Sports

2025 WCWS

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8 months ago

June 1, 2025

Eli LedermanJun 1, 2025, 08:00 AM ET
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OKLAHOMA CITY — Party hats. Streamers. Star sunglasses. A bubble machine, a disco ball and a unicorn piñata. The hottest club at the Women’s College World Series? It’s UCLA’s dugout.

“It is absolutely feral in there,” Bruins senior Taylor Stephens told ESPN this week. “This program has been partying ever since my freshman year and long before that, too. It’s tradition. Our team, our dugout, it’s a vibe — it’s an undeniable vibe. We just like to have fun.”

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UCLA likes to have fun. And seemingly no program is having more of it during the opening weekend of the 2025 WCWS than the No. 9-seeded Bruins, who return Sunday for an elimination game against No. 7-seeded Tennessee (3 p.m. ET, ABC) following a 3-1 loss to No. 12 Texas Tech on Saturday.

Ranked third nationally in runs scored (481), eighth in home runs (98) and anchored by a pitching triumvirate of Taylor Tinsley, Kaitlyn Terry and Addisen Fisher, UCLA made plenty of noise en route to its 34th WCWS appearance — a Division I record. But it wasn’t until the Bruins arrived in Oklahoma City this week that their raucous and rowdy party officially spilled back onto the national stage.

For UCLA softball: “The party hats are new. But the party is not.” Brett Rojo/Imagn ImagesPerennially among the loudest dugouts in college softball, the Bruins announced themselves with tinted glasses and disco lights in Thursday’s opener against Oregon. After Jessica Clements launched her two-run, walk-off home run, they celebrated at home plate with blue and gold party hats on their heads. On Saturday, UCLA took things up another notch, flooding Devon Park’s third-base dugout with bubbles and decorating its walls with paper streamers and balloons. A poster taped onto the dugout wall carried a simple message: “It’s party time.”

“The party has always been a part of the culture here,” said junior infielder Jordan Woolery, half of the Bruins’ historic power-hitting duo with Megan Grant this spring. “When we’re kind of tense, that’s not really the best version of ourselves. Having fun in the dugout, having fun on the field, all that chatter makes it easier just to play for each other with a sense of freedom.”

Props, such as the pinata the Bruins hung from the dugout ceiling Saturday night, have long been fixtures of UCLA’s dugout party. Woolery, a first-team All-American, has witnessed many evolutions of them. In the wake of previous Bruins standard-bearers Megan Fariamo and Anna Vines, she recalls pickle jars, boxes of Reese’s Puffs cereal and a parade of stuffed animals among the most cherished props that have popped up in the UCLA dugout in recent years.

