BEREA, Ohio – The Baldwin Wallace University men’s volleyball team, led by sixth-year head coach Kyle Mars, has been voted No. 15 in the American Volleyball Coaches Association Division III Preseason Poll and second in the Midwest Collegiate Volleyball League Preseason Coaches Poll.

AVCA

The Yellow Jackets ranked as high as No. 12 in the 2025 season after only receiving votes in the 2025 preseason poll. That was their highest ranking in program history. BW will start this season ranked ahead of every MCVL team. However, the Jackets will face six ranked non-conference opponents before they begin conference play; No. 17 St. John Fisher (N.Y.), No. 13 UC Santa Cruz (Calif.), No. 20 Misericordia (Pa.), No. 3 Juniata (Pa.), No. 5 Messiah (Pa.), and No. 16 Hobart (N.Y.).

MCVL

BW was ranked first in the preseason poll for the 2024 and 2025 seasons after winning the MCVL title in 2023 and losing in the MCVL postseason to the champion in 2024. The 2025 Yellow Jackets fell to the Mount Union Purple Raiders in the MCVL Championship 2-3. Mount Union is ranked first with 75 points and five first-place votes, and BW came in very closely behind with 74 points and three first-place votes. Wittenberg also received first-place votes with two while getting 68 points for third place. The Brown and Gold finished runner-up in the MCVL Championship with a 19-11 regular season record and 6-2 conference record in 2025.

2026 Midwest Collegiate Volleyball League Preseason Coaches Poll

 

Up Next

• Men’s volleyball will kick off their season at the Grove City (Pa.) College Tri-Match against Grove City and Elizabethtown (Pa.) in a double-header on Saturday, January 17.

Behind The Mic provides a roundup of recent news regarding on-air talent, including new deals, departures, and assignments compiled from press releases and reports around the industry. In this week’s edition, NBC continues to share the updated Milan Cortina broadcast and announcing team; ESPN hosted a star studded Christmas Eve NBA game featuring talent from across shows; and more.

NBC Olympics Announces 82 Commentators For Coverage Of The Milan Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games

ESPN Announces Australian Open 2026 On-Air Talent Lineup

ESPN announces its on-air commentator lineup today for the 2026 Australian Open, delivering comprehensive coverage of the season’s first Grand Slam with every match available all in one place on the ESPN App.

Katie George will serve as host during the first week of the tournament, with Malika Andrews as host for the second, including the championship weekend.

Calling the matches across ESPN networks will be a distinguished team of play-by-play voices including Chris Fowler, Chris McKendry, Patrick McEnroe, Jason Goodall and Mike Monaco. Match and studio analysis will be handled by an accomplished roster of former players including John McEnroe, Chris Evert, Caroline Wozniacki, Mary Joe Fernandez, James Blake, Sam Querrey, Chris Eubanks and CoCo Vandeweghe.

Kris Budden will report from Melbourne Park, delivering on-site updates, interviews, and feature storytelling throughout the tournament.

“We’re excited about our Australian Open 2026 talent lineup,” says Linda Schulz, Vice President of Production, ESPN. “The goal was to combine strong storytelling with trusted voices. We are especially thrilled to welcome longtime tennis fan and accomplished host, Malika Andrews. With the addition of Andrews and Eubanks, and the return of Wozniacki, our coverage will provide a vast perspective on the sport of tennis.”

ESPN Deportes commentators Luis Alfredo Alvarez, Jose Luis Clerc, Eduardo Varela and Daniel Orsanic will call matches in Spanish, with Agostina Larroca reporting.

The 2026 Australian Open begins with the qualifiers January 11-15. The main draw runs January 17-28, followed by semifinal matches on January 29 and 30. The women’s singles championship will be contested on January 31, with the men’s singles championship on February 1.

ESPN’s Australian Open coverage will feature live match action, studio programming, and in-depth analysis across platforms, with every match will streaming on the ESPN App via ESPN DTC or Pay TV authentication.

Meet The Broadcast Team – Courtney Thompson & Shelby Coppedge Lead USA Sports’ League One Volleyball (LOVB) Coverage On Usa Network Starting This Wednesday Night, Jan. 7

NBC Olympics SportsDesk Reporters Based in Milan, Cortina, and Livigno to Cover XXV Olympic Winter Games

NBC Olympics announces its SportsDesk reporters – based in the competition regions of Milan, Cortina, and Livigno — for the XXV Olympic Winter Games, led by Mary Carillo, in her 14^th NBC Olympics assignment (17^th overall Olympics).

Carillo will be based in Milan (which features competition in figure skating, speed skating, short track, and ice hockey), joined by co-anchor of “Weekend TODAY” and NBC News chief White House correspondent Peter Alexander, two-time Paralympic gold medalist Ezra Frech, Olympic figure skating bronze medalist Adam Rippon, and NBC News correspondent Anne Thompson.

