Sports
Redondo’s Addison and Avery Junk are the pair of the year
DAILY BREEZE ALL-AREA GIRLS BEACH VOLLEYBALL 2025 PAIR OF THE YEAR Addison and Avery Junk, Redondo Redondo Union’s Avery Junk goes for a kill against Mira Costa’s Simone Roslon in the CIF-SS Girls beach volleyball Division 1 championship duel on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at Long Beach City College. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer) […]

DAILY BREEZE ALL-AREA GIRLS BEACH VOLLEYBALL 2025
PAIR OF THE YEAR
Addison and Avery Junk, Redondo
The dream pair for the Redondo girls beach volleyball team would be the twin Junk sisters, Addison and Avery.
However, coach Mark Pa’aluhi decided the best thing for the team would be to split them up during the regular season and into the CIF-Southern Section team championships.
“They’re a strong team together,” he said. “It was important for me to split them apart and elevate the overall team depth.”
In the CIF-SS finals, Avery teamed with Abby Zimmerman at No. 1 doubles and Addison teamed with Leah Blair at No. 2 doubles. Redondo would win its first title, defeating Mira Costa 3-2.
The Junk sisters then teamed up for the CIF-SS Individual championship. They went 3-0 in pool play, swept their way to the finals where they defeated Mira Costa’s Ruby Cochrane and Lucy Matuszak 2-1.
Avery Junk was a third-team All-Area selection in the fall for Redondo’s indoor team and second-team All-Bay League as the Sea Hawks earned a spot in the CIF-SS Open Division playoffs.
“They’re both really good players,” Pa’aluhi said. “They do a good job no matter who they’re playing with.”
The versatility and work of the Junk sisters, helped lead the beach team to the championship.
“We had a team that you could match any player together and still have a strong team,” Pa’aluhi said.
COACH OF THE YEAR
Mark Pa’aluhi, Redondo

Pa’aluhi had led the Sea Hawks to consecutive CIF-SS finals, but each time Redondo lost to Mira Costa.
This season, the Sea Hawks finally got over their hurdle, defeating their rivals in the Division 1 final, winning 3-2.
These girls are amazing,” Pa’aluhi said after the finals. “They displayed a lot of courage. … We went through an emotional roller coaster which a team does. I think it’s all of what in the big picture had brought the team closer.”
Redondo defeated Mira Costa in the first Bay League match and would eventually secure a share of the league title.
“This is my 13th year of coaching and everything came together,” he said. “This was a team that worked together and trusted each other to excel.”
ALL-AREA FIRST TEAM
Addison and Avery Junk, Redondo (Pair of the year)
Mallory LaBreche and Molly LaBreche, Palos Verdes
Lucy Matuszak and Ruby Cochrane, Mira Costa
Abby Zimmerman and Sienna Castillo, Redondo
Macy Ludwig and Lundin Leith, El Segundo
ALL-AREA SECOND TEAM
Simone Roslon and Olga Nikolaeva, Mira Costa
Leah Blair and Bella Jones, Redondo
Allyn Hilt and Lilly Sprague, Mira Costa
Kiana Greer and Anisa Olivas, Torrance
Libby Matisik and Spencer Clark, South Torrance
Sports
Collier Promoted to Head Cross County and Track & Field Coach
Story Links SCHENECTADY, N.Y. – Looking to continue the momentum built by the programs over the last seven years, assistant coach Chris Collier will be taking over for the retiring Laura Nardelli as the head coach of the Union College men’s and women’s cross country and track & field teams, Director of […]

SCHENECTADY, N.Y. – Looking to continue the momentum built by the programs over the last seven years, assistant coach Chris Collier will be taking over for the retiring Laura Nardelli as the head coach of the Union College men’s and women’s cross country and track & field teams, Director of Athletics Jim McLaughlin ’93 announced on Thursday.
