Houston, TX, December 19, 2025
The University of Houston Soccer program has added defender Kendall Jones to its roster, enhancing the team’s defensive capabilities as they prepare for a competitive future. Jones joins after two seasons at Texas Tech, where she helped her team reach the NCAA Tournament. Her return to Houston signifies the university’s commitment to developing local talent and strengthening its athletic programs. Coach Ben Williams praised Jones for her work ethic and competitive spirit, while the sports landscape in Houston continues to grow, reflecting an increase in athletic achievements and economic impact.
Houston, TX — The University of Houston Soccer program has fortified its defensive ranks with the addition of experienced defender Kendall Jones to its 2026 roster. This significant move was announced Friday by Head Coach Ben Williams, signaling a strategic enhancement for the Cougars as they continue to build a competitive force in collegiate athletics.
Jones, a San Antonio native, transfers to Houston after two impactful seasons at Texas Tech, where she contributed to the Red Raiders’ appearances in the NCAA Tournament, reaching the Second Round in both instances. Her decision to return to her home state underscores the growing appeal of the University of Houston’s athletic programs and the importance of fostering local talent within Texas. This development not only bolsters the Cougars’ soccer team but also highlights the vibrant and evolving landscape of Houston sports.
Strengthening the Backline: A Strategic Acquisition
Kendall Jones brings a robust defensive presence and a competitive spirit to the Houston Soccer team. Head Coach Ben Williams praised Jones as a “hardworking, dynamic, and aggressive defender who is ultra-competitive in her 1v1 battles.” The coaching staff has been familiar with Jones through her extensive club experience, expressing excitement to integrate her energy, passion, and personality into the program, both on and off the field.
During her tenure at Texas Tech, Jones participated in 12 matches, recording an assist and logging 251 minutes of action. Her high school career at Lee High School in San Antonio saw her as a three-sport athlete, helping her soccer team reach the 2023 6A District playoffs and earning multiple All-District and Academic All-District honors. Such a background exemplifies the dedication and academic discipline valued in collegiate sports.
Houston’s Expanding Athletic and Economic Landscape
The arrival of talents like Kendall Jones contributes to the broader narrative of growth and increasing competitiveness within Houston’s athletic scene. The city has become a recognized hub for major sporting events, generating substantial economic impact. In 2024 alone, Houston garnered over $330 million in economic impact from various sporting events, including the College Football Playoff National Championship, the CONMEBOL Copa America tournament, and the Kinder’s Texas Bowl. The College Football Playoff National Championship game by itself was projected to bring an economic impact of $150 million to $200 million to the Houston area, attracting an estimated 80,000 visitors. This demonstrates how high-profile athletics foster economic activity through hotel bookings, dining, shopping, and car rentals.
College football, in particular, has long been identified as an “economic engine” for universities, with some Texas institutions generating upward of $100 million from the sport annually. While soccer operates on a different scale, the overall success and visibility of a university’s athletic department contribute to this positive cycle, attracting talent, fans, and investment.
Private Initiative and Programmatic Investment in Collegiate Sports
The University of Houston’s athletic future is poised for significant development through private initiative and strategic funding. The Big 12 Conference is currently in advanced negotiations for a groundbreaking deal that could inject up to $500 million in funding from private equity-backed partners. This partnership is structured as an offering of loans, ranging from $50 million to $200 million to individual athletic departments, to be repaid through a portion of future program revenues. This innovative approach allows schools immediate access to substantial capital without relinquishing ownership of the conference.
For the University of Houston, which joined the Big 12 in July 2023 with the lowest athletic budget among Power Four conferences at $80 million, this potential capital infusion is particularly relevant. The university’s athletic budget for 2025 is projected at $91 million, with an ambitious goal of reaching $160 million annually. Such private investment opportunities are crucial for the Cougars to level the playing field with better-resourced conference rivals and sustain competitive programs across all sports, including soccer.
