Houston Dash midfielder Christine Nairn announced her retirement on Wednesday, writing that she intends to finish her career with the Dash in their friendly against Tigres UANL on Sunday.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Christine Nairn (@nairnchristine)
A post shared by Christine Nairn (@nairnchristine)
“26 years. 26 years of playing a sport that has allowed a girl from Bowie, Maryland to fulfill her dreams of playing professionally, traveling the world, and make memories with teammates, friends, and family that will last a lifetime,” she wrote on Instagram. “With a heavy heart, I’m announcing my retirement from professional soccer on September 19th.”
Nairn has been a member of the NWSL since 2013. In total, she has played in 167 NWSL matches, including 155 regular-season appearances, which ranks fourth in league history. She was the first player in NWSL history to reach 150 appearances on Oct. 12, 2019 and currently sits at seventh all-time in minutes played.
“Christine is the epitome of what it means to be a professional in our sport, and it has been an honor to coach her over the last three years,” said Houston Dash head coach James Clarkson in a release. “She is one of the best players to have played in the NWSL and has played a massive role in helping build this league into what it is today. On behalf of everyone at our club, I wish her all the best in her retirement.”
Nairn retires as one of just seven players in league history with at least 20 goals and 20 assists.
While with the Dash, Nairn has made 35 appearances, scoring one goal. In 2020, she helped the Dash capture the Challenge Cup, the first league championship in team history.
Earlier, Nairn shared her coming out story with Just Women’s Sports, revealing the incredible support system soccer became in her opening up and becoming vulnerable with her friends and teammates.
Nairn wrote on Instagram that she has accepted an offer from the Houston Fire Department Academy and intends to become a firefighter.