Sports

We have reached the point of no return – BG Falcon Media

The House v. NCAA settlement, announced Friday night, officially marks the end of the college sports landscape that we all love and know and the beginning of a dark future for non-Power Four conference schools. The settlement does nothing but allow the Power Four conferences to expand their powers and silence the voices of the […]

Published

2 months ago

June 8, 2025

Your Sports Nation

The settlement does nothing but allow the Power Four conferences to expand their powers and silence the voices of the Group of Five schools.

The main subject of the settlement is an annual cap for universities to directly pay athletes for their name, image and likeness (NIL).

However, the kicker is that the amount is based on a percentage of a defined set of Power Four athletics department revenues, with not all colleges factored in.

This means that Bowling Green and other similar schools will have to continue dealing with bigger schools spending $20 million per year, which is over half of BGSU’s operating athletic budget. This will only allow the bigger schools to justify their spending, which will continue to make it harder for the majority of smaller schools to keep up and stay competitive.

The settlement does nothing but continue to widen the gap between the Power Four and non-Power Four schools.

In addition to being able to pay athletes directly, athletes will also be able to continue making NIL deals with entities other than their respective schools.

On the surface, this sounds fair. However, there’s another kicker.

A new entity will be assigned to watch over all of the non-university NIL agreements and make sure they do not violate any rules. However, the College Sports Commission is not an initiative by the NCAA but rather a collaboration among the Power Four conferences. In fact, the top figures in the organization who have the power to make the big decisions are ACC Commissioner Jim Philips, Big Ten Commissioner Tony Petitti, Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark and SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey.

All Division I athletes who have a deal with a non-university entity for $600 or more have to report to the College Sports Commission’s system called “NIL Go,” which will then be evaluated to determine whether the deal has a “valid business purpose” and is within “a reasonable range of compensation,” whatever those terms are eventually deemed to mean. The commission and commissioners will have full power to enforce their rules, whatever they end up being, and penalize rule-breakers.

Firstly, I’m not sure if it’s possible to make the details more vague if you tried. Secondly, do any of us trust the Power Four conferences and their commissioners not to take advantage of the landscape and find loopholes while limiting the power and abilities of non-Power Four schools — I do not.

I can almost guarantee that there will be more ensuing legal battles due to the recent settlement and that this is only the beginning of the college athletics landscape being altered forever. We have officially reached the point of no return. College sports are no longer college sports — they are now the minor leagues.

Ultimately, the settlement does nothing but continue to allow the Power Four conferences to expand their powers as we continue to head on a collision course toward a super conference, which will officially mark the death for non-Power Four schools.

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Sports

Olympian Alex Obert Becomes First Men’s Water Polo GM at Pacific

Published

13 minutes ago

August 14, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Alex Obert has been appointed as the first-ever General Manager for men’s water polo at the University of the Pacific, marking a significant milestone in collegiate water polo. Obert is a three-time Olympian who graduated in 2016 with an engineering degree and brings a wealth of experience, including a bronze medal from the 2024 Olympics and multiple championships in international competition. His return to Pacific, under head coach James Graham’s leadership, is aimed at enhancing the program’s performance through a data-driven approach.

By the Numbers

2024 Olympic Games (Paris) – Bronze Medalist
2015 and 2019 Pan American Games – Gold Medalist

State of Play

This role is the first of its kind in U.S. collegiate men’s water polo.
Pacific’s 2025 season opens on August 30 in Providence, Rhode Island.

What’s Next

With Obert’s appointment, anticipate new strategies focusing on data analysis and athlete development as the men’s water polo team aims for greater success in upcoming competitions.

Bottom Line

Obert’s combination of athletic excellence and professional insight is poised to elevate Pacific’s water polo program, potentially changing the landscape of collegiate sports management.

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Sports

Army West Point volleyball trains at Fort Indiantown Gap

Army West Point’s women’s volleyball team prepared for its season at Fort Indiantown Gap, blending volleyball and Army culture. LEBANON COUNTY, Pa. — Army West Point’s women’s volleyball team found a new home in Pennsylvania this preseason. The Black Knights hit the road, spending the weeks leading up to their first match at Fort Indiantown […]

Published

27 minutes ago

August 14, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Army West Point’s women’s volleyball team prepared for its season at Fort Indiantown Gap, blending volleyball and Army culture.

