Ryan Connaughton, formerly Ryan Gareis, returned home to the Chicago area in 2026 after signing with Chicago Stars FC through the 2028 NWSL season. The Naperville native spent the first four years of her professional career with the Houston Dash, who selected her 44th overall in the 2022 NWSL Draft.
Her time in Houston included helping the Dash reach the first playoff appearance in club history during her rookie season. In 2024, Connaughton returned to NWSL competition just four months after giving birth to her son, Crew. The following season, she scored her first NWSL goal in a 1-0 win over the first-place Kansas City Current, ending Kansas City's 17-match unbeaten streak.
Before turning pro, Connaughton played five seasons at the University of South Carolina. She appeared in 100 matches, recorded 15 goals and 18 assists, and earned United Soccer Coaches All-Southeast Region honors during her final season.
HSM has worked with Ryan across both the playing and commercial sides of her career. Ryan's brand partnerships have included NOW Foods, Nucleus Genomics, Electrolit, and others. Her move to Chicago the following season brought her professional career back to the area where she grew up playing.
Career highlights
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