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From the Quad
6/27/2025 1:53:00 PM | General
Presented by Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist
Good Afternoon Demon Deacon Nation,
Time has moved by fast since I last wrote to you From the Quad - actually all the way back on May 15! Your Demon Deacons have been plenty active since then, highlighted by men's tennis etching another inscription on the Sutton Sports Performance Center wall with Wake Forest's 11th overall NCAA Team Championship! Additionally, men's and women's golf both played their way to the NCAA Championship event, baseball battled in the NCAA Regional as a second seed or better for the fourth-consecutive year and track stars Rocky Hansen, Luke Tewalt, JoJo Jourdon and Rynard Swanepoel all advanced to the NCAA finals in Eugene and captured All-America honors to cap the year.
I have done quite a bit of travel myself over the last six weeks, including to that thrilling national tennis championship match in Waco - you can rewatch that historic victory over the Horned Frogs by clicking here. I also participated in a College Football Hall of Fame event in Atlanta, visited members of our legislative delegation in Raleigh, attended the grand opening of the Pearl in Charlotte, helped honor Ron Wellman on his induction into the NACDA Hall of Fame in Orlando, caught up with Wake Forest International Leadership Circle members and connected with incoming new-student parents in New York and Atlanta.
And, while June 6 will always be most significant to me as the day in 1944 that my grandfather Maj. Farnum Gray stormed ashore on Utah Beach during the D-Day landings, on that same date 81 years later came the final approval of the House v. NCAA settlement—a landmark development that formally ushers in a new chapter for our intercollegiate athletics. We'll have a lot more on that later!
Navigating the seismic changes of college athletics has certainly taken more of my time and energy than I would have preferred over the last several years - and has required a lot more meetings and Zoom calls than I care to recount. I know for our fans and student-athletes alike it can be bewildering, frustrating, and maybe even a little scary.
As I begin my 33rd year in college athletics — my seventh since returning to Winston-Salem and 16th overall as an athletics director at the Power Four level (formerly Power Five, and before that, the BCS — remember the BCS!?) — I'm as aware as anyone of how dramatically our world has evolved.
However, back in Winston-Salem over the past week or so, I've been blessed with several interactions that remind me how lucky I am to be at a special place like Wake Forest, and also fires me up about the good things - and big wins - that are ahead for our University.
For instance, last Tuesday I wandered over to Shah Basketball Center and watched new men's basketball assistant coach Nick Friedman run our team through refreshed offensive sets and principles, before Coach Steve Forbes invited me to speak to our team and meet our new players.
Next door in the Budd Gym, I met our new women's basketball assistant Darrick Gibbs who was working with rising junior Madisyn Jordan on one end of the court while returning point guard Aurora Sørbye introduced me to her new teammate Opal Bird, from all the way down under in Australia!
On Wednesday, I escaped a Zoom call early enough to run over to the Pit for lunch, and by chance got to sit and eat with several of our new football student-athletes. Then on Saturday, I met with a great group of 2026 football recruits on their official visits with their families from all over the country. And, if you are tracking you know that Coach Dickert and his staff are doing a great job on the recruiting trail this summer!
The common denominators of all these interactions and others - whether with returning student-athletes, new players, prospective parents, new staff members and coaches - are excitement and appreciation of all the advantages and possibilities that Wake Forest offers. All these conversations reassured me that what's most important hasn't changed.
We have really incredible young people representing us as student-athletes at Wake Forest.
Like most all of us at "that age," their decisions aren't always perfect, but I really wish every Deacon fan and investor was able to interact up close and personal with our student-athletes like me and experience their intellect, curiosity, competitive spirit, care for their teammates, their pride and appreciation for Wake Forest, and their dedication to their pursuit of excellence.
With the House v. NCAA settlement now officially approved, a new era of college athletics is underway—one that brings long-anticipated change to the way student-athletes are supported and compensated across the country. At Wake Forest, we've been preparing for this moment and are focused on a strategic, student-centered approach to ensure we continue to compete—and win—at the highest level of intercollegiate athletics.
And now, let's get to the rest of the updates.
