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116 Kentucky Wildcats Set for 2025 May Commencement

LEXINGTON, Ky. – A total of 116 current and former University of Kentucky student-athletes are on track to complete academic requirements this week or in the summer term. The graduates will take part in the University’s May 2025 Commencement ceremonies Friday and Saturday in Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center (see information here). Adding the […]

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116 Kentucky Wildcats Set for 2025 May Commencement

LEXINGTON, Ky. – A total of 116 current and former University of Kentucky student-athletes are on track to complete academic requirements this week or in the summer term.

The graduates will take part in the University’s May 2025 Commencement ceremonies Friday and Saturday in Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center (see information here). Adding the 33 student-athletes who graduated in December, UK Athletics is expected to have 149 graduates during the 2024-25 school year.

Included in the graduates are 14 Wildcats who are completing their master’s degrees – Nicole Coryell, Marzia Josephson and Lesley Kiesling from women’s soccer, Hailey Davis and Isabella Magnelli from gymnastics, Erin Lamb from volleyball, McKenzie Bump from softball, Tesa Roberts from women’s track and field, Samuel Duncan and Christopher Nagy from men’s swimming and diving, Elizabeth Stevens from women’s tennis, Jackson Klutznick from men’s golf, Jaden Thompson from rifle and Jack Pendergast from men’s track and field. There is also one doctorate as Simi Akinrinsola is receiving a Doctor of Pharmacy degree.

Seven Wildcats – Austin Schultz, Chase Estep and Mason Moore from baseball, Rajon Rondo from men’s basketball, Chirs Westry from football, Justin Swann from men’s track and field and Riley O’Neill from men’s soccer – are expected to graduate after finishing their undergraduate work as part of UK Athletics’ Post-Eligibility program. Also known as the Cawood Ledford Scholarships, UK Athletics pays for tuition and books for scholarship student-athletes who return to school after completing their eligibility. Since its inception in 1989, more than 160 Wildcats have returned to graduate through the program.

UK’s graduating class also has excelled in the arenas of competition. While at Kentucky, the graduates have been part of two team NCAA Championships, 13 conference regular-season championships and 10 conference tournament championships. A total of 11 graduates have earned All-America honors while at Kentucky and 17 have gained all-conference recognition.

“We’re proud of another strong class of student-athletes earning bachelor’s and graduate degrees,” said Mitch Barnhart, UK Director of Athletics. “In this era of increased movement of athletes from school to school, it can be more challenging to complete degree requirements, and I’m grateful for the diligence of our students, the support of the coaches and the guidance of the CATS (Center for Academic and Tutorial Services) staff in getting to the academic finish line.”

Wildcat fans will continue to see many of these graduates on their respective fields of play in 2025-26 as numerous student-athletes have remaining eligibility and will return to represent UK while attending graduate school or completing additional undergraduate certifications.

Earlier this year, UK Athletics revealed that the 2024 fall semester marked the department’s 25th consecutive term with a cumulative grade-point average of 3.0 or higher as Wildcat scholarship student-athletes combined to achieve a GPA of 3.405. Including non-scholarship athletes from all sports, the overall UK Athletics GPA was 3.391. Leading the department, the women’s golf team achieved a remarkable 3.92 GPA, setting the highest mark among all 23 varsity teams and establishing a new department record, while men’s tennis secured third with a 3.721.

UK’s high marks in the fall semester add yet another milestone of academic success for UK student-athletes. Recently, UK had 33 current or former Wildcat student-athletes graduate in 2024 December Commencement. Adding the 122 student-athletes who graduated in May, UK Athletics had 155 graduates during the 2024 calendar year.

Recently, UK tied the school record for its NCAA Graduation Success Rate of 92 percent, two points above the national average of 90 percent.

The NCAA released its Academic Progress Rate report Tuesday, showing that all University of Kentucky sports teams surpassed the NCAA goal score. Sixteen of the 20 UK team scores exceeded the national average for public universities in their sports and UK’s overall APR rate was higher than the overall national average.

