It remains remarkable to me that in one of the top soccer markets in the entire country that NCAA Division 1 mens soccer is not currently offered at the UH, Rice University, University of Texas, or Texas A&M to name a few. In fact SMU is the only college or university that offers mens NCAA Division 1 soccer. If you like I believe the top players need an option to stay in Texas please sign the following petition and comment. The list will be offered to the board of regents at the institutions. Click the Comments button below and sign up. Tell your friends and link to this petition so we can get the momentum going.
-Glenn
Members of the oard of Regents:
As a soccer fan in the community ,I don’t understand how It can be that you do not provide a Men’s NCAA
Division ! team at the University of Houston, I encourage you to support such a program and I would certainly support it with my attendance. In a community the size of Houston and the talent pool in this city and state there is no excuse for the absence
of NCAA Division 1 soccer. Thank you. David Talbert
Comment by David Talbert — October 10, 2006 @ 5:29 pm
As a Rice alumnus, I have never supported the athletic department. My father, also a Rice alumnus, never supported the athletic department. When Rice has men’s soccer at the division one level rather than club level, this just might change.
My wife is a U of H alumnus….
Comment by Michael Storey — October 11, 2006 @ 2:41 pm
Board of Regents at Texas Flagship Universities:
My son and all but one of his soccer teammates left the state of Texas to attend universities in North and South Carolina to play soccer in college. The exodus of exceptional student athletes to other states to play Division I men’s soccer is a disgrace. It is not a Title IX issue when unviersities like South Carolina and Clemson have both football and men’s soccer and are currently ranked in the top ten nationally, in part due to student athletes from Texas. Please consider the addition of men’s soccer to keep Texans in Texas.
Comment by John Robertson — October 11, 2006 @ 7:38 pm
I was one of those soccer players who received a soccer scholarship at a Division 1 school but had to go to Furman University in South Carolina to play. It was a great experience but I would have loved to stay in the state of Texas to play collegiate soccer. I have had many friends and heard many youth players who had the ability to play college soccer but decided to quit because there were limited opportunities in the state of Texas.
You could have a top 20 program overnight if you decided to get a program at UH or Rice and the Houston soccer community would embrace you with open arms. Your investment in a Division 1 soccer program will payoff in more than dollars and cents.
Comment by Chad Jackson — October 18, 2006 @ 2:58 pm
Nice look…
Nice…
Trackback by Nice — October 19, 2006 @ 4:32 am
Hello, Give me 3 scholarships for men’s soccer at
Rice, UH, Tx. or Tx.A&M and we will play for a national Championship in 2 years. I will retire from
Klein High and Coach for free. I can get Stevo Weizel
and Nathan Thornton ( Houston Chronicle players of
the year) to transfer, plus 8 other Div.I players
that would love to play at any of these Colleges in the great state of Texas. I also have
Chad Bauman ( Sr.at Klein who has given a verbal to
SMU, plus Tyler Deric Sr.(keeper) who has given a verbal to UNC chapel Hill. Let me know soon as the
signing date is in Feb.
PS Please remember that 70% of all Football games
are won by soccer kickers. Coach Allen Baker
Klein High
Comment by Coach Allen Baker — October 25, 2006 @ 8:16 pm
Dear Board of Regeants,
My son has been playing soccer for more than 10 years. He is just entering high school and has started thinking about college. For what ever reason, he wants to stay in Texas. There are thousands of very talented soccer players in Texas that would love to be able to play division I in this state. I can’t believe that the cost for a soccer program is prohibitive. Re-allocate a few of the scholarships for football to soccer. It won’t take that many and it won’t disrupt the football program. There is enough talent in Texas to support all of the major universities and be competitive.
Comment by Robert Clift — October 27, 2006 @ 1:47 pm
In addition:
Just look at the success level of the club teams at schools like Texas A&M and Texas. Multiple national championships for both schools and perpetual dominance in their region. Also take into account the countless drummings of Div. 2, 3 and Semi-Pro clubs every year in the off-season. All of this managed by students who “pay to play” and simultaneously earn various engineering and graduate level degrees at the nations top academic public universities. As a former player for one of the afore mentioned schools, I know first hand that these programs fill their rosters each season with native Texans who have been forced to forfeit their Div. 1 soccer dreams in order to get an education because they do not wish to relocate so far away from home. These players are usually accompanied by the unfortunate few who do venture cross country to play their soccer and find themselves burned out, unhappy and moving back home to attend a closer to home university within a year or two.
Guaranteed Dominance…
Comment by Chip — October 30, 2006 @ 2:29 pm
Please give the young men who play soccer in Texas the liberty to dream. To dream big, to play big time college athletics in the sport they love, in the state they love-Texas. All of a sudden, these young men have role models in Texas, just like kids in every other sport. Men’s soccer in Texas will instantly be competitive. We have tremendous talent!
In addition, please don’t just make it a scholarship issue. Let the coaches put together financial aid packages just like Division 3 coaches have to do. Put the players in work study. There are ways to help with the cost of school.
Coaches from these great Texas universities come here to Lufkin to recruit players in other sports. I only wish our soccer athletes had that same opportunity.
I am just one, but I know there are many who stand where I do. Please let them play.
