From The Desk of ADJD
8/16/2024 8:08:00 AM | General
TCU Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Jeremiah Donati discusses the hot topics around the Horned Frogs
Dear Horned Frogs:
Our 2024-25 athletics season is officially underway as our women's soccer program enjoyed an impressive 3-0 win over No. 20 Alabama last night at Garvey-Rosenthal Soccer Stadium. Congratulations to Head Coach Eric Bell, his staff and our student-athletes!
With football and volleyball in the midst of their preseason camps and the TCU student body returning to campus, this is one of the more fun times of the year and why you work in intercollegiate athletics.
WHITE HOUSE VISIT
It was an absolute honor to join our rifle and men's tennis programs at the White House on July 22 for its annual NCAA Champions Day. TCU Chancellor Dr. Victor Boschini was part of our travel party as well as TCU Board of Trustees Chair Kit Moncrief and Vice-Chair Eddie Clark. A special Thank You to Rep. Roger Williams who spent time with all of us, providing a look behind the curtain of life as a U.S. Congressman. It was a phenomenal experience for everyone and especially our student-athletes. We were proud to have TCU represented in our nation's capital, and it would be great to be back again next summer!
HORNED FROGS IN THE WINDY CITY
We had a great time in Chicago recently on a development trip as we visited with our many donors and supporters in the Windy City. We have a very loyal alumni base there. TCU has also become a popular destination for Chicago-area students. I was joined on the trip by our Frog Club leadership team as well as Head Men's Golf Coach Bill Allcorn, Head Men's Tennis Coach David Roditi and Associate Head Beach Volleyball Coach Majo Orellana. Coach Roditi is rightfully proud of our NCAA Championship! He not only brought the trophy to Chicago but inside Wrigley Field as well. How many other coaches can say they have done that?
FLYING T CLUB
The recent Flying T Club event in the Fort Worth Stockyards could not have gone better – it is amazing how it has grown since its inception in 2021. Over 300 of our Flying T Club supporters were in attendance along with our student-athletes and coaches. We very much appreciate everyone's involvement with the Flying T Club and the impact you make on our student-athletes. If you are not a Flying T Club member, please consider joining to invest in the success of our student-athletes.
OLYMPIC FROGS
With a TCU record nine current and former student-athletes, it was fun to see us represented so well at the Olympic Games in Paris.
Congratulations to Hailey Van Lith on becoming the first medalist in our women's basketball history as she won bronze for the United States in 3x3 competition. She was the only active collegian who was selected to a USA Basketball men's or women's team in 5-on-5 or 3x3 competition. Staying on the hardwood, former student-athletes Amy Okonkwo and Tomi Taiwo led Nigeria to the quarterfinals for the first time.
Our beach volleyball pair of Daniela Alvarez and Tania Moreno, who return to campus this fall to again play for TCU, placed fifth while representing Team Spain.
Twelve-time All-American rifle student-athlete Stephanie Grundsoee, who shot for her home country of Denmark, is now back at TCU as a graduate assistant with the Frog Club. If you drop by the office, make sure to say hello to Stephanie as she will be seated at the front desk.
CHANCELLOR'S STAFF AWARD
Congratulations to Men's Basketball Assistant Athletics Director, Men's Basketball Operations Thomas Montigel on being our Athletics Department division winner for this year's TCU Chancellor's Staff Award for Outstanding Service. Making this honor even more special is that division winners are nominated by their colleagues.
The Chancellor's Staff Award recognizes a TCU employee for exemplary service and above and beyond contributions to the welfare of the campus community. Award winners possess a record of meaningful collaboration and positive impact through interaction with faculty, staff, students and alumni as well as a demonstrated support of University programs and events. The recipient of the Chancellor's Staff Award is selected from a pool of nominees representing each division of the University.
With the listed criteria, Thomas was a perfect fit to be our honoree. Those who encounter and work with him on a daily basis will certainly agree. Beyond his role in our men's basketball program, Thomas is the ultimate team player who sees the big picture for TCU. For many of the constituents we serve, Thomas is the first person encountered in their interactions with TCU. He is phenomenal in leaving a positive first impression and representing us well with the campus and Fort Worth communities. After being a student-athlete for us, Thomas became a graduate assistant and is now in his ninth year in a full-time position. In the process, he has earned three degrees from TCU with the most recent one being his MBA from our Neeley School of Business.
