Ryan Gareis


Ryan Melissa Gareis is an American professional soccer player who plays as a forward for Chicago Stars FC of the National Women's Soccer League. She played college soccer for the South Carolina Gamecocks before being selected in the 2022 NWSL Draft by the Houston Dash.

Early life

Gareis is originally from Naperville, Illinois. She attended Neuqua Valley High School, where she scored the most goals for the team her freshman year. She was a member of and played in the and won U.S. Club Soccer's National Championship in 2012 & 2013.
In 2013, Gareis attended a U15 Girls' U.S. Youth National Team Training Camp. Gareis was a member of Illinois' in 2010 and 2014. Gareis played for the Illinois ODP team when they played in the National Championships in 2014.

College career

Gareis played college soccer at South Carolina from 2017 to 2021. She was named to the SEC All-Freshman Team after her rookie year. She went on to score 15 goals in exactly 100 games across her five-season college career.

Club career

Houston Dash

In December 2021, Gareis was selected by the Houston Dash in the fourth round of the 2022 NWSL Draft. On February 18, 2022, Gareis signed a two-year contract with Houston. She made 20 appearances for the Dash in the 2022 season, and was named the club's Young Player of the Year. In January 2023, she signed a contract extension with Houston.
Gareis scored her first NWSL goal on October 18, 2025, coming off the bench to score the lone goal in Houston's 1–0 win against the Kansas City Current that ending the Current's 17-game unbeaten streak. At the end of 2025, Gareis left Houston as a free agent.

Chicago Stars

On December 3, 2025, the Chicago Stars announced that Gareis had signed a three-year contract with the club through 2028.

International career

She attended training camp with the United States under-15 team in 2013.

Personal life

She and Pat Connaughton announced their relationship in June 2023. In January 2024, they announced Gareis was pregnant. They got engaged in February 2024. Their son was born in May 2024.

Career statistics

Club

Honors

South Carolina Gamecocks
Individual
  • SEC All-Freshman Team: 2017
  • United Soccer Coaches All-Southeast Region Third Team: 2021
  • Houston Dash Young Player of the Year: 2022