Coach Russell Shaw- Lufkin HS
Comment by Russell Shaw — October 30, 2006 @ 2:56 pm
Dear Board of Regeants:
In a state as big and diverse as ours, we should have every type of sport offered at our universities. With the huge talent pool in just the Houston area, not to mention the whole state, we could easily have one of the best soccer teams in the country in a very short period of time. The cost to create such a program would not actually be very much. The fan support would come overnight as well. There are many in this city who have wanted to watch and play soccer, and have only now gotten that opportunity with the Dynamo. Now we can have a NCAA team to root for as well. This will give all the youth players something to look forward too, brining quality players and people to a booming University. Please start a NCAA Div I team. You’ll have my attendance, and many others.
Comment by Kyle — November 1, 2006 @ 9:52 am
Greetings:
The Big XII has women’s soccer (very successful programs, 3 teams in the top 25) but no varsity men’s teams.
Please sign a petition to bring Men’s Soccer to the Big 12.
www.petitiononline.com/big12men/
also visit http://big12menssoccer.blogspot.com
This has information including email address to the various Big 12 athletic directors.
Be sure to have your kids, spouses, teams sign as well.
I know there are Title IX issues that must be addressed. No need to start that debate. The Big 10, ACC, Pac10 also are subject to Title IX but somehow have managed to include men’s soccer. With enough support this issue can be addressed.
Comment by Rick Winblad — November 4, 2006 @ 5:42 pm
We need Men’s NCAA soccer in Texas. We have the talent. Momentum for the sport is building. We have two professional teams in the state now. One is in the championship (Go Dynamo!). This is a good opportunity to help minorities with getting secondary education also. We have good women’s programs and a great JUCO team also (Go San Jac Coyotes!).
Comment by Chip Carte — November 10, 2006 @ 10:29 pm
We need Division 1 soccer in Texas. My son is a golie and also a kicker in football. His intention is to pursue football in college since there is no Division 1 soccer at out Texas Colleges. Three of my sons went to U of H and one graduated from UT Houston Dental Branch.
Comment by Norman Baker — November 14, 2006 @ 8:18 am
It is simply wrong that there are so few Division 1 men’s soccer programs in Texas. This situation should be corrected. This is discrimination against the men.
Keith Watkins
Atlanta, GA
Comment by Keith Watkins — November 14, 2006 @ 1:32 pm
We need Mens soccer at Texas Universities. Please don’t let all this talent go to waste!
Comment by Jamie Smith — November 14, 2006 @ 2:11 pm
As a UH alum and supporter I’d like to see UH field a men’s Div 1 soccer team to match up with the women’s team. With the talent available in TX that could come to UH and grow into a nationally prominent team would certainly promote UH in the national spotlight. Robertson stadium is an intimate venue for watching football and futbol.
Comment by Mark Jacob — November 14, 2006 @ 4:17 pm
As a successful collegiate soccer coach I have always been comletely amazed as to the lack of D-1 men’s soccer programs in Texas. There are so many thriving universities such as UT and A&M that actually profit from their sports and could easily start up these programs.
Furthermore, the soccer community in TX is huge and I so surprised that more grassroots movements and pressure has not been placed on these institutions to properly serve their communities.
While it is not so cut and dry for the UofH and Rice on a budgetary and NCAA Compliance level, there’s no time like the present. Both football teams are doing very well and may make a bowl game. The Dynamo have shown that there is tremendous support at a grass roots level.
I played college ball at Fresno State, which still holds the regular season (single game) attendance record of 13K+ people. I regularly played in front of 8 to 10 thousand people during the two seasons that I played there. This was during the late 80’s when Fresno only had a population of approx 300K people. I can only imagine how awesome the U of H or Rice could do if they had men’s soccer programs in a city the size of Houston.
Comment by David Santesteban — November 14, 2006 @ 4:21 pm
Texas Universities:
My son plays soccer in High School and would love to play here in Texas in College. I also know many other players who would rather play close to their friends and families instead of going to North Carolina or California. Don’t let this resource go to waste! This would be a great way to link these great universities to a growing interest in this sport.
Comment by Mark A. Telthorster — November 14, 2006 @ 4:51 pm
Texas should offer NCAA soccer at many of its colleges. As a player there are not many places for me to look at or coaches to get seen by due to the distance coaches would have to travel to see one game. If colleges in Texas would offer more soccer programs then everyone would see how quick the game will pickup.
Comment by Austin Teague — November 15, 2006 @ 8:59 am
Texas Universities,
Please bring men’s soccer programs to your school. My son is a senior this year and wants to stay in Texas. There is so much talent in this state that it’s sad to see it leave. Texas could dominate in this sport like we have in other sports. Let’s give these young men an opportunity to stay true to their roots and their loyalty to their state of Texas. Give them some soccer programs. I’m sure a lot of them would play without a scholarship just to get the opportunity to play in Texas.
Bring it on!
Comment by K King — November 17, 2006 @ 6:43 pm
Please begin a Division 1 soccer program, so both of my Division 1 soccer playing kids can strive for scholarships to attend the Texas university of their choice.
Comment by Tom Valega — November 21, 2006 @ 9:43 am
At the University of Texas “What happens here changes the world.” I am a Texas-Ex, as is my wife. We believe that a world-class university like Texas should adopt the world’s game as a showcase sport, not only as a niche women’s sport. As a leader in the Big 12, should you bring in men’s soccer, other Big 12 schools will follow. The increased presence of the sport will spill over into the women’s game as well, and there are synergies that will avail both offerings.
Texas has proven itself powerful in America’s games — football, baseball, and basketball. Now it should prove itself in the world’s game: soccer.