NBC News correspondent Sam Brock will report from Livigno (freestyle skiing and snowboarding competitions), while NBC News NOW anchors Gadi Schwartz and Savannah Sellers will be based in Cortina (alpine skiing, curling, bobsled, skeleton, and luge competitions). The Opening Ceremony of the Milan Cortina Olympic Winter Games is Feb. 6, 2026, on NBC and Peacock.

SportsDesk reporters will cover various venues and locations throughout the Games and will contribute to features on a variety of platforms.

SPORTSDESK REPORTERS:

Peter Alexander (Milan)

• In his fifth Olympic assignment with NBCUniversal. Previously covered the 2008 Beijing Olympics, the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, the 2016 Rio Olympics, and the 2022 Beijing Olympics.
• Current chief White House correspondent and a weekend TODAY Show co-anchor celebrated working for NBC News for 20 years in 2024. Alexander is a Walter Cronkite Award recipient for excellence in political journalism.

Sam Brock (Livigno)

• Third NBC Olympics assignment, previously serving as a correspondent at the 2024 Paris Olympics and 2022 Beijing Olympics.
• A correspondent for NBC News since 2019, currently based in New York. Has been with NBCU since 2012, covering a wide range of national and international stories.
• Prior to his role as a national correspondent, Brock worked as a morning news anchor and San Francisco-based reporter for NBC. His work in local news earned him an Emmy in 2012.

Mary Carillo (Milan)

• 17^th Olympic assignment overall and 14^th with NBCUniversal, most recently as a correspondent and play-by-play voice for tennis and marathon swimming events for 2024 Paris Olympics and Tokyo Olympics.
• At 2014 Sochi Olympics was the host and interviewer for a primetime 20-year retrospective documentary on Olympic figure skaters Nancy Kerrigan and Tonya Harding. She also called the women’s gold medal tennis match between Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova at the 2012 London Olympics. She hosted NBC’s late night Olympic coverage and the 2010 Vancouver Olympics and 2008 Beijing Olympics.
• A three-time recipient of the Peabody Award and three-time Sports Emmy winner, Carillo debuted as a full-time Olympic host on Bravo’s coverage in addition to anchoring USA Network’s live, Grand Slam-style coverage of the tennis gold medal finals at the 2004 Athens Games. Joined NBC in 2003 as an analyst on the network’s French Open and Wimbledon coverage. Carillo’s first Olympics assignment was as the skiing reporter for CBS at the 1992 Albertville Olympics.
• Last month, Carillo was elected to the International Tennis Hall of Fame in the Contributor Category, which recognizes individuals who have made a transcendent impact on the sport.  She will be inducted in Newport, Rhode Island in August 2026. Carillo served as an analyst for NBC’s coverage of the French Open for 22 consecutive years from 2003-2024. Played on the professional tennis tour from 1977-80. Teamed with childhood friend John McEnroe and won the 1977 French Open mixed doubles title.

Ezra Frech (Milan)

• Makes NBC Olympics debut at Milan Cortina Olympics, and is first Paralympian to serve as an NBC Olympics commentator for Winter Games Coverage.
• Won two gold medals at the 2024 Paralympics in Paris, winning the 100m dash and the T63 high jump with a Paralympics record clearance of 6-4.25 (1.94m). At the World Para Athletics Junior Championships in 2019, took first place in the high and bronze medals in the long jump and 100m, his first international competition. Also won gold at the 2023 Para Athletic World Championships in the high jump.
• Enrolled at USC as a track and field athlete, competing in high jump, long jump and sprinting events. Inaugural recipient of the Swim with Mike Foundation’s Amir Ekbatani Paralympic Scholarship, awarded to a Paralympian attending USC or UCLA.

Adam Rippon (Milan)

• Third NBC Olympics assignment, previously serving as a correspondent for 2024 Paris Olympics, and Twitter host for Tokyo Olympics.
• Has served as an analyst on NBC Sports’ figure skating coverage, and served as analyst on world feed of U.S. Figure Skating Championships.
• A figure skating bronze medalist in the team event at the 2018 PyeongChang Olympic Winter Games, Rippon was the 2016 U.S. national champion, the 2010 Four Continents champion, and the only man to win back-to-back world junior titles (2008-09).

Gadi Schwartz (Cortina)

• Serves as a reporter in his fourth Olympic assignment. Previously he served as a reporter at 2024 Paris Olympics, 2018 PyeongChang Olympics, and in his NBC Olympics debut in Rio in 2016.
• Anchor of Stay Tuned on NBC News NOW and correspondent based in Los Angeles since 2016. He also reports for all NBC News platforms, including NBC Nightly News and TODAY.

