The 2025-26 athletic season at East Texas Baptist University (ETBU) marked a year of significant achievements, including five ASC Tournament Championships and four NCAA Tournament appearances. The program garnered national recognition, finishing second in the Learfield Trophy standings, with over 280 student-athletes making the ASC All-Academic team. Awards included AVCA Division III Coach of the Year for Volleyball Head Coach Mallory Matthews, alongside numerous individual recognitions across various sports. The success emphasized not only athletic performance but also academic excellence, with multiple athletes achieving national academic awards.

By the Numbers
  • 5 ASC Tournament Championships
  • 4 NCAA Tournament appearances
  • 8 ASC Championships overall
  • 280+ student-athletes on the ASC All-Academic team
State of Play
  • ETBU is leading the ASC for Distinguished Scholar-Athlete awards for the sixth consecutive year.
  • Individual athletes have received high-level national recognitions, solidifying ETBU's competitive stature.
  • The overall performance remains strong across multiple sports, highlighting a unified athletic department strategy.
What's Next

As the program looks ahead, continued investment in both athletic training and academic support can lead to further accolades. Maintaining and expanding recruiting efforts could enhance ETBU's competitive edge in future seasons. Aiming for consistent NCAA postseason appearances is likely a primary goal for the upcoming athletic year.

Bottom Line

ETBU's 2025-26 season demonstrates a potent combination of athletic success and academic achievement. This dual focus sets a strong precedent for future seasons, emphasizing the importance of nurturing both athletic talent and academic excellence. The university's strategy showcases a commitment not just to winning, but to developing well-rounded student-athletes.