Comment by Matt — November 21, 2006 @ 10:18 am
Lets keep our kids in state. It about time Texas D1 schools add mens soccer.
Comment by Brad McPherson — November 22, 2006 @ 7:22 pm
i agree, i would have never gone off to play football. glen you know where i stand. when i was a senior in high school i was on the houston touchdown club there where around 20 of us which about 13 are pro. anyways during are dinner the coaches from all the major texas univ. stoud up and begged us to stay in texas so a texas team could win a national champship this was 1998. now why cant they do this for soccer. thanks brooks harris
Comment by brooks harris — November 24, 2006 @ 11:22 am
With only SMU having a div I mens program in-state, what kind of message does that send to all the young players in Texas? For young talented boys the choice is either leave your home state to play, or just quit the game altogether, because only SMU cares about your soccer talent. I thought all schools were about nurturing and flourishing talent for boys as well as girls? The game isn’t expensive and this smacks of reverse-discrimination. There really is no good reason for not having men’s programs at all these schools. Perhaps crowds would increase with traditional rivals like UT and Texas A&M establishing programs. U of Houston really has no excuse either - you will allow pro soccer in your stadium but NOT college soccer??? That’s a joke.
Comment by awhyte — November 26, 2006 @ 4:05 pm
I work for the University of Houston and would love to see a Division 1 NCAA cougar team. Houston has what it takes to build a core that can compete nationwide. My son will be a college prospect next year, and his only shot at a Division 1 team is out of state. SMU’s recrutiment process is rigorous and favors North Texas players. So, SMU would be long shot for many Houstonian players, including my son. Also, many quality local players will not be able to make it just because money and the logistics of attending an out-of-state college. It would be cumbersome for them as well as for their families.
Therefore, the University of Houston as well as all of the other Texas state schools need to take advantage of the acumen of talent that we have been grooming in the state of Texas; enough of those sports where we invest so much money and the performance is mediocre.
Comment by Orlando Saldana — November 27, 2006 @ 10:58 am
Dear Board of Regents of all Division 1 Texas schools,
Having been born and raised in Texas and being a product of the North Texas State Soccer Associaton while growing up in Richardson in the 60’s and 70’s, I implore you to begin Men’s Soccer programs at all schools.
Only after I moved to the Austin area 6 months ago did I know SMU is THE ONLY DIVISION 1A SCHOOL IN TEXAS WITH A MEN’S SOCCER TEAM. As I type that out it seems nearly impossible to believe such a statement is true. Please do the right thing and bring the world’s greatest sport to America’s greatest schools.
Comment by Craig Hutcheson — November 28, 2006 @ 6:43 pm
I agree lets bring Division 1 soccer here in texas. I know i want to see my kids play here in Texas instead of outta state!
Comment by Angel "Chino" Lopez — November 28, 2006 @ 9:43 pm
Well the comments above me have already summarized what I wanted to say.
so lets bring it to Texas!
Comment by Willie — November 28, 2006 @ 11:12 pm
It is time for men’s soccer at the D-1 level for Texas universities.
Comment by Earl — November 30, 2006 @ 7:38 am
Texas Universities,
Shocking to learn your prehistoric bias against Div I Soccer continues, driving talented youth players out-of-state!
I remember not long ago…the University of Connecticut won the the Men’s Div I National Championship with a nucleus of TEXAS PLAYERS.
The Hermann Award winner (national player of the year) Chris Gabandi, played for UConn and honed his skills growing up in Houston.
Since the University Presidents and Athletic Directors ignore the state-wide issue…it is time the United States Soccer Federation weigh-in. They provide millions in public grants developing soccer.
Comment by Conn — November 30, 2006 @ 8:28 am
Glenn,
You know our family - we support soccer at all levels. When Marc was shopping for college programs to apply to in ‘94, he had no choice but to leave the state because of the Division I programs that were available to him near home. When Christie was shopping schools in 2001, more options were available to her in Texas. We know why - Title IX, which was put in place to create equality in womens’ sports in colleges. The problem is — the “spirit” behind the implementation of Title IX in Texas, was to promote equality for women (for every 1 mans’ sport, the school has to have 2 womens’ sport); I’m sure that was necessary at the time of its’ birth. However, over time, a “reverse prejudice” has taken place - in creating that equality for women, the mens’ programs that are available to local male soccer players, have benn replaced with womens’ programs, leaving the males no choice but to go outside of Texas to find quality programs. As the parent of a male and a female player, I feel the pain of both situations. Title IX, as it is now, only created more problems for soccer in Texas - maybe it wasn’t the answer after all, and needs to be reviewed for fairness to all.
Pam Mestayer
Comment by Pam Mestayer — November 30, 2006 @ 9:59 am
The Biggest State in the contiguous U.S? Not when it comes to College Soccer. How many Clint Dempseys have died on the vine for want of development?
Mess with Texas.
—Mark
Comment by Mark Baldwin — November 30, 2006 @ 10:23 am
Soccer is the most popular team sport in the World. The World Cup is the largest and only truely global international team sports event on the planet. The U.S. has never won this prestigous tournament.
Texas is the home to two Major League Soccer teams. One won the 2006 MLS Cup Championship and Western Conference Championship. The other was number one in in regular season play and progressed to the competition for the MLS Western Championship and MLS Cup.
Texas is the home to U.S. Youth Soccer and has one of the largest youth soccer programs in the nation.
