CEDAR CITY — Southern Utah University is looking for a new leader of its athletic department.
Doug Knuth announced he has resigned from his position as Southern Utah athletic director Tuesday morning three years into a tenure that featured highs and lows for the former embattled administrator at Nevada.
Knuth cited a need to be closer to his family in a statement from the university, adding that “it has been a privilege to work with the coaches, staff and student athletes. I couldn’t be more excited for the new opportunities that are coming.”
In a follow-up post from his personal account on social media platform X, Knuth noted the Thunderbirds’ “record fundraising” as well as an “all-time best academic and APR marks” and “new and renovated facilities with more coming soon.”
In three years under Knuth’s leadership, the university achieved its highest-ever APR score with a department-wide average of 985 and five teams earning a perfect 1,000.
The Flippin’ Birds’ gymnastics team won back-to-back MPSF championships following the dissolution of the Mountain Rim Gymnastics Conference, sweeping every major award this past year, and Thunderbird women’s basketball won the WAC regular-season and tournament titles in 2023 to clinch the program’s first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance.
The university also installed a new artificial turf softball field, renovated the basketball and volleyball practice gym, a new soccer stadium, and a “state-of-the-art track throws area” at Eccles Coliseum.
more coming soon, new partnership with healthcare, conference championships, and much more. All of that in 3 years. 💪 I’ve been away from my wife and kids for 3 years. It’s time to be closer to them, and I couldn’t be more excited for the opportunities that are coming soon. DK
But Knuth’s departure is the second resignation from Southern Utah athletics in June, and comes eight days after head volleyball coach Kacey Nady resigned following four years with the school. In a news release, Knuth called the resignation “a great opportunity to identify a coach who can bring a new competitive vision to SUU volleyball,” which won 29 matches in four years.
The third-year athletic director who was under contract through December following stops at Nevada and the University of Utah also had a tumultuous end to his time in Cedar City. The university was under a department-wide Title IX investigation, as first reported by Action Network’s Brett McMurphy — an investigation Knuth publicly denied even as university officials told KSL.com that it “takes all reports seriously” while declining to address any specific allegations.
The investigation followed Knuth’s time in Reno, where he was a central figure in four Title IX investigations at Nevada during a long-term investigation outlined by USA Today, including allegations of disparaging comments about pregnant women and an alleged inappropriate relationship with an assistant cheer coach.
One of Knuth’s top assistants, deputy athletic director and operating officer Marie Tuite, was also involved in several investigations during her time as an administrator in San Jose State, as reported by Sportico.
Among other allegations, the veteran college sports administrator was accused of harboring a serial sexual abuser in the Spartans’ former longtime athletic trainer and retaliating against current and former employees who raised complaints, according to the report.
That complaint led to an investigation and a $1.6 million settlement with the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division. Southern Utah hired Tuite in 2023 following a “thorough vetting process,” according to a school spokesperson.
The school appointed retired Utah fifth judicial district judge Tom Higbee to serve as interim athletic director, beginning July 15.
“We are grateful for Doug’s time and commitment to SUU’s Athletic Department,” said president Mindy Benson in a statement. “We recognize Doug’s accomplishments on fundraising initiatives for facility improvements, strengthening the student-athlete experience, and building a vibrant game-day culture. We wish him well in his future endeavors.”
Southern Utah also finds itself in the middle of one of the latest waves of conference realignment, with the Western Athletic Conference soon to be down to just five member schools — SUU, Utah Tech, Abilene Christian, UT Arlington and Tarleton State — when Utah Valley joins the Big West next July.
Tarleton, which has openly stated ambitions of moving to the Football Bowl Subdivision of NCAA Division I, is also reportedly a leading candidate to join Conference USA if several expected waves continue to hit college sports, including the Pac-12’s reported heavy interest in Texas State out of the Sun Belt, according to ESPN and others. Louisiana Tech from CUSA is seen as the leading candidate to replace the Bobcats in the Sun Belt.
Southern Utah University fans cheer during a football game. The university announced Tuesday that athletic director Doug Knuth was resigning to be closer to his family. (Photo: Courtesy: SUU Athletics)
The Key Takeaways for this article were generated with the assistance of large language models and reviewed by our editorial team. The article, itself, is solely human-written.
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.
Oral Roberts University is seeking applicants for the position of Assistant Women’s Volleyball Coach. The Assistant Women’s Volleyball Coach provides significant assistance in the development and implementation of the Department’s mission to “Develop Whole Person Champions”. This includes implementing programs at the direction of the Head Women’s Volleyball Coach, the Director of Athletics and the University President that promote Spiritual, Academic, Athletic and Social Development of the Women’s Volleyball student-athletes.
Assists with organizing team practice and schedule
Assists with recruiting process under direction of Head Coach
Monitors student-athletes class attendance, study hall, and grades
Assists with scheduling and team travel
Maintains records of participation and other compliance related matters
Responsible for the maintenance and accountability of equipment (i.e. uniforms, game equipment)
Other duties as assigned
A Bachelor’s degree is required.
Candidates with coaching experience at the Division I level are preferred. Those with playing experience at the same level or internationally will also be favored.
A thorough and demonstrated knowledge of recruiting practices and NCAA rules is critical, including successful completion of the annual certification requirements to recruit as designated by NCAA legislation
Excellent organizational, communicative, and time management skills as well as the ability to take on multiple tasks and work independently or in a team setting are needed.
The candidate must be willing to work nights, weekends and some holidays as well as be available for extensive travel.
Maintain Current Certification in First Aid, CPR and AED, if not currently certified upon hire, ORU will provide certification opportunity that must be completed within 30 days of first date of employment
Adhere to ORU Honor Code for Faculty, Staff and Students
About Oral Roberts University
Oral Roberts University is a non-profit organization whose staff and faculty actually make a difference in the lives of its students. We pride ourselves in our culture and the values we uphold. Our team is passionate about what we do, and we want you to make us even better! Oral Roberts University Athletics mission is to “Develop Whole Person Champions”. This is done by focusing on developing Intellectually Alert, Athletically Excellent, Socially Developed and Spiritually Alive student-athletes.
