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From the Quad
9/26/2025 10:41:00 AM | General
Presented by Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist
Let's GOOOOOOO Demon Deacon Nation!
Thanks to a HUGE 3-2 comeback victory at No. 9 Duke last night by Coach Tony da Luz and our No. 19 women's soccer team, a massive Demon Deacons Weekend is off to a great start! And, it's Family Weekend at Wake Forest so I was able to watch those two awesome second half goals by the Deacs together with a dozen Wake Forest parents and several of our head coaches last night at the Kimpton in downtown Winston-Salem.
My week got off to a great start on Sunday evening as Mary Lawrence and I hosted our Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (S.A.A.C.) members for supper at our home. As college athletics - and higher education - continue a disruptive evolution, the opportunity for fellowship with some incredible student-athletes was the perfect salve to fire me up for what has been a very busy week. Senior field hockey standout Amelia Frey (fresh from a big win over No. 13 Boston College earlier in the day!) captured the essence of the evening in her thoughtful LinkedIn post.
On Monday morning, I hit the road early making the quick drive down to ACC headquarters for an all day collaborative and strategic discussion with Commissioner Jim Phillips, his executive staff and my fellow athletics directors. In follow up to those discussions, our Faculty Athletics Representatives voted yesterday to adopt a nine-game conference football schedule beginning next year, with each school also required to play at least one additional non-conference Power Four opponent. This move aligns the ACC with the other Power Four leagues and strengthens our positioning for the College Football Playoff. We'll be back with more updates for 2026 and beyond, but this important step forward benefits our fans, student-athletes, and the Winston-Salem community.
Meanwhile, our outstanding campus facilities staff has our beautiful Reynolda campus looking perfect and our athletics operations and fan experience staffs have been gearing up for today's nationally-ranked matchups! First up at 5 p.m., No. 13 field hockey hosts No. 2 North Carolina in Kentner and then at 6 p.m. a huge men's soccer battle takes place at Spry as Coach Bobby Muuss and his No. 13 Demon Deacons host Clemson. Admission to the field hockey match is FREE and tickets for the soccer match can be purchased for as low as $12.
Prior to the matches tonight, stop by Gate 1 outside Allegacy Stadium as the ACC Network's Huddle crew will be live in Winston-Salem for their 4-6 p.m. ACC PM show this afternoon. The national spotlight will continue to shine bright on Winston-Salem tomorrow with ACC Huddle broadcasting live from Allegacy Stadium beginning at 10 a.m., leading into our Family Weekend football matchup against No. 16 Georgia Tech at noon on ESPN. I know our Screamin' Demons student section will be packed at kickoff to show our national television audience the fun of Demon Deacons football!
There are less than 1,250 tickets remaining for this seismic ACC showdown and the best value is the Bojangles Four Pack, which includes four tickets, a parking pass and $20 Bojangles gift card for only $169! Other ticket options are available here and don't hesitate to call 336-758-3322 or email tix@wfu.edu our hardworking sales staff to lock in your seats. Remember, every chat—at the coffee shop, the gym, or a local restaurant—carries the spirit of Wake Forest and drives the Best Fan Experience in North Carolina.
Before the game, stop by Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum as Wake Forest men's basketball will hold an open practice from 10–11:30 a.m. Doors open at 9:30 a.m. as fans can enter through the West Gate Lobby Entrance. Fans can catch the first glimpse of the 2025-26 roster—featuring returning standouts Tre'Von Spillers, Juke Harris, and Omaha Biliew, along with a talented incoming transfer and freshman class—before the Demon Deacons tip off the season against American on Nov. 3. Click here for season ticket information!
No matter where you spend your time—whether it's tonight at Kentner or Spry Stadium, tomorrow morning in DEACTOWN's Fan Zone presented by Lowes Foods, at the Deacon Walk (9:30 a.m. outside Gate 1), the open hoops practice or inside Allegacy Stadium—you'll be part of a weekend full of Demon Deacon pride and unforgettable memories. To make the most of your gameday, visit our gameday website for the latest schedules and check out GoDeacs.com/Parking2025 to plan your arrival.
