Winston-Salem, N.C. – The Carolina University Bruins are set to tip off the 2025-2026 campaign under Head Coach Jacob Heck, who enters his fourth season at the helm following the most historic year in program history.
Last season, the Bruins captured the CAC Tournament Championship as the No. 8 seed—their first title as a first year member of the NAIA—and earned the program's first-ever berth in the NAIA National Tournament. Carolina also boasted the top-ranked scoring defense in the CAC, a trademark of Heck's system that will again anchor this year's group.
New Faces and New Opportunities
Despite graduating key contributors—including Aundree Polk (21.2 points per game), Dakota Sampson (62 blocks, top-10 nationally), and sharpshooters Chris High, Devon Cottle, and Cam Buchanan—the Bruins' locker room remains deeply connected to last year's success. Both Buchanan and Sampson return to the program as Graduate Assistant Coaches, joining Heck's staff to help mentor a roster that features 18 newcomers, including just one freshman.
Only two players return from the 2024-25 championship squad, but the influx of experience and veteran leadership brings a new level of depth and maturity.
Mindset and Expectations
Coach Heck emphasized that this group's identity centers on team success and sacrifice:
"These guys are veterans and winners," Heck said. "They want to come in, buy in, and pick up right where last year's team left off. The focus is on collective success—everyone is willing to do what's best for the team."
Defensive toughness will again be a defining trait, but Heck believes the team's offensive potential is equally exciting.
"We'll be defensively minded and competitive on every possession," Heck noted. "But offensively, I love the experience we have. The guys are comfortable, confident, and capable of contributing in multiple ways."
Goals and Outlook
With a CAC title already under their belts, the Bruins' ambitions remain high.
"The goals are clear," Heck said. "We want to win another CAC championship and make another postseason run. The challenge is managing the high expectations that now come with being a champion—but this group is ready for it."
Depth, Size, and Experience
Among the many reasons for optimism, Coach Heck points to the team's size, depth, and postseason experience as major upgrades.
"Last year we lacked depth inside," he said. "This year's roster gives us size at every position and a level of experience you can't teach. Most of our newcomers have played in postseason tournaments—they know what it takes, and that competitive spirit is contagious."
Opening Night
Carolina University opens the 2025-26 season at home on Thursday, October 23 at 5:30 p.m. as the Columbia International University Rams visit Williams Gymnasium on the Carolina University campus in Winston-Salem.
With renewed depth, veteran leadership, and the momentum of a championship season behind them, the Bruins enter 2025-26 poised to defend their title and continue building a tradition of excellence in the CAC and NAIA ranks.