Houston coach Ben Williams speaks with media at the TDECU Stadium, Thursday, May 8, 2025, in Houston, Texas. | Raphael Fernandez/The Cougar

Ben Williams was introduced as head coach of the Houston soccer team this past February, becoming the seventh coach in the program’s history. Williams quickly got to work with the team for the five-game spring season, which began February 28. 

“I am truly honored to join the University of Houston and lead the soccer program,” Williams said. “I am excited to begin this journey and connect with our student-athletes, coaches, and support staff to cultivate a culture of excellence in Houston.”

His hiring follows a remarkable season at Stephen F. Austin State University, where he led the Ladyjacks to both the Southland Conference regular season and tournament championships.

Under his leadership, SFA achieved a 14-win season, the most significant single-season turnaround in Division 1 and earned a spot in the NCAA tournament. The team also ranked fourth nationally in goals per game (3.0) and seventh in shutouts (13).

Before his SFA tenure, Williams served as the assistant head coach at the University of Texas at San Antonio, where the Roadrunners set a program record for the fewest goals conceded (13). He also spent two seasons at Miami University (OH), contributing to the team’s best season since 2015 and helping four players earn All-Mid-American Conference honors.

Williams’ coaching career began as a volunteer assistant at Oklahoma State University from 2015 to 2017, where he helped the Cowgirls to two Big 12 tournament appearances and a 2016 NCAA Tournament berth. He also held roles as the Girls’ ECNL Director and coach at Albion Hurricanes FC in Houston, mentoring multiple youth and full national team players from various countries.

A native of Liverpool, England, Williams played collegiately at Oklahoma Wesleyan University, where he won three regular-season conference championships and participated in four national tournaments, reaching the Elite Eight in 2013. He also played two seasons in the Premier Development League for Vermont Voltage.

Williams holds a USSF A License, NSCAA Premier License and NSCAA Level 3 Goalkeeping Diploma. 

“It’s a rare privilege to represent a city you love,” Williams said.

sports@thedailycougar.com

—
“From Goodison to Elgin: Williams takes charge in Houston” was originally posted on The Cougar

Houston coach Ben Williams speaks with media at the TDECU Stadium, Thursday, May 8, 2025, in Houston, Texas. | Raphael Fernandez/The Cougar

Ben Williams was introduced as head coach of the Houston soccer team this past February, becoming the seventh coach in the program’s history. Williams quickly got to work with the team for the five-game spring season, which began February 28. 

“I am truly honored to join the University of Houston and lead the soccer program,” Williams said. “I am excited to begin this journey and connect with our student-athletes, coaches, and support staff to cultivate a culture of excellence in Houston.”

His hiring follows a remarkable season at Stephen F. Austin State University, where he led the Ladyjacks to both the Southland Conference regular season and tournament championships.

Under his leadership, SFA achieved a 14-win season, the most significant single-season turnaround in Division 1 and earned a spot in the NCAA tournament. The team also ranked fourth nationally in goals per game (3.0) and seventh in shutouts (13).

Before his SFA tenure, Williams served as the assistant head coach at the University of Texas at San Antonio, where the Roadrunners set a program record for the fewest goals conceded (13). He also spent two seasons at Miami University (OH), contributing to the team’s best season since 2015 and helping four players earn All-Mid-American Conference honors.

Williams’ coaching career began as a volunteer assistant at Oklahoma State University from 2015 to 2017, where he helped the Cowgirls to two Big 12 tournament appearances and a 2016 NCAA Tournament berth. He also held roles as the Girls’ ECNL Director and coach at Albion Hurricanes FC in Houston, mentoring multiple youth and full national team players from various countries.

A native of Liverpool, England, Williams played collegiately at Oklahoma Wesleyan University, where he won three regular-season conference championships and participated in four national tournaments, reaching the Elite Eight in 2013. He also played two seasons in the Premier Development League for Vermont Voltage.