When you get to Allegacy Stadium, be sure to stop by Piccolo Lane where ACC Network will showcase the passion of Deacon Nation live on the air with fun games and activations for fans of all ages. Then, make your way to your seat early to experience our pregame show, highlighted by Wake Forest Sports Hall of Fame inductee Brandon Chubb Opening the Gate, along with performances from the Spirit of the Old Gold & Black and our Wake Forest Spirit Squads.
In addition to these Athletics events, families are also encouraged to download the Family Weekend 2025 Guidebook App for the most up-to-date information on campus events, including academic open houses, concerts, cultural programming, and other opportunities to see our vibrant community in action.
Whew- that's a lot! Let's get to the rest of the updates!
Wake Forest Launches Tuition-Free Gateway Program for North Carolina Families
Wake Forest University announced last week a landmark new initiative that will make the University tuition-free for admitted undergraduates from North Carolina families earning less than $200,000 annually, beginning with the fall 2026 entering class. The North Carolina Gateway to Wake Forest University also provides additional support for families with incomes under $100,000, covering tuition plus standard living expenses. Families earning between $200,000 and $300,000 will be eligible for financial aid covering 50% of tuition. This bold step ensures that cost will not be a barrier for talented North Carolinians seeking the life-changing education Wake Forest provides. As President Susan R. Wente shared, the program sends a clear message: "Wake Forest is within your reach."
I commend President Wente, Vice President for Enrollment Eric Maguire, and our University leadership for making such a powerful investment in the students of our state. Their vision, combined with the generosity of donors who support Wake Forest scholarships, continues to strengthen our ability to attract and support the very best students—while upholding our historic commitment to access and affordability.
September Surge: Deacs Dominate Across the Fall Sports Spectrum
Wake Forest is off to a powerful run this fall — wins, records, and standout performances across our Olympic and club sports are building something special. Specifically, Coach Jen Averill (who recently earned her 450th win!) and her squad is up to No. 13 in the national rankings after the Deacs opened ACC play 2-0 last weekend, thanks to a gutsy comeback at No. 4 Syracuse and a Sunday win over No. 13 Boston College. Ellie Todd stood tall in goal (8 saves), pushing her to 5–0 on the season. It's the first time since 2017 Wake Forest has begun ACC play with back-to-back wins!
Both our golf programs are surging as Coach Kim Lewellen and our No. 13 women's squad team have notched back-to-back team titles to begin the season. Senior Anna-Sterre den Dunnen, junior Macy Pate, and freshman Chloe Kovelesky all played major roles at the ANNIKA Intercollegiate and the Stephens Cup, including a win over Stanford in stroke play. Additionally, Kovelesky and Pate each won medalist honors at those events, respectively!
Not to be outdown, our men's team sits at No. 25 in the country, and has won both of its tournaments so far at the Bryan Intercollegiate in Greensboro and the Highlands Invitational in Chicago, respectively last week! While the team snared Coach Jerry Haas'47th team title at the Highlands, sophomore Jorge Hao captured his first collegiate title, tying the fourth-lowest 54-hole score to par (since spring 1976) with a final score of 199 (-17)!
Also, our harriers are off to tremendous success thus far this fall too. The women's team took the team title at the Queen City Invite, led by junior Angelina Perez's first individual win. And, Coach John Hayes' men's squad is ranked ninth in the county and was picked as the preseason favorite to win its second-straight ACC Championship this fall! The Demon Deacons men's team is loaded with talent as rising junior phenom Rocky Hansen, reigning ACC Freshman of the Year JoJo Jourdon and 2023 ACC Frosh of the Year Charlie Sprott are ready to lead this squad to glory again this fall. With that, our programs are competing today at the Gans Creek Classic!
Finally, under Coach Jeff Hulsmeyer's leadership, our volleyball program wrapped up its non-conference slate with wins over North Carolina A&T and Old Dominion last week. Senior Emma Farrell has stood out, averaging 5.58 digs per set and ranking second in the ACC. As conference play looms, the Deacs face Big Four tests at No. 25 UNC and Duke this weekend before hosting Florida State at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 3 inside Varsity Area where admission is free! If you are interested in an upgraded experience at Wake Forest Volleyball home matches, check out the new Ace Club!