House vs. NCAA Case Settlement: Preparing for the Future of College Athletics
As Wake Forest and our ACC peers implement the elements of the House v. NCAA settlement, it's important to understand what's ahead and how we're positioning ourselves to thrive. While this agreement represents a major shift in the national model, it also offers long-overdue clarity and new opportunities for the student-athletes we serve.
There is a multilayered learning process with any new model and that's why it's important we provide facts about how we are strengthening support for Demon Deacon student-athletes while preserving our academic mission, as I recently discussed with Ben Portnoy of Sports Business Journal. For a NCAA perspective, I encourage you to read association President Charlie Baker's June 6 letter, which outlines how the settlement enables new benefits, clearer NIL rules, and a more stable framework led by conferences like the ACC.
Beginning July 1, 2025, Wake Forest and other big-time institutions will be able to directly contract with student-athletes using institutional NIL agreements. This includes a projected $20.5 million cap per institution—$2.5 million of which is earmarked for expanded scholarship support. For Wake Forest, that means enhanced aid to help our programs Win Championships and a new element of a World Class Student-Athlete Experience. Here is a full Q&A document from the NCAA on the implementation of the House Settlement that I encourage you to read.
Third-party NIL agreements between student-athletes and other entities will also be managed under new guidelines, including reporting and valuations by a third-party clearinghouse, NIL Go, and enforcement through the College Sports Commission. Read more about this in this story in The Athletic here and check out this NIL-Go FAQ too.
Additionally, the settlement allows for expanded scholarship opportunities, enabling schools like Wake Forest to provide enhanced educational access across all sports. While the structure and specific policies continue to evolve—guided by the NCAA, the ACC, and the newly established College Sports Commission.
At Wake Forest, we've been preparing for this moment for months. Our approach is grounded in three priorities: operational discipline, philanthropic growth, and sustained institutional investment. With complete alignment from President Susan R. Wente and University leadership, we are confident in our ability to uphold our values while enhancing the student-athlete experience. Click here to revisit our November 2024 From the Quad update on this topic.
In this new era, we'll double down on what makes Wake Forest special—supporting our student-athletes, filling our venues, and delivering the Best Fan Experience in North Carolina. Together, we can thrive, Win Championships, and elevate the Wake Forest brand nationally.
One More Salute for Wake's 11th National Championship!
Championships are hard to win, so let's recap once more the significance of the thrilling 4-2 victory over No. 2 TCU in Waco as the Wake Forest men's tennis team captured the 2025 NCAA Championship—its second national title in program history. Led by ITA National Coach of the Year Tony Bresky, the Demon Deacons' historic 40-1 campaign included becoming only the four programs in the country to win both the ITA National Indoor Championship and NCAA Championship in the same season twice (2018, 2025).
Coach Bresky joins Wake Forest legends Jesse Haddock (men's golf) and Jen Averill (field hockey) as one of three head coaches in school history to win multiple national championships. Wake Forest is also one of just seven NCAA Division I men's programs to earn multiple titles, and the only one from North Carolina to win a tennis national championship!
Thanks to gifts to our Men's Tennis Excellence Fund, we've expanded our international recruiting reach and provided a World Class Student-Athlete Experience right here in Winston-Salem. Facilities like the Wake Forest Indoor Tennis Center and the Leighton Tennis Courts give us a competitive edge. And, the annual ATP 250 Winston-Salem Open brings tremendous visibility and tennis fever to our city annually in August.
Help share these victories with all in our community, by raising a Wake Forest flag in your front yard, honking if you see our billboard on I-40, and purchase your 2025 NCAA Champs gear here! With that, if you'd like to continue supporting Wake Forest Tennis, contact your Deacon Club representative or contact us at deacclub@wfu.edu / 336-758-5626.
Kickoff Times Set for Start of the Jake Dickert Era
It's officially time to start planning your fall weekends! The Atlantic Coast Conference and ESPN have announced kickoff times for the first three weeks of the season including Wake Forest's first trio of contests beginning with Opening Night on Friday, Aug. 29 at 7 p.m. against Kennesaw State on ACC Network. Even if you already have your tickets, click here and buy an Opening Night Bojangles 4-Pack of tickets for just $44 and introduce a friend, colleague or neighbor to the fun of Wake Forest football as we kick off the Jake Dickert era!
