SAN ANTONIO (Dec. 17, 2024) – Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) celebrated the fall graduating student-athlete class of 2024 on Dec. 12 at Freeman Coliseum. These 22 student-athletes have not only excelled in their respective sports but have also successfully balanced their academic pursuits.

Tennis Head Coach Dave Watts, a true leader and role model, received a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology. Since 2022, he has been at the helm of the men's and women's teams, guiding them to remarkable success. In the 2023-2024 season, the men finished as the NAIA Unaffiliated Tournament Runners-Up, while the women were the Red River Athletic Conference (RRAC) Tournament Semifinalists. Watts hosted the 2024 conference tournament in April of this year, a testament to his dedication and leadership.

Watts also led the Saints women's team to victory in the 2024 OLLU Top Team GPA award, highlighting their commitment to academic excellence alongside their athletic achievements. He coached OLLU tennis' first-ever NAIA and ITA All-Americans - David Ekpenyong and Kyllian Savary. Ekpenyong made history as the first OLLU tennis player to compete in the ITA Cup National Championships, where he secured the runner-up position. Both teams have consistently ranked in the Top 25 in the NAIA and ITA, a testament to their all-round success.

Here is a list of who received their degrees this fall 2024, their sport and their degree/major: