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From the Quad
1/21/2025 8:52:00 AM | General
Presented by Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist
Good Morning Demon Deacon Nation,
The passion of DEACTOWN and Tobacco Road basketball will be in full focus across America tonight as ESPN has set up shop inside Joel Coliseum for tonight's 9 p.m. tipoff with the North Carolina Tar Heels followed by Saturday afternoon's 4:30 p.m. showdown with the No. 2 Duke Blue Devils. Both games are sold out (!) and tie-dye games (shop for gear at WakeForestShop.com), but fans still looking for tickets should click here to visit the trusted secondary marketplace for buying and reselling Demon Deacons tickets, SeatGeek.
Following Coach Steve Forbes' squad's third-straight ACC road victory this past Saturday at Virginia Tech, the Deacs sit just a half-game out of second place in the conference and the 6-1 overall league record represents Wake Forest's best ACC start since the 1996-97 season. Senior Hunter Sallis has been simply sensational as he has scored over 20 points in seven-straight games and it's fun to see so many different Demon Deacons stepping up to make big plays. We have five more home games at LJVM Coliseum, including three Saturday afternoon tilts, so get your tickets now and make plans to bring your friends, neighbors and colleagues with you to enjoy the Best Fan Experience in North Carolina and this special team!
Before today's game we have two very special events, starting at 5 p.m. as we proudly unveil the Tucker Family Student-Athlete Excellence Center, which is a completely transformed hub for academic and professional development for our young men and women inside the Miller Center. Thanks to lead donors Carl and Linda Tucker and their family, along with many other generous Deacon Club members, the $4 million project is fully funded through private gifts. Similar to the McCreary Football Complex, Sutton Sports Performance Center, Shah Basketball Complex, and the Chris Paul Family and Dr. Caryl Guth Basketball Clubhouses, this initiative reflects our ongoing commitment to providing a World-Class Student-Athlete Experience.
Following the Tucker dedication, we will walk over to the Fox Family Commons in the McCreary Football Complex to honor Bill Stines as the 2024 recipient of the Pete Moffitt Courage Award. In the spirit of the late Pete Moffitt ('84), Bill's extraordinary efforts in leading his Linville community's recovery in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene's devastation, embodies our Pro Humanitate motto. A former golf standout under Coach Jesse Haddock, Bill has remained deeply connected to Wake Forest while building an impressive career in golf leadership. His selflessness and commitment to others make this recognition richly deserved.
Looking ahead to this weekend, Saturday brings celebration as our talented and hardworking Deacon Club staff will host our annual Scholarship Celebration inside the Snead Room of Bridger Field House. To date, Deacon Club members have created over 309 endowed and current use named scholarships and this annual event is always one of the most meaningful of the year as Wake Forest student-athletes have the opportunity to meet and thank in person those who have invested in their experience at Wake Forest through scholarship gifts!
Remember, we take pride in our passionate fan base and the electrifying atmosphere at LJVM Coliseum. At the same time, we recognize our collective responsibility for the safety and well-being of everyone involved—players, coaches, officials, and fans alike. Fans attending all games inside LJVM Coliseum are expected to join us in creating a safe and positive environment that reflects the values of Wake Forest University and the ACC. For more details on game-day guidelines, please visit GoDeacs.com/MBBGameday and follow all protocols inside the venue.
While we have many other exciting updates to hit on, let's jump right in!
Welcome to Wake Forest! Coach Dickert's Football Staff Adds 21 Transfers & 9 High School Signees for Spring Semester
With winter workouts underway – including a game of dodgeball last week – our football program recently welcomed 29 mid-year enrollees — a record-breaking group that highlights our national recruiting reach and reinforces the transformational relationships at the heart of our football program.
This incredible milestone reflects the tireless efforts of Coach Jake Dickert, his staff, and so many others across our university community. Recruiting at Wake Forest is about finding the right young men who align with our Pro Humanitate values and are excited to thrive in both their athletic and academic journeys. This class showcases not only geographic diversity but also the versatility and talent needed to build on the strong foundation of our returning players.
The ability to onboard an entire coaching staff and welcome such a broad and talented group of new student-athletes is a testament to a truly student-centered institutional alignment across campus thanks to President Susan R. Wente's leadership. Over the holiday break, on weekends and at times late into many evenings, our University partners in admissions, the registrar's office, campus life and housing, human resources, Graylyn, Harvest Table and others pitched in to help. Many thanks are due to the staffs of Provost Michele Gillespie, Dean Jackie Krasas, Vice President Eric Maguire, Dean Charles Iacovou, Dean Matt Clifford and many more, as well as our athletics colleagues in compliance, sports medicine, academic services, the business office, facilities, etc. who played vital roles in making all the intricate aspects of hosting, recruiting, signing, moving-in and enrolling a seamless process.
