Houston soccer gets three more transfers as portal closes

The transfer portal for women’s college soccer has closed, though Houston was able to snatch up three more players.

The Cougars strengthened their goalkeeper department on Wednesday, Dec. 10 by adding junior Molly Wissman. Wissman comes to Houston after spending her first three seasons at Denver.

“She commands her box, organizes the players in front of her, and has the shot-stopping range to handle everything from point-blank saves to long-range strikes,” coach Ben Williams said. “We’re thrilled about the leadership and competitiveness she adds to our goalkeeping group.”

Wissman played only one match in 2025, a 2-1 win over South Dakota in the regular season finale. She played all 90 minutes, facing 11 shots and making two saves. The Pioneers made it to the Summit League Tournament, where they lost in the semifinals to South Dakota State 1-0.

In 2024, Wissman played and started in 13 matches, including the final eight of the season, playing them all from start to finish to log 1,170 playing minutes. She faced 143 shots, making 43 saves with a save percentage of 72.9%, allowing only 16 goals with a goals against average of 1.23 and achieving four clean sheets.

Wissman won Summit League Defensive Peak Performer of the Week for her efforts against the Coyotes (10/24)  and Jack Rabbits (10/27). She played all 90 minutes in both matches, faced 20 shots, made seven saves and allowed only one goal in back-to-back wins.

Denver made the Summit League Tournament, where they lost in the semifinals to South Dakota State 2-1.

In her debut season in 2023, Wissman played and started all 18 matches, logging 1,640 minutes. She faced 162 shots, making 39 saves with a save percentage of 63.9%, allowing 22 goals with a goals against average of 1.21 and making six clean sheets.

It was this season that she made a career high in saves with seven in a 3-3 draw against Milwaukee.

The Pioneers made the Summit League Tournament, where they lost to Omaha on penalties after drawing 2-2 in regulation, the start of their three straight semifinal exits.

For her efforts throughout the season, she was named to the Summit League All-Newcomer Team.

On Thursday, Dec. 11, Houston bolstered its attack by adding sophomore Gabreilla Garcia-Terrell. She joins the Cougars after spending two seasons at Howard.

“Gabby is a proven finisher — an all-conference striker in both seasons at Howard with the ability to score in just about any way possible,” Williams said. “Her natural scoring instincts and massive upside make her a huge addition to our front line.”

In 2025, Terrell played and started 16 matches, accumulating 1,126 minutes. She led the Bison in scoring with nine goals, second in the NEC, while adding an assist for 19 points.

Terrell helped the team make it to the NEC Tournament, where they lost in the semifinals to Wagner College 3-2 in double overtime. For her efforts throughout the season, she was named to the All-NEC First Team.

In her debut season in 2024, Terrell played and started 20 matches, accumulating 1,437 minutes, scoring five goals and giving out three assists for 13 points.

Terrell helped the team make it to the NEC Tournament, where they beat Fairleigh Dickinson for their first tournament title.

Howard then moved on to the NCAA Tournament, where they lost in the first round to Duke 8-0.

For her performances throughout the season, Terrell won NEC Rookie of the Year, made the Fall Honor Roll, the Commissioner’s Honor Roll, and the All-NEC First Team.

After the closing of the portal, a new face was added to the Houston defense with the addition of sophomore Kendall Jones, who was announced as part of the roster on Friday, Dec.19.

Jones joins the team after spending her first two seasons at rival Texas Tech.

“Kendall is a hardworking, dynamic, and aggressive defender who is ultra-competitive in her 1v1 battles,” Williams said. “Keeping her in her home state and close to her family is important to us, and we are confident she will bring tremendous energy, passion and personality to the program on and off the field.”

Jones played 12 matches with the Red Raiders, accumulating 251 playing minutes and getting an assist. She helped Texas Tech make the NCAA Tournament two years in a row, making it to the second round both times.