Wake Forest Athletics
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From the Quad
2/19/2026 2:50:00 PM | General
Presented by Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist
Happy Founders Day Demon Deacon Nation!
As the weather warms up, so are the Demon Deacons – highlighted by our men's hoops team downing No. 26 Clemson in the Joel last night for our third-straight win. Tonight, the Deacon women host Notre Dame at LJVM Coliseum with tipoff set for 6 p.m., and the game is available on ACC Network Extra as we storm into a big weekend of Wake Forest Athletics, including our first weekend series at David F. Couch Ballpark and home tennis action at the Jim Leighton Courts and Indoor Tennis Center (pending weather!) for both our men's and women's programs. Not to be overlooked, Coach John Hayes' indoor track and field athletes are split between two locations this weekend, including JDL Fast Track here in Winston-Salem on Saturday!
I'm proud of the way Coach Steve Forbes and our student-athletes are showing resilience and determination – and making shots – with two great wins in the Joel, including an impressive comeback victory over Stanford this past Saturday after we returned home from last Wednesday's road win at Georgia Tech. Last night, the Deacs had five players score in double figures and defeated Clemson by eight. In the absence of injured starting guard Nate Calmese, it has been fun to watch sophomore Sebastian Akins and freshman Isaac Carr gain confidence and keep the ball moving, while senior transfer Mekhi Mason has provided a new scoring threat. Nine Demon Deacons played double-figure minutes last night, and now we hit the road to Virginia Tech on Saturday for a noon tipoff in Blacksburg on ACCN, and then head to take on Boston College Tuesday at 7 p.m. on Edgerley Family Court in Conte Forum before an ESPNU audience. Tickets are available, and I know we'll see lots of Wake fans in both buildings to cheer on the men in Old Gold & Black and keep those whistles honest!
While both hoops teams are on the road this weekend, there are still a few home games left in the 2025-26 season, including a men's battle against Syracuse on Saturday, Feb. 28 at 5:45 p.m., and a women's game vs. Florida State on Sunday afternoon, March 1, at 4 p.m. during Hall of Fame Weekend.
And remember, Rodney Rogers Day will take place on Saturday, March 7 at the Joel when the Deacs host Cal at 4 p.m. in our home finale.
February Finishes with a Star-Studded Hall of Fame Weekend
All of DEACTOWN is excited for the Hall of Fame Ceremony next weekend when we will gather to induct the Class of 2026. This remarkable group – including Coach Jim Grobe, Jeff Teague, Dearica Hamby (who also was recently selected to the 2026 USA Basketball FIBA World Cup Qualifying Team), Lisa Stockton, Anna Kozniuk, Brandon Chubb, James Riley and Gilbert McGregor – represents generations of Demon Deacons who have elevated our programs, inspired our community and carried the spirit of Pro Humanitate far beyond our campus. I always look forward to this event because it gives us a chance to reconnect with the people and moments that shaped Wake Forest Athletics, and I'm excited to celebrate their legacies together with their families, teammates and so many members of Deacon Nation.
I am grateful for the Wake Forest Sports Hall of Fame Selection Committee, Faculty Athletics Representative Dr. Peter Brubaker, as well as our broader Athletics staff for their meticulous preparation in making this event happen.
First Look at the 2026 Football Deacs: Spring Fan Fest Set for April 18
Mark your calendars for Saturday, April 18, when Wake Forest Football will host its Spring Football Fan Fest inside Allegacy Stadium – your first chance to see Coach Jake Dickert's 2026 Demon Deacons in action. Admission is free, and we are planning a full slate of fun football and family activities, headlining a big weekend across campus, including Wake Forest baseball hosting NC State at Couch Ballpark, where tickets are available in advance for as low as $12, as well as the Wake Forest Invitational track & field meet at Kentner Stadium on April 16-17 with free admission.
Sales are well ahead of last year's pace, and we have a limited number of single-game tickets on sale now for Opening Night and our highly anticipated September 18 matchup with Miami. Season tickets – including our limited-time Built in the Dark plan starting at $149 – are available with flexible payment options. I encourage you to visit GoDeacs.com/Tickets or contact our ticket office to learn more and make plans now to be part of another exciting season in Winston-Salem.
