Sports
Female Oregon athletes refuse to share podium with trans competitor: video
Two Oregon high school athletes refused to share the podium with a transgender competitor at the state’s track and field championships, footage shows.
The female students — Tigard High School’s Alexa Anderson and Sherwood High School’s Reese Eckard — stepped down from the high jump podium as the winners of the competition were being announced across the Eugene stadium Saturday night.
Anderson and Eckard had finished in third and fourth place, while Ida B. Wells High School’s trans student Lia Rose tied for fifth.

Rose had competed in boys’ track and field divisions as recently as 2024 and 2023, according to Fox News.
Crowds were cheering for the athletes throughout the ceremony, and it remains unclear how the audience reacted to the protest.
A race official showed up shortly after Anderson and Eckard stepped down and ushered them away as they stood with their backs to the podium.
It remains unclear if their standing at the competition was affected by the move.
But the incident quickly gained attention online, especially after women’s sports advocate Riley Gaines — who is staunchly opposed to transgender athletes competing in women’s sports — posted footage from it on X.
“Watch this. Two female athletes in Oregon refused to stand on the podium because a boy was awarded a place,” Gaines wrote.
“Girls have had enough,” she added.
The video was also picked up by other accounts — including “Libs of TikTok” — which praised the athletes’ act of defiance.
It was just the latest incident in which women athletes have protested against transgender competitors in their division.
In April, women’s fencer Stephanie Turner took a knee rather than competing with a trans person during a Maryland match, and was put on a year-long probation by USA Fencing for the move.
And in May, 16-year-old high schooler Reese Hogan finished second to a trans athlete in California’s CIF Southern Section Finals triple jump competition — but stepped up to the first-place spot on the podium after her competitor stepped down.
Sports
Texas A&M Volleyball scores big with two transfer portal commitments
Dec. 23, 2025, 4:10 p.m. CT
Winning championships is always the top goal for any athletic program. However, when you go deep into the postseason, especially in volleyball, it can interfere with the staff’s ability to recruit. That’s a good problem to have when you’re bringing home hardware, and Texas A&M head coach Jamie Morrison is already getting work done in the NCAA transfer portal.
Needing to reload a roster that’s losing nine seniors, including four All-Americans and two future professional players, Coach Morrison received some major news on Tuesday. It was announced that former Ohio State middle blocker Kaia Castle and Marquette outside hitter Natalie Ring have committed to Texas A&M. This gives him both a young talent to develop and a proven veteran with high-level production.
Originally, Coach Morrison had a five-year plan to reach a national title, which meant he understood that the roster he had now would be a crucial part of turning the Aggie volleyball program into a national powerhouse. With him now ahead of schedule by two years, it gives him a significant advantage in recruiting and positions Texas A&M for a quick turnaround to make another championship run in the near future.
Below is key information on the two new commits joining the 2026 Texas A&M volleyball team.
Kaia Castle – Middle Blocker
- Former School: Ohio State
- Class: RS Freshman
- Eligibility: Three years remaining
- Stats: 300 career kills, 1.94 kills per set, .74 hitting percentage, Third-Team All-American
Natalie Ring – Outside Hitter
- Former School: Marquette
- Class: Senior
- Eligibility: Three years remaining
- Stats: 754 career kills, 3.43 kills per set, .211 hitting percentage, 91 career blocks, .9 blocks per set
Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes, and opinions. Follow Jarrett Johnson on X: @whosnextsports1.
Sports
Pacific Hires Alumnus Jeff Hendershot as Head Women’s Volleyball Coach
STOCKTON, Calif. – A former student-athlete and assistant coach, Pacific brought back volleyball alumnus Jeff Hendershot as head women’s volleyball coach, announced Tuesday by Director of Athletics Adam Tschuor.
“I am honored and energized to return to my alma mater as the head coach of Pacific women’s volleyball. This is truly a dream opportunity for me, and I want to thank Adam Tschuor, President Christopher Callahan, and the university administration for their belief in me and their trust in my leadership,” Hendershot said.
Hendershot, who graduated cum laude from Pacific in 2009 with a degree in sports management, was a four-year letterwinner on the men’s volleyball team from 2006–09. He recorded 605 kills, 281 digs, 142 blocks, and 47 assists across 98 career matches. As a senior in 2009, he started 20 matches and led the squad with 256 kills.
Hendershot returned to campus as the men’s assistant coach for Pacific’s final season in 2014 before the program was discontinued, prior to the university’s announcement of the men’s volleyball program’s return in 2027.
