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From the Quad
8/14/2025 9:10:00 AM | General
Presented by Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist
Good Morning Demon Deacon Nation!
IT'S GO TIME! Our Wake Forest Athletics year kicks off this tonight at 7 p.m. in Spry Stadium when Coach Tony da Luz and our reigning national runner-up women's soccer team host SMU in the first match — and first athletics event — of the 2025-26 season. Tickets are on sale for as low as just $7 to see this exciting team in action!
The action continues tomorrow at 7 p.m. when our reigning ACC Champion men's soccer team opens its 2025 campaign with a free-admission exhibition against Tulsa. Fun fact: Wake Forest is the only school in the nation with both men's and women's soccer programs ranked in the preseason top-10 (men No. 6, women No. 10)! Then, we're right back at Spry on Sunday, Aug. 17, at 1 p.m. for a huge non-conference showdown between our women's team and LSU. Meanwhile, Field hockey gets in on the action Tuesday, Aug. 19, with an exhibition against North Carolina at 5 p.m., and then on Thursday, Aug. 21, we'll pack Spry for a massive non-conference doubleheader as women's soccer takes on Villanova at 5 p.m., followed by the men's team battling Maryland at 8 p.m. in their season opener.
These early-season contests are the first of what will be more than 150 home events across all sports this year — with total attendance once again expected to approach a half-million fans! But before the first whistle blows, I want to take a moment to recognize the incredible "unseen" work that has been taking place all summer to make our year possible. From our licensing, compliance, finance, facilities, nutrition, equipment, ACC Network team, multimedia, IT, fan experience, ticket sales/operations, communications, creative, academics, student-athlete services, event management and development staff members— plus the countless others working behind the scenes — every detail matters in delivering the Best Fan Experience in North Carolina while we relentlessly competing to Win Championship as we provide a World Class Student-Athlete Experience.
And, of course, we are in the final push for what will be a sellout and capacity crowd on Opening Night at Allegacy Stadium in just over two weeks away on Friday, Aug. 29, at 7 p.m. on ACC Network, when Coach Dickert and the Deacs take the field against Kennesaw State under the lights. Don't forget our popular Bojangles Four-Pack, which includes four tickets, a parking pass, and a $20 Bojangles gift card — but they're going fast and prices increase at midnight tonight!
Following what promises to be a fun Wake The Demons on Wednesday, Aug. 27, at 9 p.m. on Hearn Plaza — open to all students and fans — we'll turn our attention to Opening Night, which is always extra special. Our team will be fired up as the Wake Forest Class of 2029 sprints under the lights in the traditional "Deacon Dash," and we'll proudly celebrate our 2025 NCAA Men's Tennis Champions in a special pregame ceremony before kickoff at Allegacy Stadium. Stay tuned to GoDeacs.com & our @WakeFB social media platforms for more details on those events and plans!
We have lots of updates in this edition of From the Quad, but first let's take one last quick look back at the 2024-25 academic year!
2024-25 Year in Review Celebrates Championships, Milestones & Memories
Let's take one last look at an unforgettable year for Wake Forest Athletics. The 2024-25 academic year was filled with championship moments and lasting impact—highlighted by a men's tennis NCAA title, a historic NCAA runner-up finish by women's soccer, and ACC Championships in men's soccer and men's cross country. Off the field, Wake Forest celebrated a record 353 student-athletes on the ACC Honor Roll, welcomed two new head coaches in football and volleyball, and advanced major projects like The Grounds to elevate the fan experience while also having another record-breaking giving year from our loyal Wake Forest supporters. Join me in thanking our incredible staff, faculty, students, alumni and fans for making Wake Forest truly special. Together, we look forward to building on this momentum — striving to win more championships in 2025-26 while continuing to provide a World Class Student-Athlete Experience!
Updated Parking Plans for 2025 Football Gamedays
As we count down to Opening Night in DEACTOWN on August 29, Wake Forest Athletics is making sure your gameday experience starts the moment you arrive. With roadway improvements and active construction for The Grounds —parking maps and traffic patterns have been updated for the 2025 season. Fans can review interactive maps, lot assignments, entry routes, and FAQs at GoDeacs.com/Parking2025 to plan ahead and ensure a smooth arrival. These updates reflect changes along the new Deacon Boulevard and will help keep traffic flowing on gamedays. If you have questions about your parking assignment, call 336-758-3322 or email tix@wfu.edu for assistance.