Savannah Sellers (Cortina)

• Serves as a SportsDesk reporter in Cortina, her second Olympic assignment with NBCUniversal.
• An anchor and correspondent at NBC News co-anchoring Morning News NOW on NBC News NOW and co-host of Stay Tuned, NBC News’ program on Snapchat’s Discover platform, was previously a correspondent for NBCUniversal’s coverage of the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics.
• An Emmy Award winner for NBC Nightly News series Hooked: America’s Heroin Epidemic and received the 2022 Gracie Award for Online Video Host.

Anne Thompson (Milan)

• Returns for seventh NBC Olympics assignment after serving as a correspondent at the 2024 Paris Olympics, a reporter in Beijing, Tokyo, PyeongChang and Rio. She also worked at the 2014 Sochi Olympics for NBC News.
• NBC News correspondent since 1997, her wide range of reports appear across all platforms of NBC News.
• Seven-time Emmy Award winner and received the prestigious Gerald Loeb Award and Alfred I. duPont-Columbia Journalism Award for her coverage of major events such as Hurricane Katrina.

Leigh Diffey Returns to Call Sliding Sports for NBCUniversal’s Coverage Of 2026 Milan Cortina Olympic Winter Games

“The voice of speed” Leigh Diffey and legendary bobsled analyst John Morgan headline NBC Olympics’ bobsled, luge, and skeleton commentating team for the XXV Olympic Winter Games in Italy, it was announced today. This will be Diffey’s seventh consecutive NBC Olympics play-by-play assignment (fourth consecutive calling sliding sports) and Morgan’s 12th consecutive Winter Games assignment (seventh consecutive with NBC Sports). The Opening Ceremony of the Milan Cortina Olympic Winter Games is Feb. 6, 2026, on NBC and Peacock.

Diffey and Morgan will be joined by analysts Erin Hamlin Hodge (bronze medalist in luge at 2014 Sochi Olympics) and Bree Schaaf (2010 Vancouver Olympian in bobsled), with Britney Eurton serving as reporter in her Winter Games debut.

Play-by-Play

Leigh Diffey

• 7th NBC Olympics assignment (fourth consecutive Winter Games calling bobsled, luge, and skeleton).
• Previously called track & field at the 2024 Paris Olympics and Tokyo Olympics, and rowing at the 2016 Rio Olympics.
• Joined NBC Sports in 2013 and serves as the lead play-by-play voice of NBC Sports’ NASCAR Cup Series, SuperMotocross, IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, and track & field coverage. Previously served as lead play-by-play commentator on NBC Sports’ INDYCAR coverage (2013-2024) and called the Indianapolis 500 six times, as well as NBC Sports’ Formula 1 coverage (2013-2017).

Analysts

John Morgan

• Returns as a men’s bobsled analyst for his seventh consecutive Winter Games with NBC and 12th consecutive overall.
• Was a member of the U.S. National Bobsled Team member from 1978-79.

Erin Hamlin Hodge

• Second NBC Olympics assignment, previously serving as luge analyst for 2022 Beijing Olympics.
• Four-time Olympian who became first U.S. female luger to medal at a Winter Games (bronze in singles at the 2014 Sochi Olympics).
• Also a two-time world champion, four-time world medalist, and was the U.S. Flag Bearer in the Opening Ceremony at the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics. Her 2009 world championship in singles made her the first American woman to ever win a world title in luge.

Bree Schaaf

• Returns to NBC Olympics for a fourth consecutive Winter Games as a skeleton and women’s bobsled analyst.
• Competed for Team USA in bobsled in 2010 Vancouver Olympics and 2009, 2011, and 2012 World Championships. Also a former World Cup skeleton racer, competing at the 2007 World Championships.

Reporter

Britney Eurton

• 2nd NBC Olympics assignment; making Winter Games debut . Previously served as tennis reporter at 2024 Paris Olympics.
• Joined NBC Sports in 2017 and serves as a host and reporter for NBC Sports’ horse racing coverage, including the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, Royal Ascot, and the Breeders’ Cup World Championships.
• Has contributed to NBC Sports’ coverage of gymnastics and The National Dog Show. Serves as a reporter for NWSL games on Prime Video.

Jon Hamm to Host NFL Honors Presented by Invisalign

Jon Hamm, one of Hollywood’s most talented and versatile actors, will host the 15th annual NFL Honors presented by Invisalign, an Align Technology brand, on Thursday, Feb. 5 at the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco. The primetime awards special recognizing the standout performances and achievements on and off the field from the 2025 season will air live at 9 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. CT on NBC and NFL Network, with streaming available on Peacock and NFL+.

Prior to the award presentations, the NFL Honors Red Carpet Show presented by Invisalign will air at 8 p.m. ET on NFL Network leading up to NFL Honors. Local blackout restrictions may apply. The NFL Honors program will not air live in all time zones.

