UNION, N.J. (12/23/25) – In honor of Veterans Day during the month of November, the Kean Track & Field/Cross Country programs organized a 24-Hour Vigil Walk/Run. The event took place around the track inside Harwood Arena.
 

 

The effort put forth was in support of our nation’s veterans and Mission 22 – a program dedicated towards bringing, healing and hope to veterans and their families. The goal, for the duration of the event, was to have someone either run or walk around the track every single hour for 24 hours consecutively. Donations were sent to the Mission 22 foundation by those who participated.

Several members of the Track & Field/Cross Country programs not only participated in the event, but are either active or non-active members of the military, starting with their ever-impressive Head Coach Danielle Todman.
 

Coach Todman has over two decades of experience serving in the U.S Air Force. Since 2006, she’s a non-commissioned officer in-charge for the Mortuary Affairs and a Honor Guard. A graduate of Bucknell University, Todman is a track athlete in her own right, holding top 10 records in three different events. More recently, she’s competed on the national level in the sport of powerlifting, while being a mentor, leader, and best friend, for her athletes.
 

When asked on what it meant to know that she has a group of athletes and coaches that want to serve on the greatest of scales, Todman admitted that it gave her a level of internal perspective.
 
“It’s humbling, especially to know that, considering what’s going on in the world, my athletes still choose to submit themselves to service, a core value that will call them outside of themselves.”
 
Current members of the program who have enlisted, or are enlisting into the military, include Assistant Coach Patrick Manturi, senior Callens Desrameaux, freshman Ava Blount and freshman Gavin Hall.

 

Manturi, who is an active member of the NJ Air National Guard, is another coach that others on the inside the programs can lean on as a source of guidance and leadership. A 2016 graduate from the University of Scranton, Manturi is a highly credited exercise specialist, with an extensive experience in coaching populations that include, but are not limited to, populations of professional sports, collegiate strength, the special population, and military development training.

 

 

“My reason for serving is to lead by example and continue the legacy of those that have served before me, says Manturi. Since being in, my reason to continue is to be a good role model for my daughter and to build a career that allows me to accomplish my personal goals and to continuously help others.”

 

Manturi shared what it means that his team was able to participate in such a special event on Veterans Day.

 

“It means a lot to me personally. Simply showing up to be at the event provides awareness and an environment to reflect on what serving for your country truly means”. Their presence is felt and there is always strength in numbers so having a good turnout makes me proud to see the team come together and unify since our team has so many veteran ties between coaches and athletes.” 

 

When asked about the mental makeup required to serve in the military, Manturi alluded to a combination of several important traits.

 

“It’s a combination of strength, discipline, growth, and compartmentalizing. Being able to put one foot in front of the other, no matter what obstacles are in front of you. To keep showing up for yourself and for others, while having the ability to organize thoughts and tasks to stay calm when things get hectic. That will ultimately lead to success.”

 

Desrameaux, who was an infantry sergeant deployed to Syria in 2024, shared how his experience in the military impacted him as an athlete on the track team.

 

“As an infantry sergeant who was deployed to Syria in 2024, I have acquired the highest level of discipline, resiliency, and mental toughness. My training and competing while fulfilling leadership responsibilities, have taught me how to manage fatigue, remain collected under pressure, and perform when it counts. These experiences carry over to the track, particularly in events where confidence and concentration are crucial.”

 

 

When asked what it’s like competing for Coach Todman, Callens didn’t shy away from acknowledging how Todman’s experience in the Air Force plays into her coaching style.

 

“Competing for Coach Todman adds an additional level of incentive. She applies the same military responsibilities, including structure, accountability, and attention to detail to her coaching style. Athletes are pushed to give their best because of her leadership, which promotes trust and high standards. Every time I get onto the track, I am motivated to compete with discipline, pride, and a service mindset thanks to coach.”

 

(Coach Todman coaching an athlete during a track and field competition)

 

A winning culture is brewing within the Track & Field / Cross Country programs and with Danielle Todman at the helm, the sky is the limit, and service is the standard.
 

BRYAN-COLLEGE STATION – The Texas A&M volleyball team added graduate transfer outside hitter Natalie Ring to the 2026 roster, head coach Jamie Morrison announced Tuesday.
 

Joining the Maroon & White from Marquette, Ring brings a nationally touted arm and a wealth of experience to Aggieland. She led the Golden Eagles to the second round of the NCAA Tournament this season and dropped a career-high 29 kills in their narrow defeat to No. 2 seed Louisville. Her performance throughout the season earned her Third Team All-America honors, making her the third player in program history to earn spot on the first, second, or third team All-American lists.
 
“We are excited to add Natalie to our Aggie family here in Aggieland,” coach Morrison said. “She brings a wealth of experience as a well-rounded outside hitter and is a relentless competitor who consistently raised her level against the best competition. The 12th Man is going to love her fire, spirit and the way she plays the game.”
 