Below is the list of expected graduates:

Baseball (18)
Devin Burkes
Evan Byers
Chase Estep *
Simon Gregersen
Cole Hage
Cole Hentschel
Robert Hogan
Dylan Koontz
William Marcy
Nicholas McCay
James McCoy
Shaun Montoya
Mason Moore *
Jackson Nove
Raphael Pelletier
Cooper Robinson
Hayden Smith
Austin Schultz *

Men’s Basketball (8)
Ansley Almonor
Koby Brea
Lamont Butler, Jr.
Andrew Carr
Grant Darbyshire
Kerr Kriisa
Jaxson Robinson
Rajon Rondo *

Football (12)
Trey Dennis
Jantzen Dunn
Fred Farrier, II
Maxwell Hairston
Josaih Hayes
Jordan Lovett
Lucas Padgett
Daveren Rayner
Paul Rodriguez
Jackson Schulz
Demie Sumo-Karngbaye
Chris Westry *

Men’s Golf (2)
Jackson Klutznick – master’s degree
Jansen Preston

Men’s Soccer (3)
Ryan Jack
Casper Mols
Riley O’Neill *

Men’s Swimming and Diving (7)
Max Berg
Nicholas Caruso
Samuel Duncan – master’s degree
Jack Hamilton
Victor Martin Roig
Jackson Mussler
Christopher Nagy – master’s degree

Men’s Tennis (1)
Charlelie Cosnet

Men’s Track and Field (9)
Donsten Brown
Luke Brown
Logan Coles
Brayden Jackson
Alexander Justus
Brandon Miller
Jack Pendergast – master’s degree
Jackson Watts
Justin Swann *

Rifle (3)
Allison Buesseler
Tori Kopelen
Jaden Thompson – master’s degree

STUNT (5)
Aisling Frost
Katherine Larson
Chloe Moxley
Laila White
Alexus Womack

Women’s Golf (1)
Marta Lopez Echevarria

Gymnastics (6)
Hailey Davis – master’s degree
Skylar Killough-Wilhelm
Isabella Magnelli – master’s degree
Jillian Procasky
Anna Riegert
Makenzie Wilson

Women’s Soccer (8)
Kennedy Chambers
Nicole Coryell – master’s degree
Dana Dahm
Marzia Josephson – master’s degree
Lesley Kiesling – master’s degree
Kaile Alford
Gabrielle Ballew
Gabriella Johnson

Softball (4)
McKenzie Bump – master’s degree
Alexia Lacatena
Grace Lorsung
Hallie Mitchell

Women’s Swimming and Diving (5)
Victoria Buerger
Kaelan Daly
Abigail Devereaux
Olivia Mendenhall
Madeline Welborn

Women’s Tennis (5)
Elizabeth Eades
Lidia Gonzalez Garcia
Zoe Hammond
Eleanor Myers
Elizabeth Stevens – master’s degree

Women’s Track and Field (15)
Simi Akinrinsola – Doctor of Pharmacy
Hannah Douglas
Ainsley Edwards
Sophie Galloway
Alexis Glasco
Alysia Johnson
Amya Livingston
Phoebe McCowan
Ariel Pedigo
Victoria Perrow
Payton Phillips
Tesa Roberts – master’s degree
Mollie Roden
Jenna Schwinghamer
Juliann Williams

Volleyball (4)
Eleanor Beavin
Lane Jenkins
Erin Lamb – master’s degree
Megan Wilson

# denotes former student-athlete participated in Cawood Ledford Degree Completion Program

College Sports

Union men’s hockey releases 2025-26 schedule – Troy Record

SCHENECTADY, N.Y. – The Union College men’s hockey team unveiled its 2025-26 schedule on Wednesday afternoon, highlighted by 18 regular-season games and one exhibition contest at the brand-new M&T Bank Center as well as the program’s second trip across the pond for the annual Friendship Four in Belfast. “We are incredibly excited for the 2025-26 season […]