Williams holds a USSF A License, NSCAA Premier License and NSCAA Level 3 Goalkeeping Diploma. 

“It’s a rare privilege to represent a city you love,” Williams said.

sports@thedailycougar.com

—
“From Goodison to Elgin: Williams takes charge in Houston” was originally posted on The Cougar

Houston coach Ben Williams speaks with media at the TDECU Stadium, Thursday, May 8, 2025, in Houston, Texas. | Raphael Fernandez/The Cougar

Ben Williams was introduced as head coach of the Houston soccer team this past February, becoming the seventh coach in the program’s history. Williams quickly got to work with the team for the five-game spring season, which began February 28. 

“I am truly honored to join the University of Houston and lead the soccer program,” Williams said. “I am excited to begin this journey and connect with our student-athletes, coaches, and support staff to cultivate a culture of excellence in Houston.”

His hiring follows a remarkable season at Stephen F. Austin State University, where he led the Ladyjacks to both the Southland Conference regular season and tournament championships.

Under his leadership, SFA achieved a 14-win season, the most significant single-season turnaround in Division 1 and earned a spot in the NCAA tournament. The team also ranked fourth nationally in goals per game (3.0) and seventh in shutouts (13).

Before his SFA tenure, Williams served as the assistant head coach at the University of Texas at San Antonio, where the Roadrunners set a program record for the fewest goals conceded (13). He also spent two seasons at Miami University (OH), contributing to the team’s best season since 2015 and helping four players earn All-Mid-American Conference honors.

Williams’ coaching career began as a volunteer assistant at Oklahoma State University from 2015 to 2017, where he helped the Cowgirls to two Big 12 tournament appearances and a 2016 NCAA Tournament berth. He also held roles as the Girls’ ECNL Director and coach at Albion Hurricanes FC in Houston, mentoring multiple youth and full national team players from various countries.

A native of Liverpool, England, Williams played collegiately at Oklahoma Wesleyan University, where he won three regular-season conference championships and participated in four national tournaments, reaching the Elite Eight in 2013. He also played two seasons in the Premier Development League for Vermont Voltage.

Williams holds a USSF A License, NSCAA Premier License and NSCAA Level 3 Goalkeeping Diploma. 

“It’s a rare privilege to represent a city you love,” Williams said.

sports@thedailycougar.com

—
“From Goodison to Elgin: Williams takes charge in Houston” was originally posted on The Cougar

Houston coach Ben Williams speaks with media at the TDECU Stadium, Thursday, May 8, 2025, in Houston, Texas. | Raphael Fernandez/The Cougar

Ben Williams was introduced as head coach of the Houston soccer team this past February, becoming the seventh coach in the program’s history. Williams quickly got to work with the team for the five-game spring season, which began February 28. 

“I am truly honored to join the University of Houston and lead the soccer program,” Williams said. “I am excited to begin this journey and connect with our student-athletes, coaches, and support staff to cultivate a culture of excellence in Houston.”

His hiring follows a remarkable season at Stephen F. Austin State University, where he led the Ladyjacks to both the Southland Conference regular season and tournament championships.

Under his leadership, SFA achieved a 14-win season, the most significant single-season turnaround in Division 1 and earned a spot in the NCAA tournament. The team also ranked fourth nationally in goals per game (3.0) and seventh in shutouts (13).

Before his SFA tenure, Williams served as the assistant head coach at the University of Texas at San Antonio, where the Roadrunners set a program record for the fewest goals conceded (13). He also spent two seasons at Miami University (OH), contributing to the team’s best season since 2015 and helping four players earn All-Mid-American Conference honors.

Williams’ coaching career began as a volunteer assistant at Oklahoma State University from 2015 to 2017, where he helped the Cowgirls to two Big 12 tournament appearances and a 2016 NCAA Tournament berth. He also held roles as the Girls’ ECNL Director and coach at Albion Hurricanes FC in Houston, mentoring multiple youth and full national team players from various countries.

