Wake Forest Athletics
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From The Quad
5/20/2026 3:46:00 PM | General
Good Afternoon Demon Deacon Nation:
On a fittingly beautiful day, we are proud to officially welcome the 15th President of Wake Forest University, Dr. Peter Rodriguez! If you haven't yet, please read the official announcement introducing Dr. Rodriguez and you'll see why I couldn't be more excited and optimistic about our future moving forward under his leadership.
A distinguished economist and veteran academic leader, Dr. Rodriguez currently serves as the dean of Rice University's School of Business, which includes the Jesse H. Jones Graduate School of Business and the Virani Undergraduate School of Business. A graduate of Texas A&M, college sports is in his blood and Coach Dickert and I had a great time welcoming him to Allegacy Financial Stadium yesterday afternoon!
I am deeply appreciative of the thousands of hours that search co-chairs Curt Farmer and Jeanne Whitman Bobbitt and the entire committee poured into this process. We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Rodriguez, his wife Kathleen, and their children – Gabriella, Sam, and Michael to the Wake Forest family.
He will officially begin his presidency at Wake Forest on July 1, 2026 but we already had our first University executive leadership team "meeting' with him early this morning and I can assure you that we are ready to go! We are incredibly grateful for the leadership and partnership of President Susan R. Wente over the past five years and, as she sprints toward the baton handoff line, we thank her for her unwavering support of Wake Forest Athletics.
And now, let's get to the updates!
Celebrating the Class of 2026!
On Sunday afternoon, Wake Forest Athletics proudly celebrated 104 graduates at our annual reception for student-athletes and their families, highlighted by poignant remarks from track & field/cross country senior Elizabeth Whaley. This remarkable class established an extraordinary legacy, totaling 683 victories in the Old Gold & Black, along with 88 All-ACC Academic Team selections, 27 All-ACC honors, eight ACC team titles, two individual ACC championships and two NCAA team championship trophies. Just this past year, 46 football student-athletes earned degrees and graduate certificates while helping secure a nine-win season, capped by a victory in the 2026 Duke's Mayo Bowl. In addition, three field hockey graduates played a key role in capturing a share of the 2025 ACC Regular-Season Championship and an undefeated record at home. I could not be more proud of this group and the standard they have set – both in competition and in the classroom. We look forward to seeing all they will accomplish next!
Deputy AD Lindsey Babcock: Named Commissioner of the South Atlantic Conference
Another "graduating" Demon Deacon who has made an incredible mark on Wake Forest is our Deputy Athletic Director and Senior Woman Administrator Lindsey Babcock, who was named yesterday as the next Commissioner of the South Atlantic Conference. Lindsey has been an integral part of our executive leadership team and her steady leadership and commitment to student-athlete success has made a meaningful impact across all of our programs. I have had the privilege of working alongside Lindsey for more than a decade, including five years at Kansas State before she joined us here at Wake Forest, and her leadership has been invaluable every step of the way. She has helped guide important progress within our department while always keeping the focus where it belongs – on the development and success of our student-athletes. We are also grateful for the way her family, her husband Craig and their children, Alexa and Brayden, have been an important part of our Wake Forest community. While we will miss Team Babcock both in and out of the office, we are excited for Lindsey and all that lies ahead for her in this new role.
The Grounds "Halo Effect" Driving New Improvements for Deacon Boulevard & U Parkway
This week brought the latest news in the rebirth of Winston-Salem's sports and entertainment district as the venerable College Plaza property was acquired by Cuadra Capital, which plans a major (and much needed) renovation and upgrade for the Joel Coliseum's across-the-street neighbor! A few weeks ago, Carter Front Street announced the acquisition of the Best Western Plus hotel property – with Wake Forest University support – and will close the hotel on June 4, 2026 as they evaluate future redevelopment opportunities. Additionally, earlier this year, Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist announced the upcoming construction of a $33 million freestanding emergency department on the current Flow Automotive site on University Parkway across from Goodwill.
