Club History
1979 • Soccer in Houma began in Fall 1979 through the efforts of Bob Mayers, Fr. Lynch, Mr. Felix, and John Telford. • Players were ages 8–12, training at Annunciata and behind Ellender Jr. High. • This program became the foundation of the Bayou Soccer Association (BSA). 1982 • Vandebilt Catholic High School launched Houma’s first high school soccer team, coached by John Telford and Fr. Joseph Coyne. 1983 • John Telford and Fr. Joseph Coyne created a high school recreation league. All local high schools participated from September through November. • The Terrebonne Chargers U12, coached by Bob Mayers, became the first Houma team to win a state championship.
Origins: 1979-1983
Growth & Recognition 1984-1989
1984 • Louisiana Soccer Association (LSA) was formed. • Bayou Soccer Association became officially recognized by LSA. • The club’s early logo featured a cypress tree and a soccer ball rising from the swamp. • The Houma Blast team represented the area at the AAU Junior Olympics (photo submitted by Patrick Ghirardi). 1986 • Soccer became an officially recognized LHSAA varsity sport and a state championship event. • Houma Blast participated in the 1986 AAU Jr. Olympics in Cocoa, Florida.
The 1990s: Identity and Expansion
1990 • Under BSA, the Houma Sidekicks (formerly Houma Force) won the U14 State Tournament and advanced to Region III in Atlanta, GA. 1990–1991 • The central soccer hub moved from the YMCA to the “Winn Dixie Fields.” • Houma’s long-running Gobbler Cup tournament was introduced. 1992–1993 • Houma hosted a state tournament for the first time behind Winn Dixie. • Around this time, the club-wide identity “Blackhawks” was created by Dean Maltezos. • Dan Franz and Joe Comeaux played prominent coaching roles in these early Blackhawks years. 1994 • The U18 Blackhawks won the Louisiana State Championship and advanced to Region III in Houston, TX. • Houma Gators team photo (submitted by Nick Chancey). 1995 • The Houma Gators, formerly Blackhawks in 1993–94 (they were Blackhawks for one season under coach Rick Alexander), competed under Bayou Soccer Association. • Coached by Steve Malcolm, the Gators won the Pelican Cup (recreational state tournament) at Moore Park in Lafayette, defeating STYSA Eagles 4–3 in extra time. • They advanced through a 16-team field with wins over East Ascension (13–1), Raceland (4–0), St. Charles Fireball (3–1), and CLECO Shockers (2–0) in the semifinal. • Pelican Cup medals from 1995/96 (photo submitted by Nick Chancey). 1996 • The Houma Gators, again coached by Steve Malcolm, won the Pelican Cup at LSU-Shreveport with a 3–1 win over RAPSA Knights (Pineville). • They advanced with wins over STYSA Roadkill (5–1), East Ascension (13–1), and Carrollton (3–1). • Blackhawks U12 (1997) won the Louisiana state title under Joe Comeaux (photo referenced). 1998 • Houma-Terrebonne Soccer Association (HTSA) registered over 750 children in the fall season, creating field capacity challenges and accelerating facility development.