It is a disgrace to the state of Texas and to the United States of America that major universities in great state of Texas don’t offer or promote mens NCAA Division 1 soccer.
Comment by Jonathan Brown — November 30, 2006 @ 6:32 pm
As a former U of H student one of the most memorable experiences I had while attending there was the PE clas I registered for. It was a soccer class and I met some fine talent in that class. Please bring NCAA Division 1 class to our city. Let our talented youth express the passion they feel and flourish in this sport. I will most certainly be present at these games.
Comment by Hector Llanas — November 30, 2006 @ 7:32 pm
yeah football rulez!!!
Comment by Kin Tse — November 30, 2006 @ 7:37 pm
Dear Texas Universities,
It is quite a shame that there is so much talent at the youth level for soccer in the state of Texas and the players have to go to the east coast or west coast to play collegiate soccer. They do not have a tremendous amount of options and do not get to stay in their own state to compete and give their families a better opportunity to support them at the collegiate level. I am a youth coach in Houston, TX and have been involved at the youth level for 18 years and I feel that the state of Texas is missing out on their own talent. We desperately need collegiate soccer at more institutions at the collegiate Division 1 level in the great state of Texas ASAP.
Thanks for all your help in advance,
Tony Johnson
Comment by Tony Johnson — December 6, 2006 @ 12:45 am
Glenn:
I wholeheartedly support your efforts to bring D.1 mens soccer to South Texas. It is a great shame that our boys have to travel out of state to play at this level, not to mention the cost incurred by their families.
Keep up the good work.
Mark Horton
Comment by Mark Horton — December 6, 2006 @ 2:06 pm
Glenn - I applaud your efforts to get soccer a stronger foothold in Texas. The more universities with full programs will definitely make the area stronger and keep our good talent at home.
Comment by Dan — December 6, 2006 @ 6:17 pm
It is truly a shame and frankly unbelievable that given the number of great academic institutions in Texas, the rich talent pool and depth of support for the sport that only SMU offers a Division I Soccer program. The Texas schools should be national leaders in this area. Please throw your support behind this movement to offer more oppertunities to the state’s deserving youth.
Steven R Drexel
Bellaire, Texas Resident and Parent
Comment by Steven R Drexel — December 7, 2006 @ 9:44 pm
To Board of Regents:
I graduated Rice in 1987. My son loves Rice, but continually asks me if Rice plays men’s soccer. Sadly, I have to tell him no. It is far too early to tell if he will be talented enough to play men’s division one soccer. Regardless, lots of boys who ultimately will, ask the same questions of their dads for Rice, UH, UT, A&M, etc. The ones that are good enough will be forced to leave the state.
I understand the financial restrictions of Title IX. However, there must be a way to figure this situation out!!
Thanks for your consideration,
Ron Stinebaugh
Comment by Ron Stinebaugh — December 8, 2006 @ 10:31 am
This is a great site. There is another petition with over 1400 signatures for teams throughout the Big XII. Think of it, if A&M, OU, OSU etc get a program it can only help your efforts. Visit http://big12menssoccer.blogspot.com
to see and sign the petition. Committees are being formed with the help of some of the Big 12 men’s soccer clubs.
Comment by Rick Winblad — December 8, 2006 @ 7:59 pm
Board Members and Chancellors:
As I am sure you are aware, soccer is the most popular sport in the world, and the fast growing sport in the United States. The MLS has shown tremendous growth and popularity. Yet, in world-class play, the US fares poorly, especially considering our resources and that our youths do not have to be considered with farming and supporting a family. This is because these young men and women have very limited choices beyond high school. We personally know of extremely talented players that gave up soccer rather than leave Texas to play elsewhere for Div I.
Soccer may not be “huge” like football - but it is only a matter of time. Great universities in Texas can either lead and dominate, or they can follow the herd and be left behind. It is not in Texan’s culture to be left behind, so I urge you add soccer at the Division I level to provide opportunities for our youths.
Comment by Paul Baris — December 18, 2006 @ 12:31 pm
I am one of those players who is getting ready to go off to college and am going to play D1 soccer but it will have to be on the east coast some where far away from home. I would love to go to texas and texas aTm to play but they dont have a team so i think what your doing is great trying to get them to have a team goodluck.
Comment by Douglas Stephens — December 24, 2006 @ 11:08 am
Another sport, another chance for some great inter-state rivalries. Soccer kids should have the same opportunity to play for their favorite Texas university as any other athlete.
Comment by Darrell Pirkey — December 24, 2006 @ 2:31 pm
NCAA Div 1 soccer in Texas is a no-brainer! Enough said…
Comment by JP Morris — December 24, 2006 @ 3:07 pm
As a soccer player who grew up in Houston, and had to travel out of state to play division 1 soccer, i feel strongly about the fact that this needs to be addressed. I was one of 5 local Houston soccer players who played at the university of Connecticut, and i can tell you we all would of loved the opportunity to stay in state. There is no excuse for this and i have no doubt that soccer would thrive at a large state school in Texas.
Comment by Garrett Grinsfelder — December 27, 2006 @ 9:11 pm
I am a Soccer Mom and for the past 7 years I have been proudly carting my son off to his soccer training sessions, camps, games, tournaments and championships.
I am a proud Houston Dynamo supporter/season ticket holder. The MLS and the Houston Dynamo are now offering real Youth Development Training to groom a new breed of young players. How Fantastic is That !?!