These new investments are exactly what an economic development project is supposed to ignite and coupled with the $250 million of first phase construction of The Grounds are enhancing connectivity, strengthening the community, and positioning the area as a more vibrant destination for Winston-Salem and Forsyth County residents and out of town visitors alike! A couple Fridays ago, I had the chance to join Rep. Donny Lambeth and Carter Front Street's Adam Parker on a walking tour of The Grounds, moving through the new Creekside apartments and along the incredible greenway and path that will soon connect the development seamlessly to Reynolda campus.
Winston-Salem's Sports and Entertainment district, including the city's Fairgrounds and Arena, Joel Coliseum, Allegacy Stadium, Couch Ball Park and the Wake Forest Tennis Center now welcome more than one million fans to hundreds of different events annually. It will be exciting to see the Best Fan Experience in North Carolina get even better over the next few years!
Goal #4: Win Championships! Rosalind Gergely Wins the ACC Javelin Title
Rosalind Gergely delivered a standout performance at the ACC Outdoor Track & Field Championships in Louisville, capturing the conference title in women's javelin this past weekend. Rosalind has placed first in five of the last six meets, with a record throw at the Wake Forest Invitational last month. Angelina Perez earned First Team All-ACC honors this weekend, finishing runner-up and breaking her own school record in the 10,000 meters by over a second. Seren Rogers also earned First Team All-ACC honors and placed second in the women's heptathlon. Read more about the team's success this past weekend here!
Diamond Deacs' After Dark Tonight in the Queen City
Following a series win over Big Four rival Duke this past weekend, the Diamond Deacs are back in Charlotte's Truist Park as the #6 seed and will take on Pittsburgh tonight at 9 p.m. live on ACC Network. Wake Forest fans can start the night pregame at Ink & Ivy in Uptown Charlotte, which will serve as the official WFU gathering spot throughout the tournament and it's not too late to grab your game tickets here. With a victory tonight, the Deacs would skip to quarterfinal action Friday night against #3 seed Florida State at 7:00 p.m.
Coach Walter's squad is a virtual lock to be a #2 NCAA seed for the fifth consecutive season and a strong run in Charlotte could bring a regional host opportunity back to David F. Couch Ball Park next week, so get Uptown and cheer on the Deacs to victory!
Women's Golf in California for Championships as Men Wrap at Bermuda Run
Following a record-setting performance at the NCAA Tallahassee Regional, Coach Lewellen's squad captured the team title and Morgan Ketchum won the individual regional title. Heading to their 11th consecutive NCAA Championship, the women's golf team, including Monday graduate Anne-Sterre den Dunnen, will tee off 12:45 p.m. PST (3:45 p.m. EST) on Friday May 22 in Carlsbad, California. Eight teams will advance to match-play beginning Tuesday May 26, which will be live on the Golf Channel and determine the 2026 NCAA team champion. If you're a West Coast Deac, consider heading to the North Course of the Omni La Costa Resort & Spa and cheer on your Swinging Deacs!
We are grateful to the members and staff of Bermuda Run Country Club for hosting the NCAA Men's Golf Regional, which wrapped up today. Despite a valiant effort, Coach Haas' squad will conclude its season and look forward to getting back on the course in the fall.
Wake Forest Expands Its Reach with New Charlotte Campus in The Pearl
While I was with my ACC colleagues in meetings last week, I applauded from afar the grand opening of Wake Forest's new space in The Pearl, which is now home to Wake Forest University's Charlotte business, law, and professional studies programs alongside the School of Medicine. Situated in the heart of Charlotte's innovation district, the Wake Forest University sign high above I-277 and in sight of Bank of America Stadium, it is another strong Demon Deacon move in one of the nation's fastest-growing cities.
From the Quad Big 3
Here are today's Big 3 ways to help the Deacs:
Thanks for all the ways you support Wake Forest University, and as always, please 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
On a fittingly beautiful day, we are proud to officially welcome the 15th President of Wake Forest University, Dr. Peter Rodriguez! If you haven't yet, please read the official announcement introducing Dr. Rodriguez and you'll see why I couldn't be more excited and optimistic about our future moving forward under his leadership.
A distinguished economist and veteran academic leader, Dr. Rodriguez currently serves as the dean of Rice University's School of Business, which includes the Jesse H. Jones Graduate School of Business and the Virani Undergraduate School of Business. A graduate of Texas A&M, college sports is in his blood and Coach Dickert and I had a great time welcoming him to Allegacy Financial Stadium yesterday afternoon!