“Week after week, the NFL delivers performances that remind you why this game means so much to so many people,” says Hamm. “I’m honored to host an evening that celebrates the players, their immense talents and the unforgettable moments that defined this season.”

Hamm has earned numerous accolades for his nuanced portrayal of the high-powered advertising executive Don Draper on AMC’s award-winning drama series Mad Men, including an Emmy Award in 2015 for Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series, Golden Globe Awards in 2008 and 2016, Television Critics Association Awards in 2011 and 2015, a Critics’ Choice Television Award in 2011, as well as multiple Screen Actors Guild nominations. He has since built a body of work spanning television, streaming, animation and film as an actor and executive producer.

Hamm will return as executive producer and star of the Apple TV series Your Friends and Neighbors, set to premiere in April 2026. Also upcoming, Hamm will lead the highly anticipated live-action television series adaptation of the psychological thriller podcast, American Hostage, for MGM+ and he will be featured in the upcoming animated Pixar film, Hoppers, which will be released in March 2026.

“We’re thrilled to have Jon Hamm host NFL Honors, as we mark the show’s 15th year,” says Angela Ellis, NFL vice president of original content & entertainment. “His impressive acting career, passionate football fandom and overall charisma will create an unforgettable night that celebrates the very best of the league, from the performances on the field to the people and stories that define the season.”

NFL Honors debuted in 2012 and includes the announcement of the Associated Press’ annual accolades, the prestigious Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year presented by Nationwide and the newest Pro Football Hall of Fame Class presented by Novartis in the week leading up to Super Bowl Sunday.

The NFL is debuting a new Protector of the Year Award to honor the league’s best offensive lineman in 2025, which will be presented annually at NFL Honors. It is intended to spotlight an overlooked, yet essential role in the sport – the offensive linemen responsible for protecting the quarterback and blocking defenders. Top tackles, guards and centers will be considered for the award that was championed by Buffalo Bills tackle Dion Dawkins. The winner will be selected by a panel of former offensive linemen including LeCharles Bentley, Jason Kelce, Shaun O’Hara, Orlando Pace, Will Shields and Andrew Whitworth. The award is the only on-field award decided by Legends that played the position. The panel will select the recipient based on criteria including skills metrics, impact, leadership, durability and strength of the opponent.

ESPN Presented Star-Studded Five-Game NBA Christmas Day Slate Across ESPN and Disney Platforms

ESPN continued its annual NBA on Christmas Day tradition on Thursday, December 25, with 14 consecutive hours of live NBA coverage, featuring a blockbuster 5-game slate presented by State Farm available across ABC, ESPN and the new ESPN App, streaming via ESPN DTC or pay TV authentication.

Christmas games
The action tipped off at noon ET when the Cleveland Cavaliers, led by Donovan Mitchell, visited the newly-crowned 2025 NBA Cup Champion New York Knicks and reigning NBA Clutch Player of the Year Jalen Brunson. Fans experienced Dunk the Halls, ESPN’s second annual real-time, animated NBA game, available on ESPN2, ESPN App, Disney+, Disney Channel and Disney XD. Powered by Sony’s Beyond Sports technology, the alt-cast recreated the Cavaliers vs. Knicks game from Disney’s Magic Kingdom Park on the iconic Main Street, U.S.A., featuring returning animated commentators Drew Carter and Monica McNutt, with Daisy Duck reporting from the sideline.

The traditional broadcast of the Cavaliers vs. Knicks game aired simultaneously on ABC, ESPN, ESPN App and Disney+ with Ryan Ruocco calling the action alongside analyst Doris Burke and sideline reporter Jorge Sedano.

At 2:30 p.m., the San Antonio Spurs and Victor Wembanyama faced the defending NBA Champion Oklahoma City Thunder and reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in a highly anticipated NBA Cup semifinal rematch after San Antonio snapped Oklahoma City’s 16-game winning streak. Mark Jones provided play-by-play alongside analyst Jay Bilas and reporter Katie George.

At 5 p.m., the Dallas Mavericks and this year’s first overall pick Cooper Flagg visited the Golden State Warriors and two-time NBA MVP Stephen Curry in a showdown of rising talent and established superstar power. Dave Pasch called the game with analyst PJ Carlesimo and sideline reporter Malika Andrews.

Primetime featured a matchup of former MVPs and icons at 8 p.m., as the Houston Rockets and Kevin Durant visited the Los Angeles Lakers, led by LeBron James and league scoring leader Luka Dončić. Mike Breen called the action with analysts Richard Jefferson and Tim Legler, and sideline reporter Lisa Salters.

The Christmas Day slate concluded at 10:30 p.m., when the Minnesota Timberwolves and Anthony Edwards faced the Denver Nuggets, led by three-time NBA MVP and the league’s rebounding and assist leader Nikola Jokić, in a star-studded nightcap. Marc Kestecher provided play-by-play alongside analyst Stephanie White, with Alyssa Lang reporting from courtside.