Diamond Deacs Off to Strong Start; Siena Series Marks Opening Weekend at The Couch
No. 22 Wake Forest Baseball is off to another strong start in 2026, opening the season 3-1, including a pair of wins at the Puerto Rico Challenge over Washington and Indiana State before returning home to defeat High Point in Tuesday's home opener at David F. Couch Ballpark – Coach Tom Walter's 500th win at Wake Forest. Siena rolls into The Couch this weekend, and the Deacs' home slate is filled with exciting promotions that personify the Best Fan Experience in North Carolina, including Kids Run the Bases Sundays, Friday night fireworks during ACC weekends, Trading Card Tuesdays, postgame autograph sessions, and special theme days. Fans can secure their seats now, with single-game tickets starting at just $8 for non-conference games and $12 for ACC matchups, and premium experiences like the Deacon Deck — offering loge seating, club space access, and all-inclusive options – available for select games. With that, be sure to encourage your friends, neighbors, and colleagues to join you at a game this spring! For assistance, contact the Wake Forest Ticket Office at 336-758-3322 ext. 1 or tix@wfu.edu.
Before we move on, I would be remiss if I did not encourage you to watch our 2026 Season Trailer that featured recent College Baseball Hall of Fame inductee Dr. Gene Hooks! See if you can keep your eyes dry!
Wake Forest Chefs to Compete in 2026 ACE Culinary Competition
Join me in congratulating two members of our Harvest Table Culinary Group team, Jonathan and Chris, who have been selected to represent Wake Forest University in the 2026 ACE Competition (register here). This exciting event, to be held March 11 on our campus, showcases culinary creativity and excellence as chefs prepare and present dishes in a fast-paced, mystery-basket format judged by American Culinary Federation standards. We wish Jonathan and Chris the very best as they compete and continue to represent Wake Forest with pride.
Honoring Courage and Legacy: Wake Forest Celebrated 2026 Trailblazer Award Honorees
Speaking about impactful events that bring our community together, we had the privilege of hosting our annual Trailblazer Award Ceremony back on Feb. 7 where we honored Dr. Herman Eure and Roper Osborne Halverson – two individuals whose courage and leadership helped shape a more inclusive Wake Forest University. I'm especially grateful to Dr. Janice Collins ('86) for serving as an outstanding M.C. and to Steve Bowden ('72) for reminding us all of the deeper meaning behind the Trailblazer Award. Moments like this remind us that the history of Wake Forest is not just something we remember, but something we continue to build together.
Dr. David Zaas Named CEO of Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist
I want to congratulate Dr. David Zaas on being named Chief Executive Officer of Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, marking an important leadership transition for one of Wake Forest University's closest partners and one of the region's most impactful institutions. Dr. Zaas will continue to serve as president of Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist and as executive vice president for clinical health affairs at Wake Forest University, further aligning clinical care, research, and medical education across the enterprise. We are also deeply grateful to Dr. Julie Freischlag for her extraordinary leadership and service, and we look forward to continuing our strong collaboration with Dr. Zaas, Dr. Ebony Boulware, and the entire team as they advance world-class care, innovation, and community impact across the Triad and beyond.
Connecting the Next Generation at the Wake Forest Sports Business Summit
The Wake Forest Sports Business Network (WFSBN) will host its Sports Business Summit on Saturday, February 28, bringing together innovators, executives, alumni and aspiring leaders for a full day of immersive programming and high-impact conversations. This student-driven initiative is designed to shape the future of the sports industry by equipping the next generation of professionals to lead with insight, creativity and purpose – true to our Pro Humanitate mission. The day will feature an outstanding lineup, including an opening keynote, alumni career panel, breakout sessions and an afternoon keynote from Mark Packer, along with opportunities for networking and an inside look at Wake Forest Athletics. I'm honored to deliver the opening keynote and spend time with these talented students as they explore the wide range of opportunities across the evolving sports landscape. Events like this reflect the strength of the Wake Forest network and the momentum behind WFSBN as it continues to connect students with leaders across the industry. I'm grateful to the Wake Forest Sports Business Network student leadership and its faculty advisors for organizing what promises to be another impactful and inspiring program.
From the Quad Big 3
Here are today's Big 3 ways to help the Deacs:
Thanks for your support and for continuing to show respect to one another, be loud and provide good sportsmanship in our venues as we strive to deliver the Best Fan Experience in North Carolina. Continue to send your thoughts, ideas and suggestions to me at wfuad@wfu.edu, and …
Go Deacs!
John Currie
Vice President & Director of Athletics
Wake Forest University
Happy Founders Day Demon Deacon Nation!
As the weather warms up, so are the Demon Deacons – highlighted by our men's hoops team downing No. 26 Clemson in the Joel last night for our third-straight win. Tonight, the Deacon women host Notre Dame at LJVM Coliseum with tipoff set for 6 p.m., and the game is available on ACC Network Extra as we storm into a big weekend of Wake Forest Athletics, including our first weekend series at David F. Couch Ballpark and home tennis action at the Jim Leighton Courts and Indoor Tennis Center (pending weather!) for both our men's and women's programs. Not to be overlooked, Coach John Hayes' indoor track and field athletes are split between two locations this weekend, including JDL Fast Track here in Winston-Salem on Saturday!