Obviously we are proud to showcase an incredible campus and world-class athletic facilities to prospective student-athletes, but it's truly the special people of the Wake Forest community who are the winning edge!
I encourage you to watch the video recap of Coach Dickert's first team meeting with our players including a Rock, Paper, Scissors competition! With our complete 2025 schedule to be unveiled soon, there is no better time to be a Demon Deacon!
Lauren Pressley Named Dean of Z. Smith Reynolds Library
Join me in welcoming Lauren Pressley back to Wake Forest as the next Dean of the Z. Smith Reynolds Library, effective July 1, 2025. Currently Senior Associate Dean for Research and Learning Services at the University of Washington Libraries, Dean Pressley brings extensive experience in strategic planning and innovative library services. She has held leadership roles at the University of Washington Tacoma, Virginia Tech, and Wake Forest. "Her return marks an exciting moment for our University, and we look forward to her visionary leadership in advancing the library's role in our community.
Wake Forest Athletics Partners with Teamworks "General Manager" to Elevate Operations and Enhance Student-Athlete Experience
Wake Forest Athletics is proud to partner with Teamworks to implement the General Manager (GM) platform, revolutionizing roster and cap management to enhance our World-Class Student-Athlete Experience. Implementing Teamworks GM underscores our commitment to student-athlete success and operational excellence. This partnership ensures Wake Forest remains a leader in collegiate sports, fostering success on and off the field while upholding our Pro Humanitate mission.
Old Town Club Ranked Among Nation & World's Best
Old Town Club, located next door to Wake Forest University, has proudly served as the official home of Demon Deacon golf for many decades. Like Wake Forest, Old Town boasts a rich golf tradition. In the summer of 2012, the club enlisted world-renowned golf course architects Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw to restore the Perry Maxwell-designed course, completing a decade-long project to recapture the original 1939 design's look, playing character, and hand-hewn finish. Old Town's excellence has earned it a spot in LINKS Magazine's inaugural "LINKS 100" ranking of the best courses in the world. Ranked No. 59 globally and No. 28 in the U.S., this recognition reflects the club's exceptional standing among golf's elite venues.
Men's Tennis Defeats Baylor & Tennessee, Standout Track Performances Among Recent Highlights
Winter is hot throughout Wake Forest Athletics including big men's tennis wins over Baylor and No. 13 Tennessee and women's tennis victories over East Carolina and ETSU. Meanwhile, our Indoor Track & Field teams got rolling at Virginia Tech where the Deacs recorded seven podium finishes this past weekend. As we look to what's next, our women's hoops team plays at North Carolina on Thursday night at 7 p.m. and returns to Joel Coliseum on Sunday for a 2 p.m. tipoff against Boston College.
Dr. Corey Walker Highlights Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Prayer Breakfast
One of my favorite annual Winston-Salem events is the Martin Luther King, Jr. Prayer Breakfast presented by the Winston-Salem Chronicle, which yesterday was headlined by our colleague Dr. Corey D.B. Walker. The special events yesterday celebrating Dr. King's legacy across the city of Winston-Salem concluded with a WFU Secrest Series sponsored vocal ensemble, Tonality. Additionally, I encourage you to read President Wente's inspiring message to our community that she released yesterday about Dr. King.
Congratulations, Coach Brittany Cameron!
Congratulations are due to Brittany Cameron on being named Assistant Coach of the Year at the Black Soccer Legends Awards following an outstanding 2024 season. Since legendary head coach Tony Da Luz brought Brittany to Wake Forest in 2020, her leadership and skill in developing players like record-setting goalkeeper Valentina Amaral, have helped elevate the program, including to this past fall's best-ever finish as national runners up. And, as the first Black woman ever to hold an associate head coach position at the Power Five level, Coach Cameron is having a lasting impact on the game of soccer!
From the Quad Big 3
Finally, here are today's Big 3 ways to help the Deacs:
I look forward to seeing you at a ballgame soon, and as always, send your thoughts, ideas and suggestions to me at wfuad@wfu.edu, and …
Go Deacs!
John Currie
Vice President & Director of Athletics
Good Morning Demon Deacon Nation,
The passion of DEACTOWN and Tobacco Road basketball will be in full focus across America tonight as ESPN has set up shop inside Joel Coliseum for tonight's 9 p.m. tipoff with the North Carolina Tar Heels followed by Saturday afternoon's 4:30 p.m. showdown with the No. 2 Duke Blue Devils. Both games are sold out (!) and tie-dye games (shop for gear at WakeForestShop.com), but fans still looking for tickets should click here to visit the trusted secondary marketplace for buying and reselling Demon Deacons tickets, SeatGeek.