We Are Wake Mental Health Awareness Game
Tomorrow's football game will serve as the We Are Wake Mental Health Awareness Game, as Demon Deacon student-athletes will wear a special "We" decal on the back of their helmets and our staff will be wearing green ribbons in support. Led by Vice-President Shea Kidd-Brown and the Office of Campus Life, We Are Wake is a campus-wide initiative designed to empower our community to recognize signs of distress, respond effectively, and connect one another with essential support resources. By promoting a culture of care and equipping peers with tools to help, We Are Wake underscores the University's commitment to well-being. This follows Monday's men's soccer match where the jerseys were auctioned off in support of the Trinity Center.
Pro Humanitate at its finest!
Annual Hit the Bricks Event Takes Center Stage on Hearn Plaza
On Wednesday next week from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., the annual Hit the Bricks event on our beautiful Reynolda Campus is just another example of Pro Humanitate spirit in action. This campus-wide philanthropic event, which began in 2003, benefits the Brian Piccolo Cancer Research Fund and the Comprehensive Cancer Center at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist.
Many Wake Forest student-athletes will participate at the event on Hearn Plaza as students, faculty, staff, and alumni take turns running and walking laps around the Quad to show their solidarity in the fight against cancer. Throughout the day, participants, volunteers, and spectators enjoy fun activities, live music, and special guest speakers.
It's not too late to register for the event and donations can be made here.
From the Quad Big 3
Finally, here are today's Big 3 ways to help the Deacs:
Finally, thank you for all the ways you support Wake Forest, please continue to send me your thoughts, ideas and suggestions to me at wfuad@wfu.edu, and…
Go Deacs!
John Currie
Vice President & Director of Athletics
Let's GOOOOOOO Demon Deacon Nation!
Thanks to a HUGE 3-2 comeback victory at No. 9 Duke last night by Coach Tony da Luz and our No. 19 women's soccer team, a massive Demon Deacons Weekend is off to a great start! And, it's Family Weekend at Wake Forest so I was able to watch those two awesome second half goals by the Deacs together with a dozen Wake Forest parents and several of our head coaches last night at the Kimpton in downtown Winston-Salem.
My week got off to a great start on Sunday evening as Mary Lawrence and I hosted our Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (S.A.A.C.) members for supper at our home. As college athletics - and higher education - continue a disruptive evolution, the opportunity for fellowship with some incredible student-athletes was the perfect salve to fire me up for what has been a very busy week. Senior field hockey standout Amelia Frey (fresh from a big win over No. 13 Boston College earlier in the day!) captured the essence of the evening in her thoughtful LinkedIn post.
On Monday morning, I hit the road early making the quick drive down to ACC headquarters for an all day collaborative and strategic discussion with Commissioner Jim Phillips, his executive staff and my fellow athletics directors. In follow up to those discussions, our Faculty Athletics Representatives voted yesterday to adopt a nine-game conference football schedule beginning next year, with each school also required to play at least one additional non-conference Power Four opponent. This move aligns the ACC with the other Power Four leagues and strengthens our positioning for the College Football Playoff. We'll be back with more updates for 2026 and beyond, but this important step forward benefits our fans, student-athletes, and the Winston-Salem community.
Meanwhile, our outstanding campus facilities staff has our beautiful Reynolda campus looking perfect and our athletics operations and fan experience staffs have been gearing up for today's nationally-ranked matchups! First up at 5 p.m., No. 13 field hockey hosts No. 2 North Carolina in Kentner and then at 6 p.m. a huge men's soccer battle takes place at Spry as Coach Bobby Muuss and his No. 13 Demon Deacons host Clemson. Admission to the field hockey match is FREE and tickets for the soccer match can be purchased for as low as $12.
Prior to the matches tonight, stop by Gate 1 outside Allegacy Stadium as the ACC Network's Huddle crew will be live in Winston-Salem for their 4-6 p.m. ACC PM show this afternoon. The national spotlight will continue to shine bright on Winston-Salem tomorrow with ACC Huddle broadcasting live from Allegacy Stadium beginning at 10 a.m., leading into our Family Weekend football matchup against No. 16 Georgia Tech at noon on ESPN. I know our Screamin' Demons student section will be packed at kickoff to show our national television audience the fun of Demon Deacons football!
