A Letter from the Ben Weiner Director of Athletics Chair

Happy New Year from Uptown! I am so proud to be leading the Green Wave into 2026. As you all know, it has been a prosperous and exciting fall for our department, as evidenced by our outstanding performance thus far in the Learfield Directors' Cup standings. Our student-athletes, coaches, and staff are achieving great success both on and off the field. We have two conference championships secured so far this year and are looking to add more to our arsenal this spring.

Before I go further, however, I'd like to address the recent news regarding a point-shaving allegation involving a former men's basketball student athlete. As the university referenced in its statement from Thursday, January 15th, the athletics department takes the integrity of intercollegiate athletics and the well-being of our student-athletes very seriously. The department offers annual gambling education for student-athletes and staff, utilizing presentations and written materials. Moving forward, we will cooperate fully with the NCAA and law enforcement as necessary, but our primary focus is on the 2025-26 Green Wave team and supporting their efforts to have a successful season.

On a far brighter note, we're thrilled that Will Hall is in place as our head football coach and that Derek "Dex" Schroeder is one week in as our head volleyball coach. Both possess the necessary qualities to instill the type of culture that will allow their respective programs to achieve the success Green Wave fans deserve. Season tickets for both sports are on sale and available here, and we'd love for you to join us if you are not already a season ticket holder.

Our success also helped generate record ticket revenue. The past year has seen Tulane Athletics post its best numbers over the past decade in total revenue as well as football and women's basketball revenue, en route to a pair of football sellouts and another on the hardwood.

I am also thrilled to share some incredible fundraising momentum. Since July 1, Tulane Athletics has received more major gifts than it did in the entire previous twelve months. Notably, twenty-seven (27) are from new Olive & Blue Society members. Growing this number is a critical goal for us, and currently, we have 129 members. Our aim is to reach 200 active members by December 2027. The Olive & Blue Society plays a pivotal role in supporting our mission, and your involvement makes a real difference.

In addition, between November 12th and December 16th of this school year, we received $1.68 million in donations from 519 donors—an 83% increase in donors and a 373% increase in dollars over the same period last year. This surge in support is a direct reflection of the excitement and momentum generated by the success of our football program and, once again, your generosity.

Monies generated this fall from the fundraising efforts of the Green Wave Club, payouts from the College Football Playoff, and the buyout of Coach Jon Sumrall are being invested back into the department, with a primary focus of sustaining and building on our championship-caliber football program. Another key development for the football program and all our Green Wave sports involves the opening of the Green Wave Indoor Practice Facility this quarter. We anticipate being able to use the facility beginning in March. The first phase of the Goldring Tennis Facility will also be finalized within the next few months, and a portion of this spring's matches will be played on campus at University Square.

While we are full speed ahead on these endeavors, we also need to look forward and continue our momentum in all phases of the department. Our current fundraising priorities include the Green Wave Talent Fund and the Green Wave Club Annual Fund. Giving to the Talent Fund directly enhances our ability to recruit and retain top-tier student-athletes in football, men's and women's basketball, and baseball—sports that are vital to our success and visibility. This success has a positive effect on Tulane's brand, alumni engagement, and national recognition. For example, 2.4 million people watched our football team defeat North Texas in the American Football Championship Game, highlighting our national exposure.

Those interested in supporting our efforts can do so by contacting the Green Wave Club or the Tulane Ticket Office. Many have already contributed directly to the department, and we are tremendously grateful for their support.

Thank you for being an essential part of the Green Wave Family. Together, we will keep the momentum rolling.

Roll Wave!
David Harris
Ben Weiner Director of Athletics Chair

Tulane University Athletics

A Letter from the Ben Weiner Director of Athletics Chair

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