University of Houston women’s soccer adds 2 to technical staff

HOUSTON (Via University of Houston) – The University of Houston Soccer team expanded on Thursday as Head Coach Diego Bocanegra announced the hiring of both an assistant coach and volunteer assistant coach.

Gus Mota has joined the program as Assistant Coach and Haley Carter as volunteer assistant coach. Danesha Adams has been promoted to the top assistant, while retaining her role as the recruiting coordinator for the Cougars.

“I’m excited to elevate Danesha to our top assistant coach,” said Bocanegra “As our Recruiting Coordinator she has been instrumental in building relationships with the top clubs from around the country and the world.  Since her arrival we have secured top recruits from California, Florida, Colorado, New Zealand and of course Texas.  More importantly, she has the ability to pass along all of her experiences on and off the field, to our current players to help them grow.”

Mota comes to Houston after spending the last four seasons as the Head Coach at Greensboro college. Under the tutelage of Mota, the Pride posted back-to-back 10-win seasons in his first two years as a Head Coach. In 2017, Mota led Greensboro College to a 16-3 record, the best mark in program history.

Prior to Greensboro College, Mota served at the goalkeeping coach as Sam Houston Sate from 2014-15. In addition to his time at Sam Houston State, Mota made stops at Southeastern Louisiana University, South Carolina University, and Southern Wesleyan University, where he also served as recruiting coordinator and goalkeeping coach, combining for over 10 years of experience.

“During the hiring process, we had a good idea of what we wanted in an assistant coach,” said Bocanegra. “When we met Gus, the picture became crystal clear and I knew we had found the next member of our family.  His passion for the game, his eagerness to learn, his humility and his competitive nature stood out above the rest.  He has a tireless work ethic and is a proven winner.  We are excited to have Gus and his wife Bailey join the UH Cougar family!”

Carter comes to Houston following a decorated playing career both collegiately and professionally. After playing at the United State Naval Academy, Carter played internationally for the U.S. All-Armed Forces Women’s Soccer team. She competed in a pair of Conseil International du Sport Militaire Women’s Soccer World Championships, before playing three seasons as the reserve goalkeeper for the Houston Dash from 2014-16.

After her stint with the Dash, Carter held volunteer coach positions at Sam Houston State and Houston-Tillotson. Carter is currently the assistant and goalkeeping coach for the Afghanistan Women’s National Team.

“I feel very fortunate to be able to add someone of Haley’s caliber to our staff,” said Bocanegra “Between her athletic experiences, academic accomplishments and her work to promote women’s soccer on a global scale, she is the ultimate role model for our women.”