Early 2000s: Consolidation and Competitive Growth
January 2005 • Four Blackhawks teams competed in the Premier Select Division (U11, U12, U14, U15), all boys’ teams. Spring 2005 • Robichaux Ford and Bayou Black Electric served as uniform sponsors. Fall 2005 • Five Blackhawks teams (four boys, one girls) competed at the U11, U12, U13, and U17 levels in the Premier Select Division. January 2006 • HTSA adopted the logo that would define the club’s red, white, and blue identity. Spring 2006 • HTSA U18G United and U14B Heat were state champions. • Through the efforts of Abelardo Carbajal, HTSA launched an adult league for players aged 18 and older. July 2006 • Five Blackhawks teams (four boys, one girls) competed in Premier Select at U11, U12, U13, and U17. Fall 2006 • Batteries Plus became HTSA’s uniform sponsor. January 2007 • Three boys’ Blackhawks teams competed in the Premier Select Division at U11, U12, and U13. Spring 2007 • HTSA U16G Heat and U12G Hurricanes won their state tournaments. U16G Heat advanced to Region III, finishing with one win, one draw, and one loss. • HTSA hosted the East District State Tournament (April 28–29, 2007). Fall 2007 • 794 total players participated across all divisions. • Trapp Chevrolet became the main sponsor through Fall 2007 and Spring 2008. January 2008 • Three boys’ Blackhawks teams (U11, U12, U14) competed in the Premier Select Division. Spring 2008 • The Lakes Soccer Complex hosted the LSA Division 1 State Tournament for U17–U19. Fall 2008 • Teppco Marine became the uniform sponsor for Fall 2008 and Spring 2009. • Over 60 teams from across Louisiana competed in Gobbler Cup XVIII. Spring 2009 • The Blackhawks program fielded four teams: U12 Ladyhawks, and U13, U15, U18 Blackhawks in the Premier Select Division. • 72 teams were formed with 806 players across recreational (U6–U10), Division 1 (U11–U19), and Premier. July 2009 • The same four Blackhawks/Ladyhawks teams continued competing in the Premier Select Division. Spring 2010 • Five Premier Select teams: U11 Ladyhawks, U13 Ladyhawks, and U11, U12, U14 Blackhawks. • Over 1,050 players participated across the previous calendar year. • Synergy Bank became the main club sponsor for HTSA.
2011–2014: Tournament Success and Player Growth
Fall 2011 • Blackhawks/Ladyhawks competitive player total (2011–2012): 281. Spring 2012 • The Bayou Shootout, Houma’s premier spring tournament, was launched with over 70 teams and 19 clubs from Louisiana and southern Mississippi (boys and girls ages 6–14). • Blackhawks 01 Black (U11 Boys), coached by TJ Freeman, won Coupe de La Ligue. • HTSA Sharks U10, coached by Lee Andre, won the Recreational State Cup. Fall 2012 • Blackhawks/Ladyhawks players (2012–2013): 229. Spring 2013 • HTSA Firebirds U9, coached by Kevan Keiser and playing an age group up, were finalists in the LSA Recreational State Cup, narrowly losing 3–2 to a U10 Gonzales team at Lafreniere Park. • HTSA totaled 1,107 players: 579 fall recreational, 176 new spring recreational, and 352 competitive. 2013–2014 • Blackhawks/Ladyhawks players (2013–2014): 331 (a record at the time). • Blackhawks 02/03, coached by Joe Comeaux, finished second in the U11 FA Cup state tournament in Lafayette (2014). Spring 2014 • HTSA served over 950 players (496 fall rec, 145 new spring rec, 331 competitive). • Ladyhawks Black 01/02, coached by Matt Kelso, won C2 Presidents Cup with a 2–0 win over Mandeville Lakers White 01/02. • Blackhawks 02/03 Black, coached by Joe Comeaux, finished runners-up in U11 Boys FA Cup after a 4–3 loss to LA Fire 03B LP1. Fall 2014 • The Blackhawks Development Program (BDP) for U10 players was introduced. • Blackhawks/Ladyhawks players (2014–2015): 315.
