Category: News

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.

OLLU Men’s Soccer Poised For 2025 Season

The Our Lady of the Lake University men’s soccer team is heading into the 2025 season with confidence and a lot to prove. Under the guidance of longtime head coach Shane Hurley and assistant coach Jesus Cortes, the Saints are focused on building off last season’s playoff appearance and pushing even further this fall.

OLLU came in at No. 8 in the RRAC Preseason Poll. With a solid mix of returning veterans and promising new additions, the Saints have been sharp in preseason training and are showing real chemistry on the field. There’s a clear energy around the program, one that points to a team ready to take the next step.

Coach Hurley and Coach Cortes have put a strong emphasis on discipline, teamwork, and consistency, and it’s showing in how the team is preparing. The Saints know the road won’t be easy, especially with powerhouse teams like LSU Shreveport and Xavier at the top of the conference, but there’s a belief within the group that they can compete with anyone.

“This group has shown the kind of character, commitment, and cohesion we want to see from a competitive squad,” said Coach Hurley. “They’ve been pushing themselves hard in preseason, and we’re excited to show the results of that effort.”

This year’s team is not hoping to make the playoffs alone—their goal is to compete for a championship. With momentum building and a clear sense of purpose, OLLU Men’s Soccer could be one of the surprise teams to watch in the RRAC this season.

Voting was conducted by the conference’s head coaches. Results of the poll are shown below with points calculated through a 12-11-10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1 format.

Results are shown below with first-place votes appearing in parentheses.

1.LSU Shreveport (10)140
2.Xavier (1)130
3.LSU Alexandria (1)114
4.Louisiana Christian110
5.Texas A&M-San Antonio95
6.Texas A&M-Texarkana74
7.Jarvis Christian67
8.Our Lady of the Lake64
9.Texas A&M-Victoria60
10.Southwest38
11.North American30
12.Texas College14

Defending Champion OLLU Slotted Third in RRAC Preseason Rankings

Despite capturing their first-ever Red River Athletic Conference (RRAC) regular season championship and storming through the conference tournament with wins over both perennial powers Xavier and Texas A&M-Texarkana, Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) finds itself in a surprising spot heading into the 2025 volleyball season: ranked third in the preseason coaches poll.

OLLU wrapped up the 2024 season with an impressive 19-12 overall record and a near-perfect 15-1 mark in RRAC play. The Saints continued their dominance in the RRAC tournament, entering as the No. 2 seed and toppling both Xavier and TAMUT to capture the tournament crown and avenge previous title game losses.

Yet, in the 2025 preseason poll, it’s Texas A&M-Texarkana (TAMUT)—the team OLLU defeated in the tournament—that takes the top spot, earning four first-place votes. Xavier (La.) comes in second with one first-place nod, while OLLU, despite their championship pedigree, sits in third place with just one first-place vote.

Rounding out the poll are Louisiana Christian (4th), Jarvis Christian (5th), and Texas College (6th).

The conference shrinks to six teams this year following the departure of Huston-Tillotson and Paul Quinn, while University of the Southwest has paused its volleyball program for the season.

Voting was conducted by the RRAC’s head coaches, using a 6-5-4-3-2-1 points system.

2025 RRAC Volleyball Preseason Coaches Poll

(First-place votes in parentheses)

  1. Texas A&M-Texarkana (4) – 33 pts
  2. Xavier (La.) (1) – 29 pts
  3. Our Lady of the Lake (Texas) (1) – 27 pts
  4. Louisiana Christian – 19 pts
  5. Jarvis Christian (Texas) – 13 pts
  6. Texas College – 6 pts

Ross Marzetti Named Head Tennis Coach at Our Lady of the Lake University

Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) has named Ross Marzetti as the new head coach of its men’s and women’s tennis programs. The appointment marks a significant step for the former Saints student-athlete and assistant coach, who brings deep ties to the university and a clear vision for the program’s future.

Marzetti is no stranger to the OLLU campus. He competed as a student-athlete for the Saints and has served as an assistant coach for the past two seasons. His time as both a player and coach has shaped his philosophy and strengthened his connection to the university, making this new role a natural progression.

Before returning to OLLU as a coach, Marzetti built experience as both a competitor and mentor, contributing to the program’s growing reputation in the Red River Athletic Conference. Last season, he played a key role in helping the women’s team capture a conference championship in an inspiring postseason run. That success, along with his deep commitment to player development, helped pave the way for his promotion. The men’s team also had an historic season, finishing 20-2 on the year while also reaching a program high ranking of third nationally.

As head coach, Marzetti will oversee both programs with a focus on building a culture of hard work, mutual respect, and consistent improvement. His approach to coaching is development-focused, with a strong emphasis on creating an environment where student-athletes can thrive on the court, in the classroom, and as members of the community.

In terms of recruiting, Marzetti looks for more than just tennis talent. He prioritizes student-athletes who are competitive, coachable, and committed to being part of a team-first culture. His goal is to continue growing the program in a way that reflects OLLU’s values—while maintaining high standards for academic and athletic achievement.

“It’s incredibly meaningful to lead the same program that helped shape who I am today,” Marzetti said.