“Our cross country and track & field programs have made incredible strides in the last few years under the guidance of Laura and Chris, and this transition will ensure that progress will not be interrupted,” said McLaughlin. “We are appreciative of Laura’s leadership of the cross country and track & field programs over the last seven years and wish her well as she takes her well-deserved retirement. Chris has made a major impact on the programs from a recruiting and competitive aspect over the last three years and has learned what is needed to be a head coach. We are excited for him to take this next step as the leader of our cross country and track teams.”
“I am honored and grateful for the opportunity to serve as the head coach of Union’s track & field and cross country programs,” said Collier. “I want to extend my sincere thanks to Jim McLaughlin, Beth Tiffany and the entire leadership team for entrusting me with this role and for their unwavering support of our teams. A special thank you goes to Coach Nardelli for her outstanding leadership, mentorship, and the lasting impact she has made on both myself and our student-athletes throughout her time as head coach.”
Nardelli has guided the Union cross country and track teams to tremendous success over the last seven years, helping to raise the profile of the programs on the regional and national levels. Union student-athletes have broken 17 indoor track records, 19 outdoor track records and three cross country program standards, while also boasting four qualifiers to both the NCAA Cross Country Championships and NCAA Track & Field Championships over her time at Union. In total, Union student-athletes have earned 21 All-Region honors, seven conference individual titles and 113 All-Liberty League performances over the last seven seasons.
“My time at Union has been extremely fulfilling; watching the cross country and track & field programs grow, as well as seeing student-athletes achieve their academic and athletic dreams, has been a true source of joy,” said Nardelli. “Everyone at Union that I’ve been privileged to work with over the last seven years have been amazing. I always felt that the people here, and in particular the Union Athletics staff, were a team where everyone was pulling in the same direction. After a career spanning 40 years, I am looking forward to spending more time with my husband, our three kids, and their families.”
As the leader of Union’s distance runners, Collier has spearheaded arguably the most successful three-year stretch in Union cross country history from 2022-24. The men’s team has been regionally ranked by the USTFCCCA for much of the last two years and has posted back-to-back top-10 finishes at the NCAA Mideast Regionals, while sending two runners to the NCAA Championships in the same season for the first time in 50 years. The women’s team has finished in the top-12 at NCAA Regionals in both of the last two years as well and has seen multiple program firsts in recent seasons, including the program’s first All-Region and All-Liberty League first-team selections as well as a pair of individual NCAA Championship qualifiers.
That success has extended to both the indoor and outdoor track seasons, with Union distance runners combining to break 15 different program records over the last three years. Both teams were consistently ranked among the top-15 squads in the challenging Mideast Region in 2024-25 and posted top-20 finishes at the All-Atlantic Regional Championships, while student-athletes reset a total of nine program standards this season alone.
“As I begin this new chapter, I wanted to give a special thank you to our incredible student-athletes,” Collier continued. “Your dedication, energy, and passion make this community an inspiring and rewarding place to be every single day. I am excited to build on the athletic and academic success our group has achieved, while continuing to motivate each individual to reach new heights. Go U!”
Sports
Volleyball Announces 2025 Schedule – University at Albany Great Danes
Story Links ALBANY, N.Y. – The University at Albany volleyball team is set for an exciting fall as the Great Danes announced their 2025 schedule, Thursday. The 2025 season features four opponents who competed in the 2024 NCAA Tournament – New Hampshire, Sacramento State, Colgate, and Ole Miss. The 2025 […]

ALBANY, N.Y. – The University at Albany volleyball team is set for an exciting fall as the Great Danes announced their 2025 schedule, Thursday.
The 2025 season features four opponents who competed in the 2024 NCAA Tournament – New Hampshire, Sacramento State, Colgate, and Ole Miss. The 2025 slate will see four Power Four foes – Syracuse, Boston College, Texas Tech, and Ole Miss – with one additional opponent from the Group of Five conferences – Toledo.