BIG 12 ALUMNI COUNCIL
Big 12 Conference Commissioner Brett Yormark has been phenomenal in his innovative initiatives, and the latest is the creation of the inaugural Big 12 Alumni Council. We are very proud to have Zahna Medley Kindred and Marshall Newhouse representing TCU.
The Big 12 Alumni Council is comprised of 32 former student-athletes from men's and women's programs across each conference institution. It was created to leverage the experience and expertise of some of the Big 12's most notable student-athlete alumni as the Conference enters a new era. These alumni will provide guidance and insights surrounding a variety of topics, including brand building, athlete relations, storytelling, digital content and much more.
Zahna is one of our all-time greats in women's basketball, becoming the first player in program history to be a three-time First-Team All-Big 12 Conference selection. Marshall was also a three-time all-conference honoree while being named to multiple All-America teams as a senior in 2009. He then played 11 seasons in the NFL.
Each Council member will receive a variety of resources and amenities, including access to the Big 12's Business Advisory Board for professional networking, league support of council member's community initiatives, media opportunities on behalf of the league and VIP access to all Big 12 Championships and Conference events.
JANICE DZIUK
The name Janice Dziuk remains royalty for TCU Women's Basketball. During our Southwest Conference era, Janice was our only student-athlete in the sport to be named All-SWC. It was very rewarding to see Janice's accomplishments recognized with her selection to the Southwest Conference Hall of Fame and her induction earlier this week. She became our historic first women's basketball student-athlete to receive the honor. Congratulations, Janice! We are very proud of you.
WE HAVE GONE VERTICAL
If you have been by Bellaire Drive North on campus recently, you can definitely see the progress being made on our Human Performance Center Renovation and Expansion projects. Steel beams went up yesterday to make these facilities even more real. A video look is available HERE.
The Harrison Football Performance Center, made possible through the generosity of Mike and Brenda Harrison, is connected to the Sam Baugh Indoor Practice Facility and adjacent to our outdoor practice fields. The Simpson Family Restoration and Wellness Center as well as the John Justin Football Complex are also on target for a July 2025 completion.
BIG 12 MEDIA DAY RECAP
The unofficial start of every football season is Big 12 Conference Media Day. This year's event was held at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas with Jack Bech, Caleb Fox, Josh Hoover, Mike Nichols and Namdi Obiazor being our student-athlete representatives.
As the first Power 4 Conference to hold its Media Day, the coverage was phenomenal:
•Over 1 billion media impressions (117 percent increase vs. last year)
•30,000 mentions (16 percent increase vs. last year)
•Estimated media value of $90 million (46 percent increase vs. last year)
•500+ media members in attendance in a new venue and city
•ESPNU viewership was up 97 percent from last year
MEET THE FROGS
Please mark your calendar for this Sunday, August 18, at 1:30 p.m. as our annual Meet The Frogs presented by Home Zone will be held in the Sam Baugh Indoor Practice Facility. This great tradition is a fun way for you and your family to visit with the players and coaches in our football program as well as receiving their autographs.
PREMIUM SEATING
We strive to make our football game day experiences memorable and that includes in our premium areas. Seats are still available in the Legends Club & Suites on the east side of Amon G. Carter Stadium. If interested in upgrading to these seats, please click HERE or feel free to call the Frog Club offices at 817.257.7700.
We are also excited to announce new additions to our premium seating, creating more opportunities for a front-row view of the action at home basketball games this season! Both our men's and women's programs will have additional floor seating, and the Stuart Family Courtside Club will be open in Schollmaier Arena (pregame only for women's basketball). If you are interested in joining the waitlist for either sport, please complete the forms for men's basketball and women's basketball.
KEEP IT PURPLE
Our Keep It Purple Mini-Plan is now available for the upcoming football season. With the exception of the October 26 Homecoming game against Texas Tech, you can select any three home contests and view the seating options and prices.
