The spotlight will shine brightly on Houston Christian University this weekend as our beloved Husky Field transforms into the epicenter of collegiate baseball action, hosting the prestigious Southland Conference Baseball Championship Series from May 22 to May 24.
This marks a monumental occasion for HCU Athletics, as this is the first time HCU Baseball is competing in a Southland Conference Championship Series. This will also be HCU’s second time hosting a conference postseason game, the first dating back to 2007 for the NAIA Region VI Tournament.
Defying all expectations, the Huskies, under Head Coach Clay VanderLaan’s leadership, have completed a remarkable journey, transforming from a program that finished last for three consecutive seasons into a championship contender. With only seven returners and an astonishing 33 new recruits, this year’s roster reflects a total program shift, fueled by grit and an unshakeable commitment to building something special.
“We got a new coaching staff this year and I can’t say enough good things about them… They have been so good to us,” first baseman Katcher Halligan mentioned in an interview earlier this season.
The fresh leadership has not only revitalized the culture but also inspired players to buy in from day one, a crucial factor in the team’s chemistry and success.
Clay VanderLaan’s leadership, combined with a relentless work ethic, has produced HCU’s first 30-win season since 2013. Whether it’s clutch pitching performances, perfectly timed hits, or lockdown defense, the Huskies have proven they belong on the biggest stage.
“When you have a group of guys who love showing up to the ballpark every day, success usually follows,” Coach VanderLaan said in a mid-season interview, and that sentiment still holds true today, with plenty of evidence to back it up.
Hosting this series is not just a reward for the team’s efforts on the field, it’s a milestone for the whole Husky community. Students, alumni and supporters will have the rare opportunity to witness postseason history unfold right here at home.
The atmosphere at Husky Field is sure to be electric, with fans packing the stands to cheer on a team that has redefined the future of HCU Athletics.
As the Huskies take the field against the New Orleans Privateers, they carry with them the pride of an entire university and are eager to etch their names into Southland Conference record books. No matter the outcome, their journey has already defied all odds and inspired so many!
To purchase tickets to this historic series or for more information, visit hcuhuskies.com.