From Missouri City to the Big 12: Charlotte Richardson’s Journey With Houston Soccer
(image via University of Houston Athletics)
In her third season at the University of Houston, defender Charlotte Richardson finds herself in a familiar yet brand-new environment. A Missouri City native who grew up immersed in Houston’s soccer scene, Richardson enters 2025 with a new head coach, a reenergized squad, and high expectations for the Cougars.
“It’s really exciting just to see all the pieces being put together right now,” Richardson said. “The environment has changed in such a positive way—it’s super competitive at practice, and I’m really excited to see where we can go this season.”
Richardson’s connection to new head coach Ben Williams runs deeper than most. Williams coached her when she was just 12 years old, back when soccer was becoming a serious part of her life. Now, more than a decade later, she will finish her college career under the same coach who helped spark her journey.
“It is so surreal,” she said. “He started me off when soccer was getting super serious, and he’s always been such a great coach. To end my career playing for him is really special.”
The Cougars’ roster looks dramatically different this season, with a mix of returning players and a wave of transfers and freshmen. Richardson says the team chemistry has come together quickly. “Our team just meshes super well,” she said. “All the new girls have been so great. We’re fitting together really well, and I’m excited to see how it goes.”
That chemistry will be tested early with a challenging nonconference schedule that includes Sam Houston and a home match against Texas before Big 12 play. For Richardson, the level of competition is exactly what Houston needs to make a statement. “I feel like we can put our name on the map,” she said. “We’re all looking forward to conference play and making an impact.”
(image via University of Houston Athletics)
For Richardson, playing for her hometown school carries extra meaning. She’s seen the city’s soccer culture explode in recent years, with the World Cup coming to Houston in 2026 and local clubs producing top-level talent. “Playing for my city has always been super special to me,” she said. “We want people from Houston to see themselves in our team—hardworking, relentless, representing the city as best we can.”
Even as she recovers from a recent injury, Richardson’s focus is on leading by example. “Personally, I just want to be the best player and teammate I can be,” she said. “If that means encouraging from the bench, that’s what I’ll do. I want to grow in my confidence and keep developing as a player and person.”
Her message to young players in Houston is straightforward: never give up. “It hasn’t always been easy,” she said. “I used to get put down because of my size, but I’ve come a long way. Keep working hard, no matter the challenges—you’ll end up where you’re supposed to be.”
As the Cougars prepare to open their season on the road against UTSA before returning home, Richardson hopes fans will come see what the new-look UH squad is building. “We’re a lot of fun to watch,” she said. “We have a lot to show and a lot to prove. It’s going to be a great environment, and we want everyone to come out and be part of it. Go Coogs.”
You can listen to our full interview with Charlotte on YouTube and everywhere you get your podcasts.
