Lourdes, Siena Heights Close Regular-Season Home Finale Amid University Shutdowns

Basketball teams play final home games as their universities prepare to close after the spring semester.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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The Lourdes University Gray Wolves men's and women's basketball teams played their final regular-season home games on Saturday against Siena Heights University, marking the end of an era for both schools that have announced they will shut down at the end of the academic year. The emotional farewell was felt by players, coaches, and the crowd, who recognized they were witnessing the last home games in Lourdes history.

Why it matters

The closure of Lourdes University and Siena Heights University is a significant event, as the loss of these institutions will impact the local community, student-athletes, and the future of college sports in the region. The basketball games served as a poignant farewell for the players, coaches, and fans who have been part of these programs.

The details

The Lourdes University Gray Wolves men's and women's basketball teams played their final regular-season home games on Saturday against Siena Heights University. Both schools have announced they will shut down at the end of the current academic year, adding extra meaning to the matchup. The crowd inside the gym roared louder than usual, aware they were witnessing the final regular-season home game in Lourdes history. The Lourdes women's team delivered a win, while the men's team is still fighting to accomplish their goals despite the uncertainty.

  • Lourdes University and Siena Heights University have announced they will close at the end of the spring 2026 semester.
  • The Lourdes University Gray Wolves men's and women's basketball teams played their final regular-season home games on Saturday, February 22, 2026.

The players

Ashley Zawisza

A junior on the Lourdes University women's basketball team.

Emma Pedroza

A senior point guard on the Lourdes University women's basketball team.

Tandy Bradford

The head coach of the Lourdes University women's basketball team.

Jake DuPree

The head coach of the Lourdes University men's basketball team.

Steven Coleman

A senior guard on the Lourdes University men's basketball team.

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What they’re saying

“It was just go out there and get a win. It was for our seniors, but it was really for everybody.”

— Ashley Zawisza, Lourdes University women's basketball player (wtol.com)

“It's also their last game as a university, so it's a lot of respect going each ways, and I hope the best for the players on their team and our teams in whatever their adventure is.”

— Emma Pedroza, Lourdes University women's basketball player (wtol.com)

“These women are strong, thoughtful, and educated. They've left a legacy bigger than basketball.”

— Tandy Bradford, Lourdes University women's basketball coach (wtol.com)

“When you find out your school is closing at the end of your season when we're trying to accomplish a goal, it can be tough. And our guys are doing their best to fight through.”

— Jake DuPree, Lourdes University men's basketball coach (wtol.com)

“It's bittersweet. We love each other. The hardest part is knowing we're going our separate ways.”

— Steven Coleman, Lourdes University men's basketball player (wtol.com)

What’s next

Lourdes University's basketball teams will continue to play in the postseason, but the future of the programs remains uncertain as the university prepares to close at the end of the spring 2026 semester.

The takeaway

The closure of Lourdes University and Siena Heights University is a significant loss for the local community, student-athletes, and the future of college sports in the region. The emotional farewell witnessed during the final regular-season home games highlights the impact these institutions have had and the uncertainty facing players, coaches, and fans as they navigate the end of an era.