We’re proud to share outstanding news about our Texas State Poet Laureate, Octavio Quintanilla. He has been awarded the prestigious Burdine C. Johnson Award for Best Book of Poetry from the Texas Institute of Letters for his powerful collection Las Horas Imposibles / The Impossible Hours. This distinguished honor is among the highest literary recognitions in Texas and reflects exceptional achievement in both creative and scholarly work.
Octavio Quintanilla, PhD, Professor of English
Adding to this remarkable accomplishment, Dr. Quintanilla has also been named a finalist for the 2026 Kingsley & Kate Tufts Poetry Award—one of the most prestigious poetry awards in the United States. This national spotlight elevates not only his work but also the visibility and reputation of our institution.
These accolades present a compelling opportunity to highlight faculty excellence across media, alumni engagement, and admissions storytelling. Dr. Quintanilla’s success exemplifies the impact of our academic community and reinforces our commitment to creativity, leadership, and cultural contribution.
Congratulations, Dr. Quintanilla, on this extraordinary achievement!
Our Lady of the Lake dropped a tightly contested matchup to Huston-Tillotson, falling 5-4 despite outhitting the Rams 9-7.
The Saints generated steady offense throughout the game, collecting nine hits and putting pressure on Huston-Tillotson pitching. Joshua Milton and Benjamin Hovda each drove in a run, while Christian Martinez provided a spark off the bench with a pinch-hit double and later came around to score.
Jack Kalisky also crossed the plate for OLLU, and Diego Zuniga and Hovda each recorded multi-hit performances to lead the Saints at the plate. OLLU showed aggressiveness on baserunning as well, swiping three bases in the contest.
Huston-Tillotson answered with timely hitting, scoring five runs on seven hits. Trey Garza led the way with two RBIs, while Noah Alvarez, Jaden Corzine and Kendall Brown each contributed a run batted in. The Rams capitalized on key opportunities late to pull ahead.
On the mound, OLLU received a strong start from Josh Ruiz, who allowed just two hits and no earned runs over three innings while striking out four. The Saints used a bullpen by committee the rest of the way, with Ethan Garza, Matthew Sanchez, Xavior Salazar and Nolan Nicholson combining to cover the final five innings. Sanchez was charged with the loss after allowing two runs in his inning of work.
Huston-Tillotson starter Bryce Sanchez earned the win, limiting OLLU to one earned run over six innings, while Adrian German secured the save with three innings of relief.
The Saints will be back in action this weekend as they will travel to take on defending national champions in LSU-Shreveport.
Our Lady of the Lake University delivered a commanding performance at home, securing a decisive 7–0 victory over the University of Dallas in women’s tennis competition. Competing as part of the NAIA Red River Athletic Conference, OLLU controlled the match from the opening doubles contests through the final singles point demonstrating composure across the lineup.
The Saints established early momentum in doubles play. The pairing of Muller and Guerrero set the tone at the No. 1 position with a clean 6–0 result, applying constant pressure and limiting opportunities for their opponents. At No. 2 doubles, Laure and Peters mirrored that dominance with another 6–0 victory, showcasing strong communication and efficient net play. With the doubles point secured, OLLU carried confidence into singles competition.
In singles, the Saints continued their sweep with disciplined and focused performances on every court. At No. 1, Guerrero controlled the pace throughout, earning a straight-sets win, 6–0, 6–2. Pisar followed with a flawless 6–0, 6–0 victory at No. 2, maintaining precision from the baseline. Laure and Peters each delivered identical 6–0, 6–0 results at the No. 3 and No. 4 positions, respectively, reinforcing the team’s dominance.
The lower half of the lineup remained equally strong. Chambon secured another straight-sets win at No. 5, 6–0, 6–0, while Muller was awarded the No. 6 match by default, closing out the final point of the contest.
Our Lady of the Lake University men’s tennis team delivered a decisive performance at home, earning a 7–0 sweep over the University of Dallas. Competing with control throughout the match, OLLU established momentum early and maintained it across both doubles and singles play.
The Saints set the tone in doubles competition with strong showings across the courts. At the No. 1 position, Gailey and Olen secured a 6–3 victory, demonstrating effective coordination and steady shot-making. Jimenez and Castro followed with a 6–2 win at No. 2 doubles, extending the early advantage. The No. 3 doubles match was decided by default in favor of Bocquet and Ceolin, completing the doubles sweep and giving OLLU a firm lead heading into singles.
In singles play, the Saints continued their dominant form. Gailey earned a straight-sets victory at No. 1 singles, 6–1, 6–2, controlling the match from the baseline. Olen battled through a competitive contest at No. 2, ultimately securing the win in a match tiebreak, 6–0, 5–7, [10–7]. Castro added another straight-sets win at No. 3, 6–1, 6–2, maintaining pressure throughout.
Ceolin delivered a consistent performance at No. 4 singles, winning 6–2, 6–1, while Arzate matched that result at No. 5 with a 6–0, 6–0 victory. Bocquet was awarded the No. 6 singles match by default, sealing the final point of the contest.
Join University Ministry for a week of prayer, reflection, and community as we observe Holy Week at OLLU. From Palm Sunday Mass to Adoration, Stations of the Cross, and daily Mass, all are invited to take part in these meaningful traditions across campus.
