A pair of club legends, Jazzy Richards and Cameron Phillips, have returned to HTX Soccer to take up coaching roles within the organization, looking to share their experiences in club and collegiate soccer with the next generations of HTX players.
Richards, a four-year player at the University of Oklahoma and graduate of The Woodlands High School, now coaches with HTX Soccer’s Girls Academy and Youth Academy teams. Phillips, a graduate of Xavier University and Cy-Fair High School, is now an Attacking Specialist for the club’s ECNL Boys Program.
"Jazzy was an inspiration to so many people as a player. Now it is her time to inspire the next generation of talent by sharing her passion and experience," said Andrew Squire, Girls Director. "We are delighted to have her on our coaching staff working in various programs to have the biggest impact possible.”
Richards began her time in the club in 2007 at the age of 6, playing all over the field as she rose through the ranks, eventually settling in as a forward. She was named the 2017 All-Greater Houston Player of the Year as a senior and was recruited to Oklahoma, where she scored 10 goals and provided six assists over 62 appearances. In 2020, Richards won the Honda Inspiration Award after returning to the field following a rare cancer diagnosis.
“Any chance I had as a player to coach during small-sided tournaments or summer camps, I always enjoyed helping out with,” said Richards of her desire to join the coaching ranks. “I also recognize the impact that my coaches have had on me, and if I can have a fraction of that impact on at least one kid I think it is something worth trying.”
Phillips spent four years on the Xavier Musketeers soccer program following his time with the club. He began with HTX Soccer as an 8-year-old, developing over the next several years into one of the state’s top recruits and a Division I player.
“From an early age, HTX Soccer played a huge part in my development as a player. In the early years it was building my technical ability on the ball through practices and drills,” Phillips said. “They were also able to help me develop my tactical knowledge as I grew up. They understood that every day you can improve a part of your game. Whether you are 8 or 18, there is always room for improvement.”
"The Boys Academy staff is extremely pleased to have Cameron – in his own terms – 'give back' to the program. Cam was a consistent performer for the club for his entire youth career,” said Dave Dengerink, Boys Director. "He has modeled the journey we believe in. So to have him want share his experiences in the game with our current players is truly a remarkable opportunity for both the staff and players."
Phillips is keenly aware of the impact his and Richards’ presence can have on the development of the up-and-coming talents proudly wearing the HTX Soccer crest, as someone who was so recently in their shoes.
“This club has given me so many opportunities that I am so thankful for. Coaching was one of the ways I could keep involved with the club along with being a figure the young kids could look at for guidance. As someone who has played at this club since the age of 8 … I want to help develop the players in hope they can experience some things I did here.”
