The inaugural First Serve Dinner hosted by University of Houston Volleyball will take place on Friday, August 16th in the Cougar Club of TDECU Stadium. The reception will begin at 6:30pm with dinner following at 7:30pm. The First Serve Dinner offers a unique opportunity for the Houston Cougar community to get an inside look into our volleyball program before the season begins. You will have the chance to sit and dine with our dedicated players and coaches and hear directly from them about the program’s ambitious goals for the upcoming season. Additionally, by participating in this wonderful event, you are directly impacting our volleyball program financially.
Click here to register by August 1st!
DONOR SPOTLIGHT
Ricky Raven
Ricky Raven, a distinguished member of the University of Houston's Board of Regents, exemplifies commitment and generosity to his alma mater. As Senior Vice President and Deputy General Counsel for Allstate Insurance Company, Ricky leads the Corporate Litigation and Staff Counsel practice groups with distinction. Ricky earned his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Houston Law Center and a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of Houston. Since 2008, he has been an active member of Cougar Pride, contributing to three sports-specific clubs: Huddle/46ers, 50/50 Club, and Project 17. In addition to these contributions, Ricky has made significant commitments to TDECU Stadium and the Fertitta Center, showcasing his dedication to enhancing the university’s athletic facilities and supporting its student-athletes.
When did you decide to get involved with Cougar Pride and why do you feel that supporting our student-athletes is important?
We decided some time ago to support Cougar Pride because we love athletic competition and the Cougars! The University of Houston has a long, distinguished, and accomplished history in intercollegiate sports. Whether it's golf, basketball, football, baseball, or track and field, we have consistently excelled. We have produced some of the greatest athletes in the world in each of these sports.
What is your favorite memory as a fan?
The UH football team, led by Tom Herman, achieved a historic feat by defeating three top-five teams within a 12-month period, a first in NCAA football. Both past and present UH basketball teams have earned Final Four berths. As an undergraduate student during the Phi Slama Jama era, I experienced the excitement of witnessing Clyde Drexler and Hakeem Olajuwon become Hall of Famers. During that same period, Carl Lewis was competing for UH, and his historic accomplishments are unforgettable. Lastly, Coach Sampson's miraculous resurrection of the basketball program is truly remarkable.
What makes you most proud of being a part of Houston Athletics?
What makes us most proud is our willingness to compete at every level and seize every opportunity. No opponent is too formidable, and no trophy is too heavy for us to claim.
COOGS TO SUCCESS
Angel Shamblin
Angel Shamblin, born and raised in Davie, Florida, made a significant mark on the University of Houston's Women's Softball team. As a four-time letter winner and three-time Conference USA Pitcher of the Year honoree, Angel's senior season saw her finish as an NFCA All-American second team member. She led the Cougars to an impressive 54 wins, securing the Conference USA regular-season and tournament championships, the NCAA Houston Regional title, and a berth in the NCAA Houston Super Regional championship game. Angel still holds the school’s single-season and career records in ERA, wins, innings pitched, strikeouts, shutouts, and complete games. After competing professionally in the National Pro Fastpitch League and overseas, Angel received her bachelor’s degree in health promotions from Houston in 2008 and is currently studying for her master’s degree in student affairs at UH-Victoria. Honored with induction into the University’s Athletics Hall of Honor, she became the first softball student-athlete in program history to receive this accolade. Now happily married to Stephen Price, Angel has made Houston her home, beginning her professional career in the athletic department working in academics. Starting as a teaching assistant, she rose to her current position as Assistant Athletics Director for Academic Services. In this role, she works primarily with the Houston Men’s Basketball, Men’s Track and Field, and Women's Volleyball programs, coordinating academic counseling and addressing daily academic concerns such as tutoring, mentoring, and monitoring academic progress.
What advice would you give a current student-athlete?
Being a student-athlete was one of the best times of my life. I learned many valuable life lessons during my time as a collegiate athlete. My advice to current student-athletes is to live in the moment. The time will go by fast. Enjoy every moment and make sure to experience everything college has to offer. Meet new people outside of athletics. Most of all, enjoy the ride; it will be over before you know it.
What is your favorite memory as a Houston student-athlete?
During my time here, I made many great memories. I was blessed to be recruited by some of the best coaches and to have the best teammates. Some of my favorite memories as a student-athlete include making lifelong friends, winning the program's first regular season and tournament conference championships, hosting regionals and super regionals, and becoming one of the first three All-Americans in program history.
Cougar Pride Annual Fund
Cougar Pride engages fans, alumni, and loyal supporters of Houston Athletics to generate financial support that benefits the overall educational and athletics experience for our student-athletes. The funds raised through the Annual Fund support scholarships, educational resources, and other expenses associated with being a Houston student-athlete.
The Basketball season ticket deadline is July 22nd. Please do not hesitate to reach out to our office if you have any questions about your renewal. These renewals will also include any "unrestricted" Cougar Pride donations. Cougar Pride giving levels are determined on an annual basis by the total amount of Cougar Pride "unrestricted" donations and/or "football/basketball per seat" commitment payments within each fiscal year. Your financial support directly benefits over 400 Houston student-athletes in the classroom, in competition, and ensures they leave Houston prepared for the next step in their lives.
Click here to donate now!
The Center Court Club serves as a unique and effective way to enhance the level of excitement and support for Houston Cougar Tennis. Gifts to the Center Court Club provide financial support directly to the UH Tennis program for needs beyond the program’s operating budget. Donations made to the Center Court Club are used at the discretion of the Head Coach.
Entering a new era for Women's Tennis, we're committed to creating a world-class program from the ground up. This includes resurfacing the tennis courts, improving fan seating, and providing our student-athletes with the resources that will allow us to enhance their development and experience at a Houston student-athlete. These improvements will attract top recruits and position us to compete for championships! -Katarina Adamovic, Head Women's Tennis Coach
NIL: Linking Coogs
Coog Nation! We're thrilled to launch Part 2 of the RUN IT BACK campaign, featuring a classic 1965 Ford Mustang! That's right, you have the chance to win an iconic 1965 Ford Mustang Convertible. To enter the giveaway, simply purchase entries below. All proceeds will directly support University of Houston basketball through NIL. Join us, spread the word, and imagine cruising down Holman in this Mustang. Every Coog would look fantastic behind the wheel!
Tip of the Month from Compliance
Question: Recruiting Richard, a graduate from nationally renowned law school at University of Missouri – Kansas City, had a classmate move down to Houston, join a local firm, and become a Coogs’ season ticket holder. In hopes to inspire the next generation of lawyers, he wanted to take a member of each athletic team out for lunch. Would this be permissible?
Answer: Yes! A student-athlete or entire team may receive an occasional meal from a "booster" on infrequent and special occasions. This is something that needs to be documented in our office before it happens. If any staff member hears about a booster being interested in this opportunity, please reach out to a member of the compliance staff to properly document.
Questions? Contact the Office of Athletics Compliance
- Lauren DuBois - ledubois@central.uh.edu
- Chris Nasuti - cnasuti@central.uh.edu
- Christina Erwin - cnmaldon@central.uh.edu
- Richard Vierling - ravierli@central.uh.edu