Dunham News | The Dunham School, Baton Rouge, LA

Announcing the derek stingley jr. field

The Dunham School is excited to announce that construction will begin in May on the Derek Stingley Jr. Field, a new turf practice field located on the school’s main campus on Roy Emerson Drive. Made possible thanks to a generous lead gift from 2019 Dunham graduate Derek Stingley, Jr., the new field will include a state-of-the-art synthetic playing surface, enhanced drainage systems, and dedicated space for football, PE classes, and other athletic training needs, providing student-athletes with a premier environment for year-round development. The project is expected to be complete by the start of school in August.

“We are thrilled to receive the largest single alumni donation in school history to complete this project and name the Derek Stingley Jr. Field. Derek is not only an incredible athlete who is setting records in the NFL, he is an amazing young man who made The Dunham School a better place when he was a student-athlete here. Through this gift, he will continue to be a difference maker for our students, our school, and our athletic program,” said Head of School Steve Eagleton.

Dunham Athletic Director and Head Football Coach Neil Weiner concurs, saying “Great players leave an impact on the game, but the greatest leave something behind for others. Derek Stingley’s legacy will now live not only in what he accomplished on the field, but in the field he’s provided for every Tiger who follows.”

As a Dunham Tiger, Derek established himself as one of the nation’s top high school players by excelling as a defensive back, wide receiver, and return specialist. His outstanding performance in his senior season earned him 2018 Louisiana Gatorade Player of the Year honors, recognition as a National Player of the Year finalist, and a selection to the prestigious U.S. Army All-America Bowl.

After signing with LSU, he had an immediate impact as a true freshman on the Tigers’ undefeated 2019 National Championship team. That season, he led the SEC in interceptions and became the first true freshman defensive player in NCAA history to earn Consensus All-American honors. Throughout his collegiate career, he remained one of the nation’s top defensive backs, earning multiple All-American and All-SEC distinctions.

Selected third overall in the 2022 NFL Draft by the Houston Texans, Derek is regarded as one of the league’s elite “shutdown” cornerbacks. A two-time Pro Bowl selection (2024, 2025) and 2024 First-Team All-Pro, he has consistently ranked among the league’s most dominant defenders. In 2025, he signed a record-breaking contract extension, solidifying his role as a cornerstone of the Texans franchise.

Reflecting upon his gift to Dunham, Derek said, “I am happy to give back to a place that generously invested in me, providing me with the foundation to embark on my journey as a young man in this world. I am truly fortunate to be in a position to donate and support the school that provided me with the opportunity to grow academically and develop as an athlete.”

The Derek Stingley Jr. Field is the third campus improvement project funded by the school’s 40 & Forever Campaign, a comprehensive $16 million fundraising initiative. Previous projects include the Lower School Playground and upgrades to the Dunham Stadium on Siegen Lane. Phase II of the Carpenter-Randall Science Center is also scheduled to be completed this summer. Fundraising is underway for the expansion of the Rollins Family Dining Hall, the final project of the 40 & Forever Campaign.