LEBANON COUNTY, Pa. — Army West Point’s women’s volleyball team found a new home in Pennsylvania this preseason.

The Black Knights hit the road, spending the weeks leading up to their first match at Fort Indiantown Gap.

“It’s a great honor to host them,” said Fort Indiantown Gap garrison commander Col. Kevin Potts. “We’re a premier asset here for Pennsylvania and the National Guard itself, so having people come and utilize that [is] just a big boon for us.”

The goal for the Black Knights was to get away from the chaos of the Academy while still surrounding themselves with the culture of the Army.

“The people make this place incredible,” Army West Point’s head volleyball coach, Alma Kovaci Lee, said. “We have everything we need to have a great preseason, and I think it’s really important that we conduct our training in places where it matters. Being in Fort Indiantown Gap, we not only get volleyball, but [we get] the Army side as well.”

The team even found time for some cool experiences to help break up the hours of training each day.

“We got to go up in Blackhawks the other day with our team, which was incredible,” said senior outside hitter Norah Shattan.

Kovaci Lee added that the team has “been able to hangout together, have a campfire [and] enjoy getting to know each other — something that we can’t get in an Academy.”

When it was time to practice, however, it was the team’s serving as an escape for the service members at Fort Indiantown Gap.

“It’s something different. They can come in and catch an hour or two of them doing practice here in the morning and afternoon,” said Potts. “People could come in and hang out, watch and see what they do and how hard they train.”

The team is representing a different side of the Army.

Shattan said the athletes “have this connection at a broader level than just as a cadet that we normally see. It’s cool that we can represent the Army playing our sport that we love.”

Potts added that the girls help provide the recognition that “the Army is not just being in the field with a weapon, fighting the fight. It’s also all the things that go around that. It’s all the sporting events that go on, all the esprit de corps that goes on [and] all the camaraderie.”

As the team wraps up its preseason at Fort Indiantown Gap, its preparing to open its season on the road at NC State on Aug. 29.

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Sports

Women’s Soccer Opens Thursday Night at Flagler Credit Union Stadium

BOCA RATON, Fla. — The Florida Atlantic women’s soccer team opens the 2025 season in the Flagler Credit Union Stadium against Loyola (MD) on Thursday evening before hitting the road. The Owls will then travel to Orlando to take on the Knights on Sunday, Aug. 17, at 6 p.m. The Greyhounds will also open their […]

Published

32 minutes ago

August 14, 2025

Your Sports Nation

BOCA RATON, Fla. — The Florida Atlantic women’s soccer team opens the 2025 season in the Flagler Credit Union Stadium against Loyola (MD) on Thursday evening before hitting the road. The Owls will then travel to Orlando to take on the Knights on Sunday, Aug. 17, at 6 p.m.

The Greyhounds will also open their season in Paradise on Thursday evening, while the Knights will travel to Birmingham, Ala., to take on another American opponent, the Blazers of UAB, on opening night.

On Thursday, the gates will open at 6 p.m. There will be a fan zone with games such as teqball, mini soccer, and more prior to the match. Fans will also have the chance to win two Universal Studios tickets. Concessions will be opened for fans on the deck of the stadium. The parking garage will be closed during the match. Guests are encouraged to park in lot 5. The team will be available for postgame autographs at the conclusion of the match.

ABOUT THE OWLS

Head Coach Patrick Baker enters his 13th season at the helm for the Owls. Baker is one of the top 40 winningest active Division I women’s soccer head coaches.

The Owls enter their third season in the American Conference.

Defender Daniella Diaz, midfielder Morgan McDonald, and forward Michelle Horan were named the Owls’ three players to watch by the American.

FAU has 12 newcomers on the roster for the upcoming season.

Additions to the coaching staff consist of former player Kat Cunningham, who stayed in Paradise as an assistant coach to kick off her coaching career. Additionlly, Jeremy Hampton was promoted to associate head coach.

2024 assists leader Horan returns to complete her college career with seven, which leads the team in that category.

ABOUT THE GREYHOUNDS

This season marks the 14th season of Head Coach Joe Mallia at the helm for Loyola (MD).

The Greyhounds were picked to finish fifth in the Patriot League out of ten teams.

Defender Zoe Willis was named in the 2025 Preseason All-Patriot League

As an addition to the staff for Loyola, Dallas Fiszel joins Mallia and Emma Steiner in Baltimore after spending two seasons at Florida Gulf Coast.