FOOTBALL GAME DAY THEMES
Please see below for this year's football game-day themes in Amon G. Carter Stadium:
September 7, vs. LIU – Cowtown Kickoff
September 14, vs. UCF – Traditions Day
October 4, vs. Houston – Noche de las Ranas (Black Out)
October 26, vs. Texas Tech – Frogs Flashback (Purple Out)
November 9, vs. Oklahoma State – Hail All Heroes
November 23, vs. Arizona – Fan Appreciation
ON THE AIRWAVES
Thanks to LEARFIELD'S Horned Frogs Sports Properties, we have a new Spanish radio home for football games this season with AM 620 KTNO. Founded in 1989, KTNO has been serving North Texas for 35 years as a vital community resource. Miguel Cruz and Rolando de Luna will again provide the call.
DICKIES ARENA DAY-NIGHT DOUBLEHEADER
The nation's eyes will be on Fort Worth on December 8 with men's and women's marquee basketball doubleheaders at Dickies Arena. We open and close the quartet of games with some very exciting matchups. Our men begin the day by facing Vanderbilt at 11:30 a.m. with our women capping the quadruple header by facing defending national champion South Carolina at 6:00 p.m.
Tickets for both games are now available through Dickies Arena.
NEW SPIRIT DIRECTOR
Please join me in welcoming Brittani McLaurin as our new Spirit Director. Brittani oversees the Showgirls, cheer and Rangers programs as well as SuperFrog. She had been Head Coach of the North Texas Dancers at UNT the previous seven years as well as Dance Team Manager for the Dallas Wings and Panther City Lacrosse Club. She has also been Head Dance Coach of the Florida State Golden Girls.
In addition to her coaching background, Brittani came to TCU with more than 25 years in dance and cheer.
DID YOU KNOW?
We are one of just eight schools nationally (Alabama, Florida State, Miami, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Penn State and Tennessee) to play in all six of the College Football Playoff bowl games. When drilling down further, only Alabama and Ohio State join us to accomplish the feat and play in the CFP National Championship.
LET'S GET SOCIAL
To keep up with the latest news around our department, please feel free to follow me on X or Instagram. Thank you for all your support of TCU Athletics!
Go Frogs!
Jeremiah Donati, J.D.
Director of Intercollegiate Athletics
Our 2024-25 athletics season is officially underway as our women's soccer program enjoyed an impressive 3-0 win over No. 20 Alabama last night at Garvey-Rosenthal Soccer Stadium. Congratulations to Head Coach Eric Bell, his staff and our student-athletes!
With football and volleyball in the midst of their preseason camps and the TCU student body returning to campus, this is one of the more fun times of the year and why you work in intercollegiate athletics.
WHITE HOUSE VISIT
It was an absolute honor to join our rifle and men's tennis programs at the White House on July 22 for its annual NCAA Champions Day. TCU Chancellor Dr. Victor Boschini was part of our travel party as well as TCU Board of Trustees Chair Kit Moncrief and Vice-Chair Eddie Clark. A special Thank You to Rep. Roger Williams who spent time with all of us, providing a look behind the curtain of life as a U.S. Congressman. It was a phenomenal experience for everyone and especially our student-athletes. We were proud to have TCU represented in our nation's capital, and it would be great to be back again next summer!
HORNED FROGS IN THE WINDY CITY
We had a great time in Chicago recently on a development trip as we visited with our many donors and supporters in the Windy City. We have a very loyal alumni base there. TCU has also become a popular destination for Chicago-area students. I was joined on the trip by our Frog Club leadership team as well as Head Men's Golf Coach Bill Allcorn, Head Men's Tennis Coach David Roditi and Associate Head Beach Volleyball Coach Majo Orellana. Coach Roditi is rightfully proud of our NCAA Championship! He not only brought the trophy to Chicago but inside Wrigley Field as well. How many other coaches can say they have done that?
FLYING T CLUB
The recent Flying T Club event in the Fort Worth Stockyards could not have gone better – it is amazing how it has grown since its inception in 2021. Over 300 of our Flying T Club supporters were in attendance along with our student-athletes and coaches. We very much appreciate everyone's involvement with the Flying T Club and the impact you make on our student-athletes. If you are not a Flying T Club member, please consider joining to invest in the success of our student-athletes.