In Week 2, Wake Forest hosts Western Carolina with kickoff set for 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 6. While our normal preference in early September is an evening kickoff, in this case we have chosen to move it up to enable our team to have a little more recovery time on the short week before our Thursday night Big Four ACC showdown against NC State on Sept. 11 at 7:30 p.m.. The 2 p.m. time also gives fans a little more time to get to Winston-Salem for pregame tailgate activities.
From Opening Night and Unrivaled Weekend, to Family Weekend and Homecoming, the 2025 schedule is full of can't-miss moments and promotions. Season tickets start at just $149 and single-game tickets and family-friendly four-packs are on sale too! Visit GoDeacs.com/Tickets or call the Wake Forest Ticket Office at 336-758-3322 ext. 1 to secure your seats and join us in DEACTOWN!
Women's Golf Head Coach Position Named in Honor of Golding Gift to In Her Wake
We are excited to share that the head coach position for Wake Forest Women's Golf held by 2023 NCAA Champion Kim Lewellen has been named to honor the tremendous support of Tony and Vi Golding. The Tony and Vi Golding Women's Golf Head Coach position honors the Goldings' long standing passion for Wake Forest and deep investment in the success of student-athletes. Their constant presence at Demon Deacon events and generous support of endowed giving, scholarships, and Excellence Funds continue to help deliver a World Class Student-Athlete Experience and drive our pursuit of ACC and NCAA Championships. This gift is another milestone in the Athletics Coaching & Directorship Initiative, which aims to elevate and sustain leadership positions across our programs.
Wake Forest Expands National Impact Through Character Education Grants
Wake Forest's Educating Character Initiative (ECI), part of the University's Program for Leadership and Character, continues to lead the national conversation on character education in higher ed. Recently, the ECI announced 40 new capacity-building grants, each up to $50,000, awarded to 42 institutions across the country committed to advancing character formation in their campus communities. Now in its second year, the ECI—supported by the Lilly Endowment Inc.—builds on Wake Forest's Pro Humanitate mission by empowering a growing national network of colleges and universities through grants, research, and shared resources.
Wake Forest Awarded Grant to Expand Global Access for Students
Wake Forest University has been selected to receive an American Passport Project grant from the Institute of International Education (IIE), enabling up to 25 students to obtain their first U.S. passport. The grant helps remove financial barriers that can limit access to global study opportunities—especially for students from low-income backgrounds or those who have never traveled abroad. This recognition affirms Wake Forest's commitment to providing life-changing, globally engaged learning experiences for all students. The grant supports efforts to broaden participation in study abroad programs and equip students to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.
From the Quad Big 3
Finally, here are today's Big 3 ways to help the Deacs:
Thanks for all the ways you support Wake Forest University. Have a safe weekend, stay cool and as always, please continue to send your thoughts to wfuad@wfu.edu.
Go Deacs!
John Currie
Vice President & Director of Athletics
Good Afternoon Demon Deacon Nation,
Time has moved by fast since I last wrote to you From the Quad - actually all the way back on May 15! Your Demon Deacons have been plenty active since then, highlighted by men's tennis etching another inscription on the Sutton Sports Performance Center wall with Wake Forest's 11th overall NCAA Team Championship! Additionally, men's and women's golf both played their way to the NCAA Championship event, baseball battled in the NCAA Regional as a second seed or better for the fourth-consecutive year and track stars Rocky Hansen, Luke Tewalt, JoJo Jourdon and Rynard Swanepoel all advanced to the NCAA finals in Eugene and captured All-America honors to cap the year.
I have done quite a bit of travel myself over the last six weeks, including to that thrilling national tennis championship match in Waco - you can rewatch that historic victory over the Horned Frogs by clicking here. I also participated in a College Football Hall of Fame event in Atlanta, visited members of our legislative delegation in Raleigh, attended the grand opening of the Pearl in Charlotte, helped honor Ron Wellman on his induction into the NACDA Hall of Fame in Orlando, caught up with Wake Forest International Leadership Circle members and connected with incoming new-student parents in New York and Atlanta.