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SCHENECTADY, N.Y. – The Union College men’s hockey team unveiled its 2025-26 schedule on Wednesday afternoon, highlighted by 18 regular-season games and one exhibition contest at the brand-new M&T Bank Center as well as the program’s second trip across the pond for the annual Friendship Four in Belfast. “We are incredibly excited for the 2025-26 season […]

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Men’s Ice Hockey: 22 Cadets Named to NEHC All-Academic Team

Story Links NORTHFIELD, Vt.- The New England Hockey Conference (NEHC) announced its 2024–25 All-Academic Team selections on Wednesday, with 22 Norwich University men’s ice hockey student-athletes earning recognition for their academic achievements. To be eligible, student-athletes must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 and have completed at least one full academic […]

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NORTHFIELD, Vt.- The New England Hockey Conference (NEHC) announced its 2024–25 All-Academic Team selections on Wednesday, with 22 Norwich University men’s ice hockey student-athletes earning recognition for their academic achievements.

To be eligible, student-athletes must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 and have completed at least one full academic year at their institution. Norwich’s 22 honorees reflect the program’s strong commitment to educational excellence and leadership development, tying the Cadets with New England College and Salve Regina for the most representatives.

 


























Name Hometown Class Major
Cooper Bertrand Caledon, On. So. Management
Jed Brazo Homer, N.Y. So. Management
Nick Cordeiro Mississauga, On. Jr. Management
Holden Doggett Oakville, On. Sr. Management
Colin Elliott Peterborough, On. So. Management
Nick Foster Amherst, Mass. So. Computer Security – Info Assurance
Jason Galotti Hanover, Mass. Sr. Management
Owen Hains Lebanon, Pa. Jr. Accounting
Brady Harroun St. Albert, Alb. So. Management
Matt Harvey Fort Covington, N.Y. Jr. Construction Management
Hayden Heinrich Richmond Hill, On. So. Management
Harris Hilfiker Middletown, N.J. So. Management
Johnny Johnson Naperville, Ill. Jr. Management
Clark Kerner Kansas City, Kan. Sr. Management
Alex Lewis Moncton, N.B. Sr. Management
Sami Molu Toronto, On. So. Health Science
Zach Ophoven Burlington, On. So. Accounting
Joe Schubert Oconomowoc, Wis. So. Accounting
Owen Scisizzi Milton, On. So. Management
Adam Shuchart Marietta, Ga. Jr. Management
Devon Thibodeau Pelham, On. Jr. Architectural Studies
Ben van Waterschoot Whitby, On. So. Electrical and Computer Engineering

Eleven cadets make their first appearance on the list as sophomores, while Kerner, Lewis, Doggett, and Galotti each make their third appearance during their senior years.

In the final season of NEHC competition, the Cadets finished with a berth in the conference title game. The maroon and gold look to continue their excellent tradition in the Little East Conference (LEC) under new Head Coach Dominick Dawes.

 



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NCAA hockey shifts landscape with CHL eligibility rule change

College hockey has become a completely new playing field for all teams alike.  On Nov. 7, 2024, it was announced that players in the Canadian Hockey League – which includes the QMJHL, OHL and WHL – would now have the opportunity to step into another league before heading onto professional hockey, allowing for those who […]

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College hockey has become a completely new playing field for all teams alike. 

On Nov. 7, 2024, it was announced that players in the Canadian Hockey League – which includes the QMJHL, OHL and WHL – would now have the opportunity to step into another league before heading onto professional hockey, allowing for those who desire to play NCAA hockey and experience the culture of college hockey. The ruling means big changes in the world of college hockey.