I am deeply appreciative of the thousands of hours that search co-chairs Curt Farmer and Jeanne Whitman Bobbitt and the entire committee poured into this process. We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Rodriguez, his wife Kathleen, and their children – Gabriella, Sam, and Michael to the Wake Forest family.
He will officially begin his presidency at Wake Forest on July 1, 2026 but we already had our first University executive leadership team "meeting' with him early this morning and I can assure you that we are ready to go! We are incredibly grateful for the leadership and partnership of President Susan R. Wente over the past five years and, as she sprints toward the baton handoff line, we thank her for her unwavering support of Wake Forest Athletics.
And now, let's get to the updates!
Celebrating the Class of 2026!
On Sunday afternoon, Wake Forest Athletics proudly celebrated 104 graduates at our annual reception for student-athletes and their families, highlighted by poignant remarks from track & field/cross country senior Elizabeth Whaley. This remarkable class established an extraordinary legacy, totaling 683 victories in the Old Gold & Black, along with 88 All-ACC Academic Team selections, 27 All-ACC honors, eight ACC team titles, two individual ACC championships and two NCAA team championship trophies. Just this past year, 46 football student-athletes earned degrees and graduate certificates while helping secure a nine-win season, capped by a victory in the 2026 Duke's Mayo Bowl. In addition, three field hockey graduates played a key role in capturing a share of the 2025 ACC Regular-Season Championship and an undefeated record at home. I could not be more proud of this group and the standard they have set – both in competition and in the classroom. We look forward to seeing all they will accomplish next!
Deputy AD Lindsey Babcock: Named Commissioner of the South Atlantic Conference
Another "graduating" Demon Deacon who has made an incredible mark on Wake Forest is our Deputy Athletic Director and Senior Woman Administrator Lindsey Babcock, who was named yesterday as the next Commissioner of the South Atlantic Conference. Lindsey has been an integral part of our executive leadership team and her steady leadership and commitment to student-athlete success has made a meaningful impact across all of our programs. I have had the privilege of working alongside Lindsey for more than a decade, including five years at Kansas State before she joined us here at Wake Forest, and her leadership has been invaluable every step of the way. She has helped guide important progress within our department while always keeping the focus where it belongs – on the development and success of our student-athletes. We are also grateful for the way her family, her husband Craig and their children, Alexa and Brayden, have been an important part of our Wake Forest community. While we will miss Team Babcock both in and out of the office, we are excited for Lindsey and all that lies ahead for her in this new role.
The Grounds "Halo Effect" Driving New Improvements for Deacon Boulevard & U Parkway
This week brought the latest news in the rebirth of Winston-Salem's sports and entertainment district as the venerable College Plaza property was acquired by Cuadra Capital, which plans a major (and much needed) renovation and upgrade for the Joel Coliseum's across-the-street neighbor! A few weeks ago, Carter Front Street announced the acquisition of the Best Western Plus hotel property – with Wake Forest University support – and will close the hotel on June 4, 2026 as they evaluate future redevelopment opportunities. Additionally, earlier this year, Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist announced the upcoming construction of a $33 million freestanding emergency department on the current Flow Automotive site on University Parkway across from Goodwill.
These new investments are exactly what an economic development project is supposed to ignite and coupled with the $250 million of first phase construction of The Grounds are enhancing connectivity, strengthening the community, and positioning the area as a more vibrant destination for Winston-Salem and Forsyth County residents and out of town visitors alike! A couple Fridays ago, I had the chance to join Rep. Donny Lambeth and Carter Front Street's Adam Parker on a walking tour of The Grounds, moving through the new Creekside apartments and along the incredible greenway and path that will soon connect the development seamlessly to Reynolda campus.
Winston-Salem's Sports and Entertainment district, including the city's Fairgrounds and Arena, Joel Coliseum, Allegacy Stadium, Couch Ball Park and the Wake Forest Tennis Center now welcome more than one million fans to hundreds of different events annually. It will be exciting to see the Best Fan Experience in North Carolina get even better over the next few years!