And, while June 6 will always be most significant to me as the day in 1944 that my grandfather Maj. Farnum Gray stormed ashore on Utah Beach during the D-Day landings, on that same date 81 years later came the final approval of the House v. NCAA settlement—a landmark development that formally ushers in a new chapter for our intercollegiate athletics. We'll have a lot more on that later!
Navigating the seismic changes of college athletics has certainly taken more of my time and energy than I would have preferred over the last several years - and has required a lot more meetings and Zoom calls than I care to recount. I know for our fans and student-athletes alike it can be bewildering, frustrating, and maybe even a little scary.
As I begin my 33rd year in college athletics — my seventh since returning to Winston-Salem and 16th overall as an athletics director at the Power Four level (formerly Power Five, and before that, the BCS — remember the BCS!?) — I'm as aware as anyone of how dramatically our world has evolved.
However, back in Winston-Salem over the past week or so, I've been blessed with several interactions that remind me how lucky I am to be at a special place like Wake Forest, and also fires me up about the good things - and big wins - that are ahead for our University.
For instance, last Tuesday I wandered over to Shah Basketball Center and watched new men's basketball assistant coach Nick Friedman run our team through refreshed offensive sets and principles, before Coach Steve Forbes invited me to speak to our team and meet our new players.
Next door in the Budd Gym, I met our new women's basketball assistant Darrick Gibbs who was working with rising junior Madisyn Jordan on one end of the court while returning point guard Aurora Sørbye introduced me to her new teammate Opal Bird, from all the way down under in Australia!
On Wednesday, I escaped a Zoom call early enough to run over to the Pit for lunch, and by chance got to sit and eat with several of our new football student-athletes. Then on Saturday, I met with a great group of 2026 football recruits on their official visits with their families from all over the country. And, if you are tracking you know that Coach Dickert and his staff are doing a great job on the recruiting trail this summer!
The common denominators of all these interactions and others - whether with returning student-athletes, new players, prospective parents, new staff members and coaches - are excitement and appreciation of all the advantages and possibilities that Wake Forest offers. All these conversations reassured me that what's most important hasn't changed.
We have really incredible young people representing us as student-athletes at Wake Forest.
Like most all of us at "that age," their decisions aren't always perfect, but I really wish every Deacon fan and investor was able to interact up close and personal with our student-athletes like me and experience their intellect, curiosity, competitive spirit, care for their teammates, their pride and appreciation for Wake Forest, and their dedication to their pursuit of excellence.
With the House v. NCAA settlement now officially approved, a new era of college athletics is underway—one that brings long-anticipated change to the way student-athletes are supported and compensated across the country. At Wake Forest, we've been preparing for this moment and are focused on a strategic, student-centered approach to ensure we continue to compete—and win—at the highest level of intercollegiate athletics.
And now, let's get to the rest of the updates.
House vs. NCAA Case Settlement: Preparing for the Future of College Athletics
As Wake Forest and our ACC peers implement the elements of the House v. NCAA settlement, it's important to understand what's ahead and how we're positioning ourselves to thrive. While this agreement represents a major shift in the national model, it also offers long-overdue clarity and new opportunities for the student-athletes we serve.
There is a multilayered learning process with any new model and that's why it's important we provide facts about how we are strengthening support for Demon Deacon student-athletes while preserving our academic mission, as I recently discussed with Ben Portnoy of Sports Business Journal. For a NCAA perspective, I encourage you to read association President Charlie Baker's June 6 letter, which outlines how the settlement enables new benefits, clearer NIL rules, and a more stable framework led by conferences like the ACC.
Beginning July 1, 2025, Wake Forest and other big-time institutions will be able to directly contract with student-athletes using institutional NIL agreements. This includes a projected $20.5 million cap per institution—$2.5 million of which is earmarked for expanded scholarship support. For Wake Forest, that means enhanced aid to help our programs Win Championships and a new element of a World Class Student-Athlete Experience. Here is a full Q&A document from the NCAA on the implementation of the House Settlement that I encourage you to read.