Following Coach Steve Forbes' squad's third-straight ACC road victory this past Saturday at Virginia Tech, the Deacs sit just a half-game out of second place in the conference and the 6-1 overall league record represents Wake Forest's best ACC start since the 1996-97 season. Senior Hunter Sallis has been simply sensational as he has scored over 20 points in seven-straight games and it's fun to see so many different Demon Deacons stepping up to make big plays. We have five more home games at LJVM Coliseum, including three Saturday afternoon tilts, so get your tickets now and make plans to bring your friends, neighbors and colleagues with you to enjoy the Best Fan Experience in North Carolina and this special team!
Before today's game we have two very special events, starting at 5 p.m. as we proudly unveil the Tucker Family Student-Athlete Excellence Center, which is a completely transformed hub for academic and professional development for our young men and women inside the Miller Center. Thanks to lead donors Carl and Linda Tucker and their family, along with many other generous Deacon Club members, the $4 million project is fully funded through private gifts. Similar to the McCreary Football Complex, Sutton Sports Performance Center, Shah Basketball Complex, and the Chris Paul Family and Dr. Caryl Guth Basketball Clubhouses, this initiative reflects our ongoing commitment to providing a World-Class Student-Athlete Experience.
Following the Tucker dedication, we will walk over to the Fox Family Commons in the McCreary Football Complex to honor Bill Stines as the 2024 recipient of the Pete Moffitt Courage Award. In the spirit of the late Pete Moffitt ('84), Bill's extraordinary efforts in leading his Linville community's recovery in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene's devastation, embodies our Pro Humanitate motto. A former golf standout under Coach Jesse Haddock, Bill has remained deeply connected to Wake Forest while building an impressive career in golf leadership. His selflessness and commitment to others make this recognition richly deserved.
Looking ahead to this weekend, Saturday brings celebration as our talented and hardworking Deacon Club staff will host our annual Scholarship Celebration inside the Snead Room of Bridger Field House. To date, Deacon Club members have created over 309 endowed and current use named scholarships and this annual event is always one of the most meaningful of the year as Wake Forest student-athletes have the opportunity to meet and thank in person those who have invested in their experience at Wake Forest through scholarship gifts!
Remember, we take pride in our passionate fan base and the electrifying atmosphere at LJVM Coliseum. At the same time, we recognize our collective responsibility for the safety and well-being of everyone involved—players, coaches, officials, and fans alike. Fans attending all games inside LJVM Coliseum are expected to join us in creating a safe and positive environment that reflects the values of Wake Forest University and the ACC. For more details on game-day guidelines, please visit GoDeacs.com/MBBGameday and follow all protocols inside the venue.
While we have many other exciting updates to hit on, let's jump right in!
Welcome to Wake Forest! Coach Dickert's Football Staff Adds 21 Transfers & 9 High School Signees for Spring Semester
With winter workouts underway – including a game of dodgeball last week – our football program recently welcomed 29 mid-year enrollees — a record-breaking group that highlights our national recruiting reach and reinforces the transformational relationships at the heart of our football program.
This incredible milestone reflects the tireless efforts of Coach Jake Dickert, his staff, and so many others across our university community. Recruiting at Wake Forest is about finding the right young men who align with our Pro Humanitate values and are excited to thrive in both their athletic and academic journeys. This class showcases not only geographic diversity but also the versatility and talent needed to build on the strong foundation of our returning players.
The ability to onboard an entire coaching staff and welcome such a broad and talented group of new student-athletes is a testament to a truly student-centered institutional alignment across campus thanks to President Susan R. Wente's leadership. Over the holiday break, on weekends and at times late into many evenings, our University partners in admissions, the registrar's office, campus life and housing, human resources, Graylyn, Harvest Table and others pitched in to help. Many thanks are due to the staffs of Provost Michele Gillespie, Dean Jackie Krasas, Vice President Eric Maguire, Dean Charles Iacovou, Dean Matt Clifford and many more, as well as our athletics colleagues in compliance, sports medicine, academic services, the business office, facilities, etc. who played vital roles in making all the intricate aspects of hosting, recruiting, signing, moving-in and enrolling a seamless process.
Obviously we are proud to showcase an incredible campus and world-class athletic facilities to prospective student-athletes, but it's truly the special people of the Wake Forest community who are the winning edge!
I encourage you to watch the video recap of Coach Dickert's first team meeting with our players including a Rock, Paper, Scissors competition! With our complete 2025 schedule to be unveiled soon, there is no better time to be a Demon Deacon!