Meanwhile, I got a tour of the new Deacon Blvd. recently!
Creekside at The Grounds Breaks Ground
Speaking of Winston-Salem's new forthcoming mixed-use district, The Grounds, reached another milestone this summer as Carter and Front Street Capital officially broke ground on Creekside at The Grounds—a purpose-built student apartment community designed for upperclassmen and graduate students. Opening in Fall 2027, Creekside will feature 229 fully furnished units and 521 beds, each with private bathrooms and modern finishes. Amenities will include study lounges, a fitness center, and a resort-style pool. Located adjacent to campus along the newly restored Silas Creek and directly connected to The Grounds retail village via a multi-use trail, Creekside will offer walkable access to Wake Forest, event venues, and shopping.
A New Era for Division I Governance
The NCAA Division I Board of Directors has approved a streamlined governance structure designed to speed up decision-making while maintaining the strong connection between athletics and academics. This new model reduces committee layers, increases student-athlete representation, and establishes sport-specific oversight committees with greater authority over rules and championships. While some voting weights have changed for autonomy conferences, key decisions like revenue distribution and championship access will continue to require equal votes from all schools. The changes aim to better adapt to the evolving landscape of college sports and are set to be fully implemented by January 2026.
Wake Forest to Face Notre Dame in 2027 Duke's Mayo Classic at Bank of America Stadium
Wake Forest Football will return to Charlotte's Bank of America Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 9, 2027, to take on Notre Dame in the Duke's Mayo Classic. This high-profile matchup marks Wake Forest's first game in Charlotte since the 2021 ACC Championship and underscores the University's growing academic and athletic presence in the Queen City, highlighted by the new School of Medicine campus at The Pearl. This is a tremendous opportunity to elevate Wake Forest's presence and celebrate with alumni, fans, and partners across the region and the game features the winningest college football program in North Carolina this century going head-to-head with a storied Notre Dame program. Information on ticket pricing and availability — including exclusive pre-sale opportunities for Wake Forest fans and donors — will be shared at a later date.
Keep ACC Network On — All Year Long!
From live games and original series to behind-the-scenes access, the ACC Network delivers outstanding content that showcases the very best of our conference and our institutions. Just last week, ACCN's roadshow recently visited Winston-Salem, where I had the chance to share updates on The Grounds, highlight local gems like Jimmy the Greek Restaurant, and discuss Wake Forest's innovative plans in Charlotte. Whether you're at home, hosting friends, or catching a replay, keeping the ACC Network on helps spotlight our programs, our people, and our community to a national audience. So, leave it on — you never know when DEACTOWN will be the star of the show.
Jim Dunn Recognized in 2025 Triad Business Journal C-Suite Awards
Verger CEO Jim Dunn was honored as one of 15 distinguished leaders at the 2025 C-Suite Awards hosted by the Triad Business Journal. The award highlights Jim's exceptional leadership in growing Verger, fostering an inclusive culture, and his commitment to authentic community engagement. A founding CEO and former Wake Forest CIO, Jim has been instrumental in shaping Verger's entrepreneurial spirit and its internship program, which has hosted over 135 interns from diverse backgrounds. Under his leadership, Verger was also named a 2025 Best Place to Work in the Triad. Jim's impact extends beyond Verger, having earned five consecutive years on Business North Carolina's Power List for his influence in shaping the state's business and community landscape.
Welcome to Wake Forest, Short's Travel Management!
Wake Forest Athletics has partnered with Short's Travel Management to handle all travel logistics for its teams and recruiting efforts. Using Short's Designated Agent Model, this partnership provides expert, high-touch service across air travel, hotel accommodations, rental cars, and charter bus services—streamlining operations to allow coaches and student-athletes to focus on competition. Short's, a family-owned company, serves over 200 athletics departments and manages NCAA championship travel, making it a leader in collegiate sports logistics.
Wake Downtown's LEAP Program Inspires Local High School Students Toward STEM Careers
Thirteen Forsyth County rising juniors and seniors from Title 1 high schools spent six weeks this summer gaining hands-on lab experience through Wake Forest's LEAP (Lab Experiences: Academics and Professions) program. The paid internship paired students with faculty mentors to conduct research in STEM fields and develop professional skills like presenting and networking. From exploring gene expression to physics and regenerative medicine, interns discovered diverse STEM opportunities both inside and beyond the lab. LEAP emphasizes teamwork, confidence-building, and exposure to careers through workshops and site visits. Now with 70 alumni, the program continues to foster a growing community of young scientists ready to tackle future global challenges.
