Sports
392 Honored with 2024 Dr. Gerald Lage Academic Achievement Award
MUMBAI: Naman Mathur, popularly known as Mortal has joined cricketing star Smriti Mandhana, youth icon Rannvijay Singha, and rapper Srushti Tawde for Royal Challenge Packaged Drinking Water’s new campaign ‘Main Nahi Toh Kaun Be’.
This is a celebration of self-belief and authenticity. It reflects a shift from living by inherited norms to defining success on one’s own terms, from “what will people think” to “what do I think.” Brought to life through Srushti Tawade’s spirited anthem of the same name, the campaign is a tribute to those who’ve chosen bold at every turn and earned the right to say, Main Nahi Toh Kaun Be.
As an esports athletes and co-founder of S8UL Esports, Mortal’s inclusion in this national campaign highlights the growing influence of gaming and content creation within India’s youth culture. His journey from starting out as a mobile gamer to representing India on the global stage in esports and winning the Esports Content Creator of the Year 2024 award at the global Esports Awards symbolizes a new generation of achievers who have turned unconventional passions into professional careers.
“Gaming has never just been about winning, it’s about the mindset. Every match is a test of strategy, patience and self-belief. You enter the battlefield knowing anything’s possible if you trust your grind. That’s why ‘Mai Nahi Toh Kaun Be’ isn’t just a line- it’s a reminder to back yourself, every single time,” said Naman Mathur aka Mortal.
Representing diverse passions that define young India, from sports and entertainment to music and gaming, the campaign speaks to a generation unafraid to dream big and carve its own path.
The film opens with an energetic montage capturing each icon in their own world: Mandhana on the pitch, commanding every shot; Singha pushing boundaries with confidence; Mortal deep in gameplay strategy; and Tawde delivering fiery verses that echo her individuality. Their journeys unfold through moments of hustle, passion and triumph, all connected by one powerful idea, belief in oneself. ‘Main Nahi Toh Kaun Be’ goes beyond being a campaign. It is a movement that encourages everyone to make boldness a defining part of who they are.
Speaking on the launch, Varun Koorichh, VP marketing – Portfolio Head Premium and Luxury, Diageo India, said, “Main Nahi Toh Kaun Be is the next chapter in our Choose Bold journey, and it mirrors the wave of confidence shaping India today. Being bold is no longer limited to the big screen or the big stage – it’s about backing yourself in any arena where ambition runs high.
“That’s why this campaign champions everything from high-pressure cricket moments to the explosive rise of e-sports – a space where young Indians are proving that skill, resilience and self-belief are the new markers of success. Whether you’re battling it out in a competitive gaming lobby, creating in the fast-moving digital landscape, or building something from the ground up – it’s that inner conviction that sets you apart. With this campaign, we’ve brought together cultural icons who embody this fearless spirit and we hope it inspires every young Indian to step up and say, ‘If not me, then who?”
According to the FICCI EY Media and Entertainment Industry Report 2025, the number of brands investing in esports is set to rise from 68 in 2024 to 75 in 2025. Royal Challenge Packaged Drinking Water’s association with India’s gaming and esports industry reflects this growing trend. The brand has been consistently engaging with the gaming community, from creating a “Cricket Gaming Zone” with NODWIN Gaming at Mumbai Comic Con 2025 to hosting branded game nights and collaborating with leading Indian gaming creators, showcasing its commitment to the country’s thriving gamer ecosystem.
With this campaign, Royal Challenge Packaged Drinking Water is looking to champion a generation that steps up, takes risks, and embraces boldness in every moment. It stands as a celebration of confidence, courage, and conviction — a reminder to make things happen, because if not you, then who?
Watch the film here:
The stage is set for the 2025 DI women’s volleyball championship. No. 1 Kentucky is set to face No. 3 Texas A&M on Sunday, Dec. 21 at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri.
Both programs earned their spot in the final after clinching victories on Thursday, Dec. 18 to set up the first ever all-SEC national championship in DI women’s volleyball history.
The Aggies knocked off No. 1 Pitt in three straight sets, continuing their historic season by etching their names in the program’s first-ever national championship. Kyndal Stowers powered the Maroon and White with 16 kills on .433 hitting while setter Maddie Waak orchestrated her balanced offense to an impressive .382 clip with four different Aggies earning at least eight put-aways. Texas A&M has now knocked off back-to-back No. 1 seeds (Nebraska, Pitt) and look to the next in No. 1 Kentucky.
Big Blue earned a dramatic five-setter victory over No. 3 Wisconsin to earn its second ever national championship appearance and first since their 2021 national title. The Badgers seemed to have all control after a Set 1 25-12 victory, but Kentucky wouldn’t be denied. Eva Hudson was on fire, accruing 29 kills on .455 hitting while Molly Tuozzo’s back-court defense with 17 critical digs fought off a career night from Mimi Colyer. The Cats have the momentum heading into Sunday’s match with 27 straight wins.
