Lourdes University Athletics Director Jo Ann Gordon has announced that Jake DuPree, who has served as interim head coach since late August, has officially been named head coach of the Gray Wolves’ men’s basketball program.
“Jake’s journey at Lourdes, from player to coach, has prepared him for this moment,” said Gordon. “As interim head coach, he checked every box—demonstrating leadership, player development, and competitive success. His deep understanding of our program and unwavering commitment make him the ideal leader for the future of Lourdes men’s basketball.”
Lourdes University President Dr. William J. Bisset echoed that sentiment, highlighting DuPree’s impact on and off the court.
“Jake’s long-standing commitment to the Lourdes community as an alumnus, student-athlete, student affairs administrator, and assistant coach makes him the ideal person to lead our men’s basketball program as head coach at this exciting time in the University’s history,” Dr. Bisset said. “I have been very impressed these past few months as to how engaged our players have been on and off the court under Jake’s interim head coach leadership. The decision to move forward with this change in title was very easy.”
Since taking over as interim head coach, DuPree has led the Gray Wolves to a 16-6 overall record and a 10-4 mark in WHAC play, positioning Lourdes in third place in the conference standings. His team has been dominant at home, boasting a 9-0 record in the Ebeid Recreation Center this season. Under his guidance, senior guard Shaunn Monroe has emerged as the NAIA’s leading scorer, averaging 26.3 points per game while earning eight WHAC Player of the Week honors.
DuPree, a former Lourdes standout and a founding member of the program, has been with the Gray Wolves in various coaching capacities since 2015. He initially joined as a graduate assistant under Andre Smith before moving into an assistant coaching role under Josh Gibson and later serving as associate head coach under Dennis Hopson.
“I first want to thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for this opportunity. Without Him, none of this would be possible. I feel extremely blessed and humbled to officially be named the Head Men’s Basketball Coach at Lourdes University, a place I call home,” DuPree said. “I also want to thank our President, Dr. Bisset, and our Athletic Director, Jo Ann Gordon, for believing in me and trusting me to lead this program I love so much.
“When I first stepped foot on this campus as a 17-year-old kid, I knew this place was special. Lourdes University has helped shape me into the man I am today, and I know it can do the same for others. My staff and I will continue to be dedicated to representing Lourdes University and the community in the highest regard. Our student-athletes’ education and well-being will always come first before anything. The ultimate goal is to have a positive impact on our student-athletes’ lives both on and off the court—pushing them to be the best versions of themselves they can be through teaching accountability, teamwork, and self-discipline. When they graduate from Lourdes, they will be ready to lead with confidence, knowing they can overcome any challenges they may encounter in life. If we do this in the right way, I truly believe the success of the program will follow.
“I also want to thank the Sisters of St. Francis for their continuous support of Lourdes University and its students. Thank you to my mom, my dad, and my family for all their love and support throughout the years. To all the coaches I have had the pleasure to work with and learn from including Brett Lauf and Clark Maloney, my former teammates who helped build this program from the ground up, and all the players I have had the pleasure of coaching—especially the group we have now—thank you all as well. Words can’t describe what this truly means to me.”
DuPree takes the helm of a Lourdes team that remains in strong contention for postseason play, looking to build on last season’s 22-7 overall record and NAIA National Championship appearance.
