Wake Forest University boasts a number of sports teams that students, alumni, and fans are proud to support – the Demon Deacons teams being one such example. Wake Forest’s mascot, named Deacon (after church deacons in particular), symbolizes Wake Forest University’s religious roots while simultaneously playing within the Atlantic Coast Conference.
Wake Forest University
Wake Forest University is a private 4-year coed college located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, that offers bachelor’s, certificate, master’s, and doctoral degrees to men and women. Renowned for its vital academic programs, distinguished faculty, holistic approach to education and study abroad, and global programming options for students, Wake Forest also provides numerous student clubs and organizations dedicated to living out its pro-humanities philosophy.
Wake Forest University boasts several NCAA Division I athletic teams. The Demon Deacons compete in the Atlantic Coast Conference and have won nine NCAA team championships across football, basketball, field hockey, soccer, and tennis. Wake Forest campus is known for its stunning facilities and vibrant social life, boasting more than 400 student clubs and organizations, as well as hosting many cultural events throughout the year.
Wake Forest University boasts a vibrant social scene dominated by Greek fraternities and sororities; however, non-Greek students can also participate in party life. There are a few bars around campus where upperclassmen gather on Wednesday nights (known as Wake Wednesdays).
Wake Forest University admission is highly competitive, with average SAT/ACT scores falling above the 25th percentile. Through a holistic review process, applicants are evaluated on character traits such as recommendations, extracurricular activities, and interviews, as well as high school transcripts and standardized test scores submitted from high schools or colleges they previously attended.
The University offers numerous research centers and institutes that cover medicine, business, science, and social sciences. Notable professors include Anthony Atala (a pioneer in organ growth) and David Carroll (an expert on nanoengineered cancer therapies). Furthermore, students have the chance to gain hands-on experience through internships and fellowships available to them in their field of study; additionally, there is financial aid in the form of scholarships, grants, and loans that they can apply for via the Free Application for Federal Student Aid – FAFSA).
Wake Forest Braves
Wake Forest University has produced many noteworthy alumni in significant league baseball. To put this into perspective, Wake Forest holds more alumni in this sport than any other ACC school, and some had even won World Series championships since 1891, when its program first started! Currently, there are over 50 professional baseball players from Wake Forest’s alumni roster who play professionally today.
Tom Walter has overseen Wake Forest baseball to return as one of the country’s premier teams, winning six straight seasons, including an ACC Tournament championship this past year, and appearing at the College World Series for an unprecedented ninth consecutive time this year.
The team’s success can be traced to its dynamic offense, featuring three All-Americans and ranking among the nation’s best in batting average, home runs, and slugging percentage for five seasons running. Their starting rotation includes Drew Pomeranz as their ace pitcher, as well as Tommy McGraw and Sean Sullivan, who provide much-needed depth.
Atlanta Braves have recently utilized their first-round pick in both Major League Baseball Drafts to select Wake Forest players as pitchers – Jared Shuster (2020) and Ryan Cusick (2021). Shuster is currently in his second season with the Atlanta Braves organization and is expected to be an essential piece this year.
Walter is an adept program builder and player developer, having overseen the growth of numerous future MLB stars during his time at Wake Forest. These include 2016 National Player of the Year Will Craig as well as Stuart Fairchild and Gavin Sheets from All-America selection, All-American selection Stuart Fairchild as well as rising stars Bobby Seymour Nate Mondou, Chris Lanzilli Ben Breazeale, among many more.
The University’s baseball camps/clinics are open to any entrants (limited only by number, age, grade level, and gender). We strongly advise participants to receive a complete vaccination against COVID-19 prior to attending camp in order to protect them from contact tracing or quarantining should they come in contact with it during camp.
Wake Forest Football
Wake Forest University’s football program boasts an illustrious legacy of success, winning multiple Atlantic Coast Conference championships and bowl games during its history. Wake Forest also regularly competes for national titles in men’s soccer; several alumni players have gone on to professional roles with Major League Soccer teams. Wake Forest Demon Deacons are widely respected for being among the finest-coached and disciplined college athletic programs available today.
Wake Forest University’s football mascot, the Demon Deacons, pays homage to their Baptist roots. Created by Jack Baldwin as part of an intramural competition held in 1941 among fraternity brothers at Wake Forest, its spirit best represented through this figure known as a top hat, tails, and an umbrella-clad figure named Demon Deacon has survived through various transformations over time – but its name remains strong!
Deacons fans can hope for a positive result against Notre Dame on Saturday; they are currently tied for fifth in ACC standings but sporting an 8-5 mark themselves.
Wake Forest needs to beat Notre Dame on Saturday in order to keep its playoff hopes alive and gain some momentum as it enters its final three regular-season games. Wake Forest has forced its opponents into three-and-outs on 29 percent of drives this year; hopefully, that trend will continue when they travel to South Bend.
Deacon’s defense has also shown tremendous improvement since last season when they allowed over 300 yards per game on the ground. Recently, they have held opponents to just seven rushing yards over three games! This marks an immense change from last season, when opponents averaged over 300.
The wake Forest football program stands out among its peers through its distinct tradition of rolling toilet paper in celebration after each win, marking it as the sole ACC institution to do this and showing fans’ joy when their team makes strides forward. This tradition speaks volumes of Wake Forest pride as fans witness their team triumph.
Wake Forest Basketball
Wake Forest University, an Atlantic Coast Conference school, is widely known for its academic and athletic success. Their students have won numerous NCAA championships across various sports while boasting an impressive graduation rate. Participation in athletics is strongly encouraged, along with high levels of support both inside the classroom and within sports clubs and leagues.
Wake Forest men’s basketball team is led by head coach Steve Forbes and competes in the Atlantic Coast Conference out of Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Last season, the 2022-23 team finished 19-14 and missed the NCAA tournament despite returning three players and recruiting new talent.
Jack Baldwin challenged fellow Deacon fans at Wake Forest University (WFU) in 1941 to develop a name and mascot for its athletic teams, prompting his creation of “Demon Deacon,” an animated figure depicting a Baptist church deacon dressed in top hat and tails – which became part of its tradition ever since. Students and alumni often celebrate athletic victories by “rolling the quad,” covering campus centers in white toilet paper streamers to commemorate them.