Third-party NIL agreements between student-athletes and other entities will also be managed under new guidelines, including reporting and valuations by a third-party clearinghouse, NIL Go, and enforcement through the College Sports Commission. Read more about this in this story in The Athletic here and check out this NIL-Go FAQ too.
Additionally, the settlement allows for expanded scholarship opportunities, enabling schools like Wake Forest to provide enhanced educational access across all sports. While the structure and specific policies continue to evolve—guided by the NCAA, the ACC, and the newly established College Sports Commission.
At Wake Forest, we've been preparing for this moment for months. Our approach is grounded in three priorities: operational discipline, philanthropic growth, and sustained institutional investment. With complete alignment from President Susan R. Wente and University leadership, we are confident in our ability to uphold our values while enhancing the student-athlete experience. Click here to revisit our November 2024 From the Quad update on this topic.
In this new era, we'll double down on what makes Wake Forest special—supporting our student-athletes, filling our venues, and delivering the Best Fan Experience in North Carolina. Together, we can thrive, Win Championships, and elevate the Wake Forest brand nationally.
One More Salute for Wake's 11th National Championship!
Championships are hard to win, so let's recap once more the significance of the thrilling 4-2 victory over No. 2 TCU in Waco as the Wake Forest men's tennis team captured the 2025 NCAA Championship—its second national title in program history. Led by ITA National Coach of the Year Tony Bresky, the Demon Deacons' historic 40-1 campaign included becoming only the four programs in the country to win both the ITA National Indoor Championship and NCAA Championship in the same season twice (2018, 2025).
Coach Bresky joins Wake Forest legends Jesse Haddock (men's golf) and Jen Averill (field hockey) as one of three head coaches in school history to win multiple national championships. Wake Forest is also one of just seven NCAA Division I men's programs to earn multiple titles, and the only one from North Carolina to win a tennis national championship!
Thanks to gifts to our Men's Tennis Excellence Fund, we've expanded our international recruiting reach and provided a World Class Student-Athlete Experience right here in Winston-Salem. Facilities like the Wake Forest Indoor Tennis Center and the Leighton Tennis Courts give us a competitive edge. And, the annual ATP 250 Winston-Salem Open brings tremendous visibility and tennis fever to our city annually in August.
Help share these victories with all in our community, by raising a Wake Forest flag in your front yard, honking if you see our billboard on I-40, and purchase your 2025 NCAA Champs gear here! With that, if you'd like to continue supporting Wake Forest Tennis, contact your Deacon Club representative or contact us at deacclub@wfu.edu / 336-758-5626.
Kickoff Times Set for Start of the Jake Dickert Era
It's officially time to start planning your fall weekends! The Atlantic Coast Conference and ESPN have announced kickoff times for the first three weeks of the season including Wake Forest's first trio of contests beginning with Opening Night on Friday, Aug. 29 at 7 p.m. against Kennesaw State on ACC Network. Even if you already have your tickets, click here and buy an Opening Night Bojangles 4-Pack of tickets for just $44 and introduce a friend, colleague or neighbor to the fun of Wake Forest football as we kick off the Jake Dickert era!
In Week 2, Wake Forest hosts Western Carolina with kickoff set for 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 6. While our normal preference in early September is an evening kickoff, in this case we have chosen to move it up to enable our team to have a little more recovery time on the short week before our Thursday night Big Four ACC showdown against NC State on Sept. 11 at 7:30 p.m.. The 2 p.m. time also gives fans a little more time to get to Winston-Salem for pregame tailgate activities.
From Opening Night and Unrivaled Weekend, to Family Weekend and Homecoming, the 2025 schedule is full of can't-miss moments and promotions. Season tickets start at just $149 and single-game tickets and family-friendly four-packs are on sale too! Visit GoDeacs.com/Tickets or call the Wake Forest Ticket Office at 336-758-3322 ext. 1 to secure your seats and join us in DEACTOWN!