Lauren Pressley Named Dean of Z. Smith Reynolds Library
Join me in welcoming Lauren Pressley back to Wake Forest as the next Dean of the Z. Smith Reynolds Library, effective July 1, 2025. Currently Senior Associate Dean for Research and Learning Services at the University of Washington Libraries, Dean Pressley brings extensive experience in strategic planning and innovative library services. She has held leadership roles at the University of Washington Tacoma, Virginia Tech, and Wake Forest. "Her return marks an exciting moment for our University, and we look forward to her visionary leadership in advancing the library's role in our community.
Wake Forest Athletics Partners with Teamworks "General Manager" to Elevate Operations and Enhance Student-Athlete Experience
Wake Forest Athletics is proud to partner with Teamworks to implement the General Manager (GM) platform, revolutionizing roster and cap management to enhance our World-Class Student-Athlete Experience. Implementing Teamworks GM underscores our commitment to student-athlete success and operational excellence. This partnership ensures Wake Forest remains a leader in collegiate sports, fostering success on and off the field while upholding our Pro Humanitate mission.
Old Town Club Ranked Among Nation & World's Best
Old Town Club, located next door to Wake Forest University, has proudly served as the official home of Demon Deacon golf for many decades. Like Wake Forest, Old Town boasts a rich golf tradition. In the summer of 2012, the club enlisted world-renowned golf course architects Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw to restore the Perry Maxwell-designed course, completing a decade-long project to recapture the original 1939 design's look, playing character, and hand-hewn finish. Old Town's excellence has earned it a spot in LINKS Magazine's inaugural "LINKS 100" ranking of the best courses in the world. Ranked No. 59 globally and No. 28 in the U.S., this recognition reflects the club's exceptional standing among golf's elite venues.
Men's Tennis Defeats Baylor & Tennessee, Standout Track Performances Among Recent Highlights
Winter is hot throughout Wake Forest Athletics including big men's tennis wins over Baylor and No. 13 Tennessee and women's tennis victories over East Carolina and ETSU. Meanwhile, our Indoor Track & Field teams got rolling at Virginia Tech where the Deacs recorded seven podium finishes this past weekend. As we look to what's next, our women's hoops team plays at North Carolina on Thursday night at 7 p.m. and returns to Joel Coliseum on Sunday for a 2 p.m. tipoff against Boston College.
Dr. Corey Walker Highlights Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Prayer Breakfast
One of my favorite annual Winston-Salem events is the Martin Luther King, Jr. Prayer Breakfast presented by the Winston-Salem Chronicle, which yesterday was headlined by our colleague Dr. Corey D.B. Walker. The special events yesterday celebrating Dr. King's legacy across the city of Winston-Salem concluded with a WFU Secrest Series sponsored vocal ensemble, Tonality. Additionally, I encourage you to read President Wente's inspiring message to our community that she released yesterday about Dr. King.
Congratulations, Coach Brittany Cameron!
Congratulations are due to Brittany Cameron on being named Assistant Coach of the Year at the Black Soccer Legends Awards following an outstanding 2024 season. Since legendary head coach Tony Da Luz brought Brittany to Wake Forest in 2020, her leadership and skill in developing players like record-setting goalkeeper Valentina Amaral, have helped elevate the program, including to this past fall's best-ever finish as national runners up. And, as the first Black woman ever to hold an associate head coach position at the Power Five level, Coach Cameron is having a lasting impact on the game of soccer!
From the Quad Big 3
Finally, here are today's Big 3 ways to help the Deacs:
- Coach Tom Walter's Diamond Deacs checked in at No. 14 in the preseason baseball poll and are poised for another outstanding spring at David F. Couch Ballpark. I encourage you to watch Coach Walter's message to his team at his first team meeting of the spring semester and check out our complete 2025 schedule here! The 'One More Rule' applies to our baseball program too and the best value to see this exciting team play is by purchasing season tickets! Join me and the rest of our community at Couch Ballpark this spring!
- Join me in thanking our tremendous partner, Truist, for their continued support of Wake Forest women's athletics! Check out the financial impact of their new "Her Victory" initiative. Pro Humanitate at its finest!
- Help bring DEACTOWN to wherever you are! Check out our upcoming events and whether the Deacs are at home or on the road, and regardless of the sport - remember to ask your friendly bartender, restauranteur or club owner to tune the television to ESPN, ACC Network and The CW and let's keep growing Deacon Nation!
I look forward to seeing you at a ballgame soon, and as always, send your thoughts, ideas and suggestions to me at wfuad@wfu.edu, and …
Go Deacs!
John Currie
Vice President & Director of Athletics
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Players Mentioned
Goalkeeper
/ Women's SoccerFootball Media Availability (9/24/25)
Wednesday, September 24
Football Media Availability (9/23/25)
Tuesday, September 23
Wake Forest Football Head Coach Jake Dickert Press Conference (Week 5)
Tuesday, September 23
Coach Jake Dickert Press Conference (Sept. 22, 2025)
Monday, September 22