USSF A License
ODP 92 State Team Coach

In 2008 Coach Houser enters his 1st season as the Men’s Head Coach and 6th season overall looking to improve the program for a third straight year. Starting his college coaching career in 2003, Coach Houser guided the Lady Cats to their first ever Region V playoff appearance. The team has set its sights on a return to post season again in 2008 after qualifying last year. 

Professional Playing Career:
A graduate of Baker University in 1994, Nate went into a 12 year professional soccer career. He spent 11 seasons with the Kansas City Comets and one with the St. Louis Steamers and the Baltimore Blast. Nate was on All-Star during the 1999 and 2000 seasons, as well as an All-Pro selection in 2000. Nate also played outdoor soccer in the A-League for the Hampton Roads Mariners (1996), Rochester Rhinos (1997) and the Milwaukee Rampage (2000). Every team Nate was on went to post season play. In 1997 the Kansas City Comets won the NPSL championship. From 2000 to 2003 Nate was part of the US National Team Futsal Player Pool.

Collegiate Playing Career:
In 2007, Coach Nate Houser was inducted into the Hall of Fame as the first Men’s Soccer player.  As a player at Baker University Nate was a 1st team All-America selection in 1992 and 1993, as well as an NSCAA 1st team All-America selection. He garnered Honorable mention status in 1991. Nate was Conference, District, and Regional Player of the Year during that time as well. In 1992 Nate was part of the United States Olympic Festival and won a silver medal as part of the final field of 64 for the 1992 Olympic Team. Nate finished his career with 162 points in his Baker career, and still holds the season record for goals and points, and is currently the career assist leader with 35. Nate also played in the Umbro Senior Bowl in the spring of 1994 before graduating.

BLAKE REYNOLDS

Blake Reynolds begins his third season as the men’s assistant and his first with the women.  As an assistant with the men’s team last year Reynolds helped lead the Wildcats to the Region Semifinals, losing in overtime to the defending national champions.  He previously served in 2006 as the graduate assistant at Division 1 South Dakota State University, helping lead the Lady Jackrabbits to their first ever conference championship in the United Soccer Conference Tournament.  Prior to his collegiate coaching experience Reynolds served as the Head Varsity Coach at Topeka High School as well as being very involved in the youth scene in Topeka. 

Reynolds graduated in 2003 from Baker with a degree in psychology, and is currently finishing up work on a master’s degree from South Dakota State in sport pedagogy.  While at Baker, Reynolds was a standout central midfielder, garnering three-time 1st Team All HAAC honors, 3-time All-Region honors, two conference championships and a region championship.  During his senior season, Reynolds helped lead the Wildcats to the programs first ever national tournament appearance and was rewarded as an NAIA & NSCAA Honorable Mention All-American.  Reynolds spent his freshmen year at D2 Cal State San Bernardino before transferring to Baker as a sophomore.

Reynolds holds an NSCAA Advanced National License, USSF C License and Level I & II Goalkeeping Diplomas from the NSCAA.  He is originally from Bellevue, WA. 

MICHAEL GARVEN

Mike Garven is in his third season as an assistant coach and Strength and Conditioning Coach at Baker. Garven is in charge of coordinating and executing fitness regiments during the season. He was a member of the team from 2001 to 2005. During his career as a player, Garven made three consecutive national tournament appearances including Baker's first in 2002. Garven completed a BS in Biology and a minor in Spanish in May 2006. He is currently completing his BS in nursing to become an RN. During his academic career, Garven was named to the Dean's List and honor roll on several occasions. Garven will continue his roll as an assistant and Strength and Conditioning Coach during the 2008 season.

DAVY PHILLIPS

Davy Phillips enters his first season as men's graduate assistant. He previously was an assistant for men's and women's soccer programs at California State University at San Marcos. While there, the men compiled a 12-3-1 record in their inaugural season. The women lost in overtime in the NAIA Region II semi-final. Davy also coached Fallbrook High School Varsity Girls team to an Avocado League championship, and guided them to a CIF fina four. Davy has been very active in club soccer, including serving as director of coaching for Fallbrook Soccer club.

Davy graduated in 2005 from Baker with a degree in History and Political Science. He is currently working on his M.L.A. at Baker. While at Baker, Davy was an outstanding central midfielder and served as captain during his junior and senior season, earning 3 time All-HAAC honors, 2-time All-Region honors, two HAAC championships and two Region V championships. Davy was part of all three of Baker's National Championship Tournament appearences, including his senior season where he scored a goal in their second round match-up versus Simon Fraser.

Phillips holds an USSF license. He is originally from Dallas, Texas.

MELANIE BENSON

Melanie Benson is in her first year as a graduate assistant at Baker University.  She was a member of  the women’s team from 1998-2001, and was the assistant coach in 2002.  Benson completed a BS in mathematics education and began teaching and coaching at the high school level in California and North Carolina.  Benson is also coaching for the Kansas Rush soccer program while completing a masters in liberal arts.