The full 64-team bracket was announced on Sunday, Nov. 30. Thirty-one conference champions earned automatic bids to the tournament, with the NCAA DI women’s volleyball committee selecting 33 other teams as at-large picks.
Here is everything you need to know about the 2025 women’s volleyball championship.
2025 DI women’s volleyball championship bracket
👉 Click or tap to see the interactive bracket
2025 DI women’s volleyball championship schedule
All times listed in ET
- National championship: 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 21 | ABC
- Selection show: 6 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 30
- First round:
- Thursday, Dec. 4
- No. 5 Colorado 3, American 0
- No. 6 Baylor 3, Arkansas State 2
- No. 8 UCLA 3, Georgia Tech 2
- No. 5 Miami (Fla.) 3, Tulsa 1
- No. 4 Indiana 3, Toledo 0
- No. 6 UNI 3, Utah 2
- North Carolina 3, No. 6 UTEP 1
- Utah State 3, No. 7 Tennessee 2
- No. 1 Kentucky 3, Wofford 0
- No. 3 Purdue 3, Wright State 0
- No. 4 Kansas 3, High Point 0
- Cal Poly 3, No. 5 BYU 2
- No. 3 Creighton 3, Northern Colorado 2
- No. 3 Wisconsin 3, Eastern Illinois 0
- No. 2 Arizona State 3, Coppin State 0
- No. 4 USC 3, Princeton 0
- Friday, Dec. 5
- Marquette 3, No. 7 Western Kentucky 0
- Michigan 3, No. 8 Xavier 0
- Florida 3, No. 7 Rice 0
- No. 6 TCU 3, SFA 0
- No. 5 Iowa State 3, St. Thomas (Minn.) 2
- No. 8 Penn State 3, South Florida 1
- Kansas State 3, No. 8 San Diego 2
- No. 2 Louisville 3, Loyola Chicago 0
- No. 1 Pittsburgh 3, UMBC 0
- No. 2 SMU 3, Central Arkansas 0
- Arizona 3, No. 7 South Dakota State 1
- No. 3 Texas A&M 3, Campbell 0
- No. 4 Minnesota 3, Fairfield 0
- No. 1 Nebraska 3, LIU 0
- No. 1 Texas 3, Florida A&M 0
- No. 2 Stanford 3, Utah Valley 1
- Thursday, Dec. 4
- Second Round:
- Friday, Dec. 5
- Saturday, Dec. 6
- Regionals
- Thursday, Dec. 11
- Friday, Dec. 12
- Saturday, Dec. 13
- Sunday, Dec. 14
- Semifinals: Thursday, Dec. 18
DI women’s volleyball championship history
Here is the complete history of DI women’s volleyball champions:
AVCA National Player of the Year finalist Mimi Colyer led the way with a career-best 32 kills on a .348 hitting percentage. The senior racked up her 10th double-double of the season as well, chipping in 12 digs. Fellow All-American Carter Booth joined her at a .633 swing percentage (21 – 2 – 30), accumulating the most kills in her career in her final collegiate match.
Charlier Fuerbringer and Una Vajagic each finished with double-doubles, too. Fuerbringer dished out a career-best 63 assists to pair with her 14 digs. Vajagic was more of the same in this tournament run, concluding the match with 10 kills and 12 digs.
The Badgers exploded out of the gates in set one, putting the Wildcats on their heels early. UW converted each of its first 10 attacks as All-Americans Colyer and Booth led the way, combining to go 7-for-7 to give UW a 7-2 advantage.
Wisconsin pulled away in the first frame and Booth concluded the set with her seventh kill of the match to give the Badgers a 25-12 win and a 1-0 lead.
After battling back-and-forth in the second frame, the Badgers led 20-18 late. But the Wildcats rattled off six-straight points to take a lead and force match point.
After a service error, a block from senior Alicia Andrew and Fuerbringer brought the match within 22-24. Unfortunately for UW, AVCA Player of the Year finalist Eva Hudson capped it off with a kill to knot it up at 1-1.
In set three, the Badgers built an early lead and maintained that cushion throughout, winning the final three points of the frame to take a 2-1 lead heading into set four. Outside hitter Vajagic finished it off with a kill, tallying 10 on the evening.
Set four saw the most intense action at the T-Mobile Center, a frame that witnessed multiple runs en route to extra points. The Badgers started it with a 4-0 burst of their own, as Booth notched a solo block to make it 6-4.
Kentucky was quick to respond once again, winning five of six points to take a 15-13 lead heading into the media timeout.
The teams continued to trade rallies during the latter half of the set, but Wisconsin was able to respond by winning three Kentucky match points, highlighted by a kill from outside hitter Trinity Shadd-Ceres.
The Wildcats secured a pair of blocks to secure the win, tying the match at 2-2. Kentucky continued to find their rhythm in set five, enjoying an 8-2 lead as the teams switched sides.
The Badgers continued to battle, going to Colyer and Booth on the offensive end to bring it within 13-14 to force a Kentucky timeout. However, one final block from the Wildcats secured the match, as the Badgers fell 13-15 in the final frame.