The outside hitter has tallied 754 kills in her career and recorded 497 this past season which averages out to 4.60 per set. Both her kill total and kills per set in the 2025 campaign ranked in the top-25 nationally. Ring’s versatility was on display all season, as she racked up 197 digs, 46 blocks and 34 aces which accounted for 557.5 points on the year.
 
The Madison, Wisconsin, native’s performances throughout the year earned her a plethora of honors to go with her All-America recognition. She was also named a unanimous All-Big East selection and is a three-time All-Big East Academic Team selection.
 
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PELLA — Central College track and field junior Gabe Feldmann (Mount Pleasant) hasn’t let Cystic Fibrosis slow him down on the track or his generosity off the track to raise support for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

An inherited genetic disease, cystic fibrosis impacts the lungs, digestive system and other organs in the body. A build up of thick, sticky mucus can lead to breathing problems, infections and digestive issues by blocking ducts and airways.

Depending on the weekend, Feldmann typically competes in races that range from the 200-meter dash up to the way 800-meter run. His focus is on the 400 meters, an event he has completed 13 times in his first two years at Central. Breathing is an important part of all running events, but especially the 400.

           

“You breathe hard in a 400,” he said. “You feel it right in the chest.”

           

He completed the lap around the track in 51.62 seconds at the 2025 American Rivers Outdoor Championships in 2025, placing 22nd. He also was on the fifth place 4×400-meter relay squad at that same meet.

           

Feldmann was approach by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation about using his college athletic experience as a platform to raise money. Starting earlier this fall and running through the end of the Dutch season in early May, Feldmann is posting content on his Instagram account (@gabetracksdowncf) and thanking supporters who have donated to the foundation.

           

“It was the option that really stuck out to me,” he said. “I work out every day no matter what for track but I’m still raising money doing what I do normally.”

           

He’s working towards clocking in at 48 seconds in the 400 this year.

           

“My goal is to run a 48 this year,” he said. “If I’m able to do that, I’ll be able to tell everybody who supported me in this that they were there with me.”

           

Raising money for the foundation is not new to the Feldmann family, who ran fundraising events in Mount Pleasant from 2016-2023.

           

Money isn’t the only motivation for Feldmann, who also wants to inspire other people with cystic fibrosis to chase big goals.

           

“I said I was never going to let being born with Cystic Fibrosis limit me.” He said. “I’ve been an athlete my whole life. If I could show any other kid that having cystic fibrosis doesn’t have to hold them back, that would be super cool. It’s the entire goal.”

 

MIAMI– A proven winner and one with two decades of experience building winning cultures, Flavia Siqueira has been named the next head coach of FIU volleyball, Director of Athletics Scott Carr announced.

“I am incredibly grateful and excited to accept the opportunity to serve as head coach at FIU. I want to sincerely thank the athletic directors and the administration for their belief and trust in me,” Siqueira said. “FIU has tremendous potential, and I am honored to be a part of this program. I embrace the strength of Conference USA and I am committed to the growth of our student-athletes, developing them as competitors, students, and people. I am eager to get to work and build something special together.”

Siqueira, who spent the last two seasons at Georgia State of the Sun Belt, led the Panthers, who hadn’t won more than 15 games since 2009 and 10 games since 2019, to consecutive 17+ win seasons as the head coach. In 2025, the Panthers went 18-10 and 9-7 in conference play, their best record since joining the Sun Belt.

“On behalf of everyone with FIU Athletics I’d like to welcome Flavia to the Panther Family,” said FIU Director of Athletics Scott Carr. “Flavia has a tremendous amount of head coaching experience at various collegiate levels, but regardless of where she has been the one constant is that she’s a proven winner. Her teams not only win on the court, but they win off it as well. Flavia has established a strong program culture built on relationships with her student-athletes and an emphasis on academics. We cannot wait for her to get started and we’re excited about the future. Paws Up!”

Under her guidance, Marta Lazzarin won Sun Belt Libero of the Year and Maria Cecilia De Pinho was named to the All-Conference Second Team. In addition, Lazzarin was tabbed an AVCA Southeast Region Honorable Mention for her performance during the 2025 campaign.

2024 was also strong for Siqueira’s Panthers, who went 17-10 and won their opening-round game in the conference tournament in five sets and nearly upset top-seeded App State in the semifinals.

Before her time in Atlanta, Siqueira guided Auburn Montgomery, an NCAA Division II school, to a 24-9 mark, setting the program record for victories in 2023. AUM was ranked as high as No. 10 in the NCAA South Region rankings in 2023, the school’s first-ever appearance in the poll, and the Warhawks notched the program’s first-ever win over a ranked opponent, a 3-2 victory over then-no. 16 West Florida.

 

With a record of 81-59, including four winning seasons in five years at AUM, Siquera led the Warhawks to three consecutive appearances in the Gulf South Conference postseason tournament, reaching the semifinals the last two years.

 

She coached four AUM student-athletes to all-conference honors, and Kaleigh Fitzgerald earned the program’s first-ever AVCA All-Region nod in 2023.

No stranger to South Florida, Siqueira two seasons as the top assistant coach at Lynn University.

