John Houston’s Legacy in UH Athletics Sports Medicine

Bringing his energy to the court, John Houston leads the way through the Fertitta Center tunnel. (Image Courtesy UH Athletics)

Bringing his energy to the court, John Houston leads the way through the Fertitta Center tunnel. (Image Courtesy UH Athletics)

For nearly three decades, John Houston, associate athletic director for sports medicine, has been a steady presence behind the scenes of University of Houston athletics.

He is the person that players in Men’s Basketball and Men’s Golf turn to when something hurts, when they need reassurance or when they simply need someone who cares.

While fans see the action on the court or course, Houston and his team are often working quietly in the background: taping ankles, monitoring recovery and making sure players are ready to compete.

Since arriving at UH in 1997, Houston has witnessed the transformation of college athletics, the evolution of sports medicine and the remarkable growth of the University itself.

Along the way, he’s built lasting relationships with generations of student-athletes, something he said matters far more than any championship.

We caught up with Houston to talk about his nearly three decades at UH, what game day looks like behind the scenes, and the lessons he’s learned about health, balance and consistency.

“Coaches will ask me all the time: ‘What would you do if that was your kid?’ That’s always the standard.”
Associate Athletic Director for Sports Medicine John Houston

You’ve been with UH Athletics since 1997. What has kept you here for nearly three decades, and how have you seen the sports medicine field evolve during that time?

JH: When I first started here, my plan wasn’t to stay 30 years by any stretch. I thought I might be here three or four years and then move on.

But I had a great mentor in Mike O’Shea [O'Shea served as head athletic trainer at UH for 27 years before retiring in 2020]. He was outstanding — not just professionally, but personally. He showed me how you could balance family with a real passion for what you do.

Over time, the University also showed a commitment to me, and I felt like I should reciprocate that commitment. I had opportunities to go elsewhere, but UH was always willing to invest in me and what we were building here.

As far as sports medicine, the core of what we do hasn’t changed — we’re still evaluating injuries, referring athletes to specialists and helping them recover. But the technology and knowledge have grown tremendously. When I first got here, we didn’t do nearly as many X-rays or MRIs. Now those tools are much more standard.

The biggest shift has been the emphasis on health and wellness. Once a student-athlete signs here, we treat them like they’re ours. Coaches will ask me all the time: “What would you do if that was your kid?” That’s always the standard.

What does a typical game day look like for you behind the scenes with Men’s Basketball?

JH: Game day usually starts a little slower because players come in later depending on the game time.

In the afternoon, it becomes all about preparing the guys. If someone needs special treatment, we get them in before or after shootaround to make sure they’re ready for the game.

During the game, I’m constantly watching. We call it the “eyeball test.” You learn to read body language and see when something might not be right.

Sometimes people wonder why I don’t immediately run out when someone falls. But if I step onto the floor, that player has to come out of the game. So, unless it’s obvious they need help, you give them a moment and trust your instincts.

John Houston to the rescue for former UH Men's Basketball player J'wan Roberts.

John Houston to the rescue for former UH Men's Basketball player J'wan Roberts.

John Houston keeping the Cougars hydrated, one Powerade at a time. (Image Courtesy UH Athletics)

John Houston keeping the Cougars hydrated, one Powerade at a time. (Image Courtesy UH Athletics)

How do you approach injury prevention throughout a long and demanding season?

JH: It’s very much a collaborative effort between our sports performance staff, the coaches and the sports medicine team.

A lot of it comes down to managing the workload. There are new technologies that help measure how much work athletes are doing, but honestly, the eyeball test still matters a lot too. You can see when someone is fatigued.

In the summer, workloads are heavier as athletes build strength and conditioning. As the season progresses, we taper things down and focus more on mobility and maintaining the body.

It’s about keeping their bodies moving well so they stay healthy over the course of the season.

You work with both Men’s Basketball and Men’s Golf. How does caring for athletes differ between those sports?

JH: They’re definitely very different sports. Basketball is obviously much more physical and high-impact, while golf involves a lot of repetitive motion and precision. But at the end of the day, they’re all still 19- to 22-year-olds. They have a lot of the same needs and challenges. One thing I’ll say is that both programs recruit great kids. Coach [Kelvin] Sampson and Coach [Jonathan] Dismuke both bring in athletes with strong character.

When student-athletes look back on their time at UH, what do you hope they remember about the care and support they received from you and your team?

JH: Honestly, the relationships.

Over the years, I’ve had former athletes come up to me and tell me how much they appreciated the time we spent together in the training room. Sometimes I don’t even realize the impact I've had until years later.

One former player told me one of his best memories at UH was the time I spent helping take care of him. That caught me completely off guard.

Moments like that remind you that relationships are far more important than championships.

From your experience in sports medicine, what advice would you offer to anyone looking to stay strong and healthy while avoiding common injuries?

JH: The biggest thing is simply to keep your body moving. People sometimes get hung up on finding the perfect workout or the newest diet trend. But the most important thing is consistency over time.

Move your body regularly, stretch, drink plenty of water and try to maintain balance in your life. A lot of people underestimate the value of something as simple as a stretching routine or a daily walk.

If you focus on balance, discipline and consistency, you’ll usually be in a good place.

“One former player told me one of his best memories at UH was the time I spent helping take care of him. That caught me completely off guard. Moments like that remind you that relationships are far more important than championships.”
Associate Athletic Director for Sports Medicine John Houston

What is a hobby or interest people might be surprised to learn about you?

JH: Most people know I love working out and playing golf — those are big parts of my life. But one thing that surprises people is that I enjoy country dancing. Most people just don’t see me in that environment. If the right song comes on and the setting is right, I’ll absolutely get out there and dance.

Describe UH in three words.

JH: Growth. Recognition. Resilient.

I’ve seen this campus transform since I arrived in 1997. The University has grown tremendously and earned greater recognition nationally. Athletics plays a role in that visibility, but once people get here, they see everything the University has become. It’s been incredible to watch that evolution over the years.