“What excites me the most is the chance to connect with our athletes every day, to help them grow and to continue building a program that reflects the very best of Pacific,” Hendershot said. “This program has a proud and distinguished legacy, and we are here to win on the court, in the classroom, and in the community. I am committed to carrying that legacy forward while creating a new, vibrant chapter that unites our alumni, campus community and supporters. I can’t wait to get to work.”
Hendershot most recently spent six seasons as the head women’s volleyball coach at the University of La Verne, a Division III institution in the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. This past season, he led the Leopards to one of the best years in program history, capturing a regional championship, advancing to the national championship match and finishing with a 30-3 overall record.
“Coach Hendershot is a proven leader, an outstanding teacher of the game, and someone who deeply understands what it means to represent Pacific,” Tschuor said. “His success at La Verne speaks for itself, but just as important is his commitment to student-athlete development and building a program. Bringing Coach Hendershot back to Pacific is a special moment for our department, and we are confident he will lead our women’s volleyball program to sustained success.”
La Verne’s historic season followed the program’s first-ever SCIAC Tournament Championship in 2024 and an Elite Eight appearance. Hendershot also guided the Leopards to a Sweet 16 finish in 2023.
During his six seasons at the helm, Hendershot coached one National Player of the Year, eight All-Americans, 10 All-Region selections, 12 All-SCIAC honorees, nine First-Team All-SCIAC selections, two Region 10 Players of the Year, and two SCIAC Athletes of the Year. Hendershot and his staff were named SCIAC Coaching Staff of the Year twice (2023, 2025).
Under Hendershot’s tutelage, Mya Ray emerged as one of the most accomplished athletes in La Verne history. Ray became a four-time All-American, three-time first-team All-American, and a two-time SCIAC and Region 10 Athlete of the Year, among numerous additional accolades.
Hendershot earned his 100th career victory on Sept. 12, 2025, leading La Verne to a comeback win after trailing 2–0 to defeat No. 3 UW–Oshkosh on the road. In the same match, Ray became the program’s all-time leader in kills.
Hendershot spent a total of 15 seasons at La Verne across two stints, first joining the staff as an assistant coach in 2011. He returned to Pacific for the 2013–14 season before rejoining La Verne, where he was promoted to associate head coach in 2017. He helped guide the program to NCAA Tournament appearances in 2012, 2014, and 2016.
A native of Southern California, Hendershot played at Claremont High School where he was a three-year letterwinner with the Wolfpack.
He and his wife, Sarine Dadourian, have two children, Amelia and Alex.
Stay Social
For all the latest on Pacific Volleyball, be sure to follow the team on X (@PacificVball), Instagram (@pacificvolleyball) and Facebook page (Pacific Volleyball).
#PacificProud
Sports
24 Hour Vigil Walk Represents a Service Mainstay Within the Kean Track & Field/Cross Country Family
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.

(Coach Todman & two athletes posing for a picture in Harwood Arena)
Todman believes it’s a full circle moment knowing that she’s leaving a legacy of service to her team at Kean.
“Now I’m passing the baton. I’m 21 years in! To see this 21 years later, it’s a full circle moment.”
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)
Once Callens returned from service, Coach Todman noticed a stark change in her star athlete.
“He came back not only dynamically focused, but a dynamic man and a dynamic leader in how he supports the team. The evolution from his freshman year until now, along with his military service, it’s almost like two different people. It really impacts a lot of things around the team.”
The results have shown that Coach Todman has gotten her athletes to perform at some of their highest levels, since she took over the program.
After Todman was hired in 2022 to coach the Cougars Cross Country teams, she successfully re-instated the outdoor track and field programs for the first time since 2010. In 2024, during her first inaugural season, Todman helped the men and women’s teams record top 10 finishes at both the NJAC and ECAC championships.
During the 2025 ECAC Championships, the women’s track team broke five school records in the modern era.
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.
Sports
Aggies Sign All-American Natalie Ring to 2026 Class – Texas A&M Athletics
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.
FOLLOW THE AGGIES
Visit 12thMan.com for more information on Texas A&M volleyball. Fans can keep up to date with the A&M volleyball team on Facebook, Instagram and on Twitter by following @AggieVolleyball.
Sports
Dutch runner Feldmann chases down two big goals
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.”
Sports
Flavia Siqueira Named FIU Volleyball Head Coach
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.
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