Women's Golf Head Coach Position Named in Honor of Golding Gift to In Her Wake
We are excited to share that the head coach position for Wake Forest Women's Golf held by 2023 NCAA Champion Kim Lewellen has been named to honor the tremendous support of Tony and Vi Golding. The Tony and Vi Golding Women's Golf Head Coach position honors the Goldings' long standing passion for Wake Forest and deep investment in the success of student-athletes. Their constant presence at Demon Deacon events and generous support of endowed giving, scholarships, and Excellence Funds continue to help deliver a World Class Student-Athlete Experience and drive our pursuit of ACC and NCAA Championships. This gift is another milestone in the Athletics Coaching & Directorship Initiative, which aims to elevate and sustain leadership positions across our programs.
Wake Forest Expands National Impact Through Character Education Grants
Wake Forest's Educating Character Initiative (ECI), part of the University's Program for Leadership and Character, continues to lead the national conversation on character education in higher ed. Recently, the ECI announced 40 new capacity-building grants, each up to $50,000, awarded to 42 institutions across the country committed to advancing character formation in their campus communities. Now in its second year, the ECI—supported by the Lilly Endowment Inc.—builds on Wake Forest's Pro Humanitate mission by empowering a growing national network of colleges and universities through grants, research, and shared resources.
Wake Forest Awarded Grant to Expand Global Access for Students
Wake Forest University has been selected to receive an American Passport Project grant from the Institute of International Education (IIE), enabling up to 25 students to obtain their first U.S. passport. The grant helps remove financial barriers that can limit access to global study opportunities—especially for students from low-income backgrounds or those who have never traveled abroad. This recognition affirms Wake Forest's commitment to providing life-changing, globally engaged learning experiences for all students. The grant supports efforts to broaden participation in study abroad programs and equip students to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.
From the Quad Big 3
Finally, here are today's Big 3 ways to help the Deacs:
- As the June 30 close of the 2025 fiscal year approaches, there's still time to join more than 5,000 Demon Deacon alumni, parents, friends, and fans who support scholarships, sports medicine, academic and mental health resources, world-class facilities, and more for Wake Forest's 400-plus student-athletes! The Deacon Club is closing in on a fifth-consecutive year of cash gifts totaling over $30 million and every dollar counts in the battle to Win Championships! To help, please visit the Deacon Club website, email deacclub@wfu.edu or call 336-758-5626 to connect with a donor representative.
- We're building an exciting Wake Forest men's basketball schedule for the upcoming season! Tickets are on sale now for the 2025 Wolverine-Deacon Challenge on Tuesday, Nov. 11 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit—a rematch of last season's thrilling 72-70 victory over Big Ten Champion Michigan. Later that month, the Deacs will head to the Bahamas for the 2025 Baha Mar Championship, one of the most competitive in-season tournaments in college basketball. Wake Forest will face Texas Tech on Thursday, Nov. 20, with either Purdue or Memphis awaiting the next day. Back stateside, the Deacons will host Oklahoma on Tuesday, Dec. 2 in the ACC/SEC Challenge before welcoming I-40 neighbor Vanderbilt to LJVM Coliseum on Sunday, Dec. 21 to begin a new home-and-home series. Coming off a 21-win season, a program-best 47 ACC victories over four years, and the first double bye in ACC Tournament history for Wake Forest, the Deacs are poised for a breakthrough year. Fans are encouraged to lock in their seats at LJVM Coliseum now through the Annual Seat Rights program and be part of the Best Fan Experience in North Carolina!
- Join me in welcoming new pitching coach Eric Niesen back to Wake Forest! A 2017 graduate and former standout Demon Deacon, Coach Niesen returns to Winston-Salem after a highly successful four-plus year run with the Houston Astros, where he most recently served as Director of Pitching. He fills the position vacated by Corey Muscara, who was recently named the head baseball coach at Duke. Both moves are a testament to the strength and national stature of Wake Forest Baseball. Congratulations to Coach Niesen and Coach Muscara on their exciting new roles!
Thanks for all the ways you support Wake Forest University. Have a safe weekend, stay cool and as always, please continue to send your thoughts to wfuad@wfu.edu.
Go Deacs!
John Currie
Vice President & Director of Athletics
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Players Mentioned
Guard/Forward
/ Women's Basketball
Guard
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