Olympic gymnast Simon Biles and former collegiate swimmer turned-right-wing activist Riley Gaines traded barbs Friday over a transgender softball champion, whom Gaines called a boy before Biles stepped in to defend the player on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Key Facts
Gaines, an outspoken critic of transgender athletes in women’s sports, pointed out the Minnesota State High School League removed comments from a post showing the winners of a softball state championship, with Gaines insisting the turned-off comments were to “be expected when your star player is a boy.”
Biles responded to Gaines’ tweet a few hours later, calling her “truly sick” and saying her campaigning against transgender athletes was all because she lost a race in college, referring to Gaines’ fifth-place tie with trans swimmer Lia Thomas in a NCAA freestyle championship event in 2022.
Biles said Gaines should be finding ways to make sports more inclusive for trans athletes or advocating for a trans category in all sports, saying in a follow-up tweet “bully someone your own size, which would ironically be a male.”
“It’s not my job or the job of any woman to figure out how to include men in our spaces,” Gaines said.
Gaines later made a comparison between Biles “when she had to endure a predatory man,” showing a clip of her testimony speaking out against convicted sexual abuser Larry Nassar, and Biles “when other girls have to endure predatory men,” showing her original tweet defending the trans softball champion.
Gaines continued referencing Biles Saturday morning, saying the Olympic champion “just personally attacked someone who stands up for women and girls.”
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Who Is Riley Gaines?
Gaines was a 12-time All-American swimmer for the University of Kentucky before becoming a right-wing activist in the wake of her tie with Thomas. Gaines, alongside more than a dozen collegiate athletes, filed a lawsuit against the NCAA last year alleging the organization violated her civil rights by allowing Thomas to compete in the 2022 women’s swimming championship. The lawsuit is still in dispute. Gaines also hosts a podcast about identity politics in sports and other political topics.
Key Background
While transgender athlete laws have traditionally varied state to state, President Donald Trump signed an executive order in February banning trans athletes from women’s sports and threatening federally funded schools at all levels with a loss of funding if they allowed trans athletes to participate in women’s categories. The NCAA complied with the order shortly after its signing, restricting competition in women’s sports to those assigned female at birth. The men’s category remains eligible to all athletes under the change, which also allows student-athletes assigned male at birth to still practice with women’s teams and receive benefits such as medical care while practicing. Of the NCAA’s over 530,000 student athletes, less than 10 are transgender, according to a testimony NCAA president Charlie Baker gave to a Senate panel last year.
Kentucky has become a prominent state for volleyball, rivaling its reputation for basketball and horse racing.
Youth clubs like KIVA and strong high school programs have been instrumental in developing top-tier talent.
Both UK and UofL have shown significant institutional support by including volleyball in their athlete revenue-sharing budgets.
Regardless if Kentucky brings back its second NCAA women’s volleyball national championship in the last five years, the commonwealth is winning in volleyball from the colleges down to the grassroots level.
And it will be for the foreseeable future.
Kentucky is no longer just known best for thoroughbred racing and its basketball programs. Volleyball has spiked its way into being associated with the state’s top sports now, too.
That’s why the NCAA brought its women’s volleyball championship to the KFC Yum! Center last year for the second time.
The Wildcats’ run to the national title game this season and Louisville’s run to the Final Four three times in the past four years, including title-game appearances in 2021 and last season, is the exclamation point on just how far the sport has come.
“Kentucky, for whatever reason, generates and creates unbelievable volleyball talent,” said ESPN volleyball analyst Katie George, who played at UofL and was the 2015 ACC Player of the Year. “That’s a testament to the youth coaches, certainly there’s so many great clubs, there’s so many great high school programs.”
Ron Kordes, Assumption High’s Hall of Fame coach, can remember the times when, in the early 1990s, he’d take club teams to compete at national tournaments in Chicago and they would get picked on with the laziest of Kentucky stereotypes, including California kids acting surprised they wore shoes.
They got beat a lot during those early tournaments to the point where Kordes called them “oh-for-weekends” because they would go and not win a single match.
“We’ve got their respect now,” Kordes said.
Known as the “Godfather of Volleyball,” Kordes is responsible whether directly or indirectly for helping develop the state into a volleyball hotbed.