There are less than 1,250 tickets remaining for this seismic ACC showdown and the best value is the Bojangles Four Pack, which includes four tickets, a parking pass and $20 Bojangles gift card for only $169! Other ticket options are available here and don't hesitate to call 336-758-3322 or email tix@wfu.edu our hardworking sales staff to lock in your seats. Remember, every chat—at the coffee shop, the gym, or a local restaurant—carries the spirit of Wake Forest and drives the Best Fan Experience in North Carolina.
Before the game, stop by Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum as Wake Forest men's basketball will hold an open practice from 10–11:30 a.m. Doors open at 9:30 a.m. as fans can enter through the West Gate Lobby Entrance. Fans can catch the first glimpse of the 2025-26 roster—featuring returning standouts Tre'Von Spillers, Juke Harris, and Omaha Biliew, along with a talented incoming transfer and freshman class—before the Demon Deacons tip off the season against American on Nov. 3. Click here for season ticket information!
No matter where you spend your time—whether it's tonight at Kentner or Spry Stadium, tomorrow morning in DEACTOWN's Fan Zone presented by Lowes Foods, at the Deacon Walk (9:30 a.m. outside Gate 1), the open hoops practice or inside Allegacy Stadium—you'll be part of a weekend full of Demon Deacon pride and unforgettable memories. To make the most of your gameday, visit our gameday website for the latest schedules and check out GoDeacs.com/Parking2025 to plan your arrival.
When you get to Allegacy Stadium, be sure to stop by Piccolo Lane where ACC Network will showcase the passion of Deacon Nation live on the air with fun games and activations for fans of all ages. Then, make your way to your seat early to experience our pregame show, highlighted by Wake Forest Sports Hall of Fame inductee Brandon Chubb Opening the Gate, along with performances from the Spirit of the Old Gold & Black and our Wake Forest Spirit Squads.
In addition to these Athletics events, families are also encouraged to download the Family Weekend 2025 Guidebook App for the most up-to-date information on campus events, including academic open houses, concerts, cultural programming, and other opportunities to see our vibrant community in action.
Whew- that's a lot! Let's get to the rest of the updates!
Wake Forest Launches Tuition-Free Gateway Program for North Carolina Families
Wake Forest University announced last week a landmark new initiative that will make the University tuition-free for admitted undergraduates from North Carolina families earning less than $200,000 annually, beginning with the fall 2026 entering class. The North Carolina Gateway to Wake Forest University also provides additional support for families with incomes under $100,000, covering tuition plus standard living expenses. Families earning between $200,000 and $300,000 will be eligible for financial aid covering 50% of tuition. This bold step ensures that cost will not be a barrier for talented North Carolinians seeking the life-changing education Wake Forest provides. As President Susan R. Wente shared, the program sends a clear message: "Wake Forest is within your reach."
I commend President Wente, Vice President for Enrollment Eric Maguire, and our University leadership for making such a powerful investment in the students of our state. Their vision, combined with the generosity of donors who support Wake Forest scholarships, continues to strengthen our ability to attract and support the very best students—while upholding our historic commitment to access and affordability.
September Surge: Deacs Dominate Across the Fall Sports Spectrum
Wake Forest is off to a powerful run this fall — wins, records, and standout performances across our Olympic and club sports are building something special. Specifically, Coach Jen Averill (who recently earned her 450th win!) and her squad is up to No. 13 in the national rankings after the Deacs opened ACC play 2-0 last weekend, thanks to a gutsy comeback at No. 4 Syracuse and a Sunday win over No. 13 Boston College. Ellie Todd stood tall in goal (8 saves), pushing her to 5–0 on the season. It's the first time since 2017 Wake Forest has begun ACC play with back-to-back wins!
Both our golf programs are surging as Coach Kim Lewellen and our No. 13 women's squad team have notched back-to-back team titles to begin the season. Senior Anna-Sterre den Dunnen, junior Macy Pate, and freshman Chloe Kovelesky all played major roles at the ANNIKA Intercollegiate and the Stephens Cup, including a win over Stanford in stroke play. Additionally, Kovelesky and Pate each won medalist honors at those events, respectively!
Not to be outdown, our men's team sits at No. 25 in the country, and has won both of its tournaments so far at the Bryan Intercollegiate in Greensboro and the Highlands Invitational in Chicago, respectively last week! While the team snared Coach Jerry Haas'47th team title at the Highlands, sophomore Jorge Hao captured his first collegiate title, tying the fourth-lowest 54-hole score to par (since spring 1976) with a final score of 199 (-17)!