Jessica Clements of UCLA sported plenty of dugout props following her walk-off home run against Oregon on Thursday at the Women’s College World Series. Courtesy UCLAWhen the likes of Woolery and Stephens encountered packets of party hats or goofy sunglasses before Game 1 on Thursday, there was no hesitation.”We jumped right on them,” Stephens said. “The party hats are new. But the party is not.”Indeed, UCLA carries a rich history of dugout antics, dating as far as the school’s dynastic softball rise in the 1980s. While the 2025 Bruins battled Texas Tech ace NiJaree Canady on Saturday, generations of former players exchanged stories and photos of WCWS dugout parties and props of the past through a WhatsApp group chat of UCLA softball alumni.In some instances, the partying began even before the players left the team hotel.”Every year in Oklahoma City, we would stay at the Embassy Suites and there were these two glass elevators that took you to your rooms,” 2004 national champion Tara Henry said. “On our way to the stadium, we would pile into them and have a team dance party, literally shaking the elevators an hour before a WCWS game.”Even with a decades-long history, the scenes inside the Bruins’ dugout this week seemingly mark a stark departure from past eras of the program and the sport.First under coach Sharon Backus and then Sue Enquist, UCLA built itself into college softball’s first superpower through no-nonsense intensity and stringent program standards. But while the ongoings of Bruins’ dugout celebrations and the generation of players inside them have evolved, former UCLA players like Henry see the same core pillars still propping up the program under 19th-year coach Kelly Inouye-Perez, who played for Enquist from 1989 to 1993 and spent 13 seasons as an assistant before taking over the program in 2007.”It’s always been about how do we manage to stay together as a team and have fun, but ultimately be held accountable,” Henry said. “We’re seeing a more free, lighter type of team and a different expression of it. I think Kelly has been a big part of that. But believe me, they still have standards and still understand what it means to play for UCLA softball.”Former Bruins Aaliyah Jordan, Taylor Sullivan and Malia Quarles are responsible for the UCLA dugout props in Oklahoma City. “Shoutout to Party City in Moore, Oklahoma.” Eli Lederman/ESPNThe Bruins were quick to throw on their party hats in Thursday’s opener. However, how UCLA’s newest props found their way into the dugout remained a mystery to its players into the weekend before a group of former Bruins led by Taylor Sullivan, Alaiyah Jordan and Malia Quarles showed up with more Saturday, softball alums continuing the party culture.”Shoutout to Party City in Moore, Oklahoma,” said Sullivan, who reached the WCWS three times with UCLA. “The Bruin party is just the epitome of UCLA softball. Playing together, playing for each other, trying to make the Bruin bubble proud.”Inouye-Perez presented a clear message after a pair of late Texas Tech home runs sank the Bruins on Saturday, sending UCLA into an elimination game with Tennessee on Sunday. Less than 24 hours after facing one fireballer in Canady, the Bruins will be tested again Sunday by Lady Vols ace Karlyn Pickens, owner of the fastest recorded pitch in softball history.

“The bottom line is we’re not done yet,” Inouye-Perez said. “Now we just have more time to be able to play more games and get really hot. I’m excited. We can’t wait to get back out there.”

The Bruins, who scratched three runs off Pickens when they faced the hard-throwing junior in February, intend to extend their stay in Oklahoma City on Sunday. As long as UCLA remains in the WCWS field, the dugout party will go on.

“You’ll see more props tomorrow and the next day and the next day,” Stephens said. “The props are everlasting. They’re overflowing. The party doesn’t stop.”

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BREAKING: Ahen Kim named head volleyball coach at Duke

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29 seconds ago

January 13, 2026

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Duke University hired American University volleyball head coach Ahen Kim to the same role on Jan. 12, 2026. Kim joins the Blue Devils after his best season, posting a 24-5 record and winning a Patriot League championship.

The Eagles went 64-25 during Kim’s three seasons as the head coach of the Eagles. His latest saw the Eagles clinch their 17th Patriot League title in program history and an NCAA Tournament berth.

American swept the conference awards in 2025, taking home all five honors on Nov. 17, 2025. This included a Barry Goldberg Coaching Staff of the Year award for Kim and his staff. Kim’s team went 15-1 in Patriot League play in 2025, only dropping the team’s first conference match to the Colgate Raiders on Sept. 19, 2025.

“We are incredibly grateful to Ahen for everything he has given to American University volleyball,” said American University Director of Athletics and Recreation JM Caparro in a statement. “His connection to this program runs deep…We wish him nothing but success in his next chapter.”

Duke went 5-26 in the 2025 season, finishing last in the Atlantic Coastal Conference’s standings. The Blue Devils have not won the conference since 2013. The head coaching position opened up when long-time head coach Jolene Nagel retired on Dec. 1, 2025 after 27 seasons with the team.

“I’m forever grateful to American University Volleyball and will cherish the time I’ve had coaching here both as an Assistant and as Head Coach,” Kim said in a statement. “It has been an honor to serve the program after Coach Barry, and I am extremely proud of the work by our student-athletes and staff to restore its competitive legacy.”

American will conduct a national search for its next volleyball coach.

