Huskies Ready to Rise: HCU Women’s Soccer Eyes Breakout Season Under Coach Nick Whiting
(image via Houston Christian University)
As the Houston heat bears down on the training grounds, the Houston Christian University women’s soccer team is grinding through its preseason — sweat, grit, and determination on full display. For head coach Nick Whiting, now entering his second year in charge, these sweltering August sessions are more than conditioning. They’re preparation for a breakthrough season.
“It helps us so much,” Whiting said. “Once you leave the city, you really see the benefits. Our fitness stays up, and we’re able to keep pushing and grinding despite being tired. The players have worked so hard this preseason.”
The Huskies are coming off a challenging first season under Whiting, one that began in whirlwind fashion after he was hired in the summer. Without much time to build chemistry, the team used the spring as a foundation for growth.
“That first fall felt like we were still coaching someone else’s team,” Whiting said. “But in the spring, we really bonded and grew. It gave us a launching pad for this fall.”
One of the constants through that transition has been fifth-year defender Danika Etter, a local product who has played a key role on and off the field. Etter calls herself the “great grandma” of the team at just 22, and embraces her role as a leader for the Huskies’ younger players.
“Especially with the freshmen, it’s almost like they’re my little kids,” Etter said with a laugh. “I’m always telling them, ‘Let’s be careful, let’s do treatment.’ I’ve been enjoying it so much.”
Building on Houston Roots
HCU’s roster has a heavy Houston flavor, with several players coming from area clubs such as HTX Soccer. Whiting sees that connection as a major strength.
“There’s so much talent here, so much love for the game,” Whiting said. “It’d be crazy not to try to keep as much of it as we can at home. We want people to know they’ve got a really good option right here in town.”
Etter has witnessed that growth first-hand. She played for the club when it was still called Rush, saw it transition to Dash, and now watches it thrive as HTX.
“My freshman year, they opened a place in Sienna that was so small we barely took up half a field,” Etter said. “Now, five years later, they’re filling six fields. It’s insane — and awesome.”
(image via Houston Christian University)
Chasing Progress
The Huskies open their 2025 campaign with an in-city showdown tonight against Rice University, a matchup Whiting calls a “great test” ahead of Southland Conference play.
“We’re probably not going to see a team like Rice in conference,” Whiting said. “But those games help get you ready for the grind of the season.”
On the field, the focus this preseason has been on sharpening the attack.
“We’ve got some strong defenders like Danika, but we have to put the ball in the net,” Whiting said. “If we can get one, we’re going to have a good chance to win.”
For Etter, the goal is continued growth — both in chemistry and performance.
“We have a lot of new girls, so we’re still figuring out how everyone plays,” she said. “We’ve come a long way, but it’s about learning each other’s strengths and weaknesses.”
An Open Invitation
Whiting and Etter hope more Houstonians take notice of the program. With free admission and a competitive Division I schedule — including past matchups with Texas, SMU, and conference rivals — the team is ready to put on a show.
“There’s good soccer here,” Whiting said. “We’ve got players representing national teams and playing professionally overseas. We want people to come enjoy it.”
Etter’s message is equally passionate, especially for young players in the city: “If things get tough, keep working hard. Surround yourself with people who push you. In the end, it’s so worth it.”
For HCU, the grind of preseason is over, but the work is just beginning. And if Whiting and Etter have their way, the 2025 Huskies will be remembered not just for their hustle — but for their results.
You can listen to our full interview with Coach Whiting and Danika Etter on YouTube and everywhere you get your podcasts.
