#UHGrad Series: Sibling Bond, Support Shapes Stuart’s Journey

In conjunction with the University of Houston's May commencement ceremonies, UH Athletics is celebrating its standout graduates who have shined in the classroom and in the arena of competition with our #UHGrad Series.

HOUSTON – University of Houston senior Chris Stuart's journey, which has included a move from Amsterdam to Houston, has been impacted by many individuals. Arguably no one has made a larger imprint than his sisters.

"I played a lot of sports growing up," Stuart said. "I played soccer, track, judo, gymnastics, and a little bit of everything. My sister, Rhowan, played softball and I was always around the field."

Time spent on the softball field turned into his first t-ball participation at six years old. In soccer-crazed Netherlands, soccer took priority for Stuart before he eventually made the full-time switch. In high school, Stuart posted a highlight video on Twitter catching the attention of coaches overseas.

Stuart ultimately decided on San Jacinto Community College, offering up his first experience in the City of Houston. At San Jac, Stuart shined, striking out 106 batters in 78.1 innings as a freshman, earning him an opportunity to play baseball at the University of Texas, and now, the University of Houston.

"[Houston Associate Head Coach Ross] Kivett reached out to me, and I vaguely remember what he said but it was something around the lines of 'we would love to have you here,'" Stuart said. "Then [Pitching] Coach [Sean] Kenny came to meet me in California while I was playing summer ball."

Throughout his undergraduate career, regardless of institution, Rhowan has continued to play a role in Chris's life.

"The person that has helped me the most academically is my sister," Stuart said. "She's very smart and she is always there to help whenever I needed something. She's studying Chemistry at the University of Amsterdam. She spent time at junior college before in Jacksonville, so she knows how schools work here."

Despite a seven-hour time difference, Stuart and his three siblings stay in touch almost daily through FaceTime. The quartet grew up in their parents' sandwich shop, creating another avenue to bond over – cooking.

"I like to cook. I haven't been doing it lately but in the fall I cooked every meal," Stuart said. "I like to make everything. The last couple of months, I made a sweet potato mash. I just look up recipes or ask my mom, dad, and sisters for suggestions since we all love to cook."

On the field, in his first, and final season with the Cougars, Stuart has made 16 appearance, including 15 out of the bullpen. The southpaw helped Houston to series wins against Sam Houston and Rice in the Don Sanders Cup and Silver Glove Series respectively, tossing 4.0 innings in each March matchup.

Earlier this month, Stuart received his Bachelor of Science in Integrated Studies, a degree plan which provides broader options and flexibility for students. Once his collegiate experience is behind him, Stuart hopes to continue pitching professionally.

This week, Stuart will be among 13 Houston Baseball seniors honored throughout the Cougars three-game series against Oklahoma State (Thursday & Friday – 6:30 p.m.; Saturday – 1 p.m.). Stuart's time at UH has taught him to trust his work ethic and teammates – who he credits for making his time at the school so memorable.

"Everyone hangs with everyone. There are no groups," Stuart said of the UH Baseball culture. "We are more of a big family with everyone loving each other. The group of guys in this program are very special."

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