 

Before going to Lynn, Siqueira had tremendous success in the junior college ranks, compiling a record of 278-97 in nine seasons as a head coach in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA). In 2009 she earned the ’30 Under 30′ Award from the American Volleyball Coaches Association, one of two coaches from two-year programs to garner the honor.

 

Siqueira served as the inaugural head coach of the College of Central Florida’s volleyball program in Ocala, Fla., from 2011-16. During her tenure, the Patriots went 188-59 overall and 47-3 in the Mid-Florida Conference. The program also claimed a FCSAA State Championship, two runner-up finishes and one NJCAA District P Championship.

 

For her efforts she was named the league’s Coach of the Year in each of her six seasons while winning the MFC Championship six years in a row. Known for her player development, Siqueira helped produce five NJCAA All-Americans, three Mid-Florida Conference Players of the Year, two FCSAA State Players of the Year and one NCJAA National Player of the Year during her time at CCF.

 

Before starting the program at CCF Siqueira spent three seasons as head coach at Northwest College in Powell, Wyo., where she led the Trappers to a 90-38 overall record. While at Northwest her squad won a regional championship while also earning a berth in the NJCAA National Tournament in 2009.

 

She served as the head coach of Team Florida of USA Volleyball High Performance Girls Select volleyball club, which won five consecutive national titles.

 

Siqueira began her coaching career in 2007 as the head coach at the University of the Southwest in Hobbs, N.M.

 

As a player, Siqueira was part of two top four national finishes at Western Nebraska Community College, where she earned All-Region and Academic All-American honors. She went on to become a NCAA Division II All-American at the University of Mary in Bismarck, N.D., leading the program to its first ever national top-10 ranking.

 

A three-time All-Conference and All-Region selection in college, Siqueira played Confederation Volleyball in Brazil for Sao Paulo from 1997-1999 prior to her arrival in the U.S.

 

Siqueira graduated from the University of Mary with a B.S. in physical education with a minor in coaching before earning her master’s degree in college teaching.

PROVO, Utah — BYU Director of Athletics Brian Santiago has announced the hiring of Rob Neilson as the seventh head women’s volleyball coach in BYU history.

“We are thrilled to welcome Rob Neilson back to BYU as our head women’s volleyball coach,” Santiago said. “Rob has been a part of a rich history at BYU, both as a player and coach on the men’s side, highlighted by winning a national championship. He is a proven winner, as evidenced by his experience as a head coach at Utah State and as an assistant coach for the USA National Team. We are excited to have Rob lead our BYU women’s volleyball program and exceptional student-athletes into the future.”

A setter at BYU from 2003-06, Neilson was part of the Cougars’ 2004 national championship team. He compiled a 91-31 record in his collegiate career. He tallied 2,790 assists, ranking fifth in BYU’s rally-scoring era record book upon graduation, and finished eighth in solo blocks with 28.

“Coaching at BYU is a dream come true,” Neilson said. “This is a distinguished university, with storied volleyball programs, built by amazing student-athletes, incredible coaches and a community that’s all in. I’m honored to continue that legacy with our women’s team. Thank you to the board of trustees, President Reese, Brian Santiago, Chad Lewis and the search committee. I’m excited to get to work preparing for great things as we hurl our challenge to all foes. Rise and shout. Let’s go.”

Neilson has spent the past six seasons as head coach at Utah State, posting a 112-59 (.655) record in Logan. Most recently, he led the Aggies to a historic 2025 campaign, finishing 24-8 overall with an 18-0 mark in Mountain West Conference play, winning the Mountain West Tournament title and recording a first-round upset of No. 7 seed Tennessee in the NCAA Tournament, Utah State’s first tournament win since 2001.

During his tenure, the Aggies captured three Mountain West regular-season championships (2021, 2023, 2025) and two Mountain West Tournament titles (2022, 2025). Neilson was named Mountain West Coach of the Year three times (2021, 2023, 2025) and earned AVCA Pacific North Region Coach of the Year honors in 2023.

Neilson coached 12 all-conference honorees, three all-region selections and one All-American, while guiding Utah State to winning records in five of his six seasons and three NCAA Tournament appearances. He is just the third coach in program history to reach the 100-win milestone and the first to do so since 1978.

Prior to his time in Logan, Neilson served as the first assistant coach with the U.S. Men’s National Team, helping Team USA earn a bronze medal at the 2018 World Championships and a silver medal at the 2019 Volleyball Nations League.

Before joining USA Volleyball, Neilson spent 10 seasons on the BYU men’s volleyball staff. He served as an assistant coach from 2006-10, acting as recruiting coordinator and overseeing player development. Neilson was BYU’s interim head coach in 2011, returned as an assistant in 2012 and was named associate head coach in 2014. During that span, he helped lead the Cougars to two conference championships and a national runner-up finish in 2013.

Neilson earned a bachelor’s degree in neuroscience from BYU in 2006 and completed an MBA in 2013. He and his wife, Sarah, have five children.