“We are excited to get a large group of returners back on the court,” said head coach Josh Pickard. “With a few key additions [in our newcomers], we feel like we can hit the ground running. We have a great combination of opponents and can get out of the region to play. It’s our hope to get some of our players home while they are here, and this year we get to do that with a couple of our trips.”
The Great Danes will begin the year with four tournaments, including one hosted at the PE Gym in Albany. After opening the season at the Rocket Invitational at Toledo, UAlbany will host the UAlbany Invitational from September 4-6.
Halfway through tournament season, the Great Danes will head to Boston College to face the ACC member along with Dartmouth and the 2024 Big Sky Champion, Sacramento State. The Purple and Gold will open the final regular-season tournament against the host, Texas Tech, before facing Incarnate Word and 2024 NCAA competitor, Ole Miss, in neutral contests.
UAlbany will see its first conference action to close the month of September – a home game against SUNY foe Binghamton (Sept. 26) and an away game at Bryant (Sept. 28).
In October, the Great Danes will face two 2024 NCAA Tournament competitors – New Hampshire (America East Champions) and Colgate (Patriot League Champion). In addition to wrapping the first round of league action, UAlbany will welcome Siena to the PE Gym for their annual matchup.
The Purple and Gold will spend the final five regular-season games competing against each of the five America East opponents for a chance to make it to the America East Tournament (Nov. 21-22 or 22-23).
To view the full 2025 schedule, click here.
Keep up with all of the latest news, highlights, and insights on UAlbany volleyball by following the team on X, Instagram, and Facebook.
Sports
Newport Beach to Host World Volleyball Action – SportsTravel
Volleyball World, FIVB, USA Volleyball and Eagle Four Partners have announced an Elite Beach Pro Tour tournament will be held October 7–11 in Newport Beach, California, the first time the series has been in the United States since 2018. “Hosting our first Elite Beach Pro Tour event on U.S. soil is a monumental milestone for […]

Volleyball World, FIVB, USA Volleyball and Eagle Four Partners have announced an Elite Beach Pro Tour tournament will be held October 7–11 in Newport Beach, California, the first time the series has been in the United States since 2018.
“Hosting our first Elite Beach Pro Tour event on U.S. soil is a monumental milestone for American beach volleyball,” said John Speraw, president and chief executive officer at USA Volleyball. “Newport Beach is an iconic venue with deep roots in the sport’s culture and we’re thrilled to welcome the world’s best athletes to compete here. This event not only highlights the strength of our beach volleyball community and reflects the sport’s incredible momentum heading into a new era of growth and global connection, including the LA28 Summer Games.”
The tournament is the only U.S. event on the 2025 Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour schedule. The event will also include the Newport Beach Volleyball Invitational, a four-man showcase that combines AVP stars and hall of fame legends. Across both events combined, more than $500,000 in prize money will be up for grabs.
“The U.S. has long been a key destination for beach volleyball, both as a competitive stage and as a home to a passionate fan base,” said Stephanie Giardina, U.S. head at Volleyball World. “Hosting the Elite Beach Pro Tour in Newport Beach reflects just how strong this market is. We’re excited to create an experience that celebrates that legacy while inspiring the next generation of American beach volleyball fans.”
The return to California reflects a shared commitment by Volleyball World and USA Volleyball to elevate the sport. Fans will experience a festival with music, food and entertainment. General admission will be free, with premium hospitality and VIP experiences available for purchase.
“Returning the Elite Beach Pro Tour to the U.S. is a key step in our mission to globalise the sport,” said Guido Betti, chief business officer at Volleyball World. “By bringing world-class competition to iconic destinations like Newport Beach and activating through strong local partnerships, we’re building a stronger, more connected global community of fans.”
Sports
Princeton University
The Opening Ceremonies and first events of the 2028 Summer Olympic Games will begin three years from this week in Los Angeles. Did you hear the big news about Los Angeles ’28? No, it’s not that the track and field competition will be held the first week of the Games and the swimming competition will […]

The Opening Ceremonies and first events of the 2028 Summer Olympic Games will begin three years from this week in Los Angeles.