The time is NOW for The Great State of Texas to proudly join the ranks of the other major universities in the United States and become an NCAA Division One Soccer State !
Comment by Dawn Marks — January 4, 2007 @ 9:27 am
Dear Board,
My 13 year old son has been playing for 7 years with Westside Soccer and training with Sports Quest most of that time. Please bring Texas Universities into the 21st century.
Comment by Jeff Marks — January 4, 2007 @ 10:18 am
What a great forum!
I was fortunate to play college soccer at a major university years ago. What a great way to continue to express your talents while earning academic honors.
It is amazing to live here in Texas and not be surrounded by men\’s college soccer programs. Other comparable markets have many schools that have teams.
As a high school soccer coach for 20 years, I have seen soo much talent pass on to other state\’s universities. I understand the Title IX dilema, but there must be a way to keep the talent produced in this state and provide a way for them to wear our college school colors. Some school can benefit greatly by providing a place for Division 1 soccer players in Houston.
I hold out hope!
Comment by Bill McDonald — January 5, 2007 @ 12:46 am
There is a vast pool of soccer talent right here in Houston currently underdeveloped.
Take soccer to the next level and let\’s get Texas Universities involved.
Comment by Mary Gillan — January 5, 2007 @ 4:47 pm
I have followed the progress of Men\’s soccer in Texas by following my son\’s progresion from High School,and club team in Richardson, Texas to his present position as Head Woman\’s Soccer Coach at Texas A&M. (who has won the Big 12 the last three years in a row.) With the men\’s soccer talent which has been building since the \’80s I believe Texas Universities could dominate NCAA Div. One in a very short time. Please, don\’t use dedicated funds as an excuse. With very little funding I would venture a bet that the rest of the needed funding would be more than made up by the Alumni
Comment by Gerald J. Guerrieri — January 6, 2007 @ 11:07 am
I fully support Texas A&M providing a Division 1 scholarship program for Mens Soccer. We have all of the facilities, just need to organize the program and use all of the Texas home grown talent.
Comment by Richard Meserole — January 14, 2007 @ 10:25 am
Great example is the National Championship that University of Connecticut won in Men\’s Division I Soccer in 2000 with five players from Houston. Gbandi, Forko, Rivera, Brown and Grinsfelder, played locally for the former Hurricanes Soccer Club and Cy-Falls and Langham Creek High Schools and then had to go the Northeast to play for a National Title.
Comment by del piero — January 19, 2007 @ 10:59 am
Texas AM, University of Texas, UH, Rice all tout themselves as ‘international’ institutions yet don’t have mens collegiate soccer.
Last I checked the true ‘global’ game was soccer.
Shameful and lacking vision.
Comment by glenndavis — January 19, 2007 @ 1:07 pm
I have 3 daughters and attended UT and it is shameful that UT and A&M do not have NCAA men’s soccer. It’s about time and also the right time. Now.
Comment by Jay Callahan — January 24, 2007 @ 8:36 pm
Due to the lack of oportunities at Texas colleges and universities, many bright young men leave the state to fulfill their lifelong dream of playing soccer at the highest level possible, as well as to achieve their academic goals. Many establish careers and families and go on to ply their coaching abilities outside of Texas.
It’s time for a change that will keep talented Texans in Texas.
Comment by Sam Williams — January 24, 2007 @ 11:44 pm
I would like to see opportunities for young talented Texas male soccer athletes to be able to stay and play in their home state. My belief is that the support Mens Division I soccer would be significant.
Thanks for your consideration.
Regards,
Brad
Comment by Brad Moore — January 30, 2007 @ 8:24 pm
It\’s time for the state of Texas to catch up with the rest of the nation with strong men\’s university soccer programs. The changing demographics of the state necessitate this to be inclusive, as well as competitive. I know that I would fully support a men\’s team at my alma mater, the University of Texas, and would visit local games in Houston at Rice and UH; many others would as well.
Let\’s get it done!
Martin Burke
Comment by Martin Burke — January 31, 2007 @ 1:39 am
Dear State of Texas Universities:
As a sports fan, and Texan, I feel it is of the utmost importance that the Universities of the great State of Texas - especially the Big XII institutions - implement Men\’s Soccer programs. The two cities of Dallas and Houston are incredible soccer hotbeds for the sport, not to mention the entirety of the state. Couple the clear participation statistics with the increasing influx of immigrants from countries with a first choice for the sport of soccer, and it makes complete since to pursue this endeavor.
If you are to truly continue to evolve as an institution and create a well rounded atmosphere for your student body, it is imperative this minor oversight be addressed.
Jim Hannesschlager
University of Texas
Class of 2003
Comment by Jim Hannesschlager — January 31, 2007 @ 4:26 pm
As Head Coach of the University of Texas Men\’s Club Soccer team, I can vouch that there are already many good players at UT. I receive countless emails annually from players asking about UT Soccer and scholarships, recruiting, etc. I can guarantee that UT would be in the top 25 every year with the amount of homegrown talent Texas loses every year to out-of-state colleges.
Comment by Matt Prewett — January 31, 2007 @ 5:17 pm
Are you trying to tell me the big universities in Texas have their hands tied because of Title IX? Anyone have an idea of what kind of bottom line a school like UT or A&M have at the end of the year? Come on. You could add three women’s sports without a sweat. Soccer could be had if the good ol’ boys would allow it. To all the University School Boards in Texas… Time to wake up! Soccer is here and it’s not going anywhere but up!