With the desire to head to college and play at another level before signing professional contracts, an expansion of National Collegiate Athletic Association hockey could be coming sooner than some think. This could lead to teams heading to the south and stretching across the United States. NCAA hockey opening up to the CHL will allow for talent to swarm the league, but with the incoming talent comes more challenges. The difficulty of play could see a potential heighten. 

But the potential of Michigan State hockey’s future is as bright as a team can be. With a top recruiting class, a strong swing at needed spots in the transfer portal and two of the top players in their respective positions returning for one more season, the 2025-26 team is one that could look to bring home a national championship. 

Cayden Lindstrom has been the biggest name to announce a commitment to Michigan State. While the numbers on the score sheet may not be as impressive as a number of others in the CHL, his skill makes up for it. The six-foot-four center had 27 goals and 19 assists during the 2023-2024 season, unfortunately missing the 24-25 season to a back surgery. He stepped back onto the ice for the WHL playoffs and made an immediate impact with two goals and two assists. 

With the loss of former center Karsen Dorwart to a professional contract with the Philadelphia Flyers, the position of a first line center could be a spot Lindstrom takes. The center’s defensive ability tags him as a strong two-way center, using his strong forecheck to bring the puck back into the offensive zone, while seeing the ice really well and creating cross ice passes to make room for others to take the puck to the net. The one-time shot of Lindstrom is also another strong spot, serving well on the power play as a goal scorer. 

Lindstrom told The Columbus Dispatch about his commitment to the Spartans, knowing that any school in the NCAA would have been happy to have him on the team. He told the publication that MSU seemed like it was the best fit for him and his development. 

Residing from Pickering, Ontario Canada and chosen as a 2024 sixth round pick to the Vancouver Canucks in the NHL draft, Anthony Romani joins the Spartans for his freshman year in the green and white this upcoming season. Playing a majority of this past season with the Barrie Colts, Romani grabbed 19 goals and 12 assists during his season, including an impressive post-season run, totaling 12 goals and 24 points. 

Defenseman Chase Reid resides from Chesterfield, Michigan and committed for the 2026-27 season. Reid played with the Soo Greyhounds during 24-25, putting up seven goals and 33 assists. The right handed defenseman is eligible for the 2026 NHL draft.  

One of the hottest players off of the CHL market happens to be a former teammate of Lindstrom, that being Gavin McKenna – the projected No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft. McKenna played in 56 games for the Medicine Hat Tigers, putting up 41 impressive goals and 88 assists, putting him at 129 points through the season. He added an additional 38 points during the WHL playoffs.

McKenna is crafty. With speed, agility and impressive above-all-else stick handling, the six-foot, 165 pound left winger is a player that could fit into a starting position with the Spartans. His next-step decision remains uncertain, exploring other options such as the University of Michigan and Penn State, but Michigan State remains in the rumor of names that have struck McKenna’s interest. 

The Wolverines and Nittany Lions have been two teams that have been in the spotlight of the Big Ten when it comes to CHL recruiting. The biggest name between the two continues to be McKenna, whose name has continuously swirled around the Big Ten. Originally, it was certain that McKenna would be bringing his talents to Ann Arbor, but now the question remains up in the air.

While Michigan has done stellar recruiting in the CHL department, picking up a forward and a defenseman for the upcoming season, as well as a commit for the 2026-27 season, Penn State has been a team that has continued to stick out greatly. 

The Nittany Lions have grabbed three forwards, two defenseman and a goaltender for the upcoming season, while also making sure to create waves in the transfer portal. One pick in the portal was Mac Gadowsky, the son of Penn State head coach Guy Gadowsky. 

With the second half of the season from the Nittany Lions still looming into next season, riding high on their first Frozen Four appearance in school history, the Big Ten will yet again be a tough conference to play in, continuing to get harder with new additions. 

College hockey has made major developments over the last number of years. Between moving teams from Division III to Division I, conferences making additions by adding new NCAA programs and now adding the ability to recruit top tier talent, collegiate hockey is set to only make strides forward.

