draft and went on to make 100 appearances across all competitions for the Dash, scoring one goal and adding three assists over that time. Her lone goal came on Aug. 25, 2018 in a 6-1 rout of NJ/NY Gotham FC, then Sky Blue FC.
In 2020, Hanson played an integral role in helping lead the Dash to their first piece of silverware, as the team became champions of the first-ever NWSL Challenge Cup.
The defender received her first call up to the U.S. Women’s National Team in April 2018, earning her first cap on April 8 in a friendly against Mexico. Later that same year, she helped lead the U23s to first place in the 2018 Nordic Tournament.
While at Nebraska, Hanson was a two-time All-Big Ten honoree, ending her four years with 75 appearances, 19 goals and seven assists.
TRANSACTION: Orlando Pride acquires defender Haley Hanson from the Houston Dash in exchange for $75,000 in Allocation Money and a 2023 NWSL Draft Second Round pick previously acquired from the OL Reign.
Haley Hanson
Position: Defender
Number: 2
Height: 5-6
Born: February 22, 1996 in Overland Park, Ks.
Hometown: Overland Park, Ks.
College: University of Nebraska
Citizenship: USA