Did you hear the big news about Los Angeles ’28? No, it’s not that the track and field competition will be held the first week of the Games and the swimming competition will be held the second.
The swimming events, by the way, will be held in a pool that will be constructed in SoFi Stadium, the home of the Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers. This is similar to the 2024 Olympic Trials, which were held inside Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
The biggest story is, of course, the return of lacrosse to the Games as a medal sport. This will be the first time ever for women and the first time for men since 1908.
It won’t be the full-field lacrosse that you see in college. This will be the Sixes version, which is pretty much what it sounds like — smaller sides, smaller field, faster pace, higher scoring.
The final will be July 29, 2028. It will match the United States and Canada (there are few predictions of which TigerBlog is more certain).
Will there be Princeton representation? TB isn’t as sure about that as he is about the teams who will be in the final, but he’ll go with “yes” on that one.
Squash will also be a medal sport in 2028. Princeton alum Olivia Fiechter Weaver (who is married to former Tiger men’s lacrosse player Bobby Weaver) is currently the No. 4 ranked player in the world.
If you have a great memory, you might remember back to Oct. 19, 2012. What were you doing that day? If you were reading TigerBlog, you saw a guest entry from Julie Cerullo, then a senior on the Princeton women’s squash team.
What did she write about? You guessed — that squash should be an Olympic sport. You can read it HERE. This is part of her story:
On paper, squash meets all the criteria required of an Olympic sport in terms of its history, universality and popularity. It’s good for athletes’ health and would be relatively cheap to integrate. But squash will be competing against five other sports for one open berth in the 2020 games. The other aspirant sports are Karate, wushu (a martial art), roller sports, sport climbing and wake boarding, and it won’t get any easier beyond 2020 as lacrosse and mixed martial arts have announced their plans to seek Olympic status in the future. A possible bid by softball and baseball for reinstatement in 2020 further complicates the decision.
Princeton figures to be well-represented in Los Angeles, as it seems to be in every Summer Olympic Games. If you recall a year ago from Paris, Princeton athletes won three gold medals (Hannah Scott in rowing, Maia Weintraub in fencing, Nice Mead in rowing) and had 16 competitors in all.
The World University Games aren’t quite the Olympics, but they do provide some pretty diverse competition. They have been contested every other year since 1959 (the winter version began in 1960 and continues to the present), or pretty much every other year since 1959. For some reason, they were held in 1967, 1970 and then 1973 but have been back on the every-other-year schedule since, though the 2023 edition was cancelled after the host country, Russia, invaded Ukraine.
The Games were held in Moscow in the Soviet Union in 1973. Princeton women’s athletic pioneer Cathy Corcione won a gold and a silver there.
The 2029 version will be held in North Carolina, after a stop in South Korea in 2027. The only time to date that the United States has been the host nation for the summer Games was in 1993, when they were held in Buffalo.
The current World University Games began yesterday in are 12 Tigers from five countries and four sports who are currently competing in the current edition, which began yesterday in the Rhine-Ruhr Region of Germany.
You can see the schedule for the Tigers HERE.
The first Princetonians to kick things off will probably have already done so by the time you read this. They would be Chloe Fox-Gitomer in women’s team saber fencing and Jackson Hicke in men’s 3×3 basketball.
Hicke is part of an all-Ivy League team, as Hicke will be joined by Avery Brown (Columbia), Chandler Piggé (Harvard) and Nick Townsend (Yale).
Sports
Seacrest beat Foundation Academy to win 2013 FHSAA volleyball title
Jake Perper | Naples Daily News Seacrest seized the moment on Saturday. The Stingrays became the first volleyball team in Collier County to win a state championship. Seacrest defeated Winter Garden-Foundation Academy in a thrilling five-set match, 18-25, 25-16, 26-24, 22-25, 15-12, in the Class 2A state final at Silver Spurs Arena. “I’m very happy […]
Seacrest seized the moment on Saturday.
