Written by: Jessica DeLeón
Photography by: Ahna Hubnik, Leo Gonzalez and UNT Athletics
September 29, 2023

Icons for various sporting events
 

This year, the Mean Green claimed new championship titles, new coaches, a new conference and a new name for the football stadium.

The winning streak began in March with the men's basketball team capturing the National Invitation Tournament title. In April, the women's golf team scored its third straight Conference USA title and the polo team took home the Division I United States Polo Association Men's National Intercollegiate Polo Championship. The softball team made it to the Conference USA finals in May. And Bleed Green, a men's basketball team that includes former Mean Green players, netted an appearance in the finals of The Basketball Tournament.

Beginning this fall, all Mean Green athletics teams now compete in the prestigious American Athletic Conference. Guiding their way into the new conference are new leaders Ross Hodge, who will coach the men's basketball team, and Jason Burton, who will lead the women's basketball team. They join new head football coach Eric Morris and Jared Mosley, vice president and director of athletics.

President Neal Smatresk and Athletics Director Jared Mosely pose with DATCU officials, CEO Glen McKe
President Neal Smatresk and Athletics Director Jared Mosely pose with DATCU officials, CEO Glen McKenzie and President Melanie Vest, at the celebration of the stadium name.

DATCU Stadium is the new name for the home of Mean Green football -- thanks to a naming rights and campus agreement with the financial institution that serves nearly a dozen Texas counties.

Founded by North Texas State College faculty members and area educators in 1936 as a credit union, DATCU will be a unique Mean Green team player in its role as the official financial institution and exclusive credit union of UNT Athletics and the UNT Alumni Association.

Along with financial literacy programs for students, DATCU will provide discounted financial services, UNT merchandise and event tickets for faculty, staff and students.

"Our two organizations share such a rich history that we feel we can unlock greater partnerships across our campus in providing first-class experiences and services to our students, faculty and staff," Mosley says. "We look forward to many more years ahead as we work together to build champions and prepare leaders."

The men's basketball team captured the National Invitation Tournament title.
Two fans enjoy the winning moment at a watch party at East Side Denton
The women's golf team scored its third straight Conference USA title.
The softball team made it to the Conference USA finals.
Jason Burton, UNT Women’s Basketball Head Coach
Ross Hodge, UNT Men’s Basketball Head Coach
DATCU Stadium is the new name for the home of Mean Green football.

The stadium, which opened in 2011, is still relatively young, but it's brought plenty of memories to the Mean Green nation. Game day begins with the smells of favorite foods and conversations with faithful tailgaters. As the kickoff gets closer, the Green Brigade marches from Victory Hall and around The Hill to the stadium. On the field, football players touch the Spiriki statue for luck as they head for the sidelines. Then it's game time, with fans cheering, spirit teams leading yells and Boomer the cannon blasting after each Mean Green score. Halftime brings the unrivaled sounds of the Green Brigade. And win or lose, the Mean Green family always ends it with, "You'll Never Walk Alone."

Check out more sports news: meangreensports.com