I'm proud of the way Coach Steve Forbes and our student-athletes are showing resilience and determination – and making shots – with two great wins in the Joel, including an impressive comeback victory over Stanford this past Saturday after we returned home from last Wednesday's road win at Georgia Tech. Last night, the Deacs had five players score in double figures and defeated Clemson by eight. In the absence of injured starting guard Nate Calmese, it has been fun to watch sophomore Sebastian Akins and freshman Isaac Carr gain confidence and keep the ball moving, while senior transfer Mekhi Mason has provided a new scoring threat. Nine Demon Deacons played double-figure minutes last night, and now we hit the road to Virginia Tech on Saturday for a noon tipoff in Blacksburg on ACCN, and then head to take on Boston College Tuesday at 7 p.m. on Edgerley Family Court in Conte Forum before an ESPNU audience. Tickets are available, and I know we'll see lots of Wake fans in both buildings to cheer on the men in Old Gold & Black and keep those whistles honest!
While both hoops teams are on the road this weekend, there are still a few home games left in the 2025-26 season, including a men's battle against Syracuse on Saturday, Feb. 28 at 5:45 p.m., and a women's game vs. Florida State on Sunday afternoon, March 1, at 4 p.m. during Hall of Fame Weekend.
And remember, Rodney Rogers Day will take place on Saturday, March 7 at the Joel when the Deacs host Cal at 4 p.m. in our home finale.
February Finishes with a Star-Studded Hall of Fame Weekend
All of DEACTOWN is excited for the Hall of Fame Ceremony next weekend when we will gather to induct the Class of 2026. This remarkable group – including Coach Jim Grobe, Jeff Teague, Dearica Hamby (who also was recently selected to the 2026 USA Basketball FIBA World Cup Qualifying Team), Lisa Stockton, Anna Kozniuk, Brandon Chubb, James Riley and Gilbert McGregor – represents generations of Demon Deacons who have elevated our programs, inspired our community and carried the spirit of Pro Humanitate far beyond our campus. I always look forward to this event because it gives us a chance to reconnect with the people and moments that shaped Wake Forest Athletics, and I'm excited to celebrate their legacies together with their families, teammates and so many members of Deacon Nation.
I am grateful for the Wake Forest Sports Hall of Fame Selection Committee, Faculty Athletics Representative Dr. Peter Brubaker, as well as our broader Athletics staff for their meticulous preparation in making this event happen.
First Look at the 2026 Football Deacs: Spring Fan Fest Set for April 18
Mark your calendars for Saturday, April 18, when Wake Forest Football will host its Spring Football Fan Fest inside Allegacy Stadium – your first chance to see Coach Jake Dickert's 2026 Demon Deacons in action. Admission is free, and we are planning a full slate of fun football and family activities, headlining a big weekend across campus, including Wake Forest baseball hosting NC State at Couch Ballpark, where tickets are available in advance for as low as $12, as well as the Wake Forest Invitational track & field meet at Kentner Stadium on April 16-17 with free admission.
Sales are well ahead of last year's pace, and we have a limited number of single-game tickets on sale now for Opening Night and our highly anticipated September 18 matchup with Miami. Season tickets – including our limited-time Built in the Dark plan starting at $149 – are available with flexible payment options. I encourage you to visit GoDeacs.com/Tickets or contact our ticket office to learn more and make plans now to be part of another exciting season in Winston-Salem.
Diamond Deacs Off to Strong Start; Siena Series Marks Opening Weekend at The Couch
No. 22 Wake Forest Baseball is off to another strong start in 2026, opening the season 3-1, including a pair of wins at the Puerto Rico Challenge over Washington and Indiana State before returning home to defeat High Point in Tuesday's home opener at David F. Couch Ballpark – Coach Tom Walter's 500th win at Wake Forest. Siena rolls into The Couch this weekend, and the Deacs' home slate is filled with exciting promotions that personify the Best Fan Experience in North Carolina, including Kids Run the Bases Sundays, Friday night fireworks during ACC weekends, Trading Card Tuesdays, postgame autograph sessions, and special theme days. Fans can secure their seats now, with single-game tickets starting at just $8 for non-conference games and $12 for ACC matchups, and premium experiences like the Deacon Deck — offering loge seating, club space access, and all-inclusive options – available for select games. With that, be sure to encourage your friends, neighbors, and colleagues to join you at a game this spring! For assistance, contact the Wake Forest Ticket Office at 336-758-3322 ext. 1 or tix@wfu.edu.
