Counseling and Wellness Services invites the OLLU community to join us for an Open House and Zen Room Launch this January. Stop by to learn more about Counseling & Wellness Services, including support available through Uwill, take a tour of the new Zen Room, and learn how to book a session.
Event Details:
Friday, January 16
1:00 – 4:30 p.m.
Walter Student Service Center, Room 206
Light refreshments will be provided, including snacks, tea, and coffee — plus swag bags while supplies last.
All students, faculty, and staff are welcome. Come take a break, recharge, and check out this new wellness resource on campus.
The Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) Spirit Team proudly represented collegiate dance excellence at the Texas Dance Educators Association (TDEA) Convention in Houston. Their performance stood out among an impressive lineup, as 32 teams showcased across all divisions, highlighting the depth and diversity of dance talent from across the state. OLLU’s presence reflected not only performance quality, but also a program rooted in national championship pedigree, bringing a high standard of excellence to the convention stage.
The Texas Dance Educators Association continues to celebrate its dedicated service to the advancement of dance education throughout the state of Texas. Each year, TDEA provides opportunities for professional growth and collaboration through a three-day convention that supports educators, students, and dance professionals alike. The event features professional workshops, technique classes, exhibits, master classes, performances, and acknowledgment dinners that promote both artistic and educational development.
In addition to cutting-edge dance curriculum, convention workshops incorporate important information related to the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS), the Center for the Educator Development in Fine Arts (CEDFA), and legislative breakthroughs in the area of fine arts and dance education. These sessions ensure attendees remain informed and equipped to advocate for strong, sustainable dance programs throughout Texas.
Attendees at the convention include dance and drill team instructors, school administrators, college students, future educators, professionally associated businesses and exhibitors, and All-State dance team members. Throughout the three-day event, participants share educational resources, network with peers, and establish meaningful professional and business partnerships that strengthen the future of dance education.
Among the 32 performing teams, the OLLU Spirit Team’s performance exemplified collegiate-level artistry, precision, and professionalism. With a foundation built on national championship success, the team served as a powerful example of the opportunities available beyond high school dance programs and the impact of continued training at the collegiate level.
The Texas Dance Educators Association remains committed to providing a professional learning community where innovative ideas in the field of dance are celebrated. OLLU’s participation in the TDEA Convention aligned seamlessly with this mission, reinforcing the value of excellence, education, and leadership in dance while leaving a lasting impression on attendees across all divisions.
Our Lady of the Lake delivered one of its most resilient performances of the season, erasing a 20-point deficit to defeat LSU Alexandria in a dramatic comeback that showcased composure, toughness, and collective belief. Trailing by double digits for much of the game, the Saints refused to fold, steadily chipping away until momentum fully swung in their favor down the stretch.
The comeback reached its defining moment in the final seconds. With 2.3 seconds remaining, Mike Aiken rose and knocked down a contested, high-difficulty shot to give OLLU its first lead of the closing stretch, a clutch basket that capped the Saints relentless push and ultimately sealed the outcome. The shot punctuated the momentum OLLU had built over the final minutes and underscored the confidence the Saints played with despite the early deficit.
Jaydin Morin-Bishop led the offensive effort with 24 points on an efficient 5-of-6 shooting performance, converting all 12 of his free-throw attempts. His ability to attack the rim and consistently finish at the line kept OLLU within reach and set the stage for the late-game surge. Barack Holland provided a spark off the bench with nine points, while Davonte Durst and Arthur Celestin Jr. contributed valuable minutes during the rally.
Defensively, the Saints elevated their intensity as the game progressed, forcing 16 LSU Alexandria turnovers and contesting shots down the stretch. OLLU’s aggressiveness translated to the free-throw line, where the Saints attempted 37 shots and converted 24, using patience and poise to control the tempo during the comeback.
LSU Alexandria was paced by Jordan Decuir’s 20-point performance and shot efficiently overall, but OLLU’s persistence ultimately proved decisive. Down by as many as 20 points, the Saints stayed connected, trusted their system, and responded possession by possession until the comeback was complete.
The victory stands as a defining moment of resilience for Our Lady of the Lake, highlighted by Aiken’s late-game heroics and a team-wide commitment to fight until the final buzzer. The Saints will be back in action against Louisiana Christian Saturday at 3:00 PM CDT. It will be Youth Day at Mabee Gymnasium.