He and Jesse Flynn helped build the Ohio Valley Volleyball Center. It was just the second volleyball-only facility in the nation when it was built after the Great Lakes Volleyball Center outside of Chicago.
The center became the home of the Kentucky Indiana Volleyball Academy (KIVA) grassroots volleyball program, and Kordes said participation in the junior clubs is maxed out.
“Who would have ever imagined anything like this?” he said. “It’s just become overwhelming, and I couldn’t be happier.”
KIVA is responsible for producing many of the best players to come out of Kentucky in any given year, including two who were on display in Thursday’s semifinal match between UK and Wisconsin.
Kristen Simon, who played at Assumption, was the Badgers’ libero/defensive specialist. Her counterpart with the Wildcats was Trinity Ward, who played at Holy Cross. Despite the rival high schools and being on opposite sides in the semifinals, they were friends who were former teammates at KIVA.
It’s not the first time that KIVA produced multiple Final Four participants, and it won’t likely be the last.
The same can be said of UK and UofL pursuing championships. The programs not only have a strong talent base to recruit from but they also have the institutional support to help them excel.
That’s not always a guarantee for those outside of football and men’s basketball.
Volleyball was among the sports prioritized at both schools to receive part of the $20.5 million revenue-sharing budget allocated to pay athletes. That’s a big-time commitment, considering every sport will not be included as football and men’s basketball devour most of those funds.
The foundation has been set. The rise to be among the best is complete. Those shoes California girls once joked about are like footsteps now because volleyball in the commonwealth of Kentucky is right on the heels of every state claiming to be the best.
Reach sports columnist C.L. Brown at clbrown1@gannett.com, follow him on X at @CLBrownHoops and subscribe to his newsletter at profile.courier-journal.com/newsletters/cl-browns-latest to make sure you never miss one of his columns.
UK volleyball is headed to the national championship for just the second time in program history.Kentucky and Wisconsin volleyball battled it out in Kansas City to determine who would play against Texas A&M for the national championship.The Badgers made quick work in the first set, winning 25-12.Kentucky would answer with a 25-22 win in the second set to even things out.But Wisconsin would fire back again, taking the third set 25-21.UK wasn’t going down without a fight, forcing a fifth set after winning the fourth 26-24.The fifth set was another back and forth between the two teams, but Kentucky held on for a 15-13 win, advancing to the title game.The Wildcats will play Texas A&M for the national championship at 3:30 p.m. on Sunday.
KANSAS CITY, Mo. —
UK volleyball is headed to the national championship for just the second time in program history.
Kentucky and Wisconsin volleyball battled it out in Kansas City to determine who would play against Texas A&M for the national championship.
The Badgers made quick work in the first set, winning 25-12.
Kentucky would answer with a 25-22 win in the second set to even things out.
But Wisconsin would fire back again, taking the third set 25-21.
UK wasn’t going down without a fight, forcing a fifth set after winning the fourth 26-24.
The fifth set was another back and forth between the two teams, but Kentucky held on for a 15-13 win, advancing to the title game.
The Wildcats will play Texas A&M for the national championship at 3:30 p.m. on Sunday.
Wisconsin fans took over downtown Kansas City and saw their team nearly pull off an upset of No. 1 seed Kentucky.
Photos by Taylor Wolfram
Words by Preston Schmitt
The Badger volleyball team’s upset bid for a national championship came up just short Thursday, Dec. 18, after falling to No. 1 seed Kentucky in five unforgettable sets in the semifinals. UW got off to a dominating start, winning the first set 25-12 under the heavy hitting of star seniors Carter Booth and Mimi Colyer. Booth famously said that she refuses to lose after taking down another No. 1 seed in Texas in the regional finals. She made Badger fans believe in those words all over again on Thursday, delivering a career high 21 kills in the match. It took Kentucky three match points in the fifth set to finally put away the never-back-down Badgers.
And Badger fans — who showed up to Kansas City in big numbers — refused to be anything but proud of the players and their remarkable effort.
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.
Varun Koorichh
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?
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
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:
Undefeated women’s volleyball teams in 2025
Follow along as we see how long DI women’s volleyball teams can remain perfect.
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The No. 3 Wisconsin volleyball team saw its season come to a conclusion in the NCAA National Semifinals versus No. 1 Kentucky (25-12, 22-25, 25-21, 24-26, 13-15) in a five-set thriller.
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.