NBA Tip-Off & Inside the NBA
NBA Tip-Off presented by Popeyes launched ESPN’s Christmas Day coverage with a one-hour show at 11 a.m. on ESPN, ESPN App and Disney+. Ernie Johnson, Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith and Shaquille O’Neal made their ESPN Christmas Day studio debut as they set the stage for the day’s NBA action, leading directly into the Cleveland Cavaliers vs. New York Knicks matchup which tipped at noon. Later in the day, Inside the NBA aired at 7:30 p.m. on ABC, ESPN and the ESPN App, with the iconic quartet providing their signature pregame analysis and commentary ahead of the primetime Houston Rockets vs. Los Angeles Lakers matchup. Both studio shows are produced by TNT Sports.

Hoop Streams
Hoop Streams presented by State Farm – ESPN’s digital NBA pregame show – hosted by Vanessa Richardson and featuring Dave McMenamin and Marc J. Spears, streamed on ESPN’s YouTube channel and Facebook page at 7:30 p.m., leading into the Houston Rockets vs. Los Angeles Lakers matchup.

ESPN Radio
ESPN Radio coverage began at 11:30 a.m. with Mike Couzens and Sarah Kustok leading into their call of the Cleveland Cavaliers vs. New York Knicks matchup. Immediately following the conclusion of that game, Ed Cohen and Cory Alexander took over to provide play-by-play and analysis for the San Antonio Spurs vs. Oklahoma City Thunder matchup at 2:30 p.m.

NBA Today: Christmas Special
ESPN tipped off its Christmas Week NBA coverage with NBA Today: Christmas Special, which aired Tuesday, December 24, from 2-4 p.m. ET on ESPN and the ESPN App. Hosted by Malika Andrews, who is joined by Kendrick Perkins, Marc J. Spears, Monica McNutt and Ramona Shelburne, the two-hour special delivered high-end storytelling with six ESPN-exclusive features, revealing untold stories and showcasing unique access across the league as the NBA’s biggest stars and moments take center stage ahead of Christmas Day.

In 2025, Steve Aird led Indiana to its first NCAA tournament since 2010 and even appeared in the Sweet 16. With first and second round wins right in his backyard at Wilkinson Hall in Bloomington, Aird and his Hoosiers defeated both Toledo and Colorado to advance to the second weekend before falling to Texas. Aird is one of the best coaches in college volleyball right now, by leading Indiana to its best season in program history and signing historic recruiting classes, waking what he once called “a sleeping giant.” 

It’s safe to say that Aird has awaken that sleeping giant. So much so that after the historic 2025 season Aird started his 2026 off with signing a contract to keep him coach of IU until 2031, IU announced on Tuesday.

But the first time I met him, in spring 2024, he was occupying a different role on campus: the interview subject for a sports media class, where we students were testing our on-camera presence. Aird was there with two of his players, Madi Sell, an experienced transfer from Missouri, and Reese Hazelton, a high school recruit turned December early enrollee. 

The three of them had been co-existing for no more than two months, and that made the big question to the two players obvious: “Why IU?”

Both Sell and Hazelton gave the same answers: glowing details about who Aird was as a human, not just a coach. Aird sat and listened to the praise in his trendy OVO sweatshirt, not even a smirk when hearing what his players think make him so special. 

Aird described Indiana as a place that could be nationally relevant in the volleyball world if things were simply done right. But there are many ways to do things right, and what’s most interesting about Aird is how he’s chosen to do them. 

Coming from national powerhouse Penn State, as a player turned graduate assistant, he knew what it would take to bring the Hoosiers from the gutter. From his first days at IU, he’s done everything his way, bringing in likeminded people to accomplish the ultimate likeminded goal, win. In 2025, now the big question isn’t “Why IU?” It’s “How high can IU go?”

“This to me is the start of very exciting times,” Aird said when I interviewed him in October.

* * *

Aird was born into a culture of loving sports north of America’s border in London, Ontario. But he suffered from bad asthma and was unable to play early in life. When sports finally became an option, basketball was the first real love for Aird. Then found his niche on a court with different lines, a ball that lacked color and a net with a negative connotation. 

But the ultimate theme here is, a male gravitated to a female sport, when in 2025 that trend tends to be the opposite.

Canada’s sports love mainly resides indoors; with courts and of course rinks. As a freshman in high school and predominantly a basketball player, Aird looked up to one of the (male) volleyball seniors, one of the better players in the country. That influence was the start of Aird’s volleyball career.

“That was the north star for me. So where as the American guys grow up and it’s the quarterback they want to emulate or the starting power forward. But for me volleyball was the show,” Aird said.

After a desire to be a sports agent and a business law degree at Penn State, Aird’s coach from his playing days for the Nittany Lions  wanted him to stay on staff as an GA. The decision to do so would pay off, leading Aird to his next gig at Auburn and then Indiana.