OLYMPIC FROGS
With a TCU record nine current and former student-athletes, it was fun to see us represented so well at the Olympic Games in Paris.
Congratulations to Hailey Van Lith on becoming the first medalist in our women's basketball history as she won bronze for the United States in 3x3 competition. She was the only active collegian who was selected to a USA Basketball men's or women's team in 5-on-5 or 3x3 competition. Staying on the hardwood, former student-athletes Amy Okonkwo and Tomi Taiwo led Nigeria to the quarterfinals for the first time.
Our beach volleyball pair of Daniela Alvarez and Tania Moreno, who return to campus this fall to again play for TCU, placed fifth while representing Team Spain.
Twelve-time All-American rifle student-athlete Stephanie Grundsoee, who shot for her home country of Denmark, is now back at TCU as a graduate assistant with the Frog Club. If you drop by the office, make sure to say hello to Stephanie as she will be seated at the front desk.
CHANCELLOR'S STAFF AWARD
Congratulations to Men's Basketball Assistant Athletics Director, Men's Basketball Operations Thomas Montigel on being our Athletics Department division winner for this year's TCU Chancellor's Staff Award for Outstanding Service. Making this honor even more special is that division winners are nominated by their colleagues.
The Chancellor's Staff Award recognizes a TCU employee for exemplary service and above and beyond contributions to the welfare of the campus community. Award winners possess a record of meaningful collaboration and positive impact through interaction with faculty, staff, students and alumni as well as a demonstrated support of University programs and events. The recipient of the Chancellor's Staff Award is selected from a pool of nominees representing each division of the University.
With the listed criteria, Thomas was a perfect fit to be our honoree. Those who encounter and work with him on a daily basis will certainly agree. Beyond his role in our men's basketball program, Thomas is the ultimate team player who sees the big picture for TCU. For many of the constituents we serve, Thomas is the first person encountered in their interactions with TCU. He is phenomenal in leaving a positive first impression and representing us well with the campus and Fort Worth communities. After being a student-athlete for us, Thomas became a graduate assistant and is now in his ninth year in a full-time position. In the process, he has earned three degrees from TCU with the most recent one being his MBA from our Neeley School of Business.
BIG 12 ALUMNI COUNCIL
Big 12 Conference Commissioner Brett Yormark has been phenomenal in his innovative initiatives, and the latest is the creation of the inaugural Big 12 Alumni Council. We are very proud to have Zahna Medley Kindred and Marshall Newhouse representing TCU.
The Big 12 Alumni Council is comprised of 32 former student-athletes from men's and women's programs across each conference institution. It was created to leverage the experience and expertise of some of the Big 12's most notable student-athlete alumni as the Conference enters a new era. These alumni will provide guidance and insights surrounding a variety of topics, including brand building, athlete relations, storytelling, digital content and much more.
Zahna is one of our all-time greats in women's basketball, becoming the first player in program history to be a three-time First-Team All-Big 12 Conference selection. Marshall was also a three-time all-conference honoree while being named to multiple All-America teams as a senior in 2009. He then played 11 seasons in the NFL.
Each Council member will receive a variety of resources and amenities, including access to the Big 12's Business Advisory Board for professional networking, league support of council member's community initiatives, media opportunities on behalf of the league and VIP access to all Big 12 Championships and Conference events.
JANICE DZIUK
The name Janice Dziuk remains royalty for TCU Women's Basketball. During our Southwest Conference era, Janice was our only student-athlete in the sport to be named All-SWC. It was very rewarding to see Janice's accomplishments recognized with her selection to the Southwest Conference Hall of Fame and her induction earlier this week. She became our historic first women's basketball student-athlete to receive the honor. Congratulations, Janice! We are very proud of you.
WE HAVE GONE VERTICAL
If you have been by Bellaire Drive North on campus recently, you can definitely see the progress being made on our Human Performance Center Renovation and Expansion projects. Steel beams went up yesterday to make these facilities even more real. A video look is available HERE.
The Harrison Football Performance Center, made possible through the generosity of Mike and Brenda Harrison, is connected to the Sam Baugh Indoor Practice Facility and adjacent to our outdoor practice fields. The Simpson Family Restoration and Wellness Center as well as the John Justin Football Complex are also on target for a July 2025 completion.
