TULSA, Okla. – Oral Roberts University Athletics announced a new partnership with Team Sports Consulting Group (TSCG), naming the organization the Official Athlete Development and Team Culture Consulting Partner of ORU Athletics.

The partnership formalizes a relationship between ORU Athletics and Team Sports Consulting Group that began in the fall of 2022 and has included work with ORU coaches, student-athletes, teams and athletics leadership.Led by President Kevin Burr, TSCG works with organizations to strengthen communication, leadership, relationships and team culture.

"This partnership is special to us at TSCG because it is with a university that embodies the development of the whole person," TSCG President Kevin Burr said. "They don't just talk about connection, they practice it.  Our systems continue to improve and serve high schools, colleges, and professional sports organizations because ORU coaches and administration have continued to provide opportunities and feedback along the way.  They are at the forefront of relational performance, and we don't think that is a coincidence."

Since beginning work with ORU, TSCG has provided relational assessments, team communication and leadership evaluations, culture and organizational alignment consulting, staff communication workshops, leadership development sessions, individual coaching consultations and athlete relationship and communication tools.

"What makes this partnership so meaningful is that Kevin and Team Sports Consulting Group have already demonstrated the impact they can have on our coaches, staff and student-athletes," ORU Director of Athletics Tim Johnson said. "Kevin understands who we are, he believes in the mission of ORU Athletics, and he has become a tremendous partner to our department. I have personally utilized these assessments with our executive staff and have seen how valuable they can be in helping people better understand one another, communicate effectively and lead at a higher level. We are excited to formalize this relationship and expand the resources Team Sports Consulting can provide across ORU Athletics."

The impact of TSCG's work at ORU was evident early in the relationship.

Burr began working with ORU Baseball during the 2022-23 academic year, helping Head Coach Ryan Folmar, his coaching staff and student-athletes strengthen communication, relationships and team culture.
That season culminated in one of the greatest postseason runs in ORU Athletics history. The Golden Eagles won 52 games, captured the Summit League Championship, swept the Stillwater Regional, defeated Oregon in the Eugene Super Regional and advanced to the 2023 College World Series in Omaha.

"I don't believe we make the run we made to Omaha in 2023 without the work Kevin did with our players and staff," Folmar said. "He helped us understand each other at a deeper level—how we communicate, how different personalities respond to adversity and what each person needs from the people around them. When you're trying to win at the highest level, talent is only part of it. You have to trust one another, communicate and stay connected when things get difficult. Kevin's work had a direct impact on our program, and I couldn't be more excited to see this partnership expand across ORU Athletics."

TSCG has also worked extensively with the ORU men's and women's basketball programs, utilizing assessments and consulting to help coaches and student-athletes better understand communication styles, leadership tendencies and team dynamics.

"Building a championship-level program takes more than putting talented players on the floor," ORU Head Men's Basketball Coach Kory Barnett said. "It requires understanding your people and creating an environment where everyone feels connected, aligned and committed to moving in the same direction. Kevin has been an incredible resource for our staff and our players. The assessments and conversations that come from his work give us another tool to better understand our players, communicate more effectively and lead each individual in a way that helps them thrive. Ultimately, this is about investing in people and helping them become the best versions of themselves, both on and off the court. We're excited to have Kevin and Team Sports Consulting Group officially partnering with ORU Athletics."

ORU Women's Basketball has similarly incorporated TSCG's assessments, communication tools and leadership development into its program.

"Culture is something you have to intentionally build every single day," ORU Head Women's Basketball Coach Cophie Anderson said. "Kevin's work helps us better understand our players and one another as a staff. It creates conversations that allow us to communicate more effectively, recognize what our players need and ultimately become stronger as a team. Kevin genuinely cares about the people he works with, and we're excited to continue building our program with Team Sports Consulting Group as a partner."

Since beginning its work with ORU, TSCG has worked alongside coaches, student-athletes and athletics leadership to strengthen communication, leadership, relationships and team culture.

ABOUT TEAM SPORTS CONSULTING GROUP
Team Sports Consulting Group works with athletic programs, coaches, staffs and organizations to strengthen leadership, communication, relationships and organizational culture. Through assessments, consulting, leadership development and strategic support, TSCG helps teams better understand their people and create stronger, more connected organizations.