This article was edited by Jack Stashower and Walker Whalen. Copy editing done by Avery Grossman.

sports@theeagleonline.com

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South’s Ellie Kleven named Alaska Gatorade Volleyball Player of the Year

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17 minutes ago

January 13, 2026

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South Anchorage senior Ellie Kleven sets to the ball for a teammate during a match against Service High on Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025 at South High. (Chris Bieri / ADN)

After leading the South Anchorage High volleyball team to a Cook Inlet Conference title and a dominant record of 41-5-1, senior Ellie Kleven this month became the seventh player in program history to be named Gatorade Alaska Volleyball Player of the Year.

“Winning this award means so much to me,” Kleven said. “I have always looked up to previous Gatorade Player of the Year winners and to be included in this group is really special.”

The elite setter is the second Wolverine to receive the award this decade, joining 2021-22 recipient Hanna Henrie, who was a standout outside hitter and led the program to its last state title.

“For a South athlete to receive this honor is incredibly rewarding for our coaches and players and something I hope future athletes will aspire to,” South head coach Julie Kleven said.

On the court, Ellie led the state with 1,196 assists and also recorded 434 digs, 121 service aces and 97 kills. Some of her other accolades include earning First Team All-Cook Inlet Conference and First Team All-State honors as well as receiving American Volleyball Coaches Association Honorable Mention All-American honors.

“Ellie has worked incredibly hard over the past four years and seeing her effort recognized in this way is truly special,” Julie said. “She is a player who gives 100 percent all of the time. Over the years she has also been so fortunate to have had excellent coaches and teammates that have contributed to her success. She is an elite athlete that is truly deserving of this honor.”

[‘It takes every single one of us’: South High’s volleyball success has been a collaborative effort at every level]

As Ellie’s mother and head coach, Julie couldn’t be prouder as this award recognizes a student-athlete for not only their feats of athleticism on the court, but also exceptional academic achievement and exemplary character displayed in and out of the gym.

South Anchorage head coach Julie Kleven talks to her team during a timeout from a match against Service High on Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025 at South High. (Chris Bieri / ADN)

“I have watched her be humble and selfless through her entire volleyball career and these traits are a big part of what has made her such a great player, teammate and leader,” Julie said. “I have also witnessed her put the same level of commitment into her academics and community service.”

Ellie maintained an 3.71 grade point average and volunteered with multiple causes, including with Western Alaska typhoon relief, organizing a food and clothing drive for displaced families. She has also donated her time to community service initiatives through South’s National Honor Society chapter, including sock drives for those in need, putting together floral arrangements for seniors and making toys for cats at a local animal shelter.

“I’m incredibly honored to have even been considered for this award and grateful to my teammates and coaches who have made me the player I am today,” Ellie said after the honor was announced Friday. “My friends, family, and anyone I’ve ever been athletically involved with has played a part in this accomplishment and I couldn’t be more thankful to them.”

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Three From Men’s Volleyball Selected to FrogJump Preseason All-America First Team

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1 hour ago

January 13, 2026

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Springfield, Mass. – January 12, 2026 – Springfield College men’s volleyball seniors Dylan Mulvaney (Reston, Va.), Carter Durivage (East Greenbush, N.Y.) and Jake DesLauriers (Eastport, N.Y.) have all been named to the FrogJump Division III Preseason All-America First Team ahead of this week’s season opener in California.

A nationwide voting committee selected 20 student-athletes from across the country to the 2026 FrogJump Division III Preseason All-America Team, which recognizes the NCAA Division III men’s volleyball players projected to be the best in the nation during the upcoming year. Springfield was the lone institution to have three selections this fall as Messiah, NYU, Santa Cruz, Mount Union and Vassar all had two honorees.

The 14-member voting committee for this award consisted of 11 DIII Men’s Volleyball Head Coaches from across the nation and three members of the FrogJump coverage team. The 20 players receiving the most votes were named FrogJump Preseason All-Americans. The committee unanimously chose four players for preseason honors; Josh McLellan (Aurora), Alex Kagoro (Messiah), Ben Heise (Carthage), and Dylan Mulvaney (Springfield).