Also, our harriers are off to tremendous success thus far this fall too. The women's team took the team title at the Queen City Invite, led by junior Angelina Perez's first individual win. And, Coach John Hayes' men's squad is ranked ninth in the county and was picked as the preseason favorite to win its second-straight ACC Championship this fall! The Demon Deacons men's team is loaded with talent as rising junior phenom Rocky Hansen, reigning ACC Freshman of the Year JoJo Jourdon and 2023 ACC Frosh of the Year Charlie Sprott are ready to lead this squad to glory again this fall. With that, our programs are competing today at the Gans Creek Classic!
Finally, under Coach Jeff Hulsmeyer's leadership, our volleyball program wrapped up its non-conference slate with wins over North Carolina A&T and Old Dominion last week. Senior Emma Farrell has stood out, averaging 5.58 digs per set and ranking second in the ACC. As conference play looms, the Deacs face Big Four tests at No. 25 UNC and Duke this weekend before hosting Florida State at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 3 inside Varsity Area where admission is free! If you are interested in an upgraded experience at Wake Forest Volleyball home matches, check out the new Ace Club!
We Are Wake Mental Health Awareness Game
Tomorrow's football game will serve as the We Are Wake Mental Health Awareness Game, as Demon Deacon student-athletes will wear a special "We" decal on the back of their helmets and our staff will be wearing green ribbons in support. Led by Vice-President Shea Kidd-Brown and the Office of Campus Life, We Are Wake is a campus-wide initiative designed to empower our community to recognize signs of distress, respond effectively, and connect one another with essential support resources. By promoting a culture of care and equipping peers with tools to help, We Are Wake underscores the University's commitment to well-being. This follows Monday's men's soccer match where the jerseys were auctioned off in support of the Trinity Center.
Pro Humanitate at its finest!
Annual Hit the Bricks Event Takes Center Stage on Hearn Plaza
On Wednesday next week from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., the annual Hit the Bricks event on our beautiful Reynolda Campus is just another example of Pro Humanitate spirit in action. This campus-wide philanthropic event, which began in 2003, benefits the Brian Piccolo Cancer Research Fund and the Comprehensive Cancer Center at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist.
Many Wake Forest student-athletes will participate at the event on Hearn Plaza as students, faculty, staff, and alumni take turns running and walking laps around the Quad to show their solidarity in the fight against cancer. Throughout the day, participants, volunteers, and spectators enjoy fun activities, live music, and special guest speakers.
It's not too late to register for the event and donations can be made here.
From the Quad Big 3
Finally, here are today's Big 3 ways to help the Deacs:
- From the Quad Readers!
- John Dell from the Winston-Salem Journal wrote about how former Winston-Salem State head coach Connell Maynor has joined Coach Jake Dickert's staff.
- The Times of India covered how senior DK Suresh Ekambaram shined and won in his debut at the Davis Cup.
- Wake Forest legend and NBA All-Star Chris Paul recently stepped in at the last minute to host the latest Face to Face Speaker Forum.
- Wake Forest Football's new mantra, 'Built in the Dark,' is now available on official merchandise. These t-shirts embody the team's dedication and hard work beyond the spotlight. Available in adult and youth sizes, they're perfect for fans wanting to support the team in style. Grab yours today at WakeForestShop.com.
- Don't wait and lock in your season tickets for men's basketball start at $195 (plus fees), and women's basketball season tickets are $60 for adults and $49 for youth (ages 2–18) and seniors (65+). Purchase online or contact the Wake Forest ticket office at (336) 758-3322, Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. today! With that, beyond the aforementioned men's open practice on Saturday, register to see an open women's basketball practice on Saturday, Oct. 4!
Finally, thank you for all the ways you support Wake Forest, please continue to send me 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
F
/ Men's Basketball
/ Women's Golf
DS/L
/ Women's Volleyball
Forward
/ Field Hockey
/ Cross Country
G
/ Men's Basketball
/ Cross Country
/ Women's Golf
/ Women's Golf
F
/ Men's Basketball
/ Cross Country
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