Goal #4: Win Championships! Rosalind Gergely Wins the ACC Javelin Title
Rosalind Gergely delivered a standout performance at the ACC Outdoor Track & Field Championships in Louisville, capturing the conference title in women's javelin this past weekend. Rosalind has placed first in five of the last six meets, with a record throw at the Wake Forest Invitational last month. Angelina Perez earned First Team All-ACC honors this weekend, finishing runner-up and breaking her own school record in the 10,000 meters by over a second. Seren Rogers also earned First Team All-ACC honors and placed second in the women's heptathlon. Read more about the team's success this past weekend here!
Diamond Deacs' After Dark Tonight in the Queen City
Following a series win over Big Four rival Duke this past weekend, the Diamond Deacs are back in Charlotte's Truist Park as the #6 seed and will take on Pittsburgh tonight at 9 p.m. live on ACC Network. Wake Forest fans can start the night pregame at Ink & Ivy in Uptown Charlotte, which will serve as the official WFU gathering spot throughout the tournament and it's not too late to grab your game tickets here. With a victory tonight, the Deacs would skip to quarterfinal action Friday night against #3 seed Florida State at 7:00 p.m.
Coach Walter's squad is a virtual lock to be a #2 NCAA seed for the fifth consecutive season and a strong run in Charlotte could bring a regional host opportunity back to David F. Couch Ball Park next week, so get Uptown and cheer on the Deacs to victory!
Women's Golf in California for Championships as Men Wrap at Bermuda Run
Following a record-setting performance at the NCAA Tallahassee Regional, Coach Lewellen's squad captured the team title and Morgan Ketchum won the individual regional title. Heading to their 11th consecutive NCAA Championship, the women's golf team, including Monday graduate Anne-Sterre den Dunnen, will tee off 12:45 p.m. PST (3:45 p.m. EST) on Friday May 22 in Carlsbad, California. Eight teams will advance to match-play beginning Tuesday May 26, which will be live on the Golf Channel and determine the 2026 NCAA team champion. If you're a West Coast Deac, consider heading to the North Course of the Omni La Costa Resort & Spa and cheer on your Swinging Deacs!
We are grateful to the members and staff of Bermuda Run Country Club for hosting the NCAA Men's Golf Regional, which wrapped up today. Despite a valiant effort, Coach Haas' squad will conclude its season and look forward to getting back on the course in the fall.
Wake Forest Expands Its Reach with New Charlotte Campus in The Pearl
While I was with my ACC colleagues in meetings last week, I applauded from afar the grand opening of Wake Forest's new space in The Pearl, which is now home to Wake Forest University's Charlotte business, law, and professional studies programs alongside the School of Medicine. Situated in the heart of Charlotte's innovation district, the Wake Forest University sign high above I-277 and in sight of Bank of America Stadium, it is another strong Demon Deacon move in one of the nation's fastest-growing cities.
From the Quad Big 3
Here are today's Big 3 ways to help the Deacs:
- We're 107 days away from Opening Night! Remind a friend that it's time to make your plans to join us in Allegacy Stadium for the 2026 season. Family Four Packs are on sale now starting at $49 for four tickets, a parking pass, and $20 concessions credit. They are the perfect way to introduce someone to the fun of Wake Forest football. Call 336-758-3322 or visit GoDeacs.com/Tickets to secure season tickets starting at just $154, and if you're interested in any of our premium seating options, be sure to contact Zach Bingham at binghaz@wfu.edu.
- Check out the current news on the "Her Victory" initiative. Pro Humanitate at its finest! Join me in thanking our tremendous partner, Truist, for their continued support of Wake Forest women's athletics
- Summer is here - sign up your future Deacs for Wake Forest Athletics Camps! One of the best things about being a part of Deacon Nation is sharing the experience with the next generation. No matter what sport your family is passionate about, Wake Forest head coaches and their staff provide an unrivaled experience that is a great way for kids of all ages and skill levels to experience the beauty of campus and our world-class athletics facilities. Spots fill up fast, so visit GoDeacs.com/Camps today and help spread the word to families in your community!
Thanks for all the ways you support Wake Forest University, and as always, please 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
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