“I had a great opportunity to do it young, and fast forward I’m in my mid-forties and have been doing it for 25 years.” Aird said. 

Aird has seen a lot of changes in those 25 years and his time in the college game. When you think of college sports, national coverage mostly stems from football and men’s basketball. Also, the rarely occasional women’s basketball phenomenon that gravitates the world like Caitlin Clark. To many, that’s enough for college, people still need brainspace for professional sports as well. 

But over the past couple of years, I couldn’t help but notice conferences, like the Big Ten, have pushed for more and more volleyball coverage. This includes a primetime national TV slot on Saturdays and Sundays, but also a national broadcast during the week from time to time (right along with an increased social media presence). A predominantly female sport that just spews dopamine with every action in this high paced game. What could go wrong for these conferences? Well, nothing, the sport is drawing a ton of eyes online and in arenas.

The approval of N.I.L. laws incentivize wealthy schools in power conferences to push volleyball just as hard as the previously mentioned “powerhouse” and “coverage driven” sports. Schools like Indiana, are investing and trusting in people like Aird. A man with a strict plan, doing everything his way, through low lows early and the high highs of today.

* * *

Before each home game, Aird is welcomed with an abundance of cheers and claps as well as the “Crimson Chaos” student section chanting “Steve, Steve, Steve” after he both takes the floor and is introduced after the starters. In-game, Aird sits during most if not all points and does most of his coaching in between sets when teams switch ends. 

Most of the in-game tactical coaching and substitutions are done by assistant coaches Kevin Hodge and Matt Kearns. The two both call out defense strategy while facing serves by talking to the active players by standing in a position both in front of them but also on the sideline while holding a thick lawyer style note pad to where the serving opponents cannot see their mouths move.

With my two seasons of actually watching this team you tend to believe Aird when he says he is a “very” resilient human being. When he does coach, there is no screaming, there is no singling out, there is no one player’s fault. A win and lose both as a team attitude. 

“I will keep showing up and fighting every single day, like full stop,” Aird said.

Aird’s mentioned resilience and short memory for when things go wrong has helped him a lot during his coaching career. Specifically in 2023 where he felt his Hoosier squad was good enough and had sufficient wins to make the NCAA tournament. The idea about getting better and only looking toward “the next thing” served him well. 

“I think a lot of times when that happens to people they throw their hands up or they quit or they stop short just before the gold,” Aird said.

What Aird preaches remains consistent in every facet: surrounding yourself around good people who you trust, whether that’s players or coaches.

“Try to get the right people in the gym, try to get the right people on staff and then go after it like crazy,” Aird said. 

* * *

With the landscape of college sports forever fluid, Aird has had to take on a new way of business with recruiting and a program oriented in “the process.” The decision favors recruiting high schoolers over the transfer portal and vice versa, one of the main dilemmas for all coaches in today’s NCAA landscape.

“When we got here it was very much the old school. We got to recruit and build it slowly,” Aird said. “Portal recruiting is a lot like speed dating. You are trying to get to know somebody in five minutes.” 

Aird is not one to dwell on the negatives of this day and age, comparing it to a taxi driver being mad about Uber.

“You can’t be mad about what you don’t have,” Aird describes when discussing the new world of collegiate athletics and who it fortunes. “Indiana cares about us, they are doing a great job at trying to help us out,” Aird said.

“Steve is extraordinary because he puts his best foot forward in everything he does and is a great role model for us,” freshman Victoria Gray said to me in October. Gray owns a perfect perspective for this dilemma of recruiting. Due to her recent recruitment story and timeline, especially as a high schooler this time a year ago, Gray experienced this first hand. 

Aird took the time to recruit a high schooler over a possible seasoned vet with tournament experience, like the aforementioned Sell. 

Gray seemingly was manufactured to play for Aird, a volleyball superstar while also a finalist of Ms. Basketball in the state of Michigan. The way the recruiting process shook out, it seemed they both agreed with that statement.

“The first phone call we ever had was all over the place,” Gray said. “We rarely talked about volleyball it was ‘how my life was’ ‘ how my family was’, he cares about me,”

Gray’s words are the feelings of the entire roster and staff. Aird’s biggest win to date came on Nov. 2, 2025, taking down none other than his alma mater and national powerhouse Penn State in a dominant sweep.

To add onto Gray’s comments, others just scratching the surface of the program must feel the same way. On Nov. 12, Aird and Indiana signed its third top 15 recruiting class in the last six years. 

Plus, with the signing of his new contract, expect Indiana to be a power in Big Ten volleyball for the foreseeable future.

This story was originally written for Sports Writing with Craig Fehrman at the IU Media School. My thanks go out to Aird, Gray, Jared Rigdon, Craig Fehrman and Alex McCarthy for making this story possible.