A native of Liverpool, England, Williams played collegiately at Oklahoma Wesleyan University, where he won three regular-season conference championships and participated in four national tournaments, reaching the Elite Eight in 2013. He also played two seasons in the Premier Development League for Vermont Voltage.

Williams holds a USSF A License, NSCAA Premier License and NSCAA Level 3 Goalkeeping Diploma. 

“It’s a rare privilege to represent a city you love,” Williams said.

sports@thedailycougar.com

—
“From Goodison to Elgin: Williams takes charge in Houston” was originally posted on The Cougar

Houston coach Ben Williams speaks with media at the TDECU Stadium, Thursday, May 8, 2025, in Houston, Texas. | Raphael Fernandez/The Cougar

Ben Williams was introduced as head coach of the Houston soccer team this past February, becoming the seventh coach in the program’s history. Williams quickly got to work with the team for the five-game spring season, which began February 28. 

“I am truly honored to join the University of Houston and lead the soccer program,” Williams said. “I am excited to begin this journey and connect with our student-athletes, coaches, and support staff to cultivate a culture of excellence in Houston.”

His hiring follows a remarkable season at Stephen F. Austin State University, where he led the Ladyjacks to both the Southland Conference regular season and tournament championships.

Under his leadership, SFA achieved a 14-win season, the most significant single-season turnaround in Division 1 and earned a spot in the NCAA tournament. The team also ranked fourth nationally in goals per game (3.0) and seventh in shutouts (13).

Before his SFA tenure, Williams served as the assistant head coach at the University of Texas at San Antonio, where the Roadrunners set a program record for the fewest goals conceded (13). He also spent two seasons at Miami University (OH), contributing to the team’s best season since 2015 and helping four players earn All-Mid-American Conference honors.

Williams’ coaching career began as a volunteer assistant at Oklahoma State University from 2015 to 2017, where he helped the Cowgirls to two Big 12 tournament appearances and a 2016 NCAA Tournament berth. He also held roles as the Girls’ ECNL Director and coach at Albion Hurricanes FC in Houston, mentoring multiple youth and full national team players from various countries.

A native of Liverpool, England, Williams played collegiately at Oklahoma Wesleyan University, where he won three regular-season conference championships and participated in four national tournaments, reaching the Elite Eight in 2013. He also played two seasons in the Premier Development League for Vermont Voltage.

Williams holds a USSF A License, NSCAA Premier License and NSCAA Level 3 Goalkeeping Diploma. 

“It’s a rare privilege to represent a city you love,” Williams said.

sports@thedailycougar.com

—
“From Goodison to Elgin: Williams takes charge in Houston” was originally posted on The Cougar

Houston coach Ben Williams speaks with media at the TDECU Stadium, Thursday, May 8, 2025, in Houston, Texas. | Raphael Fernandez/The Cougar

Ben Williams was introduced as head coach of the Houston soccer team this past February, becoming the seventh coach in the program’s history. Williams quickly got to work with the team for the five-game spring season, which began February 28. 

“I am truly honored to join the University of Houston and lead the soccer program,” Williams said. “I am excited to begin this journey and connect with our student-athletes, coaches, and support staff to cultivate a culture of excellence in Houston.”

His hiring follows a remarkable season at Stephen F. Austin State University, where he led the Ladyjacks to both the Southland Conference regular season and tournament championships.

Under his leadership, SFA achieved a 14-win season, the most significant single-season turnaround in Division 1 and earned a spot in the NCAA tournament. The team also ranked fourth nationally in goals per game (3.0) and seventh in shutouts (13).

Before his SFA tenure, Williams served as the assistant head coach at the University of Texas at San Antonio, where the Roadrunners set a program record for the fewest goals conceded (13). He also spent two seasons at Miami University (OH), contributing to the team’s best season since 2015 and helping four players earn All-Mid-American Conference honors.