Mulvaney ranked second in the nation with 10.37 assists per set dishing out a total of 861 helpers and powered Springfield College to the second-best hitting percentage in the country at a .354 clip. He also registered 30 kills, 26 aces, 99 digs, 36 blocks and hit .418. In addition to his third straight All-America award, Mulvaney was tabbed as the FrogJump Volleyball Division III National Setter of the Year and as the Region I Player of the Year for the second time in his career.

DesLauriers made his transition from the baseball diamond to the volleyball court last season and made an immediate impact. He registered 204 kills (2.46 per set) and hit .359, which ranked 30th in Division III this year. DesLauriers also posted 40 aces and 116 digs (1.40 per set) and earned his first career AVCA All-America accolade in 2025.

Durivage powered Springfield’s offense with a team-best 221 kills (3.16 per set) and his .369 on the season. He also totaled 27 blocks and 81 digs. Durivage’s .369 hitting percentage ranked 25th nationally, while his 3.80 points per set ranked 64th in Division III a season ago as he earned his first nod to the AVCA All-America team in 2025.

Last season, these three student-athletes led Springfield to 25 wins and back to the NCAA Division III National Championship match for the first time since 2022.

Springfield will open its 2026 campaign as the top-ranked team in both the AVCA Division III National Poll and the FrogJump Volleyball Division III rankings. The Pride will take on Hope International and Concordia Irvine on Friday, January 16 before returning east for its Division III opener at Baruch on Friday, January 23.

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ODAC Athletes of the Week: Week 20

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2 hours ago

January 13, 2026

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The ODAC docket was busier over the past week with the return of swimming and the first matches of men’s volleyball joining basketball and wrestling as active sports. There were surprising – or eye-opening – results throughout with nationally-ranked upsets, inaugural program wins, and new conference records among the highlights.

Those earning ODAC Athlete of the Week awards for Week 20 include:

Most weeks this season, the following schedule will be used for releasing weekly awards winners when the sports below active:

Sundays: football
Mondays: baseball, basketball, field hockey, lacrosse, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis, volleyball, wrestling
Tuesdays: cross country, single-discipline equestrian, indoor track & field, outdoor track & field
Wednesdays: golf

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Men’s Volleyball Sweeps EIVA Weekly Awards – Penn State

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2 hours ago

January 13, 2026

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UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – Penn State men’s volleyball swept the first conference awards of the season as Sean Harvey was named EIVA Offensive Player of the Week and Ryan Merk was selected as the Defensive Player of the Week. The Nittany Lions picked up the honors after opening the season with a four-set win over Mount Olive and a sweep over Manhattan at Rec Hall.

Harvey earned a weekly award from the conference for the first time after hitting .426 with 27 kills (3.86/set) over the two wins. He opened the season with 13 kills, three blocks, and five digs in the win over Mount Olive. The outside hitter followed that by hitting .667 with 14 kills, one block, one dig, and one ace in the victory over Manhattan

Merk led Penn State’s defensive effort that resulted in the opposition hitting just .158 over the two matches. He totaled 18 digs with nine in each match, giving him 2.57/set for the week. The redshirt senior libero also helped get the offense going with a 36-36 mark on serve receive. Merk is now a five-time EIVA Defensive Player of the Week honoree.

No. 13 Penn State is back at Rec Hall when it hosts St. Thomas Aquinas on Thursday at 7 p.m. The Nittany Lions then host No. 9 Lewis on Saturday at 7 p.m. Both matches will stream on B1G+.

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Waverly Senior Sophia D. Commits to Sarah Lawrence College Volleyball

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2 hours ago

January 13, 2026

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The Waverly School proudly congratulates senior Sophia D. on her commitment to play collegiate volleyball at Sarah Lawrence College this fall. Sophia officially celebrated her signing at Waverly’s fall athletics lunch in December, surrounded by her teammates and fellow fall student-athletes.

Sophia’s achievement reflects years of hard work, dedication, and the leadership she brings to Waverly’s athletic community. Through Waverly’s athletics program, students grow not only as competitors, but also as leaders—developing teamwork, resilience, time management, and confidence within a culture that values sportsmanship, balance, and personal growth.