The Houston Dash have signed midfielder Caity Heap, the club announced today. Per league and club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed. Heap will be available for selection in the Dash's season opener against the Chicago Red Stars at BBVA Compass Stadium tonight (7:30 p.m. CT; TICKETS).

"I'm really excited for Caity to sign her first professional contract with the Houston Dash. She is a player I've had my eye on since before the college draft,” Dash head coach Randy Waldrum said. “Her college coach, Tom Stone at Texas Tech, kept me updated on her progress, and I was delighted when she became available for us.”

The forward scored four goals and registered five assists in her final year at Texas Tech. Heap appeared in 80 games for Texas Tech and finished her collegiate career with 13 goals and 13 assists.

“It’s a blessing. I’ve worked so hard for this and for Randy to give me the opportunity, I really appreciate that,” Heap said. “I’m very excited for the season and it is really an honor to make the final roster.”

The McKinney, Texas, native notified her parents “instantly” and noted that they will make the trip south to BBVA Compass Stadium often now that they purchased season tickets. Additionally, her family in Tampa Bay plans to make a trip to Orlando for the Dash’s first away game of the season.

“I have a lot of family in Florida, I was born in Tampa Bay so I will have a good crowd out there,” Heap said.

Heap will transition from the college game to the professional ranks with a fellow Texas Tech alumna in Janine Beckie.

“It’s great [to play on the same team]. I didn’t know anyone else when I arrived and I knew I could always talk to her,” Heap said. “On the field, we connect really well; we played together for four years. It shows on the field.”

Heap was a two-time USYS National Champion with her club team, Sting ’95. The midfielder helped McKinney Boyd High School capture the 2011 State Championship and was named to the 5A All-State Team.