Netherlands to the Net: Sophie Schouten’s role in Houston tennis’ rise

Sophie Schouten played tennis at Houston all four years. Coming from the Netherlands, she stepped into something “very different than back home” when she arrived as a freshman. 

Now, Schouten is one of two seniors completing their four years at Houston, and the program looks very different from when she first made it her home.

She underwent a conference change, coaching change, and limited winning, yet remained loyal to the Cougars. 

“I feel like my first two years were one part of this journey, and then my last two years were this part,” she said.

In her first two seasons, the Cougars did not win a conference game, and frustrations grew. Schouten said she “kind of lost the way to enjoy playing tennis.” At times, she found herself questioning her place on the team, thinking, “What am I doing here? It’s not even fun anymore.”

Now, the Cougars have finished with a winning 8-5 mark in conference play in 2025-26, as they’ll head to the Big 12 tournament to conclude the third season of their tenure. 

This was far from the reality she faced her sophomore year, as the Cougars failed to secure a single conference win. The struggles came amid a major transition, with Houston leaving the American Athletic Conference to join the Big 12, bringing tougher competition and higher stakes. 

“The players are a lot better. The girls were more consistent. They were better than before,” Schouten said, reflecting on the transition.

The Cougars did not win a conference match and finished with just two overall victories, forcing Schouten to become comfortable with losing.

“At one point, you go into a match, and you almost already know what’s going to happen,” Schouten said.

The following year, the program underwent a coaching change. Katarina Adamovic was hired to reshape the team’s culture and restore its competitive edge. 

Her way of doing that: bring in a large number of transfer athletes and a brand new coaching staff.  Her message was clear: “Hard work is the most important part.”

Progress took time. In Schouten’s junior season, the Cougars earned just one conference win. Still, Adamovic remained focused on rebuilding the program from the ground up. Schouten, who had been struggling individually, recognized the need for change.

Entering her senior season, the team set clear goals. “We set some goals, and we never lost those goals,” Schouten said. “The whole fall, the whole spring, we knew those goals, and we worked for those goals.”

That commitment extended beyond the court. “I’ve never been more fit than I am right now,” she said. “And that’s really paying off in matches.”

The addition of a new strength and conditioning coach became a turning point. After finishing 4-16 the previous season, the Cougars surged to a 17-5 record.

Schouten credits the team’s success to its unity. “It’s really important that you do everything you can, not just for yourself, but for the whole team,” she said.

That bond extends off the court as well. “We’re always together. Those are my best friends,” she said. 

Schouten has also excelled individually, compiling a 16-1 singles record and a 13-5 mark in doubles play.

Looking back on her journey, she emphasized the value of persistence. “The hard work will really pay off,” Schouten said. “You need to put in the work to get the results.”

With a Big 12 tournament match against No. 10-seed Texas Tech on Wednesday, she believes the No. 7-seed Cougars’ potential is still unfolding.

 “As long as all the girls are on board with her vision, there’s no ceiling,” Schouten said.

As her career comes to a close, Schouten hopes to be remembered for her commitment to the program. 

“I cared about this team and did everything I could for it.”