DBU Family:

The past few weeks have been tough. Our country, our communities, and our University Family have experienced the many challenges presented by the Coronavirus (COVID-19). We are thankful for DBU President, Dr. Adam Wright, and our DBU Coronavirus Taskforce for their strong leadership and tireless work in the midst of an unprecedented time for our institution.

The scripture verse our institution has adopted during this time is Joshua 1:9, which reads, "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go."

I have been encouraged and inspired by the faith, strength, courage, and optimism our student-athletes, coaches, and staff have displayed during this unique season. Our coaches have quickly adapted to a temporary normal and are using technology to connect and lead their student-athletes and programs from afar. Our student-athletes are adapting to an all online academic setting for which they have long been prepared for.

While the 2019-2020 year came to an abrupt stop, we can't help but reflect on the incredible seasons and record-breaking accomplishments our student-athletes achieved both on and off the playing surfaces. We have much to be thankful for and celebrate from the 2019-2020 year, including:

• Nearly 40% of Patriot student-athletes earned a 3.5 GPA or higher in the Fall 2019 semester.

• Student-athletes participated in over 1,500 hours of community service, while each DBU Athletics program advanced their respective team discipleship programs.

• DBU Athletics launched the Patriot Athletic Fund in March of 2019 and recorded another strong year in athletics fundraising, revenue generation, and increased Patriot Athletic Fund/Dugout Club membership.

• Baseball was nationally ranked for all five weeks until the season was cut short. The Patriots won the series at #13 North Carolina. Dominic Hamel was named the National Pitcher of the Week after carrying a no-hitter into the eighth inning at North Carolina.

• Men's Basketball reached the NCAA Tournament for the third straight year and the fifth time in school history. The program posted their fifth consecutive 20-win season.

• Leah Lewis from Cross Country/Track & Field was named the Lone Star Conference Academic Runner of the Year. The Lady Patriot Cross Country team finished in fourth place at the LSC Championships. Track & Field led the Lone Star Conference with five selections to the LSC All-Academic Team.

• Women's Golf won six of their eight tournaments during the 2019-2020 season and posted the #1 national scoring ranking for the third straight year. Men's Golf posted a season-best third place finish in their final tournament of the year at the LCU Chap Classic.

• Women's Soccer became one of just seven teams in the nation to reach the NCAA Tournament each of the last six years. Coach Lenard's program hosted the first and second rounds of the NCAA South Central Regional Tournament and reached the Sweet 16 for the second consecutive year. Coach Lenard was named the Lone Star Conference Coach of the Year and her staff was recognized as the United Soccer Coaches Regional Staff of the Year.

• Women's Tennis posted a 13-3 overall record. Kate Daugherty became the first player in school history to earn an at-large bid to the ITA Cup. Men's Tennis posted a strong 9-8 overall record.

• Volleyball's 15 wins this year was the most since the Lady Patriots won 18 in 2013 and advanced to the NCAA Regionals. Coach Kokel and the Lady Patriots reached the Lone Star Conference Tournament in the program's first year in the LSC.

• STUNT competed in their first season under the leadership of Coach Callie Fisher and hosted the program's first tournament at the Burg Center, defeating UT-Tyler twice to notch their first win in program history. The Patriot Ice Hockey team finished the season with a 19-13 overall record and earned a berth to the Conference Tournament championship game against Texas A&M. 

We remain grateful for the relentless support from our DBU Family. Our alumni, fans, season ticket holders, corporate sponsors, Patriot Broadcasting Network audience our Patriot Athletic Fund and Dugout Club members, and many more, your prayers and support have made a difference for our programs and student-athletes. Please find below additional messages from some of our DBU Head Coaches. 

Messages from our Head Coaches

We are grateful to those who have reached out asking how they can support DBU and our student-athletes during this time. The greatest need for our student-athletes in a time such as this will be through scholarship support. DBU has launched the Joshua 1:9 Campaign to bring together the DBU Family in prayer for one another and to provide financial support for our students. If you need prayer for yourself or a loved one, please submit a prayer request. DBU has a committed prayer team that would be blessed to pray for you. Will you join the Joshua 1:9 Campaign by praying, and if you are able, by donating funds for scholarships? Please click the link below to learn more about the Joshua 1:9 Campaign and support DBU students today.

DBU Scholarship Support

You and your family will remain in our thoughts and prayers as we adapt and push through this unique season in our history. Thank you for all that you have done and will continue to do to advance Christ-centered championship athletics at DBU.

God bless you all and Go Patriots!


Connor Smith
Director of Athletics