Pro Humanitate at its finest!
Honoring Two Exceptional Leaders: Dr. Julie Freischlag and Sylvia Green
After more than three decades of transformative leadership, Dr. Julie A. Freischlag will retire at the end of 2025 as CEO and chief academic officer of Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, executive vice president of health affairs at Wake Forest University, and a pioneering vascular surgeon. Her tenure brought unprecedented growth and innovation to Wake Forest's academic medicine and health system, leaving a lasting legacy of excellence, inclusion, and patient care.
Meanwhile, Sylvia Green, Chief Marketing Officer for the Wake Forest University School of Business, has earned national recognition as No. 10 on Women We Admire's "Top 50 Women Chief Marketing Officers of 2025." With over 30 years of marketing leadership, Green has been instrumental in elevating the School's brand and championing community enrichment through the arts in Winston-Salem.
Both leaders exemplify Wake Forest's commitment to excellence, innovation, and impact across health, education, and community engagement.
From the Quad Big 3
Finally, here are today's Big 3 ways to help the Deacs:
Go Deacs!
John Currie
Vice President & Director of Athletics
Good Morning Demon Deacon Nation!
IT'S GO TIME! Our Wake Forest Athletics year kicks off this tonight at 7 p.m. in Spry Stadium when Coach Tony da Luz and our reigning national runner-up women's soccer team host SMU in the first match — and first athletics event — of the 2025-26 season. Tickets are on sale for as low as just $7 to see this exciting team in action!
The action continues tomorrow at 7 p.m. when our reigning ACC Champion men's soccer team opens its 2025 campaign with a free-admission exhibition against Tulsa. Fun fact: Wake Forest is the only school in the nation with both men's and women's soccer programs ranked in the preseason top-10 (men No. 6, women No. 10)! Then, we're right back at Spry on Sunday, Aug. 17, at 1 p.m. for a huge non-conference showdown between our women's team and LSU. Meanwhile, Field hockey gets in on the action Tuesday, Aug. 19, with an exhibition against North Carolina at 5 p.m., and then on Thursday, Aug. 21, we'll pack Spry for a massive non-conference doubleheader as women's soccer takes on Villanova at 5 p.m., followed by the men's team battling Maryland at 8 p.m. in their season opener.
These early-season contests are the first of what will be more than 150 home events across all sports this year — with total attendance once again expected to approach a half-million fans! But before the first whistle blows, I want to take a moment to recognize the incredible "unseen" work that has been taking place all summer to make our year possible. From our licensing, compliance, finance, facilities, nutrition, equipment, ACC Network team, multimedia, IT, fan experience, ticket sales/operations, communications, creative, academics, student-athlete services, event management and development staff members— plus the countless others working behind the scenes — every detail matters in delivering the Best Fan Experience in North Carolina while we relentlessly competing to Win Championship as we provide a World Class Student-Athlete Experience.
And, of course, we are in the final push for what will be a sellout and capacity crowd on Opening Night at Allegacy Stadium in just over two weeks away on Friday, Aug. 29, at 7 p.m. on ACC Network, when Coach Dickert and the Deacs take the field against Kennesaw State under the lights. Don't forget our popular Bojangles Four-Pack, which includes four tickets, a parking pass, and a $20 Bojangles gift card — but they're going fast and prices increase at midnight tonight!
Following what promises to be a fun Wake The Demons on Wednesday, Aug. 27, at 9 p.m. on Hearn Plaza — open to all students and fans — we'll turn our attention to Opening Night, which is always extra special. Our team will be fired up as the Wake Forest Class of 2029 sprints under the lights in the traditional "Deacon Dash," and we'll proudly celebrate our 2025 NCAA Men's Tennis Champions in a special pregame ceremony before kickoff at Allegacy Stadium. Stay tuned to GoDeacs.com & our @WakeFB social media platforms for more details on those events and plans!
We have lots of updates in this edition of From the Quad, but first let's take one last quick look back at the 2024-25 academic year!