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College commitment day at Fort Hamilton High

For the first time, staff at Fort Hamilton H.S. decided to celebrate all the students that had earned athletic college scholarships to join together in one event for the outgoing seniors. Organized by Jennifer Izzo, the college and career counselor put out the following announcement: “On May 22, 2025, Fort Hamilton High School celebrated our […]

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For the first time, staff at Fort Hamilton H.S. decided to celebrate all the students that had earned athletic college scholarships to join together in one event for the outgoing seniors. Organized by Jennifer Izzo, the college and career counselor put out the following announcement:

“On May 22, 2025, Fort Hamilton High School celebrated our seniors’ academic and athletic achievements. Decision Day is a special time to recognize and showcase their dedication and excellence with many earning acceptance into competitive universities such as Cornell, Columbia and Binghamton, and securing spots on NCAA Division I, II and III programs.”

The college bound seniors and their sport are:

Tim Tan – Stony Brook University NCAA Division I football; Aidan Farley – Houston Christian University NCAA Division I football; August Porter – Lane College NCAA Division II football and baseball; Pedro Gil Padilla – Monroe University NJCAA Division 1 JUCO baseball; Johan Reyes – St. Joseph University NCAA Division III baseball; Alexander Pope – Binghamton University NCCA Division I track & field; Sofia Polizzi – Connecticut College NCAA Division III ice hockey; Jayden Yiu – Hunter College NCAA Division III volleyball; Isabella Tchij – Hunter College NCAA Division III tennis; Loredonna Wolovich – St. Joseph’s University NCAA Division III flag football; and Mari Gveilani – Penn State NCAA Division I tennis.



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Where the 2025 NHL award winners played college hockey

Share With the Stanley Cup Finals in full swing, the NHL has announced its awards for the 2024-25 season. Among the winners are three former NCAA DI hockey players: Connor Hellebuyck, Cale Makar and Lane Hutson. Let’s take a look back at the college achievements and stats of these NHL stars. 🏒 MORE COLLEGE HOCKEY […]

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With the Stanley Cup Finals in full swing, the NHL has announced its awards for the 2024-25 season. Among the winners are three former NCAA DI hockey players: Connor Hellebuyck, Cale Makar and Lane Hutson.

Let’s take a look back at the college achievements and stats of these NHL stars.

🏒 MORE COLLEGE HOCKEY 🏒

Connor Hellebuyck, G, UMass-Lowell, 2012-2014 

Connor Hellebuyck at UMass-Lowell and for the Winnipeg Jets

Connor Hellebuyck capped off a career-best season by winning his second consecutive Vezina Trophy as the NHL’s best goaltender. He also won his first Hart Trophy as the league’s most valuable player. He finished the 2024-25 season with career-bests in wins (47), goals-against average (2.00), save percentage (.925) and shutouts (8).

In college, Hellebuyck spent two seasons at UMass-Lowell, where he played 52 games and posted a 38–12–2 record. He collected several awards in his college career, including the 2012 NCAA Tournament Northeast Regional MVP, leading the River Hawks to the Frozen Four in his rookie season. In his second season, he received the inaugural Mike Richter Award as the most outstanding goalie in DI NCAA men’s ice hockey in 2013-14.

➡️ More Stanley Cup: former NCAA players in the 2025 Stanley Cup Final

Connor Hellebuyck’s stats in college:

Season Record gaA sv% SO
2012-13 20-3-0 1.37 .952 6
2013-14 18-9-2 1.79 .941 6
TOTAL 38-12-2 1.60 .946 12

Cale Makar, D, UMass, 2017-2019 

Cale Makar as a player at UMass and as a member of the Colorado Avalanche

Cale Makar posted career highs in points (92) and goals (30) on his way to winning his second James Norris Memorial Trophy as the NHL’s best defenseman. His 2024-25 campaign marks the first time a defenseman has scored 30 goals in a season since Mike Green in 2008-09. Makar also becomes just the fifth NHL defenseman to record back-to-back 90-point seasons.