Williams’ coaching career began as a volunteer assistant at Oklahoma State University from 2015 to 2017, where he helped the Cowgirls to two Big 12 tournament appearances and a 2016 NCAA Tournament berth. He also held roles as the Girls’ ECNL Director and coach at Albion Hurricanes FC in Houston, mentoring multiple youth and full national team players from various countries.

A native of Liverpool, England, Williams played collegiately at Oklahoma Wesleyan University, where he won three regular-season conference championships and participated in four national tournaments, reaching the Elite Eight in 2013. He also played two seasons in the Premier Development League for Vermont Voltage.

Williams holds a USSF A License, NSCAA Premier License and NSCAA Level 3 Goalkeeping Diploma. 

“It’s a rare privilege to represent a city you love,” Williams said.

sports@thedailycougar.com

—
“From Goodison to Elgin: Williams takes charge in Houston” was originally posted on The Cougar

Houston coach Ben Williams speaks with media at the TDECU Stadium, Thursday, May 8, 2025, in Houston, Texas. | Raphael Fernandez/The Cougar

Ben Williams was introduced as head coach of the Houston soccer team this past February, becoming the seventh coach in the program’s history. Williams quickly got to work with the team for the five-game spring season, which began February 28. 

“I am truly honored to join the University of Houston and lead the soccer program,” Williams said. “I am excited to begin this journey and connect with our student-athletes, coaches, and support staff to cultivate a culture of excellence in Houston.”

His hiring follows a remarkable season at Stephen F. Austin State University, where he led the Ladyjacks to both the Southland Conference regular season and tournament championships.

Under his leadership, SFA achieved a 14-win season, the most significant single-season turnaround in Division 1 and earned a spot in the NCAA tournament. The team also ranked fourth nationally in goals per game (3.0) and seventh in shutouts (13).

Before his SFA tenure, Williams served as the assistant head coach at the University of Texas at San Antonio, where the Roadrunners set a program record for the fewest goals conceded (13). He also spent two seasons at Miami University (OH), contributing to the team’s best season since 2015 and helping four players earn All-Mid-American Conference honors.

Williams’ coaching career began as a volunteer assistant at Oklahoma State University from 2015 to 2017, where he helped the Cowgirls to two Big 12 tournament appearances and a 2016 NCAA Tournament berth. He also held roles as the Girls’ ECNL Director and coach at Albion Hurricanes FC in Houston, mentoring multiple youth and full national team players from various countries.

A native of Liverpool, England, Williams played collegiately at Oklahoma Wesleyan University, where he won three regular-season conference championships and participated in four national tournaments, reaching the Elite Eight in 2013. He also played two seasons in the Premier Development League for Vermont Voltage.

Williams holds a USSF A License, NSCAA Premier License and NSCAA Level 3 Goalkeeping Diploma. 

“It’s a rare privilege to represent a city you love,” Williams said.

sports@thedailycougar.com

—
“From Goodison to Elgin: Williams takes charge in Houston” was originally posted on The Cougar

Houston coach Ben Williams speaks with media at the TDECU Stadium, Thursday, May 8, 2025, in Houston, Texas. | Raphael Fernandez/The Cougar

Ben Williams was introduced as head coach of the Houston soccer team this past February, becoming the seventh coach in the program’s history. Williams quickly got to work with the team for the five-game spring season, which began February 28. 

“I am truly honored to join the University of Houston and lead the soccer program,” Williams said. “I am excited to begin this journey and connect with our student-athletes, coaches, and support staff to cultivate a culture of excellence in Houston.”

His hiring follows a remarkable season at Stephen F. Austin State University, where he led the Ladyjacks to both the Southland Conference regular season and tournament championships.

Under his leadership, SFA achieved a 14-win season, the most significant single-season turnaround in Division 1 and earned a spot in the NCAA tournament. The team also ranked fourth nationally in goals per game (3.0) and seventh in shutouts (13).