All services are open to students, faculty, and staff. For questions, contact University Ministry at universityministry@ollusa.edu.
Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) is proud to welcome a new addition to its coaching staff, bringing more than two decades of experience, a passion for student-athlete development, and a commitment to building a strong and supportive athletic culture.
Originally from Americus, Georgia, where he was also raised, the new coach began his journey in athletics at Iowa Wesleyan College. His path into coaching was rooted in community involvement, starting more than 20 years ago as a basketball and youth football coach in his hometown. What began as a way to give back quickly evolved into a lifelong profession dedicated to mentorship, leadership, and competitive excellence.
Over the course of 23 years, he has built an extensive and diverse coaching resume. His experience includes time at Immanuel Christian School in California, Thomas University in Georgia, Thomas County Central High School, Brookwood School, Americus Sumter High School, and Lee County High School. Throughout his career, he has served in a variety of roles, including Head Varsity Girls Basketball Coach, Head Varsity Boys and Girls Track and Field Coach, Assistant Varsity Boys Football Coach, Assistant Women’s Flag Football Coach, and Head Middle School Boys Flag Football Coach. This wide-ranging background reflects both his adaptability and his deep understanding of athlete development across multiple sports.
His dedication and impact have not gone unnoticed. Among his career highlights are being named Coach of the Year, Conference Assistant Coach of the Year, and Community Volunteer of the Year. These honors speak not only to his success on the field but also to his influence within the communities he has served.
Athletic Director Tom Norris commented,
“We are thrilled to welcome him to Our Lady of the Lake University. His extensive experience across multiple sports, combined with his commitment to developing student-athletes both on and off the field, aligns perfectly with our mission. He brings a passion for building relationships, fostering accountability, and creating a culture of excellence, and we are confident he will make an immediate and lasting impact on our program and our campus community.”
A key influence throughout his journey has been his father, whom he credits as his biggest supporter and a constant source of inspiration. That foundation has helped shape a coaching philosophy centered on developing the whole person, elevating athletic performance, and fostering a culture of excellence. He emphasizes discipline, accountability, and passion, encouraging his athletes to compete with confidence while supporting one another like family. His approach focuses on daily growth and collective success, with the belief that greatness is achieved together.
A devoted father, he has two daughters, ages 20 and 5, who remain at the center of his motivation and purpose. As he begins this new chapter at OLLU, he brings with him a wealth of experience, a heart for mentorship, and a vision for building a winning culture grounded in unity, growth, and excellence.
The IFCC is hosting The Gatherings: Young Artist Edition, curated by San Antonio fiber artist, Deborah Harris.
The Gatherings will feature young local artists who have been asked to ponder the question; What Sparks Your Creativity? Artists come from around the city and will have their artwork installed in the IFCC Glass Gallery in the MARC Ballroom.
Featured Young Artists: Josiah Harris Dominique Jordan Tasiah Mayfield Izel Perez Dayanara Torres (representing the OLLU Art and Visual Media Department), and Gary Young.
IFCC Second Annual Fiesta Alternative Event, Selena Fiesta!
This year’s Selena Fiesta! will feature party-vibe cumbia lessons to songs from La Reina, Selena. Special guests will include Zombie Bazaar and Viva Tejana dancers, Tejana Artist, Alicia C, and Los Mentirosos.
All events are FREE!
Classes and Party will be held in the MARC Ballroom, bring friends and family. Selena Fiesta is an inclusive and safe space.
Alternative Spring Break is back at OLLU! Under the leadership of Jesse Harasta, CYCL Director, a group of OLLU students spent their spring break serving alongside Texas Parks and Wildlife rangers at Enchanted Rock State Park.
From March 6–10, students worked with Jesse and TExAS Grant Activities Manager Austin Bergstrom on a variety of conservation projects. Their efforts included building new trails, removing a vineyard from newly acquired park land, and repainting trail markers to improve visitor navigation.
Beyond service, students also had the opportunity to connect with nature and each other—learning how to set up tents, stargazing from the top of Enchanted Rock, hiking scenic trails, and visiting Fredericksburg.
Participating students included Karis Alcoser, Tracy Cabrera, Adriana Figueroa Rodriguez, Bethany Garr, Zulma Juarez, Monica Sanchez, and Keyli Smith. Adrian Alvarez and Angel Santacruz also contributed during the vineyard removal project.
This trip marks a meaningful return of an OLLU tradition—students dedicating their spring break to service, community, and environmental stewardship.
Students in Dr. Chloe Lash’s Vascular Plants Lab recently celebrated an exciting milestone—the first harvest from OLLU’s new hydroponic towers.
After collecting, weighing, and washing their crop of fresh lettuce, students, faculty, and staff marked the occasion by making salads together before donating the remaining harvest to the Salud Center.
This hands-on experience highlights the impact of experiential learning in the classroom, giving students the opportunity to engage directly with plant science from growth to harvest.
A special thank you to Dr. Lash and the OLLU Biology Department for bringing innovative, hands-on learning opportunities to students. We look forward to seeing what they grow next!
Stay tuned for upcoming events on Earth Day, April 22, 2026.