Furthermore, the evolving landscape of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) has ushered in a new era of direct investment in student-athletes. The University of Houston, like other leading institutions, plans to opt-in and contribute the maximum allowable amount of $20.5 million in NIL revenue to its athletes beginning July 1 for the 2025-26 season. This commitment ensures that student-athletes are appropriately compensated, fostering a competitive environment where individual initiative is rewarded and talent is retained.
Community Engagement and Self-Reliance
Beyond competitive success and financial growth, the University of Houston’s athletic programs are deeply committed to community engagement. Initiatives like the “Coogs For The Community” program exemplify the spirit of self-reliance and civic responsibility. This program allows season ticket holders and local businesses to underwrite the cost of game tickets or donate unused tickets to local non-profit charity partners. These donations provide valuable opportunities for disadvantaged or at-risk youth in the Greater Houston Area to experience university athletic events, fostering a sense of belonging and community strength.
University of Houston student-athletes actively participate in community service, demonstrating leadership and giving back to the city that supports them. This dedication extends beyond the field of play, highlighting the holistic development fostered within the athletic department and its commitment to responsible citizenship.
Conclusion
The addition of Kendall Jones to the University of Houston Soccer team is more than just a roster move; it is a testament to the ongoing growth and strategic development within the Cougars’ athletic department. As Houston continues to solidify its position as a major sports hub, bolstered by significant economic impact from large-scale events and innovative private investment deals, the future for its university athletic programs appears bright. The emphasis on fostering local talent, embracing competitive funding models, and maintaining a strong commitment to community service through programs like “Coogs For The Community” ensures that University of Houston Athletics not only achieves success on the field but also contributes positively to the vitality and self-reliance of the Houston metropolitan area. Supporters are encouraged to engage with and contribute to the continued success of Cougar athletics, helping to build a legacy of excellence and community strength for years to come.
FAQ Section
What is the latest news regarding University of Houston Soccer?
The University of Houston Soccer team has added defender Kendall Jones to its 2026 roster, as announced by Head Coach Ben Williams on Friday.
Where did Kendall Jones play before joining Houston Soccer?
Kendall Jones previously played for two seasons at Texas Tech, helping the Red Raiders reach the NCAA Tournament Second Round twice.
What is Kendall Jones’s position?
Kendall Jones plays as a defender.
What is the economic impact of major sporting events in Houston?
In 2024, Houston generated over $330 million in economic impact from various sporting events, with the College Football Playoff National Championship alone contributing an estimated $150 million to $200 million.
How is the Big 12 Conference potentially supporting its member universities financially?
The Big 12 Conference is negotiating a deal for up to $500 million in funding from private equity-backed partners, offering loans to individual athletic departments to be repaid through future program revenues.
What is the University of Houston’s current athletic budget and future goal?
The University of Houston’s athletic budget for 2025 is projected at $91 million, with a goal to reach an annual budget of $160 million.
How are student-athletes being compensated under the new NCAA model?
College athletic departments, including the University of Houston, can distribute approximately $20.5 million in Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) revenue directly to athletes starting July 1 for the 2025-26 season.
What is the “Coogs For The Community” program?
“Coogs For The Community” allows season ticket holders and local businesses to underwrite or donate unused game tickets to local non-profit charity partners in the Greater Houston Area.
FAQ Schema
University of Houston Athletics: Key Highlights
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| New Soccer Roster Addition | Kendall Jones (Defender), effective 2026 season |
| Kendall Jones Previous Team | Texas Tech Red Raiders (2 seasons, 2 NCAA Tournament appearances) |
| Head Soccer Coach | Ben Williams |
| Houston’s 2024 Economic Impact from Sports | Over $330 million |
| Big 12 Private Funding Deal | Up to $500 million in loans from private equity partners for member universities |
| UH Projected Athletic Budget (2025) | $91 million |
| UH Athletic Budget Goal | $160 million annually |
| NCAA Direct NIL Payments (2025-26) | UH plans to distribute maximum $20.5 million to athletes |
| UH Soccer Overall Record (latest season) | 7-4-7 |
| UH Soccer Conference Record (latest season) | 2-4-5 (Big 12) |
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