Perhaps you can put the blinders on your own children, but when your grandson looks you in the eye and says “Why???? I’d love to hear your response.
Dan Schoen
HFA President
Comment by Dan Schoen — January 31, 2007 @ 6:18 pm
Every year texas youth soccer programs are amongst the best in the nation, and every year texas youth soccer players have to accept scholarships to universities outside of texas to programs like UCLA, Indiana, UNC, Duke, etc. As a former player for the Texas Men\’s Club Soccer team, the talent is there, all we need is the support.
Comment by Nick Brown — February 3, 2007 @ 12:07 pm
University of Texas at Austin.
I led a group of students and coaches in Austin to petition DeLoss Dodds in 2003. (Athletic Director of UT Austin) DeLoss was very nice to meet us on several occassions to discuss the prospects of a UT men\’s varsity soccer program. His comment was that if we could raise $30M in endowment money, which would fund the annual OpEx of $750k to run a men\’s program, then he would start a men\’s program. In other words, he has no plans to launch a men\’s program. You should know that he is well aware of the talent in Texas that leaves each year for the East and West coasts. Between Title IX and a desire to focus on the only three men\’s sports UT cares about, DeLoss and his department have no plans to bring a men\’s varsity soccer team to bear. If we can find an angel investor and bring media attention to this, then we can possibly succeed…and I believe the University of Texas at Austin should take the lead in kicking off men\’s varsity soccer in the Big XII.
- The Starting Eleven.
Comment by Dustin — February 5, 2007 @ 12:05 am
We are behind the times if Texas colleges do not provide mens soccer. Texas has a Major league soccer team but does not provide support at a college level for males interested in the sport. It truly does not make sense.
Comment by Gigi — February 11, 2007 @ 4:33 pm
Dear Governor Perry ~
Texas colleges need scholarships for soccer. Soccer is one of the most popular sports amoung kids now and it would be a shame for them not to be able to continue their journey in life. Obviously football in certain schools is not producing revenue vs. expenses. Let’s give soccer a chance. Dont’ put off the inevitable. Be the one who made it happen.
Comment by Giovanni - Draxis FC — February 15, 2007 @ 11:38 pm
My name is Fernando Otero, I played on the University of Texas at Austin Soccer Club. I graduated in 2003 and during my four years in UT, we tried to approach the athletic department to get them to have a Div I soccer team. We were turned down a number of times. In UT we already have the facilities (the women’s) and the talent. All we need is your support. I understand it all about the money, but I can assure you that in a city that have no other major soccer team. I am sure that the stadium will be packed and the media will follow them. Thank you. Fernando
Comment by Fernando Otero — February 16, 2007 @ 5:14 pm
I cannot add to the already well-stated comments above. Texas talent needs the opportunity to play in Texas.
Comment by M. Cooper — April 22, 2007 @ 7:28 pm
Texas has some of the top division II and III teams in the country; Incarnate Word, Trinity, Midwestern State, and West Texas all have produced strong championship runs as well as produce current MLS players. Schools like Texas would not even need scholarships to field a fantastic team. Simply to be able to play for TEXAS would be enough to draw top talent from the state, as well as these DII and III programs, even if they had to pay.
Comment by David Crockett — April 27, 2007 @ 10:27 pm
Dear administrators,
Soccer is growing by leaps and bounds in this state, let alone the country. Just look to the professional ranks for evidence. Houston Dynamo draw some of the best attendance numbers in MLS, with getting over the 20,000 mark a likely occurance. FC Dallas has its own soccer specific stadium. Pizza Hut Park is a premier destination not only for Texas Youth Soccer, but for international teams as well. Two MLS teams and only one Division I school in the same state. That\’s just doesn\’t seem right. What better way to add to Texas\’ strong sports tradition than creating an MLS pipeline of Division I soccer talent from Texas playing in Texas during their college years as well as in their professional years. Just another reason to hook \’em and gig \’em!
Thanks for your time.
Sincerely,
Simon Provan
Comment by Simon Provan — June 2, 2007 @ 1:05 am
Soccer is the most played sport in the country.
Each year there are hundreds of men in Texas (thousands nationwide) eagerly wanting to play DI soccer.
Every DI school in Texas could start a men\’s program without even offering scholarships and I would bet anything men\’s soccer will bring in more money than women\’s soccer!
Comment by Ryan — June 18, 2007 @ 3:12 pm
I have been appaled by the lack of soccer in Texas colleges for some time. I find it amazing that given the dominance of Texans in nearly every sport there is not a soccer program in Division sports in the Big 12 and the other confrences in Texas. This must change. Soccers prominance in the country is only growing more prevelant. With the incredible homegrown talent in Texas (Clint Dempsey for one) it seems wrong to force them to leave the state to play in college. It\’s time for a Burnt Orange soccer champion! This could easily happen within a few years of play.
Comment by coop — July 31, 2007 @ 6:10 pm
Ever since I was little, I wanted to play collegiate soccer. I\’ve always been a UT fan in any sport and the university itself. When I learned that UT, as well as other schools such as Rice, Texas Tech, and UH, didn\’t have Div. I Soccer, I was disappointed. I don\’t understand how Texas does not have a school with a div. I team even though Soccer is really popular with very talented, young men having to go out of state. Sure there are soccer clubs in these schools, but there\’s nothing like competing with the rest of the country\’s best in Division I.