2015–2016: Academy Transition and Award-Winning Coaches
Spring 2015 • Blackhawks logo updated. • Blackhawks 02/03 Black (U12), coached by Joe Comeaux, were C2 Presidents Cup finalists (2–1 loss to Madisonville YB Predators). • Blackhawks 03/04 Black (U11), coached by Jeramy Arana, were U11 Black Division finalists in Youngsville (1–0 loss to Dynamo Juniors 03/04 Orange). • Ladyhawks 03/04 Black (U11), coached by Alanna Dehart, were U11 Red Division finalists in Youngsville (1–0 loss to LSC Lady Hurricanes). Fall 2015 • Blackhawks/Ladyhawks players (2015–2016): 321. • A record 20 competitive teams: – 10 Blackhawks teams (2x U10D, 2x U11, 2x U12, U13, 2x U15, U17) – 10 Ladyhawks teams (U10D, U11, 2x U12, U13, 2x U14, U15, U16, U18). • Shane Fletcher and Jeramy Arana later received state-level coaching awards for their work during this era. Spring 2016 • The BDP was replaced by the Blackhawks Academy. • Ladyhawks 04/05 Black, coached by Matt Ferguson, reached the C1 State Cup semifinal (4–0 loss to Baton Rouge 04 Black). • Blackhawks 00/01 Black, coached by TJ Freeman and Matt Robichaux, were C2 Presidents Cup finalists (4–0 loss to CABOSA Shreveport United Blue). • Blackhawks 02/03 Black, coached by Kieran Gilberthorpe, were C2 Presidents Cup finalists (2–1 loss to LA Fire Spartans). • Jeramy Arana was named LSA Competitive Coach of the Year (2015–16). • Shane Fletcher was named LSA Recreational Coach of the Year (2015–16). Fall 2016 • Blackhawks/Ladyhawks players (2016–2017): 322. • HTSA formed 19 competitive teams – 10 Blackhawks (2x U11, 2x U12, U13, 2x U14, U15, U17, U18) and 9 Ladyhawks (U11, 2x U12, 2x U14, 2x U15, U17, U18). • 2016 marked the 25th anniversary of the Gobbler Cup.
2017–2018: Expanded Programming and College Pathways
Spring 2017 • The Pre-Academy, Lil’ Hawks, and Three-Year-Old Program were introduced, all led by licensed coaches to reach younger players. • Ladyhawks 00G Black, coached by Matt Kelso, were C2 Presidents Cup finalists (2–0 loss to Calcasieu Eagles). • Ladyhawks 02 Black, coached by Kieran Gilberthorpe, reached the C1 State Cup semifinal (2–0 loss to eventual champions St. Tammany Tigers). • Ladyhawks 03 White, coached by Kieran Gilberthorpe, won the C3 Open Cup Blue bracket in Lafayette (1–0 win over STYSA Storm). • HTSA 14U–Lucas, coached by Tim Lucas, won the C3 Open Cup Red bracket (3–1 win over Mandeville 2003/2004 Roquette). • Five HTSA players from U18 Blackhawks and Ladyhawks graduated into college soccer programs. • Six players were selected for Louisiana ODP. Fall 2017 • HTSA signed a uniform partnership with Nike, replacing Puma as the competitive uniform provider. • Blackhawks/Ladyhawks players (2017–2018): 259. • 17 competitive teams formed – 9 Ladyhawks and 8 Blackhawks (across 11U–18U). • As of August 21, 2017, 659 recreational players were registered. Spring 2018 • Blackhawks 07 Black, coached by Joe Comeaux, finished second in the Bob Abbott Cup 11U Blue Division. • Blackhawks 07 White, coached by Adam Leblanc, finished second in the Bob Abbott Cup 11U Red Division. • Blackhawks 06 Black, coached by Joe Comeaux, finished second in the Bob Abbott Cup 12U Division One. • Ladyhawks 06 Black, coached by Chris Staszak, finished second in the Bob Abbott Cup 12U Division Two. • Ladyhawks 00 Black, coached by Henry Ruiz, won Presidents Cup (3–2 win over Cajun SC 00G at Burbank). • Ladyhawks 02 Black, coached by Matt Kelso, reached the State Cup semifinal for the second straight year (2–1 loss to LA Fire Red). • Seven players were selected for Louisiana ODP. • HTSA graduated two players from U18 Ladyhawks to college programs: Molly Thompson (LSU) and Reagan Chauvin (NSU), along with former club players Ashton Zeringue, Maddie Robichaux (NSU), and Laresah Gros (NSU). Fall 2018 • Blackhawks Academy expanded to include 7U–9U age groups. • Blackhawks/Ladyhawks players (2018–2019): 220. • 16 competitive teams formed (8 Ladyhawks, 8 Blackhawks across 11U–18U). • As of August 21, 2018, HTSA registered 633 recreational players, plus 47 in 7/8U Academy, 45 in 9/10U Academy, and 35 in the Three-Year-Old Program.