2024-25 Year in Review Celebrates Championships, Milestones & Memories
Let's take one last look at an unforgettable year for Wake Forest Athletics. The 2024-25 academic year was filled with championship moments and lasting impact—highlighted by a men's tennis NCAA title, a historic NCAA runner-up finish by women's soccer, and ACC Championships in men's soccer and men's cross country. Off the field, Wake Forest celebrated a record 353 student-athletes on the ACC Honor Roll, welcomed two new head coaches in football and volleyball, and advanced major projects like The Grounds to elevate the fan experience while also having another record-breaking giving year from our loyal Wake Forest supporters. Join me in thanking our incredible staff, faculty, students, alumni and fans for making Wake Forest truly special. Together, we look forward to building on this momentum — striving to win more championships in 2025-26 while continuing to provide a World Class Student-Athlete Experience!
Updated Parking Plans for 2025 Football Gamedays
As we count down to Opening Night in DEACTOWN on August 29, Wake Forest Athletics is making sure your gameday experience starts the moment you arrive. With roadway improvements and active construction for The Grounds —parking maps and traffic patterns have been updated for the 2025 season. Fans can review interactive maps, lot assignments, entry routes, and FAQs at GoDeacs.com/Parking2025 to plan ahead and ensure a smooth arrival. These updates reflect changes along the new Deacon Boulevard and will help keep traffic flowing on gamedays. If you have questions about your parking assignment, call 336-758-3322 or email tix@wfu.edu for assistance.
Meanwhile, I got a tour of the new Deacon Blvd. recently!
Creekside at The Grounds Breaks Ground
Speaking of Winston-Salem's new forthcoming mixed-use district, The Grounds, reached another milestone this summer as Carter and Front Street Capital officially broke ground on Creekside at The Grounds—a purpose-built student apartment community designed for upperclassmen and graduate students. Opening in Fall 2027, Creekside will feature 229 fully furnished units and 521 beds, each with private bathrooms and modern finishes. Amenities will include study lounges, a fitness center, and a resort-style pool. Located adjacent to campus along the newly restored Silas Creek and directly connected to The Grounds retail village via a multi-use trail, Creekside will offer walkable access to Wake Forest, event venues, and shopping.
A New Era for Division I Governance
The NCAA Division I Board of Directors has approved a streamlined governance structure designed to speed up decision-making while maintaining the strong connection between athletics and academics. This new model reduces committee layers, increases student-athlete representation, and establishes sport-specific oversight committees with greater authority over rules and championships. While some voting weights have changed for autonomy conferences, key decisions like revenue distribution and championship access will continue to require equal votes from all schools. The changes aim to better adapt to the evolving landscape of college sports and are set to be fully implemented by January 2026.
Wake Forest to Face Notre Dame in 2027 Duke's Mayo Classic at Bank of America Stadium
Wake Forest Football will return to Charlotte's Bank of America Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 9, 2027, to take on Notre Dame in the Duke's Mayo Classic. This high-profile matchup marks Wake Forest's first game in Charlotte since the 2021 ACC Championship and underscores the University's growing academic and athletic presence in the Queen City, highlighted by the new School of Medicine campus at The Pearl. This is a tremendous opportunity to elevate Wake Forest's presence and celebrate with alumni, fans, and partners across the region and the game features the winningest college football program in North Carolina this century going head-to-head with a storied Notre Dame program. Information on ticket pricing and availability — including exclusive pre-sale opportunities for Wake Forest fans and donors — will be shared at a later date.
Keep ACC Network On — All Year Long!
From live games and original series to behind-the-scenes access, the ACC Network delivers outstanding content that showcases the very best of our conference and our institutions. Just last week, ACCN's roadshow recently visited Winston-Salem, where I had the chance to share updates on The Grounds, highlight local gems like Jimmy the Greek Restaurant, and discuss Wake Forest's innovative plans in Charlotte. Whether you're at home, hosting friends, or catching a replay, keeping the ACC Network on helps spotlight our programs, our people, and our community to a national audience. So, leave it on — you never know when DEACTOWN will be the star of the show.