Wisconsin concluded the season with a 28-5 overall record and made an appearance in their seventh NCAA National Semifinal.
Straight from the Court
Head Coach Kelly Sheffield (on reflecting on this season): “I feel like this one of the most successful seasons that I have ever been a part of. You can hurt, but you can also be proud. Both of those things are together.”
Notes:
- The Badgers fall to 76-28 in the NCAA Tournament
- UW moves to 4-4 in NCAA National Championship matches.
- Senior Mimi Colyer recorded double-digit kill totals for the 20th-straight match. The Lincoln, California, native notched a career-best 32 kills in her final collegiate match.
- Libero Kristen Simon passed former Badger great Lauren Carlini for fourth-most digs in a freshman season, concluding the year with 376.
- Middle blocker Carter Booth continued to shine on the big stage, accumulated a career-best 21 kills on a .633 hitting percentage.
- Setter Charlie Fuerbringer earned a double-double behind a career-high in assists with 63. The sophomore chipped in 14 digs, too.
- Outside hitter Una Vajagic excelled once again, turning in her 11th double-double of the season with 10 kills and 12 digs.
- Right side Grace Egan racked up a season-high in digs with 15.
Details
Posted: 18-Dec-25
Location: Tulsa, Oklahoma
Type: Full-time
Categories:
Coaching
Coaching – Volleyball
Sector:
Collegiate Sports
Required Education:
4 Year Degree
Oral Roberts University is seeking applicants for the position of Assistant Women’s Volleyball Coach. The Assistant Women’s Volleyball Coach provides significant assistance in the development and implementation of the Department’s mission to “Develop Whole Person Champions”. This includes implementing programs at the direction of the Head Women’s Volleyball Coach, the Director of Athletics and the University President that promote Spiritual, Academic, Athletic and Social Development of the Women’s Volleyball student-athletes.
Assists with organizing team practice and schedule
Assists with recruiting process under direction of Head Coach
Monitors student-athletes class attendance, study hall, and grades
Assists with scheduling and team travel
Maintains records of participation and other compliance related matters
Responsible for the maintenance and accountability of equipment (i.e. uniforms, game equipment)
Other duties as assigned
A Bachelor’s degree is required.
Candidates with coaching experience at the Division I level are preferred. Those with playing experience at the same level or internationally will also be favored.
A thorough and demonstrated knowledge of recruiting practices and NCAA rules is critical, including successful completion of the annual certification requirements to recruit as designated by NCAA legislation
Excellent organizational, communicative, and time management skills as well as the ability to take on multiple tasks and work independently or in a team setting are needed.
The candidate must be willing to work nights, weekends and some holidays as well as be available for extensive travel.
Maintain Current Certification in First Aid, CPR and AED, if not currently certified upon hire, ORU will provide certification opportunity that must be completed within 30 days of first date of employment
Adhere to ORU Honor Code for Faculty, Staff and Students
About Oral Roberts University
Oral Roberts University is a non-profit organization whose staff and faculty actually make a difference in the lives of its students. We pride ourselves in our culture and the values we uphold. Our team is passionate about what we do, and we want you to make us even better! Oral Roberts University Athletics mission is to “Develop Whole Person Champions”. This is done by focusing on developing Intellectually Alert, Athletically Excellent, Socially Developed and Spiritually Alive student-athletes.
Connections working at Oral Roberts University
https://ncaamarket.ncaa.org/jobs/21915725/assistant-coach-women-s-volleyball
The No. 3 Wisconsin Badgers are taking on the No. 1 Kentucky Wildcats in the Final Four on Thursday, with first serve set for 8:00 P.M. on ESPN.
The Badgers have gone on an incredible run so far in the NCAA Tournament, most recently beating the No. 2 seed Stanford Cardinal and the No. 1 seed Texas Longhorns 3-1 to advance to Kansas City.
Star Mimi Colyer has been on a tear, recording 50 kills in the two wins, including a career-high 27 kills against Stanford. Carter Booth has also come up huge, recording a career-high 14 kills against Stanford as well.
But, the Badgers will be facing a Kentucky team that has won 26 straight matches. They went 29-2 this season, including wins over Texas, Texas A&M, and Louisville.
The Wildcats have dropped only one set in the tournament in the Second Round against UCLA, winning that one 3-1. Apart from that, Kentucky has swept its other three opponents, including most recently against the Creighton Blue Jays.
The winner of Thursday’s matchup will face the Texas A&M Aggies, who swept Pitt on Thursday as well.
Lee University is a private, comprehensive university located in Cleveland, Tennessee, in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. Lee is emerging as a leader in higher education in the southeastern region and is consistently ranked in the “Top Tier” of the Best Regional Universities in the South by U.S. News & World Report.
Over the past two decades, Lee has become one of the largest Christ-centered private institutions in Tennessee and the largest in the Appalachian College Association. During that period, the university has seen a remarkable transformation that has included significant growth in its academic programs, student enrollment, faculty expertise, and diversity, as well as an expanded sense of mission and vision.
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