University of Houston Athletics
Houston Soccer Names 2026 Team Captains
8/11/2026 1:10:00 PM | Soccer
Fifth-years Ella Morgan and Morgan Donohue and junior Casey Maddox named captains for 2026 season
HOUSTON — University of Houston Soccer fifth-years Ella Morgan, Morgan Donohue and junior Casey Maddox were voted team captains ahead of the Cougars season opener against FGCU on Wednesday.
Casey, Ella and Morgan have consistently demonstrated the leadership qualities that represent the very best of this group, Head Coach Ben Williams said. They lead by example, support those around them and continually put the success of the team ahead of themselves. Their teammates selected them for these leadership roles because of the character, commitment, positivity and selflessness they consistently demonstrate.
They understand that leadership is not simply about holding a title or an armband but about setting the standard, encouraging others and bringing out the best in everyone around them.
As leaders, Casey, Ella and Morgan have the opportunity to represent not only their teammates and program, but also the university and our city. We are confident they will lead with purpose and humility while setting an example that others will follow.
Maddox dons the captain armband for the second-straight season while Morgan and Donohue earn the distinction for the first time.
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ABOUT ELLA MORGAN
Morgan enters her first season competing for the Cougars after missing the 2025 campaign with an injury.
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The Allen, Texas, native began her career at SFA where she was a part of Williams' 2024 Southland Conference Regular Season and Tournament titles team. Morgan was named the Southland Conference Defender and Scholar-Athlete of the Year in 2024 and was tabbed as a member of the Southland Conference All-Tournament Team.
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What it means to be a captain is so much more than the piece of cloth on the shoulder, Morgan said. I love my teammates so much and I'm so thankful to be able to encourage and serve them. It means showing up even when I'm tired because I know my teammates would do the same for me.
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ABOUT MORGAN DONOHUE
Donohue enters her second and final season with the Cougars after she played in all 18 matches with 15 starts last season. She scored the game-tying goal against Texas last season to help the Cougars defeat the Longhorns for the first time in 20 years.
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Also a member of Williams' 2024 Southland Conference Regular Season and Tournament titles teams, Donohue started in 28 matches with three goals and four assists in her two active seasons with the Ladyjacks. Donohue was also named to the Southland Conference Commissioner's Honor Roll in 2024.
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To be voted a captain for this team means so much more than just representing myself as an individual, Donohue said. I get the opportunity to raise the standard of what it means to represent Houston Soccer for the players beside me today and the players to come.
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I'm grateful for the trust my teammates have placed in me and I'm excited to continue to push this program in the right direction.
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ABOUT CASEY MADDOX
After being voted captain as a sophomore, Maddox earned the armband for the second-straight season. Last season, Maddox played in all 18 matches while making 12 starts and logging 867 minutes.
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The Snellville, Ga., native scored her first career goal against St. Mary's (TX) and scored the goal to tie the game against BYU.
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As a freshman, Maddox played in 13 matches with nearly 500 minutes played.
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Being a captain means a lot to me, especially knowing that my teammates trust me to lead the team, Maddox said. I'm really grateful for the opportunity and just want to do my part to support everyone, lead by example and help us have a great season.
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The Cougars open their season against FGCU at 6 p.m. CT Wednesday in Fort Myers, Fla. Houston hosts Northwestern State at 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 20, at the Carl Lewis International Complex for its home opener.
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SUPPORT YOUR COOGS
Fans can make a direct impact on the success of Houston Soccer by purchasing tickets, providing NIL opportunities and by joining the Cougar Reserves which provides financial support directly to Houston Soccer for needs beyond its operating budget.
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STAY CONNECTED
Fans can receive updates by following @UHCougarSoccer on X, formerly known as Twitter, and catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the team's Facebook page at UHCougarSoccer or on the team's Instagram page at @uhcougarsoccer.
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