Our Lady of the Lake men’s basketball delivered a statement victory over rival Texas A&M University–San Antonio, pulling away late for a 100–89 win powered by efficiency, balance, and poise at the free-throw line. The Saints shot 47.6 percent from the field and a sharp 45 percent from three-point range, turning a competitive matchup into a decisive result down the stretch.
Jaydin Morin-Bishop led all scorers with 24 points, showcasing a confident shooting night that included six three-pointers on nine attempts. His perimeter scoring stretched the defense early and often, giving OLLU consistent momentum. Devontae Da Costa added 15 points on an ultra-efficient 4-of-5 shooting performance while also converting six of seven free throws, helping the Saints maintain control whenever TAMUSA threatened a run.
OLLU’s frontcourt presence was steady and physical. Arthur Celestin Jr. posted 12 points and a team-high seven rebounds, while Isaiah Moore chipped in 10 points on 4-of-6 shooting. Wahkil Lopez made his impact felt defensively with four blocks to go along with eight points and six rebounds, anchoring a Saints defense that forced 18 turnovers.
Depth proved to be a major factor as the Saints reserves consistently contributed on both ends. Santiago Ochoa scored 11 points and dished out five assists, providing a steady hand off the bench, while Barack Holland added nine points and strong perimeter defense. In total, OLLU recorded 18 assists and turned defensive pressure into scoring opportunities throughout the night.
The difference came at the line and in overall execution. OLLU converted 31 of 37 free throws, capitalizing on nearly every opportunity, while also protecting the ball well enough to offset TAMUSA’s rebounding edge. With balanced scoring, timely shooting, and disciplined play in key moments, the Saints closed out their rivals and secured a convincing win that underscored their growth and confidence as a unit. The Saints will be back in action this Thursday against LSUA at home at 7:30 PM CDT.
Welcome back Saints, Spring 2026 is officially underway! If you haven’t registered yet, there’s still time to jump in and secure your schedule. Whether you’re finalizing your plans or making last-minute adjustments, registering now can help you:
Avoid full courses
Stay on track for graduation
Secure the schedule you want
Log in and register today – don’t wait until it’s too late!
The Computer Information Systems and Security (CISS) Cyber Saints Student Organization recently put their skills to the test in a high-energy Capture the Flag (CTF) cybersecurity competition—an experience designed to replicate the intensity, urgency, and problem-solving demands of real-world cyber defense and ethical hacking.
CTF competitions are a cornerstone of cybersecurity education, blending learning with competition. In these fast-paced, game-based challenges, teams race against the clock to uncover hidden strings of text known as “flags.” Each captured flag signifies the successful completion of a security task, earning points and propelling teams up the leaderboard.
Working collaboratively under pressure, the Cyber Saints tackled complex challenges, shared insights, and executed strategic solutions—demonstrating the teamwork and adaptability essential to today’s cyber professionals.
CISS faculty advisor and Assistant Professor Kelly “RC” Roberts-Cooper applauded the students’ commitment and collaboration, emphasizing the value of hands-on learning experiences. “Competitions like CTFs allow students to practice real-world offensive and defensive cyber skills in a controlled, ethical environment,” Roberts-Cooper said.
For the Cyber Saints, the competition was more than a technical challenge—it was an opportunity to build camaraderie, sharpen their expertise, and spark excitement for future events. Their participation reflects the organization’s dedication to experiential learning and to preparing the next generation of cybersecurity leaders.
As digital threats continue to evolve, experiences like these ensure students are doing more than studying cybersecurity—they are actively preparing to defend the digital world with confidence and skill.
From left to right: President, Alexandria Heaton; Student government Rep. Cesar Reyes; Vice President Jennifer Vaquera-Luna; Treasurer Luis Vela; Jaylen Williams
The confirmation letter of the 2026 NCA & NDA Collegiate Cheer and Dance National Championship arrived as a professional acknowledgment of the Our Lady of the Lake University spirit program’s continued excellence. Sent by Lizzy Howard, it recognized the teams successes and offered ongoing support through the upcoming preparation period.
For OLLU, this confirmation aligns with the rich history of its spirit program which is a tradition built on discipline, competitive achievement, and a commitment to representing the university with pride. Under the leadership of Head Coach Crystal Brock and supported by Assistant Coaches Joe Gonzalez, Sean Flores, and Nicholas Aguon, along with Graduate Assistants Madicela Perez and Ember Sandoval, the program has maintained a standard of professionalism and growth year after year.
