UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS DUSTDEVIL ATHLETICS CONTINUES HISTORY-MAKING DRIVE 2024 was a year of change for Dustdevils Athletics. While change is inevitable, the TAMIU Athletics program has taken that change and moved forward in a positive light. The year has been the typical rollercoaster ride that is athletics, but it has also been hallmarked by something greater that lasts a lifetime...history. Director of Athletics Griz Zimmermann has been at the helm of Dustdevil Athletics for over 11 years and continues to extend his commitment to making TAMIU Athletics better. Zimmermann was interviewed by D2.Ticker, a national news organization that talks to athletic directors from around the country about how they manage success. The organization hosts athletic directors at the top of their field to bring awareness to what athletic departments face. He noted that this year at TAMIU has seen dynamic hirings including Head Volleyball Coach Tammie Jiménez, assistant Sports Information director Caitlin Fowble, Athletic Facilities Coordinator Jenesis Medina, Head Women’s Basketball Coach Jaida Williams, Assistant Men’s Basketball coaches Seth Vinton and LeBree Sledge, Head Baseball coach Ruben Rodríguez III, Assistant Cross Country coach Rolando Salinas, Coaching Assistant for Strength and Conditioning Armando Quiroga and Sports Information Director Austin Childress. Together, they’re driving TAMIU Athletics’ commitment to excellence on the field and in the classroom, and together building on 2024, a great year of history: Donald Kipsang of men’s cross country set a new school record in the 8k with a time of 24:24. Emma Lade of volleyball joined the 2,000-assist club, etching her name as number two in all-time assists in the history of TAMIU. Lade previously won setter of the year for the conference in the 2023-24 season. Kristy Alanis was named the 2024 NCAA DII Golden Glove Recipient, an honor that every college softball player dreams of receiving. Haley Blankinship was named one of WBCA’s Thirty Under 30. Raiana Brown was named AllAmerican Honorable Mention after TAMIU Women’s Basketball just finished the season as the winningest team in school history under former coach Nate Vogel. Head Basketball Coach Mac McConnell was named D2 Coach of the week by HoopDirt. McConnell led the Dustdevils over the number four team in the nation, Dallas Baptist. Dusty the Mascot Griz Zimmermann Rocio García, Tammie Jiménez, Dr. Pablo Arenaz, Jaida Williams and Griz Zimmermann Kristy Alanis Sarai Costa and Kayla Zambanini 25
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