Junior Brigid Mulholland returns after being the starting goalkeeper in the 2024 season. Mulholland recorded 19 starts with 62 saves and seven shutouts on the year.

For the 2025 season, the Greyhounds have five goalkeepers, nine defenders, six midfielders, and 11 forwards.

ABOUT THE KNIGHTS

Head Coach Tiffany Roberts Sahaydak enters her 13th season at the helm for the Knights.

Roberts Sahaydak will begin the season with 121 career wins.

UCF will open its season on Thursday night against UAB in Birmingham.

The Knights will face back-to-back American Conference opponents to open the 2025 season.

UCF was picked to finish 12th out of 16 teams in the Big 12’s annual Preseason Coaches’ Poll.

SERIES HISTORY

The Owls and Greyhounds currently hold a 1-1 record.

Thursday’s matchup marks the third time these two programs have played in Paradise. In the last match on Aug. 29, 2003, the Owls won 2-1 in overtime.

FAU returns to Orlando after two years to take on the Knights.

It will be the 26th time FAU has faced UCF in program history.

The Owls are seeking their first win in Orlando in program history.

TICKETS
To purchase tickets for the match, visit ticketmaster.com

SCHEDULE

For the full 2025 women’s soccer schedule, click HERE.

ROSTER

For the full 2025 women’s soccer roster, click HERE.

FOLLOW THE OWLS

To stay up to date on all things Florida Atlantic women’s soccer, follow FAU on social media @FAUWSoccer.

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Sports

Daryana Hall To Represent The Big West At NCAA Student-Athlete Leadership Forum

LONG BEACH, Calif. – Daryana Hall was one of two student-athletes chosen from the Big West to take part in the NCAA Student-Athlete Leadership Forum, a program designed by the NCAA to help further develop leadership skills, focusing on their values, strengths and leadership philosophy which will then translate to their athletic and academic responsibilities. […]

Published

52 minutes ago

August 14, 2025

Your Sports Nation

LONG BEACH, Calif. – Daryana Hall was one of two student-athletes chosen from the Big West to take part in the NCAA Student-Athlete Leadership Forum, a program designed by the NCAA to help further develop leadership skills, focusing on their values, strengths and leadership philosophy which will then translate to their athletic and academic responsibilities.

“I’m very excited and grateful to have the opportunity to represent the big west as well as Long Beach State at the NCAA Student-Athlete Leadership Forum,” said Hall. “I’m looking forward to developing my leadership skills professionally and athletically. This forum will give me the opportunity to learn more about the inner workings of NCAA and create new connections with individuals from other institutions and conferences. The knowledge I gain from this experience will help me become a better leader on campus.”

Hall has been the president of the Long Beach State Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) for the last two years and has been very involved in campus leadership and volunteer efforts in addition to her success on the track as a sprinter. Actively involved in both SAAC and the Student-Athlete Leadership Council, she has helped build a connection with campus student government. Hall attended both the Leadership at the Beach Conference as well as the 2025 Black Student Athlete Summit and was the student liaison for a mental health panel presented by Long Beach State Sports Medicine. She’ll be joined by the conference’s male representative, Tate Meaux of UC Santa Barbara Track and Field.

The NCAA Student-Athlete Leadership Forum provides a diverse and dynamic representation of student-athletes, coaches, and administrators with a transformational opportunity to build a leadership toolkit and develop vital self-awareness that allows them to realize their potential. Participants leave the program with invaluable leadership skills, the experience of exploring the relationship between personal values, core beliefs and behavioral styles, and an understanding of the NCAA as a whole, the different divisional perspectives and the valuable role of Student-Athlete Advisory Committees (SAAC). The Student-Athlete Leadership Forum also creates a close personal support network of like-minded peers to provide continued connection and dialogue after the program concludes.

Sponsored by the NCAA, the forum will take place over the course of four days in November in Dallas.

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Sports

Summer Series

Hello everyone! My name is Grace Gannon, and I’m a rising junior on the UR Women’s Lacrosse Team. This summer has been nothing short of incredible, highlighted by our team trip and a six-week study abroad experience in Perugia, Italy. I cannot wait to tell you all about it! I kicked off summer strong with […]

Published

1 hour ago

August 14, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Hello everyone!