Before his SFA tenure, Williams served as the assistant head coach at the University of Texas at San Antonio, where the Roadrunners set a program record for the fewest goals conceded (13). He also spent two seasons at Miami University (OH), contributing to the team’s best season since 2015 and helping four players earn All-Mid-American Conference honors.

Williams’ coaching career began as a volunteer assistant at Oklahoma State University from 2015 to 2017, where he helped the Cowgirls to two Big 12 tournament appearances and a 2016 NCAA Tournament berth. He also held roles as the Girls’ ECNL Director and coach at Albion Hurricanes FC in Houston, mentoring multiple youth and full national team players from various countries.

A native of Liverpool, England, Williams played collegiately at Oklahoma Wesleyan University, where he won three regular-season conference championships and participated in four national tournaments, reaching the Elite Eight in 2013. He also played two seasons in the Premier Development League for Vermont Voltage.

Williams holds a USSF A License, NSCAA Premier License and NSCAA Level 3 Goalkeeping Diploma. 

“It’s a rare privilege to represent a city you love,” Williams said.

sports@thedailycougar.com

—
“From Goodison to Elgin: Williams takes charge in Houston” was originally posted on The Cougar

Houston reliever Antoine Jean (7) during a February game versus Minnesota | Emma Christensen/The Cougar

History was made Tuesday as left-handed graduate pitcher Antoine Jean was named Big 12 Pitcher of the Year following a dominant display on the mound throughout the season while also making the All-Big 12 First Team.

The Montreal, Canada, native became the first reliever in Big 12 history to win the award.

Jean also became the seventh Cougar to win Conference Pitcher of the Year, the first since Aaron Flecther won it in 2018 in the AAC and the first Cougar to win a Big 12 award.

Jean led the league in strikeouts per nine innings pitched (second in the nation), hits allowed, hits allowed per nine innings (second in the nation), strikeout-to-walk ratio, opponent batting average and WHIP.

He also tied for first in saves, second in runs allowed, earned runs allowed, ERA, pitcher WAR (pWAR) and third in total strikeouts.

In Big 12 play, Jean went 3-0 with 72 strikeouts, with Houston winning 10 of the 12 games he appeared in. He struck out 5+ hitters in 12 games and 7+ in six.

Jean recorded 104 strikeouts throughout the season, joining Ryan Wagner as the only Cougar relief pitchers to toss 100+ strikeouts in a single season.

Jean will be a key player for UH as they compete in the Big 12 Tournament in Arlington, Texas.

—
“Antoine Jean wins Big 12 Pitcher of the Year” was originally posted on The Cougar

Houston reliever Antoine Jean (7) during a February game versus Minnesota | Emma Christensen/The Cougar

History was made Tuesday as left-handed graduate pitcher Antoine Jean was named Big 12 Pitcher of the Year following a dominant display on the mound throughout the season while also making the All-Big 12 First Team.

The Montreal, Canada, native became the first reliever in Big 12 history to win the award.

Jean also became the seventh Cougar to win Conference Pitcher of the Year, the first since Aaron Flecther won it in 2018 in the AAC and the first Cougar to win a Big 12 award.

Jean led the league in strikeouts per nine innings pitched (second in the nation), hits allowed, hits allowed per nine innings (second in the nation), strikeout-to-walk ratio, opponent batting average and WHIP.

He also tied for first in saves, second in runs allowed, earned runs allowed, ERA, pitcher WAR (pWAR) and third in total strikeouts.

In Big 12 play, Jean went 3-0 with 72 strikeouts, with Houston winning 10 of the 12 games he appeared in. He struck out 5+ hitters in 12 games and 7+ in six.

Jean recorded 104 strikeouts throughout the season, joining Ryan Wagner as the only Cougar relief pitchers to toss 100+ strikeouts in a single season.

Jean will be a key player for UH as they compete in the Big 12 Tournament in Arlington, Texas.

—
“Antoine Jean wins Big 12 Pitcher of the Year” was originally posted on The Cougar