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Key Takeaways

• Chase joins LOVB as founding partner across professional league and 87 youth clubs in 28 states
• Partnership delivers Chase Money Skills financial education to 24,000 athletes and 3,500+ coaches nationwide
• LOVB’s inaugural pro season generated 191 million social media impressions and sold-out matches
• Volleyball ranks as fastest-growing team sport for girls, with 46 million U.S. players and 900+ million globally
• Chase adds LOVB to sports portfolio including US Open, KPMG Women’s PGA Championships, and Golden State Valkyries

Partnership Scope and Scale

League One Volleyball announced Chase as a founding partner across its professional league and 87 youth clubs nationwide. The agreement makes Chase the official banking partner for an organization serving 24,000 athletes and more than 3,500 coaches across 92 locations in 28 states.

Chase joins LOVB’s partnership roster alongside other professional women’s sports properties including the US Open, KPMG’s Women’s PGA Championships, and the WNBA’s Golden State Valkyries. The bank also maintains partnerships with athletes including Alex Morgan and A’ja Wilson.

Financial Education at Center of Agreement

The partnership centers on Chase Money Skills, a financial education program that will reach LOVB athletes at youth and professional levels. The program provides tools, guidance, and mentorship designed to help athletes manage their financial futures.

“Having Chase join LOVB as a founding partner is a tremendous validation of the community we’re building and the momentum volleyball is having across the country,” said Michelle McGoldrick, Chief Business Officer for LOVB. “Chase’s dedication to supporting athletes at every stage mirrors our commitment to redefining what’s possible in women’s sports.”

Chase will also support LOVB coaches through educational forums including the LOVB Coaches Summit and LOVB Coaches newsletter.

LOVB’s Expanding Platform

LOVB enters its second professional season with athletes holding 23 Olympic medals, 101 All-American honors, and multiple NCAA championships. The league ranks as one of the top three women’s volleyball leagues globally.

The organization’s inaugural pro season drew substantial engagement, with sold-out matches, 191 million social media impressions, and 1.1 million fans watching Finals content. LOVB’s fan base skews 68% female, with strong representation across generations: 30% Millennial, 26% Gen X, and 21% Gen Z.

Volleyball continues its growth trajectory as the fastest-growing team sport for girls in the U.S., with 46 million domestic players and more than 900 million worldwide.

Strategic Positioning in Women’s Sports

Kate Schoff, Head of Sports & Entertainment Marketing at JPMorganChase, noted the alignment between LOVB’s athlete development pathway and Chase’s financial education goals. “Just as LOVB develops volleyball skills from youth to pro, Chase is committed to building lifelong financial skills that empower players at every stage of their journey,” Schoff said.

The partnership extends Chase’s presence across multiple women’s sports properties and creates access to a nationwide youth sports community through LOVB’s club network.

Growth Trajectory Continues

The Chase partnership provides LOVB with resources to scale its financial education programs while expanding its professional and youth operations. With volleyball’s participation numbers climbing and LOVB’s network spanning nearly 30 states, the organization has positioned itself at the intersection of youth sports development and professional competition.

The financial education component addresses a gap in athlete development programs, introducing money management skills early in athletes’ careers rather than waiting until professional contracts arrive.

via: LOVB

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About Youth Sports Business Report

Youth Sports Business Report is the largest and most trusted source for youth sports industry news, insights, and analysis covering the $54 billion youth sports market. Trusted by over 50,000 followers including industry executives, investors, youth sports parents and sports business professionals, we are the premier destination for comprehensive youth sports business intelligence.

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Are you a brand looking to tap into the world’s most passionate fanbase… youth sports?

Introducing Play Up Partners, a leading youth sports marketing agency connecting brands with the power of youth sports. We specialize in youth sports sponsorships, partnerships, and activations that drive measurable results.

About Play Up Partners

Play Up Partners is a leading youth sports marketing agency connecting brands with the power of youth sports. We specialize in youth sports sponsorships, partnerships, and activations that drive measurable results.

Why Sponsor Youth Sports?

Youth sports represents one of the most engaged and passionate audiences in sports marketing. With over 70 million young athletes and their families participating annually, the youth sports industry offers brands unparalleled access to motivated communities with strong purchasing power and loyalty.

What Does Play Up Partners Do?

We’ve done the heavy lifting to untangle the complex youth sports landscape so our brand partners can engage with clarity, confidence, and impact. Our vetted network of accredited youth sports organizations (from local leagues to national tournaments and operators) allows us to create flexible, scalable programs that evolve with the market.