Among the athletes contributing to this legacy is fourth-year dancer Yasmine Escobar, whose experience and leadership have become valuable assets to the team. Her dedication reflects the broader culture of commitment that has long defined OLLU’s cheer, dance, and spirit teams.
With their place at the 2026 national championship officially secured, the program now moves forward with focused preparation, intent on carrying its history of excellence and strong leadership into the national championships in Daytona Beach.
The Red River Athletic Conference and the Sooner Athletic Conference are moving forward with a collaborative effort designed to expand leadership opportunities and strengthen support for Senior Woman Leaders across both leagues. This joint initiative signifies a unified commitment to elevating women in collegiate athletics administration and creating a more connected, empowered network of leaders within member institutions.
Central to this collaboration is the formation of a cross-conference leadership team composed of three highly accomplished administrators. Their combined expertise, dedication, and vision will guide the development of a shared structure that enhances communication, professional growth, and visibility for women serving in SWL roles. Among them, Haley Holzem stands out as a driving force behind the effort. As Assistant Athletic Director for Compliance, Title IX Deputy, and Senior Woman Leader at Our Lady of the Lake University, she has spent seven years contributing to the advancement of her institution and the Red River Athletic Conference. As the current SWL Chair for the RRAC, her leadership is instrumental in shaping the direction and cohesion of this new initiative.
Working alongside her is Shannon Glendening, Athletics Office Administrator and Senior Woman Leader at Central Christian College of Kansas. Beginning her role in August 2025 and serving as the SWL Chair for the Sooner Athletic Conference, she brings a collaborative mindset and a strong interest in building meaningful cross-conference relationships. Her perspective is essential as the two conferences work to develop shared opportunities and strengthen community among SWLs.
Also serving on the leadership team is Fachaitte Kinslow, Associate Director of Athletics for Compliance and Senior Woman Leader at Texas A&M University–Texarkana. Having joined TAMUT in May after four and a half years at Langston University as Assistant Athletics Director for Compliance and SWL, she offers deep experience in cultivating leadership pathways for women in sports administration. Her role as the inaugural Chair of the SWLA Leadership Association further connects this collaborative effort to broader national conversations about elevating women in athletics leadership.
Together, Haley Holzem, Shannon Glendening, and Fachaitte Kinslow will guide the joint initiative between the Red River Athletic Conference and the Sooner Athletic Conference with a unified vision centered on opportunity, visibility, and support. Their combined leadership reflects a shared commitment to strengthening the Senior Woman Leader designation and ensuring that women across both conferences have access to the resources and community they need to thrive.
This collaboration marks an important step forward for both conferences and for the SWLs who serve within them. As the initiative develops, it promises to enhance communication, deepen connections, and expand leadership development opportunities for women throughout the two leagues. John Martin encourages all Senior Woman Leaders to engage with this effort and to reach out with questions as the collaboration continues to grow.
Our Lady of the Lake University junior guard Shayla Dede has earned recognition as the Red River Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Week after a standout stretch of performances that showcased her consistency, efficiency, and growing leadership on the court. During the week of Dec. 1–7, Dede delivered two strong outings that not only highlighted her scoring ability but also her versatility as an all-around contributor.
In OLLU’s 73–61 victory over Southwest, Dede played one of her most complete games of the season. She scored 16 points while dominating the boards with an impressive 8 rebounds, a rare feat for a guard. Her efficiency was evident as she converted 5-of-12 field goals, including a three-pointer, and remained perfect at the free-throw line, sinking all five attempts. She also added four assists in 34 minutes, helping guide the Saints to their highest-scoring win of the season.
Dede elevated her performance even further in the matchup against North Texas-Dallas, recording a career-high 24 points despite the Saints falling 73–63. She delivered an exceptional shooting night, hitting 5-of-6 from the field and going a flawless 3-of-3 from beyond the arc. Her aggressive play earned her 13 trips to the free-throw line, where she converted 11 attempts. Along with her scoring burst, she contributed four rebounds, an assist, and four steals, demonstrating her competitiveness on both ends of the floor.
Across the season, Dede has emerged as OLLU’s leading scorer with 116 total points, averaging 14.5 per game. She also leads the Saints in free throws made, assists, and steals, underscoring her importance to the team’s overall structure and pace. While the Saints stand at 2–6 overall and 1–2 in conference play, Dede’s performances continue to provide a strong foundation as the team works to build momentum. Her latest recognition as Offensive Player of the Week reflects not only her individual excellence but also her growing impact as a catalyst for the Saints development moving forward.