Marzetti succeeds former head coach Dave Watts, who served as both a mentor and foundational figure in the program’s recent success. Building on that momentum, Marzetti aims to elevate the Saints’ presence in the conference while fostering leadership and character among his players.

Marzetti extends his gratitude to Athletic Director Tom Norris and Assistant Athletic Director Haley Holzem for their leadership and support during the hiring process.

Athletic Director Tom Norris had the following statement,

“We are excited to welcome Ross as the next head coach of our men’s and women’s tennis program. Ross brings a unique perspective as a former OLLU Tennis student-athlete and as an assistant coach for the last two seasons. He has helped build the program into the national contender it is today, and we look forward to watching him continue to sustain a high level of success on the court and in the classroom. “

Coach Marzetti begins his new role immediately and is currently preparing the Saints for the upcoming fall season.

Our Lady of the Lake Women’s Soccer Eyes Strong Season Amidst Competitive RRAC Field

The Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) women’s soccer team is preparing to begin the 2025 season with high hopes after being ranked sixth in the Red River Athletic Conference (RRAC) preseason poll. With only the top six teams advancing to the conference tournament this year, the Saints find themselves right on the edge — a position that adds intensity and urgency to every match ahead.

Xavier University claimed the top spot in the poll after winning last year’s RRAC tournament on penalty kicks, earning nine first-place votes. LSU Alexandria and LSU Shreveport followed in second and third, while Louisiana Christian and Texas A&M-Texarkana edged out OLLU for the next two spots. The Saints collected 83 points in the voting, placing them just behind the top five and clearly within reach of a postseason berth.

After a competitive showing last season, OLLU will be looking to take the next step, relying on returning experience and new energy to push them forward. The talent is there, and with the tournament format tightening, every game on the schedule carries added weight.

While preseason rankings offer a glimpse into expectations, they do not dictate outcomes. The Saints are eager to prove they belong among the RRAC’s elite and won’t be content with sixth. The 2025 campaign is shaping up to be a fight, one in which the Saints will be prepared for.

Head Coach Lee Williams commented,

“As we approach the upcoming soccer season, we are filled with excitement and optimism about what lies ahead for the OLLU Women’s Soccer program. This year promises to be one of the most competitive seasons we’ve had in recent years.

The student-athletes worked efficiently during the summer and are continuing to work tirelessly in the lead-up to our first game. Their hard work, focus, and intensity have been relentless. This has set a strong foundation for what we aim to achieve this season.

We are welcoming back a lot of experienced SAINTS, while also adding a very talented group of new players to the SAINTS family. The additions have fitted seamlessly into our high-performing environment, bringing fresh energy and diversity that will complement our existing group. This mix of youth and experience—from San Antonio and all over the globe—puts us in a good position to face the challenges that lie ahead this season.

We are focused on enhancing our tactical approach, refining our playing style, and building on our team-first culture that emphasizes a relentless commitment to improving each other every day, with a ruthless streak in competition.

This fall season, we will face some excellent opponents, and we relish the opportunity to test ourselves against the best. I am confident that the team’s hard work will translate into success both on and off the field this year. We look forward to having the continued support of our fans, families, and the entire OLLU community as we begin our journey toward achieving our goals.”

Spirit Day 2025: Mass of the Holy Spirit & Employee Service Recognition

Spirit Day 2025: Mass of the Holy Spirit & Employee Service Recognition will take place at Sacred Heart Chapel commencing at 11AM on Thursday, September 11th, 2025.

Faculty and Staff Honorees will be recognized immediately following Mass of the Holy Spirit.

2025 Eligible Service Award recipients:

  • Farias, Louis- General Maintenance Journeyman (45 years)
  • Alvarado, Dominga C- Director of Disbursements (35 years)
  • Gomez, John P- Professor of Psychology (25 years
  • Nino, Nikki M- Student Support Specialist (20 years)
  • Delgado, Melissa- Registrar (20 years)
  • Ibarra, Stella C- Student Employment Assistant (15 years)
  • Ramirez, Elena C- Financial Aid Counselor (10 years)
  • Mendez, Darian G- Graduate Admissions Specialist (10 years)
  • Hernandez, Naomi A- Associate Clinical Professor (10 years)

Faculty and Staff employees who believe are eligible to receive a Service Award for full-time service years at OLLU, but do not see their name on the list, should contact Human Resources as soon as possible via email at mbecerra15@ollusa.edu.

The listing includes names and years of service of full-time employees whom Human Resources records show as being eligible to receive the 2025 Service Awards. Honorees will be recognized during the liturgy on Thursday, September 11th, 2025 (Mass of the Holy Spirit and Employee Service Recognition Ceremony at Sacred Heart Chapel).

Employees must have completed full-time service in increments of five years beginning with the 10-year mark and continuing in 2025 to be eligible to receive the Service Award.

Sincerely,
Office of Human Resources

Updates to Laptop and Mobile Hotspot Loan Program

The Sueltenfuss Library is pleased to announce the continuation of the Laptop and Mobile Hotspot Loan Program for the upcoming academic year. In partnership with the Information Technology Services office, this initiative has expanded digital access for students, faculty, and staff across our OLLU community. We are excited to continue providing this valuable resource.

