Our Lady of the Lake University Welcomes New Head Cross Country and Track & Field Coach

Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) is proud to introduce the newest leader of its cross country and track & field programs Aaron Stallworth. With a deep background in collegiate athletics, a passion for student-athlete development, and a values-driven philosophy, Stallworth brings a wealth of experience and a fresh vision to Saints Athletics.

A native of St. Louis, Missouri, Stallworth is a graduate of Marquette High School (2016) and Aurora University (2021), where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Sport Management. As a former sprinter and jumper, he competed at both the high school and collegiate levels and was part of the 2019 Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference (NACC) Men’s Outdoor Track & Field Championship team at Aurora. He also holds a USTFCCCA Track & Field Technical Certification.

Athletic Director Tom Norris commented,

“We are thrilled to welcome such a dynamic and accomplished coach to Our Lady of the Lake University. Aaron’s passion for developing student-athletes both on and off the track, combined with his proven success at multiple levels, makes him a great fit for our program. His values align strongly with OLLU’s mission, and we’re excited about the energy, vision, and leadership he brings to our cross country and track & field teams.”

Before joining OLLU, he developed his coaching expertise at several institutions across the Midwest:

  • Wisconsin Lutheran College (2021–2022): As a Graduate Assistant, he coached sprints, horizontal jumps, and combined events, guiding athletes to 2 All-American honors, 9 national championship qualifications, 14 school records, and a total of 55 top-ten performances.
  • Defiance College (2022–2023): Starting as Assistant Coach and later promoted to Interim Head Coach, he made an immediate impact. His tenure included conference champions, All-Conference honorees, and record-breaking performances, as well as hosting major meets such as the 2023 NJCAA Region XII Indoor Championship.
  • Bethel College (2023–2024): Serving as Head Track & Field Coach and Assistant Cross Country Coach, he helped rewrite the record books with 17 new track and field school records and two in cross country, while also building meet infrastructure and reinforcing the program’s academic success.
  • University of Missouri–St. Louis (2024–2025): Most recently, he coached sprints, jumps, and throws, helping athletes set 24 school records and earn academic honors, including one NCAA DII Provisional National Qualifier.

“I was drawn to coaching at OLLU because of the values the University operates on,” Stallworth shared. “Being able to lead a competitive program is an opportunity that I am blessed to have, and I am excited to be working with some great student-athletes on and off the track and cross-country course.”

His coaching philosophy centers around four pillars: Faith, Family, Academics, and Athletics — in that order. He believes in meeting student-athletes where they are, prioritizing injury prevention, and preparing them to compete at their peak when it matters most.

In his first year, he aims to build on the strong foundation already established at OLLU. “I want us to continue the program’s run of success and be more competitive at the conference, regional, and national level,” he said. “More importantly, I want our student-athletes to grow in their faith, excel in the classroom, and have a truly positive student-athlete experience.”

When it comes to recruiting, he seeks athletes who are coachable, academically driven, and fiercely competitive.

To the Saints community, alumni, and new recruits, Coach Stallworth’s message is clear:

“I’m extremely thankful and blessed for this opportunity to be a part of the OLLU community. I can’t wait to get to work, and I can’t wait to help lead this program to more success!”

As the 2025-2026 season approaches, OLLU Saints fans can look forward to a new era of excellence — on the track, in the classroom, and throughout the university community.

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