Comment by Luis — August 28, 2007 @ 4:56 pm
Seventeen programs in California and SMU and HBU (provisional) in Texas. Hard to believe.
Comment by glenndavis — August 29, 2007 @ 3:56 pm
I am so livid right now. This subject is absolutly electifying, like a hair dryer in a bathtub. What about equal opportunity. I hear all this stuff about how women don\’t get the same opportunity as men. Well this sounds like a double standard to me. To not have D1 Soccer on the college level in Texas is absolutely unbelievable, like pouring a pint of beer into a shot glass!
Comment by Stephen Gregory — September 5, 2007 @ 7:34 pm
As someone who takes great pride in the excellence of all things Texan, I find it shameful and appalling that there is only one division one men\’s soccer program in all of Texas. In every sport, Texan athletes are respected and recruited by college and professional sports teams nationwide, yet many of these athletes prefer to attend universities in Texas. The success of UT and A&M\’s football and basketball teams, Rice\’s baseball team and Lamar\’s golf team is a direct result of the Texan athletes that dominate the rosters of each of these teams. Clearly it is an advantage to every Texas school, especially the big schools like Texas A&M and UT who rely on the success of their athletic programs to attract prospective students, to fill their sports teams with Texan athletes.
Texas has one of the most extensive and competitive youth soccer programs in the country and it produces some of the most talented, promising soccer players our country has. Given the pattern followed by major Texas universities in all other sports, one would assume that Texas universities would be leaders in soccer championships and that these universities would have rosters stacked with Texan talent. Unfortunately this is not the case. Almost every Texan men\’s soccer player who wants to play division one soccer is forced to attend college out of state because the only division one men\’s soccer team in Texas is at SMU. This is disappointing to Texan soccer players to say the least.
By refusing to create division one men\’s soccer programs, Texas A&M, UT, UH, Rice and Texas Tech choose to reject the opportunity to add soccer, the fastest growing sport in the U.S., to the list of sports dominated by Texan universities. This is an issue that must be remedied.
Comment by Trent Taylor — September 5, 2007 @ 9:33 pm
To whom it may concern:
I am a graduating senior and a avid soccer player. Into my last season i have minimal options in where to go to school if i stay in texas yet i found some. TLU a private institution HBU also private San Jacinto a community college and thats really about it while other states have more opportunities. This rule is ludacris and i know it might be to late for me but i would hope the future has the option of stayin in texas and playin such a global sport on the grounds of texas atm and so on.
Comment by edgar veliz — October 9, 2007 @ 9:16 am
Talk about something that is long overdue!!! There is a lot of talent that doesn\’t get developed around the state because of a lack of Div I participation. My son is only a hs sophomore but he is already looking out of state for the combination of soccer and educational programs he is interested in for attending college. While those educational programs are available at Div I schools in Texas, the universities he would consider do not offer men\’s programs, except for the recreational club variety, which has no school sponsorship or funds and puts a large burden of extra expense on the student. while the numbers may be small, compared to football, in regards to players needed, these schools are missing out on some dollars that parents would be willing to spend at the school and in the community by not offering these programs. I was told by a major coach that it would take a couple of million dollars to start a men\’s program; I contend that the money spent on normal school expenses and the dollars that parents (expand that to the larger family as well) spend would at some point begin to offset the school expenditure. It is time, especially considering the desire of the US to win a World Cup, to have Texas Div I schools step up to the plate and develop the other Clint Dempseys (from Nacogdoches) that are out there. Come on big schools, don\’t leave us hanging!
Comment by Jim Buchanan — October 17, 2007 @ 4:40 pm
Big schools are out of integrity on this sport Jim. We are talking about a sport that from a participation number is second to none yet our “international universities” can find any room for this most popular sport. A travesty that is second to none showing how hypocritical and archaic many of the athletic directors and top officials at schools are.
Comment by glenndavis — October 18, 2007 @ 11:38 pm
All,
It is unfortunate that to date, only SMU has a Division I NCAA soccer program. Over 30 years ago, I was on a trip with our then UH soccer club team manager and coach traveling from UofH to Rice, Texas A&M, and UT campaigning to get soccer as a NCAA sport. After meeting with the such sports legends like Harry Fouke ( UH ), and Darrell Royal (UT), it became evident that the Texas Universities kept waiting to see where and when the growth would surpass the club interest.
A direct quote at the time from one of our visits was \
Comment by David Benner — October 31, 2007 @ 12:08 am
All,
It is unfortunate that to date, only SMU has a Division I NCAA soccer program. Over 30 years ago, I was on a trip with our then UH soccer club team manager and coach traveling from UofH to Rice, Texas A&M, and UT campaigning to get soccer as a NCAA sport. After meeting with the such sports legends like Harry Fouke ( UH ), and Darrell Royal (UT), it became evident that the Texas Universities kept waiting to see where and when the growth would surpass the club interest.
A direct quote at the time from one of our visits was “Each university is waiting to see if the other University will join. If one joins, then they will all dive in”. At the time, South Texas soccer was starting to really grow among youth players. We came away encouraged, and with competition increasing among the club teams, and the Southwest Conference going strong, attendance was beginning to increase at college club games to the hundreds just by word of mouth and local campus papers, such as the daily Cougar.
Since that time, there has been little interest shown in getting a program assembled for the various universities, though the arguements against doing so in 1974 have clearly shown soccer has boomed. Instead, we find that the universities will only fund a women’s program at best - I suspect that if not for Title 9, that even those programs would exist today.