The Stingrays became the first volleyball team in Collier County to win a state championship.
Seacrest defeated Winter Garden-Foundation Academy in a thrilling five-set match, 18-25, 25-16, 26-24, 22-25, 15-12, in the Class 2A state final at Silver Spurs Arena.
“I’m very happy for the success of our team,” said Seacrest coach Jan Class, who’s been the head coach since Nov. 8 when Jolana Fowler was suspended by the school for not following ‘basic coaching protocols.’
“We worked very hard the last four months to reach this goal. I’m very proud of each of these girls.”
“We all just focused and buckled down,” Seacrest’s Valerie Gonzalez said. “At the end of the day we wanted it more. We fought hard. We never thought ‘We’re going to lose it’ and we just kept our heads up.”
Seniors Ashley Murano and Riley Gorman couldn’t stop smiling as they celebrated the historic victory.
“I couldn’t have wanted it any other way,” Murano said.
The intensity increased to an entire new level in the fifth and final set.
Trailing 10-7, the Stingrays (26-5) scored three straight points with Emily Hancock serving. Seacrest posted five of the seven final points to win it.
For the second straight year, the Lions’ season ended with a loss in the state title match.
“That was one of the best games I’ve ever been a part of,” Foundation coach Daniel Eleutiza. “It’s hard when you lose, but my girls played hard the entire time. They never quit. My girls played a masterpiece, but the problem is they did too.”
After the Lions took that three-point lead, a visibly upset Hancock slammed the gym floor, but she quickly bounced back.
“I get mad at myself for making errors, obviously,” Hancock said. “Before the last point of the game I was crying, and we hadn’t even won yet. It was so emotional. It all just came out of me.”
Freshman Marissa Murray made a key block to put the Stingrays up 14-10, and then sophomore Madison Cilk delivered a kill to win the championship.
Gonzalez finished with a match-high 27 kills, including two big kills in the final five points of the fifth set. Hancock was right there when Gonzalez wasn’t, adding 21 kills.
Murano had a match-high 40 assists and three kills. Gorman was active all afternoon with a match-high 21 digs.
“It’s a great way to end our senior year and our high school volleyball season,” Gorman said. “We got to be a part of history, which was great.”
Seacrest trailed 19-12 in the third set, but with Gonzalez serving, the Stingrays scored seven straight points to tie it up.
Sports
GB pair part of third place team at nationals
Bella Satterwhite and Estelle Reese, two big reasons while the Lady Dolphin beach volleyball team are the two-time state and national champions, helped Madsand White to a third place finish at the 2025 Beach Volleyball Clubs of America’s National Championships last week in Hermosa Beach, California. Madsand, based out of Plano, Texas, put two teams […]

Bella Satterwhite and Estelle Reese, two big reasons while the Lady Dolphin beach volleyball team are the two-time state and national champions, helped Madsand White to a third place finish at the 2025 Beach Volleyball Clubs of America’s National Championships last week in Hermosa Beach, California. Madsand, based out of Plano, Texas, put two teams into the semifinals of the […]
-
Motorsports2 weeks ago
Why Cosmetics are Making Up for Lost Time in Women’s Sports
-
Motorsports2 weeks ago
Team Penske names new leadership
-
Youtube2 weeks ago
🚨 BREAKING: NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander signs the RICHEST annual salary in league history
-
Sports1 week ago
New 'Bosch' spin
-
Sports24 hours ago
Volleyball Releases 2025 Schedule – Niagara University Athletics
-
College Sports2 weeks ago
MSU Hockey News – The Only Colors
-
Sports1 week ago
E.l.f Cosmetics Builds Sports Marketing Game Plan Toward Bigger Goals
-
Fashion3 weeks ago
USA vs. Ireland FREE LIVE STREAM (6/29/25)
-
College Sports3 weeks ago
IU basketball recruiting
-
College Sports5 days ago
Buford DB Tyriq Green Commits to Georgia