2022: Historic Regional Champions and Leadership Transition
2022: Historic Regional Champions and Leadership Transition 2004 Boys Blackhawks • Head Coach: Travis Dupre • Assistant Coach: Chris Staszak • Won the Louisiana Presidents Cup, advancing to the USYS Southern Regional Presidents Cup. • Became the first male soccer team in Louisiana history to win a USYS Regional Presidents Cup. • Advanced to the USYS National Presidents Cup. Leadership • After serving as Club President for nearly a decade, Coach Kevin Keiser was relieved of his duties. • The Board elected Coach Clay Duplantis as Club President.
2023: From HTSA to Bayou Soccer Club
• Newly-elected President Clay Duplantis led a full rebrand from Houma-Terrebonne Soccer Association to Bayou Soccer Club (BSC) to unify the club’s identity and logos. • The HTSA logo was retired and replaced with a new Bayou Soccer Club shield. Staff Changes • After nearly 10 years as Director of Coaching, Matt Ferguson stepped down to pursue his career. He was succeeded by Coach Holly Moran, who joined from Mandeville Soccer Club. • Long-time Club Administrator Gabrielle “Gabi” Erny retired and was succeeded by Audra Keiser, a long-time player parent, team manager, and spouse of former Club President Kevin Keiser. On-Field Success: LA Presidents Cup Champions: • 2005/06 Boys, coached by Clay Duplantis, • The 2004 Boys, coached by Travis Dupre, Both teams advanced to USYS Southern Regionals in Greenville, SC.
2024: Back-to-Back Titles
2006/07 Boys Blackhawks • Head Coach: Clay Duplantis • Assistant Coach: Matt Bascle • Won back-to-back Louisiana Presidents Cup titles. • Advanced to USYS Southern Regionals in Frisco, TX. • Reached the Semifinals, losing to the would-be National Champions, Boca FC, from Florida. Player Highlights: Gunner Blanchard signs with Louisiana College and helps them win a Red River Conference Championship. Connor Bascle signs with Bethel College.
2025: Girl's Make Historical Run
2008 Girls Blackhawks • Head Coach: Coach Clay Duplantis • Assistant Coach: Coach Holly Moran • Won the Louisiana Presidents Cup State Championship. • Advanced to USYS Southern Regionals in Frisco, TX. • Became the first girls’ team in club history to break bracket, win the semifinal, and reach the Regional Final. • Qualified for the USYS National Presidents Cup in Tampa, FL. • Finished in the top 8 USYS Division II teams in the United States for the U17 girls age bracket. • This marked the second Bayou Soccer Club team to reach the National Presidents Cup, following the 2004 Boys. • This was Coach Clay Duplantis 3rd consecutive LA President's Cup State title and 3rd consecutive LA Southern Regional Appearance. President's Cup Southern Regionals changes formats in 2026 to reduce the tournament from 5 days to 4 by splitting the South into 3 separate divisions: Southeast, South Central, and Southwest. Player Highlights: Justin Ramirez (GK) signs with Belhaven University. Sydney Becker signs with Nicholl's State.
2026: 3 BSC Teams win State and Southeast Region...
- The 2008G (U-18) went back to back LA President's Cup State Champions. - 2026 Southeast Regional Champions Head Coach: Holly Moran - The 2009B (U-18) won their first LA President's Cup State Title. - 2026 Southeast Regional President's Cup Champions. Head Coach: Travis Dupre *This was Coach Travis Dupre's 2nd National President's Cup appearance as Head Coach - The 2012G (U-14) won their first LA President's Cup State Title. - 2026 Southeast Regional President's Cup Champions. Head Coach: Chris Staszak * All 3 BSC Regional Teams win the Southeast Regional President's Cup. - The 2013B's advanced to the LA President's Cup State Finals and lost in penalties, taking 2nd place. Head Coach: Clay Duplantis Beloved Club Director, Coach Holly Moran, leaves BSC after 6 years to move back to the Northshore and Mandeville SC. Player Highlights: Luke Siddon (VCH): signs with Coe College. Presley Lecompte (VCH): signs with Nicholls State.