Texas has had a share of soccer players who have played in the various professional soccer leagues coming from UofH, Midwestern, Texas Tech, Texas A&M, with SMU producing former US National Women’s Team coach Greg Ryan, and Randy Waldrum of Notre Dame women’s head coach to name a couple.
Recently having attended a tournament in Dallas where I watched one of my former college teammates high school son play from Houston, I couldn’t help but see what great improvements in the level of the youth programs in Texas, both boys and girls.
I also see that it is a shame that these talented players leave the state to play if they wish to achieve success both academically and athletically.
I appreciate the observations and comments by both former teammates in this column, and by others, concerning this goal of getting NCAA soccer in the colleges within Texas.
Why do Texas players have to go outside the state to find participate on a Division I program, when the schools could attract good local talent.
It is not about taking away from athletics such as baseball, football, basketball, tennis etc, it is about adding tradition, prestige, and alumni to these athletic programs.
Fan base has greatly increased, and plenty of talented players and coaches to to select from to represent the colleges in soccer -
My advice, pick while the picking is good -
The talent is here, the fans are here - what are the major universities waiting for now ?
Comment by David Benner — October 31, 2007 @ 12:11 am
I was also a player in \\\’98 that went to Uconn to play Div 1 soccer, and believe me, I wish I would have had an option to stay here (Texas).
I am now an alumn from UH, and have been coaching for 7 years Club/ODP/etc.. reaching the A license, and would love to be involved in a coaching level with any of the universities mentioned above.
I have seen first hand the talent that leaves our state every year, and still cannot understand why nothing is done, it\\\’s just simply sad.
I think everything has been said in every way possible. So, all I want to say is PLEASE SOMEONE HELP TO MAKE IT HAPPEN!
Franklin -
Comment by Franklin Cartagena — February 11, 2008 @ 5:10 pm
Please consider providing our great state the opportunity to continue to shine as a great soccer state as well. Youth soccer has already surpassed the “more traditional sports” as far as the number of youth playing the sport. These kids deserve to be able to continue living their dreams as they grow older. If you could only see the fantastic level that our Texas youth play, I find it difficult to believe that you could justify having to send the great talent to other states to attend college and play their sport! Many exceptionally talented young men are forced to travel out of state or give up their sport due to the lack of collegiate opportunities for them. This is truly a shame.
Our colleges have often been thought of as the place for young men and women to develop into the brightness of our future. College life over the decades has managed to march to the beat of a different drummer. Many changes have taken place due to colleges and universities pressuring society to change for the better! In this case, however, it seems that the universities are the establishment and our own society has to pressure them for a change to reflect our own communities. When will the administrators wake up and pay attention to what our communities are asking for? Texas has two of the best professional soccer teams in the US. The rivalry is impressive. Club soccer at the youth level is amazing. High School soccer is making tremendous strides. Let’s give our young men the opportunity to utilize the sport that they have developed a true passion for and make a change for their future!
You can make it happen! The soccer community will not let you down! Just ask the Houston Dynamo!
Comment by Jim Carranza — April 22, 2008 @ 11:01 pm
Hey man all i want is to continue playing soccer and continue with this dream, i have talent but way more passion for soccer ,and when ever i play soccer i play with the hart,and i know that my passion for this sport will never faid awey ,so please take a look at this comment because its very important for me.
Andres Vega.
Pharr tx.
956-7826962
Comment by Andres Vega — April 30, 2008 @ 3:51 pm
To the Board of Regents:
The time has come for each of your universities to add Mens Soccer to the list of sports that you offer. The pure number of soccer players leaving the state of Texas to pursue opportunities to play soccer at the next level is a sign that your universities would not only compete, but would be successful. As a high school soccer coach, four of my graduating seniors are leaving the state to continue playing soccer, and that is just at one school.
As a member of the State Staff for the National Soccer Coaches Association of America, I come across numerous clubs and schools that are tired of seeing their kids not be able to play soccer here in the great state of Texas. It is time to start adding these programs and establishing your university as a true, international university.
In Soccer,
Bryan Hayman
Mens Head Soccer Coach
Lamar High School
State Technical Staff
National Soccer Coaches Association of America
Comment by Coach H — May 1, 2008 @ 7:27 pm
It is past time that Texas colleges and universities recognize how powerful the state could be on the national level. There are hundreds of young men who could walk onto a field in Houston or College Station of immediately contribute to a strong program.
Let\\\’s quit making excuses and hit the pitch.
Comment by Calvin — May 17, 2008 @ 9:35 pm
There are no more excuses for the major Texas colleges and universities not having men’s soccer programs. With all of the talented young players in the state, both native Texan and foreign students, we could have two or three national powers in a short period.
Comment by Calvin — May 17, 2008 @ 9:37 pm
I WANT TO STAY IN TEXAS!!!!!!
Comment by BOB — July 8, 2008 @ 12:55 pm
Texas needs more Div. 1
Comment by Scott — July 13, 2008 @ 3:51 pm
As a current high school soccer student, I am looking for more options within the state of Texas for soccer performance and oppertunity. I beleive that many great colleges in Texas perform very highly within the Division 1 circut and would do such if adding Mens’ soccer. It would be marvolous, and bring a great deal of attention to soccer within not only our state, but within the USA!!!
I absolutely would love to be apart of that!
Comment by Tony Black — August 21, 2008 @ 3:56 pm