After five successful seasons as the Lourdes University men’s basketball head coach accumulating an impressive 97-41 overall record, Dennis Hopson informed the University’s Administration that he will be stepping down from his position to pursue other opportunities, effective immediately.
“I would like to express my gratitude to Dennis for his invaluable contributions to our program, which he leaves in a stronger position than when he arrived. His leadership has brought about a significant cultural transformation,” said Jo Ann Gordon, Athletic Director/Compliance Officer.
“Under his guidance, the program has become a perennial contender in the WHAC and a consistent qualifier for the NAIA Tournament. We deeply appreciate his service to the greater Toledo community and wish him continued success in all his future endeavors,” Gordon added.
Hired in 2019, Hopson made a notable impact on the men’s basketball program from his first season, leading the team to a tie for third place in the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference standings —a historic achievement at the time. Under his leadership, Lourdes was ranked as high as 13th in the NAIA Division II national poll in mid-January.
Hopson’s 2021-2022 roster set a school record with 24 victories and captured the WHAC tournament title, the first in program history. The Gray Wolves advanced to the NAIA National Championships, where they were narrowly defeated by a buzzer-beater in the first round.
In his final year with the Gray Wolves, the team returned to the NAIA National Championships in 2023-2024 after posting a runner-up finish in the WHAC regular season, which was the school’s best finish ever in the conference.
During his tenure, Hopson produced a pair of NAIA Honorable Mention All-American selections. Additionally, he had 10 players named First Team All-WHAC, five players named Second Team All-WHAC, two players on the WHAC All-Freshman Team, four on the WHAC All-Defensive Team, and one named WHAC Newcomer of the Year.
Long time Associate head coach and former Lourdes basketball standout Jake DuPree, has been named interim head coach for the 2024-25 season with Brett Lauf serving as his assistant.
