Tulane Athletics Marks 20 Years Since Hurricane Katrina: A Testament to Resilience and Renewal

Twenty years ago, Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast with unprecedented force, leaving a trail of destruction that reshaped lives, communities, and institutions. Among the many organizations impacted, Tulane University faced perhaps its most daunting challenge—surviving, rebuilding, and reaffirming its spirit amid the devastation. As the Green Wave commemorates this pivotal milestone, voices from its athletic community—women's soccer player Jessie Frank and football standout Preston Brown—share their personal stories of resilience, hope, and transformation that continue to inspire.

Frank and her teammates played the 2005 campaign based out of Texas A&M in College Station, Texas, while the Green Wave's football program was also on the road all season, playing "home" games at five different Louisiana stadiums and one in Mobile, Alabama.

A Storm That Changed Everything

In late August 2005, Katrina's ferocity brought catastrophic flooding, displacing thousands and forcing evacuations across New Orleans and surrounding areas. For Tulane, a university deeply woven into the fabric of the city, the storm was a moment of crisis that tested its resilience. Many student-athletes, coaches, and staff vividly remember that chaotic time, a period marked by uncertainty but also by an unbreakable spirit.

Brown, now a successful coach and community leader, recalls arriving at Tulane in 2003 from Camden, New Jersey. "I was recruited to play wide receiver, but when Katrina hit, everything changed," Brown says, his voice tinged with reflection. "We had to evacuate immediately. I'll never forget being on I-10 for hours, watching people play dominoes and walk dogs on the interstate, just trying to make sense of what was happening. We didn't even know if the season would happen anymore."

Brown, who grew up with the nickname "Diddy," recounts that tumultuous journey with a mixture of nostalgia and pride. "We moved from Jackson, Mississippi, to Dallas, staying at the DoubleTree hotel, with news crews everywhere. Coach (Chris) Scelfo was exhausted, fighting back tears, but his leadership kept us grounded. I remember telling the team I didn't have anywhere else to go—Tulane was my home, and staying with my teammates was better than going back to struggle in Camden. That bond has never broken."

Reflections from Jessie Frank

Meanwhile, Jessie Frank, a Louisiana native and standout women's soccer player, shares her recollections of that difficult chapter. "Our preseason was full of excitement. We were just about to start our first home tournament when the news came that we had to evacuate," she says. "That day marked the last time we played on our home field. It was heartbreaking, especially knowing my grandma's house flooded from afar."

Frank's personal journey underscores not only the physical toll of Katrina but also the resilience of those who stayed behind or returned to rebuild. "Being in Mandeville with my family during that time was a blessing, even as we watched so much destruction unfold," she reflects. "I'll never forget the long trip to Texas A&M, rejoining my teammates to start the semester. That experience taught us all about perseverance and hope—values that remain with us today."

Resilience in Action

Both Brown and Frank embody the spirit that New Orleans continues to uphold—overcoming adversity through strength, leadership, and unity. Brown emphasizes how the storm shaped his leadership journey. "Coach Scelfo told me I was the team's leader during those difficult times, and I took that responsibility seriously," he says. "Despite everything, we stayed together, supported each other, and that experience made me who I am today."

Frank, too, recognizes the broader lessons learned. "Katrina taught us that resilience isn't just about bouncing back—it's about moving forward with purpose," she says. "Our sports programs gave us a platform to heal and inspire others. Out of our eight freshmen that year, half of us, including myself, continued our soccer journeys at schools like Ole Miss, Arkansas, and UNLV. But we all found our way back—either to Tulane or LSU. Looking back, I see how those detours deepened our bonds and strengthened our resilience. Now, we're thriving in our careers—NBA executives, healthcare professionals, authors, scientists, CPA partners, and more."

Honoring the Past, Embracing the Future

As Tulane marks 20 years since Katrina, stories like those of Brown and Frank serve as powerful reminders.

The university and athletic department have organized commemorative events, panel discussions, and reunions to honor those who endured and to celebrate resilience.

A Legacy of Hope and Unity

Two decades after Katrina, Tulane Athletics stands as a living testament to resilience—a beacon of hope for its students, alumni, and the broader community. The stories of Frank and Brown exemplify a collective spirit that refuses to be broken by adversity.

Brown eloquently stated, "New Orleans is a very special place. It's where I found my manhood, my friends, and my purpose. Seeing Tulane rebuild and grow—seeing the new stadium, the new programs—that's incredibly rewarding. We've proven that no storm can break the spirit of this city or this university."

Frank added, "Katrina taught us lessons that go beyond sports. It showed us the importance of community, perseverance, and hope. Those lessons have carried us into our careers and our lives, and they continue to guide us every day."

Moving Forward with Resilience

Twenty years after one of the most devastating hurricanes in U.S. history, New Orleans remains a symbol of resilience and renewal. The storm's shadow lingers, but it has also sparked a collective strength that propels its people forward.

But perhaps more significant are the stories of individuals like Brown and Frank, whose experiences embody the enduring spirit of this city.

Their journeys—from chaos and displacement to leadership and success—serve as inspiring examples of how adversity can forge strength and character. Their voices remind us all that even in the face of catastrophe, hope, community, and determination can light the way toward a brighter future.

In the end, our story of resilience is still being written. As the Green Wave honors the past, we continue to build a future rooted in hope, unity, and unwavering strength—values that Katrina, for all its devastation, could never extinguish.

Tulane University Athletics

Tulane Athletics Marks 20 Years Since Hurricane Katrina: A Testament to Resilience and Renewal

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