As part of the program’s continuation, we would like to inform you of important updates to the lending policies:

  1. Request Process: All requests must be submitted through the Laptop Loan and Mobile Hotspot Request Form. Informal or email requests will no longer be accepted.
  2. Checkout Options for Hotspots: Mobile hotspots may now be borrowed for either a semester or a two-week period.

Eligibility:

Current students are eligible to request semester-long checkouts for laptops and/or mobile hotspots based on demonstrated need. 
Faculty, staff, and students located on the San Antonio Campus are eligible to request two-week mobile hotspot loans based on availability.

    Renewals:

    Laptops (Semester): Eligible for one renewal (for an additional semester).
    Mobile Hotspots (Semester): No renewals permitted; must be returned at semester’s end.
    Mobile Hotspots (Two Weeks): Eligible for one renewal (two additional weeks).

      Please refer to the table below for a summary of these updates:

       Laptops (SEMESTER)Mobile Hotspots (SEMESTER)Mobile Hotspots (TWO WEEKS)
      Who can check out?Current students onlyCurrent students onlyCurrent students, faculty, & staff
      What campus can request?RGV, Houston, San Antonio, onlineRGV, Houston, San Antonio, onlineSan Antonio campus only
      Renewals?1 semester renewal (15 weeks)No renewals1 renewal (2 weeks)

      Due to the limited supply of equipment, not all requests can be fulfilled. We kindly ask all borrowers to return devices on or before their due dates to ensure equitable access for others. For more information, please visit our Laptop and Mobile Hotspot Loan Program  web page or you can email us at Library@ollusa.edu.

      Thank you for your continued cooperation and support.

      OLLU Remembers Alumnae Cuca Robles and Amparo Ortiz

      Our Lady of the Lake University is saddened to share the news of the passing of two beloved alumnae, Cuca Robles and Amparo H. Ortiz. Both women exemplified the spirit of the OLLU community through their lives of service, leadership, and compassion.

      Amparo H. Ortiz

      August 1, 1944 – August 4, 2025

      Born Maria Amparo Hurtado in Armenia, Colombia, Amparo came to the United States in pursuit of her own American Dream. She studied English and the Arts in Saltillo, Mexico, before making her way to San Antonio, where she attended Our Lady of the Lake University.

      Her life in San Antonio brought her professional success and deep personal joy. Amparo met Lorenzo Ortiz, who became her husband for over 50 years, and together they raised three children—Edward, Mark, and Stephanie—and welcomed the blessing of a granddaughter, Kayla.

      A celebrated communications icon and 1992 inductee into the San Antonio Women’s Hall of Fame, Amparo interviewed cultural figures such as Robert Rodriguez, Juanes, Vikki Carr, Salma Hayek, Oscar de la Renta, and Vicente Fernandez. She was passionate about education, creating the “Student of the Week” segment on her show to highlight outstanding San Antonio students. Her elegance, generosity, and dedication to empowering others made her a role model for many.

      Amparo is survived by her children, granddaughter, siblings, and a large extended family. A memorial Mass will be held Friday, August 22, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church in San Antonio. In lieu of flowers, her family requests donations to the Children’s Defense Fund, San Antonio Animal Care Services, or nonprofits serving children or women battling abuse.

      Dr. María “Cuca” Robledo Montecel

      Dr. Montecel, received her Bachelor of Science in Social Work with High Distinction on December 20, 1972. The President Emerita of the Intercultural Development Research Association (IDRA) passed away on Friday, August 8, 2025, in San Antonio. She was a visionary leader, a tireless advocate, and a nationally recognized expert in education policy, dedicated to ensuring equitable educational opportunities for all students.

      During her nearly 30-year tenure at IDRA, Dr. Robledo Montecel expanded the organization’s reach and influence, developing research-based programs and policies that addressed systemic inequities in education. Her leadership was rooted in the belief that schools must serve every child, without exception, and her work influenced state and national education reform.

      An OLLU alumna, Dr. Montecel was known for her warmth, compassion, and ability to inspire others. Her legacy lives on in the thousands of educators, students, and advocates she mentored and in the lasting impact of her work to advance educational justice.

      Read the full statement here.

      Historic New Student Convocation: August 15, 2025

      Greetings OLLU Staff and Faculty!

      You are invited to join the community in welcoming OLLU’s historic 130th Incoming Class at this year’s New Student Convocation, on Friday, August 15, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. in the Sacred Heart Conventual Chapel. We will conclude this cherished tradition with Providence Path, where the community lines the hallway of the Main Building to cheer on and welcome in our newest Saints!

      Date: Friday, August 15, 2025
      Time: 11:00 a.m. (participating administration, faculty, and staff are asked to arrive by 10:45 a.m. on the 2nd floor of the Main Building)
      Location: Sacred Heart Conventual Chapel
      Dress Code:

      • Faculty – please wear regalia
      • Staff – please wear OLLU polo or similar

      We look forward to seeing you!