Jim Dunn Recognized in 2025 Triad Business Journal C-Suite Awards
Verger CEO Jim Dunn was honored as one of 15 distinguished leaders at the 2025 C-Suite Awards hosted by the Triad Business Journal. The award highlights Jim's exceptional leadership in growing Verger, fostering an inclusive culture, and his commitment to authentic community engagement. A founding CEO and former Wake Forest CIO, Jim has been instrumental in shaping Verger's entrepreneurial spirit and its internship program, which has hosted over 135 interns from diverse backgrounds. Under his leadership, Verger was also named a 2025 Best Place to Work in the Triad. Jim's impact extends beyond Verger, having earned five consecutive years on Business North Carolina's Power List for his influence in shaping the state's business and community landscape.
Welcome to Wake Forest, Short's Travel Management!
Wake Forest Athletics has partnered with Short's Travel Management to handle all travel logistics for its teams and recruiting efforts. Using Short's Designated Agent Model, this partnership provides expert, high-touch service across air travel, hotel accommodations, rental cars, and charter bus services—streamlining operations to allow coaches and student-athletes to focus on competition. Short's, a family-owned company, serves over 200 athletics departments and manages NCAA championship travel, making it a leader in collegiate sports logistics.
Wake Downtown's LEAP Program Inspires Local High School Students Toward STEM Careers
Thirteen Forsyth County rising juniors and seniors from Title 1 high schools spent six weeks this summer gaining hands-on lab experience through Wake Forest's LEAP (Lab Experiences: Academics and Professions) program. The paid internship paired students with faculty mentors to conduct research in STEM fields and develop professional skills like presenting and networking. From exploring gene expression to physics and regenerative medicine, interns discovered diverse STEM opportunities both inside and beyond the lab. LEAP emphasizes teamwork, confidence-building, and exposure to careers through workshops and site visits. Now with 70 alumni, the program continues to foster a growing community of young scientists ready to tackle future global challenges.
Pro Humanitate at its finest!
Honoring Two Exceptional Leaders: Dr. Julie Freischlag and Sylvia Green
After more than three decades of transformative leadership, Dr. Julie A. Freischlag will retire at the end of 2025 as CEO and chief academic officer of Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, executive vice president of health affairs at Wake Forest University, and a pioneering vascular surgeon. Her tenure brought unprecedented growth and innovation to Wake Forest's academic medicine and health system, leaving a lasting legacy of excellence, inclusion, and patient care.
Meanwhile, Sylvia Green, Chief Marketing Officer for the Wake Forest University School of Business, has earned national recognition as No. 10 on Women We Admire's "Top 50 Women Chief Marketing Officers of 2025." With over 30 years of marketing leadership, Green has been instrumental in elevating the School's brand and championing community enrichment through the arts in Winston-Salem.
Both leaders exemplify Wake Forest's commitment to excellence, innovation, and impact across health, education, and community engagement.
From the Quad Big 3
Finally, here are today's Big 3 ways to help the Deacs:
- Check out the recently announced 2025–26 schedules for women's tennis, men's golf, women's golf and men's/women's cross country. These schedules promise a season filled with competitive play and opportunities for our student-athletes to showcase their talents. If you are able to attend any of their events this fall, remember that they are free and having Demon Deacons fans in attendance provides invaluable support and motivation for our student-athletes. Your presence not only boosts team morale but also contributes to the vibrant atmosphere that makes Wake Forest Athletics truly special.
- Wake Forest Football will once again join forces with Atrium Health Levine Children's Brenner Children's Hospital for the Gold Rush Childhood Cancer Game when the Demon Deacons host Western Carolina on Saturday, Sept. 6 at 2 p.m. inside Allegacy Stadium. Fans can purchase a special $35 Gold Rush package—including an East Side game ticket, gold Wake Forest t-shirt, and $20 Strickland Brothers Oil Change gift card—with $15 from each package benefiting Brenner Children's. To get lock in your tickets now, contact the Wake Forest Ticket Office at 336-758-3322 or email tix@wfu.edu.
- Wake Forest men's and women's soccer bonded with the Winston-Salem community at Fan Fest a few weekends ago. Both Coach Da Luz and Coach Bobby Muuss' teams are gearing up for exciting seasons as we previously shared earlier, so secure your tickets now for Spry Stadium! Single game tickets start at $10 for non-conference bleacher seats and $15 for reserve chairbacks; ACC games are $15 and $20, respectively. Don't forget – prices increase by $5 at the gate on gamedays, so order at GoDeacs.com/Tickets or call 336.758.3322 to get the best price!
Go Deacs!
John Currie
Vice President & Director of Athletics
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