Our Approach

Every partnership we build is rooted in authenticity and value creation. We don’t just broker deals. We craft youth sports marketing strategies that:

• Deliver measurable ROI for brand partners
• Create meaningful experiences for athletes and families
• Elevate the youth sports ecosystem

Our Vision

We’re positioning youth sports as the most desirable and effective platform in sports marketing. Our mission is simple: MAKE YOUTH SPORTS BETTER for athletes, families, organizations, and brand partners.

Common Questions About Youth Sports Marketing

Where can I sponsor youth sports? How do I activate in youth sports? What is the ROI of youth sports marketing? How much does youth sports sponsorship cost?

We have answers. Reach out to info@playuppartners.com to learn how Play Up Partners can help your brand navigate the youth sports landscape.

Youth sports organizations: Interested in partnership opportunities? Reach out to learn about our accreditation process.

A preview of the Case Western Reserve University varsity athletic events for the 11th week of the winter season (January 5-11) and a recap of the events from the winter break (December 8-January 4). Schedule is subject to change with updates posted on athletics.case.edu when they are known.

Last Week’s Recap

#21/#23 Wrestling (6-0)

• Won all three of their matchups at the Chocolate Duals hosted by Messiah University on December 20 and all three of their duals at UAA Challenge hosted by New York University on January 3
• CWRU defeated 22nd-ranked Ithaca 30-17, 19th-ranked Messiah 23-20, 11th-ranked Arcadia 31-16, Centenary 31-9, Gettysburg 25-17, and Johns Hopkins 27-16
• Seniors Art Martinez, Thomas Wagner, and Aidan Gassel, and first-year Hunter Keane all went 6-0 over winter break 

Men’s Basketball (3-0)

• Defeated Hiram 92-74 on December 10 on the road, Allegheny 85-65 on December 13 on the road, and Kalamazoo 97-80 on December 30 at home
• Sophomore guard Matthew Ellis led the Spartans in scoring against the Terriers and Gators, scoring 19 points against Hiram and dropping 25 against Allegheny
• Senior guard Anand Dharmarajan scored a career-high 30 points against the Hornets

Women’s Basketball (2-1)

• Defeated Oberlin 68-55 on December 29, lost to 23rd-ranked Baldwin Wallace 76-52 on December 30, and won 75-65 over Geneva on January 3
• Junior Mya Hartjes led all CWRU players with 19.7 points and 7.3 rebounds per game during the three contests, shooting 53.7% (22-of-41) overall, 52.0% (13-of-25) from three-point range, and converting both of her free throw attempts
• Hartjes and senior guard/forward Emily Plachta were each named to the All-Baldwin Wallace Holiday Classic Tournament Team with Plactha adding 16.0 points and 3.5 rebounds per game

Wednesday, January 7

Schedule

CWRU Men’s Basketball (7-3) at La Roche (3-9)

Pittsburgh, Pa. · Kerr Fitness & Sports Center

5:00 PM

Live Stats | Video 

Saturday, January 10

Schedule

CWRU Wrestling (8-2) vs. Manchester (3-4)

Claude Sharer Duals

Cleveland, Ohio · Horsburgh Gymnasium

12:30 PM

Live Results | Video | Digital Program

CWRU Men’s Basketball (7-3, 0-0 UAA) at Carnegie Mellon (8-3, 0-0 UAA)

Pittsburgh, Pa. · Highmark Center

1:00 PM

Live Stats | Video

CWRU Wrestling (8-2) vs. Mount Union (7-4)

Claude Sharer Duals

Cleveland, Ohio · Horsburgh Gymnasium

2:00 PM

Live Results | Video | Digital Program

CWRU Women’s Basketball (7-4, 0-0 UAA) at Carnegie Mellon (7-3, 0-0 UAA)

Pittsburgh, Pa. · Highmark Center

3:00 PM

Live Stats | Video 

The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa men’s volleyball team swept the Big West Weekly Awards following a dominant two-match victory over New Jersey Institute of Technology, January 2 and 4.

Kristian Titriyski was named Big West Offensive Player of the Week, while setter Tread Rosenthal earned both Setter of the Week and Defensive Player of the Week honors. Setter Magnus Hettervik rounded out the sweep as Freshman of the Week.

Titriyski averaged 3.83 kills per set and 5.17 points per set while hitting .439 in the series. He was the only player on either team to record double-digit kills across the two matches and added a team-best five service aces. The recognition marked his third career offensive honor and seventh overall weekly award from the conference.

Rosenthal totaled 11 blocks, averaging 1.83 per set, and directed an offense that hit a combined .517 with just 11 attack errors on 118 attempts. In the January 2 season opener, he tied his career high with eight blocks in a straight-set victory.

Hettervik, a freshman from Stavanger, Norway, made his collegiate debut in the second match, recording three assists and his first career service ace.

The Rainbow Warriors return to action, hosting No. 7 Loyola Chicago in a two-match series at Bankoh Arena at the Stan Sheriff Center, January 8 and 9.

Read more at Hawaiiathletics.com.