My name is Grace Gannon, and I’m a rising junior on the UR Women’s Lacrosse Team. This summer has been nothing short of incredible, highlighted by our team trip and a six-week study abroad experience in Perugia, Italy. I cannot wait to tell you all about it!

I kicked off summer strong with our team trip to Amsterdam and San Sebastián. It was so special to explore new places with my teammates and create more lifelong memories. Two standout moments for me were the Anne Frank House and the pintoxs tour—experiences that offered so much insight into each city’s unique culture.

After the trip, I had a bit of downtime in where I am lucky enough to call home, Bucks County, PA! I enjoyed catching up with family/friends, working out with other college and pro athletes and coaching for my former club team, Dynasty Elite. I worked closely with the 2026s this summer and loved helping make their final club season unforgettable.

Just when I thought summer could not get any better, it was time to head to Italy for six weeks! Along with a group from UR and students from around the globe, I participated in the Intensive Intermediate Italian program at the Università per Stranieri di Perugia. The five-week course taught solely in Italian pushed me outside of my comfort zone and significantly improved my vocabulary, speaking fluency and cultural understanding.

I lived in a beautiful apartment about ten minutes from school that overlooked the city with three other UR students that are now some of my closest friends! While lessons were extremely engaging, the experience really shined outside of the classroom. I attended the famous Umbria Jazz Festival, participated in weekly cooking classes and immersed myself in the rhythm of local life.
Summer Series: Grace Gannon

Our weekends were filled with trips to other cities in Italy, including Milan, Venice and Florence. Each stop consisted of exploring historical churches, eating regional cuisine, racking up thousands of steps and practicing our Italian with locals. My personal favorite stop was Venice with its intricate canal system, stunning glass art and the breathtaking Basilica di San Marco.

To top it all off, my roommates and I celebrated the programs completion with a trip to Sorrento! The clear blue water, beaming sun and fresh seafood were unforgettable. It was the perfect way to close out the best summer! I’m incredibly grateful for these experiences through Richmond, and with just two weeks until we are back on campus, I am counting down the days until we reunite as a team and begin our hunt for an A-10 championship!

Go Spiders,
Grace Gannon

Sports

Rifle Announces 2025-26 Schedule – TCU Athletics

FORT WORTH – TCU women’s rifle head coach Karen Monez has announced the 2025-26 schedule which features five home matches. The Horned Frogs will kick off the season on Sept. 27 at Navy with a triangular match against the Midshipmen and VMI. It’ll mark the fifth consecutive year that TCU has opened the season in […]

Published

1 hour ago

August 14, 2025

Your Sports Nation

FORT WORTH – TCU women’s rifle head coach Karen Monez has announced the 2025-26 schedule which features five home matches.

The Horned Frogs will kick off the season on Sept. 27 at Navy with a triangular match against the Midshipmen and VMI. It’ll mark the fifth consecutive year that TCU has opened the season in Annapolis, Md.

TCU will shoot three road matches in October starting with a tilt at NCAA Championship qualifier Georgia Southern on Oct. 2. TCU will head to UTEP on Oct. 18 and wrap up the road swing on Oct. 26 at the US Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo. against Alaska and Georgia Southern.

Two of the three November matches will take place at the TCU Rifle Range. The home opener is slated for Nov. 1 against Nebraska. The Frogs will head to Fort Wayne, Ind. to take on West Virginia at The X Count Range. The fall campaign concludes with a home match against Ole Miss on Nov. 16.

The spring campaign kicks off with a pair of matches on Jan. 18-19 at the TCU Rifle Range. The Frogs will host Ohio State and Schreiner University. Ohio State will stay in town for a second match the next day.

TCU will head to Alaska for a pair of matches Jan. 24-25. The Frogs will shoot in a triangular match against the Nanooks and UT Martin at the Tanana Valley Range before closing out the trip with a dual against UT Martin at the Alaska Fairbanks range.

The Horned Frogs will gear up for the postseason as it looks to seek its eighth Patriot Rifle Conference Championship Feb. 7-8 in Oxford, Miss.

TCU will head back to Colorado Springs, Colo. to take on Air Force in the NCAA qualifier on Feb. 21 to close out the regular season.

The Horned Frogs will be seeking their 20th straight appearance in the National Championship match. The championships will be held in Columbus, Ohio. March 13-14.

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