Makar also finished third in voting for the Ted Lindsay Memorial trophy for the league’s most outstanding player as voted by the NHL Players’ Association.

Cale Makar has been collecting hardware since his college days at UMass Amherst. In his sophomore season, Makar won Hockey East Player of the Year and the 2019 Hobey Baker Award and was selected for the Hockey East First All-Star Team.

▶️ Watch Cale Makar’s 2019 Frozen Four highlights

Cale Makar’s stats in college:

Season GP G A PTS
2017-18 34 5 16 21
2018-19 41 16 33 49
TOTAL 75 21 49 70

Lane Hutson, D, Boston University, 2022-2024

Lane Hutson as a member of Boston University and the Montreal Canadiens

Lane Hutson’s excellent skating and offensive skills transitioned seamlessly to the NHL level, helping him to win the Calder Memorial Trophy as the NHL’s top rookie in 2024-25. Hutson led all rookies in scoring with 66 points and helped the Montreal Canadiens reach the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time since 2020-21.

Hutson’s smooth and creative play style made him a hot prospect to watch in his two seasons at Boston University. He was twice named a First Team All-American and a top-10 finalist for the Hobey Baker Award. He was also a two-time Hockey-East First Team All-Star, among several other honors.

Lane Hutson’s stats in college:

Season GP G A PTS
2022-23 39 15 33 48
2023-24 38 15 34 49
TOTAL 77 30 67 97

Former NCAA DI hockey players in the 2025 Stanley Cup Final

The 2025 Stanley Cup Final is here — let’s take a look at the collegiate careers of the former NCAA hockey players playing for the Edmonton Oilers and the Florida Panthers.

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Remembering the career of Chris Gray, DI men’s lacrosse’s all time points leader

Chris Gray announced on Feb. 28 his retirement from the Premier Lacrosse League after just three years. He finished his college career as DI men’s lacrosse all time leader in points.

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Former NCAA men’s hockey players appearing in the NHL’s Four Nations Face-Off championship game

There are 21 former DI NCAA hockey players representing the USA and Canada in the Four Nations Face-Off championship game. Here’s a breakdown of how college hockey helped shape these two all-star lineups.

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WC Soccer team wins division at Holmes CC Tournament

Goodman, Miss. (VDN) —The Warren Central (WC) soccer team dominated their division at the Holmes Community College tournament on Wednesday, going undefeated in pool play and clinching the championship. WC opened the day with a 2-0 win over Heritage Academy, followed by a commanding 4-0 shutout against Cleveland Central. They capped off pool play with […]

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WC Soccer team wins division at Holmes CC Tournament

Staffing Solutions is hiring Bus Drivers and cafeteria workers for the Vicksburg Warren School District

Goodman, Miss. (VDN) —The Warren Central (WC) soccer team dominated their division at the Holmes Community College tournament on Wednesday, going undefeated in pool play and clinching the championship.

WC opened the day with a 2-0 win over Heritage Academy, followed by a commanding 4-0 shutout against Cleveland Central. They capped off pool play with a 9-1 victory over Houston High School to advance to the championship game. In the final match, WC faced Leake Central and secured the title with a 6-2 win.

The offense was led by Jonah Artman, who scored an impressive eight goals throughout the tournament. Jacob Porter contributed four goals and four assists, while Charlie Esparza added four goals and one assist. Daniel Wescott also made an impact, scoring three goals.

On the defensive side, goalkeepers Anthony Streif and Chaz Jilbert kept opponents at bay. Streif recorded 13 saves over the course of the tournament, and Jilbert added four more.

The WC soccer team’s performance was a complete team effort, showcasing strong offense, solid defense, and standout goalkeeping. With the championship win, they continue to build momentum heading into the rest of the summer season.

WC Soccer team wins division at Holmes CC Tournament

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