Before we move on, I would be remiss if I did not encourage you to watch our 2026 Season Trailer that featured recent College Baseball Hall of Fame inductee Dr. Gene Hooks! See if you can keep your eyes dry!
Wake Forest Chefs to Compete in 2026 ACE Culinary Competition
Join me in congratulating two members of our Harvest Table Culinary Group team, Jonathan and Chris, who have been selected to represent Wake Forest University in the 2026 ACE Competition (register here). This exciting event, to be held March 11 on our campus, showcases culinary creativity and excellence as chefs prepare and present dishes in a fast-paced, mystery-basket format judged by American Culinary Federation standards. We wish Jonathan and Chris the very best as they compete and continue to represent Wake Forest with pride.
Honoring Courage and Legacy: Wake Forest Celebrated 2026 Trailblazer Award Honorees
Speaking about impactful events that bring our community together, we had the privilege of hosting our annual Trailblazer Award Ceremony back on Feb. 7 where we honored Dr. Herman Eure and Roper Osborne Halverson – two individuals whose courage and leadership helped shape a more inclusive Wake Forest University. I'm especially grateful to Dr. Janice Collins ('86) for serving as an outstanding M.C. and to Steve Bowden ('72) for reminding us all of the deeper meaning behind the Trailblazer Award. Moments like this remind us that the history of Wake Forest is not just something we remember, but something we continue to build together.
Dr. David Zaas Named CEO of Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist
I want to congratulate Dr. David Zaas on being named Chief Executive Officer of Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, marking an important leadership transition for one of Wake Forest University's closest partners and one of the region's most impactful institutions. Dr. Zaas will continue to serve as president of Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist and as executive vice president for clinical health affairs at Wake Forest University, further aligning clinical care, research, and medical education across the enterprise. We are also deeply grateful to Dr. Julie Freischlag for her extraordinary leadership and service, and we look forward to continuing our strong collaboration with Dr. Zaas, Dr. Ebony Boulware, and the entire team as they advance world-class care, innovation, and community impact across the Triad and beyond.
Connecting the Next Generation at the Wake Forest Sports Business Summit
The Wake Forest Sports Business Network (WFSBN) will host its Sports Business Summit on Saturday, February 28, bringing together innovators, executives, alumni and aspiring leaders for a full day of immersive programming and high-impact conversations. This student-driven initiative is designed to shape the future of the sports industry by equipping the next generation of professionals to lead with insight, creativity and purpose – true to our Pro Humanitate mission. The day will feature an outstanding lineup, including an opening keynote, alumni career panel, breakout sessions and an afternoon keynote from Mark Packer, along with opportunities for networking and an inside look at Wake Forest Athletics. I'm honored to deliver the opening keynote and spend time with these talented students as they explore the wide range of opportunities across the evolving sports landscape. Events like this reflect the strength of the Wake Forest network and the momentum behind WFSBN as it continues to connect students with leaders across the industry. I'm grateful to the Wake Forest Sports Business Network student leadership and its faculty advisors for organizing what promises to be another impactful and inspiring program.
From the Quad Big 3
Here are today's Big 3 ways to help the Deacs:
- Tell your friends about the 59 student-athletes from volleyball, field hockey, cross country, women's soccer, men's soccer and football, who earned academic recognition from the ACC and other sport-specific organizations! Additionally, star cross country runner Rocky Hansen was named the ACC Scholar Athlete of the Year!
- Remind out-of-towners that Winston-Salem is a hub of innovation as epitomized by two Wake Forest University School of Medicine researchers, Dr. Louis Argenta and Dr. Michael Morykwas, who were selected for induction into the National Inventors Hall of Fame in recognition of their pioneering work developing Vacuum Assisted Closure therapy, an innovation that has helped millions of patients worldwide.
- When you 'FlyPTI" – buy all the latest Wake Forest gear at the Paradies locations throughout the airport! Before you go through security check out the awesome Johnnie O gear at the central "PGA" Shop. Buying gear when traveling is a great way to spread our brand regionally and nationally!
Thanks for your support and for continuing to show respect to one another, be loud and provide good sportsmanship in our venues as we strive to deliver the Best Fan Experience in North Carolina. Continue to send your thoughts, ideas and suggestions to me at wfuad@wfu.edu, and …
Go Deacs!
John Currie
Vice President & Director of Athletics
Wake Forest University
Steve Forbes - Postgame Presser vs. Clemson
Thursday, February 19
Steve Forbes - Postgame Presser vs. Stanford
Sunday, February 15
Wake Forest Baseball 2026 Opening Day Trailer
Friday, February 13
Steve Forbes - Postgame Presser at Georgia Tech
Thursday, February 12