BIG 12 MEDIA DAY RECAP
The unofficial start of every football season is Big 12 Conference Media Day. This year's event was held at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas with Jack Bech, Caleb Fox, Josh Hoover, Mike Nichols and Namdi Obiazor being our student-athlete representatives.
As the first Power 4 Conference to hold its Media Day, the coverage was phenomenal:
•Over 1 billion media impressions (117 percent increase vs. last year)
•30,000 mentions (16 percent increase vs. last year)
•Estimated media value of $90 million (46 percent increase vs. last year)
•500+ media members in attendance in a new venue and city
•ESPNU viewership was up 97 percent from last year
MEET THE FROGS
Please mark your calendar for this Sunday, August 18, at 1:30 p.m. as our annual Meet The Frogs presented by Home Zone will be held in the Sam Baugh Indoor Practice Facility. This great tradition is a fun way for you and your family to visit with the players and coaches in our football program as well as receiving their autographs.
PREMIUM SEATING
We strive to make our football game day experiences memorable and that includes in our premium areas. Seats are still available in the Legends Club & Suites on the east side of Amon G. Carter Stadium. If interested in upgrading to these seats, please click HERE or feel free to call the Frog Club offices at 817.257.7700.
We are also excited to announce new additions to our premium seating, creating more opportunities for a front-row view of the action at home basketball games this season! Both our men's and women's programs will have additional floor seating, and the Stuart Family Courtside Club will be open in Schollmaier Arena (pregame only for women's basketball). If you are interested in joining the waitlist for either sport, please complete the forms for men's basketball and women's basketball.
KEEP IT PURPLE
Our Keep It Purple Mini-Plan is now available for the upcoming football season. With the exception of the October 26 Homecoming game against Texas Tech, you can select any three home contests and view the seating options and prices.
FOOTBALL GAME DAY THEMES
Please see below for this year's football game-day themes in Amon G. Carter Stadium:
September 7, vs. LIU – Cowtown Kickoff
September 14, vs. UCF – Traditions Day
October 4, vs. Houston – Noche de las Ranas (Black Out)
October 26, vs. Texas Tech – Frogs Flashback (Purple Out)
November 9, vs. Oklahoma State – Hail All Heroes
November 23, vs. Arizona – Fan Appreciation
ON THE AIRWAVES
Thanks to LEARFIELD'S Horned Frogs Sports Properties, we have a new Spanish radio home for football games this season with AM 620 KTNO. Founded in 1989, KTNO has been serving North Texas for 35 years as a vital community resource. Miguel Cruz and Rolando de Luna will again provide the call.
DICKIES ARENA DAY-NIGHT DOUBLEHEADER
The nation's eyes will be on Fort Worth on December 8 with men's and women's marquee basketball doubleheaders at Dickies Arena. We open and close the quartet of games with some very exciting matchups. Our men begin the day by facing Vanderbilt at 11:30 a.m. with our women capping the quadruple header by facing defending national champion South Carolina at 6:00 p.m.
Tickets for both games are now available through Dickies Arena.
NEW SPIRIT DIRECTOR
Please join me in welcoming Brittani McLaurin as our new Spirit Director. Brittani oversees the Showgirls, cheer and Rangers programs as well as SuperFrog. She had been Head Coach of the North Texas Dancers at UNT the previous seven years as well as Dance Team Manager for the Dallas Wings and Panther City Lacrosse Club. She has also been Head Dance Coach of the Florida State Golden Girls.
In addition to her coaching background, Brittani came to TCU with more than 25 years in dance and cheer.
DID YOU KNOW?
We are one of just eight schools nationally (Alabama, Florida State, Miami, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Penn State and Tennessee) to play in all six of the College Football Playoff bowl games. When drilling down further, only Alabama and Ohio State join us to accomplish the feat and play in the CFP National Championship.
LET'S GET SOCIAL
To keep up with the latest news around our department, please feel free to follow me on X or Instagram. Thank you for all your support of TCU Athletics!
Go Frogs!
Jeremiah Donati, J.D.
Director of Intercollegiate Athletics
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