Sports

Women’s Track and Field Sweeps Annual Illinois Athletic Awards for Second-Straight Season

Published

6 months ago

June 27, 2025

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – The Fighting Illini women’s track and field team has won all three University of Illinois Annual Athletic Awards including Athlete, Newcomer and Freshman of the Year as voted on by Illinois head coaches and DIA executive staff for the second-consecutive season.

Long jumper Tacoria Humphrey earned the title of Dike Eddleman Female Athlete of the year on the heels of earning All-America honors and Big Ten Champion status during both the indoor and outdoor seasons.

She won her Big Ten Indoor title with the third-furthest long jump in NCAA Indoor history, 6.94m (22-9 1/4). This mark is also the Big Ten, program and B1G Indoor Championships record. Following this performance she was named to The Bowerman Watch List, only the third Illini woman ever to be named to that prestigious list. She finished the indoor season with a silver medal at the NCAA Indoor Championships, the highest finisher ever in program history.

In the outdoor season she won her second-consecutive Big Ten Outdoor title to become a three-time Big Ten Champion. At the NCAA Outdoor Championships, she became an All-American in her fourth-place finish which is the highest finish in program history. She’s only the program’s second All-American in the event as the last was 43 years ago with Becky Kaiser on Illinois’ first NCAA-qualifying team in 1982.

Humphrey is the fifth consecutive recipient from the Illini women’s track & field program to earn the Eddleman award, and the third of coach Petros Kyprianou‘s three-year tenure. She is the 23rd winner overall from track since the Illinois Female Athlete of the Year award was first presented in 1977. Track & Field has the most selections among Illini women’s sports programs.

Shot putter Abria Smith was named Illinois Newcomer of the Year from her incredible growth in her first year in the Illini throws program. Working with coach J.C. Lambert she improved her personal best by over three meters from 15.84m (51-11 3/4) to 18.92m (62-1). Her 18.92m heave is not only a program record, but it’s the 14th-furthest throw in NCAA Outdoor history.

She finished the outdoor season as the shot put national runner-up, throwing 18.85m (62-1 1/4), to become the highest finisher ever in program history. A month prior she became the Big Ten Outdoor Champion in the shot put throwing 17.95m (58-10 3/4), the program’s first B1G Outdoor Champion shot putter since Olympic medalist Ashley Spencer in 2009.

During the indoor season Smith earned All-America honors with her program-record throw of 17.99m (59-0 1/4) to place seventh at the NCAA Indoor Championships after a fourth-place finish at the Big Ten Indoor Championships with a mark of 17.87m (58-7 1/2).

Smith is the second consecutive member of the Illini women’s track & field program to earn Newcomer of the Year, joining 2024 honoree Darja Sopova.

Melissa Wullschleger was tabbed Illinois Freshman of the Year to go along with her Big Ten Freshman of the Year honor. She became a first-team All-American in the heptathlon with a program record 5,928 points in her fourth-place finish at the NCAA Outdoor Championships. She’s the program’s third-ever All-American in the event and the first since Carmel Corbett in 1996. As part of her school-record breaking score, Wullschleger also threw the program’s third-furthest javelin, 44.20m (145-0), to propel her into the top-4 at the national meet.

A month prior to the national meet she took fourth in the heptathlon at the Big Ten Outdoor Championships with 5,749 points. During the indoor season she placed seventh in the pentathlon at the Big Ten Indoor Championships with the program’s fourth-highest score of 3,984 points.

Wullschleger is the 11th Freshman of the Year for the Illinois women’s track & field program and the second-consecutive one following teammate Elizabeth Ndudi’s selection in 2024.

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Dallas Pulse set to make history in season opener at Comerica Center

Published

52 minutes ago

January 2, 2026

Your Sports Nation

North Texas’ first women’s professional volleyball team will officially launch its inaugural season on Saturday, Jan. 10.

DALLAS — For North Texas volleyball fans, Saturday’s season opener represents more than just a first serve, it’s the beginning of something the region has been waiting for.

The Dallas Pulse, the region’s first women’s professional volleyball team, will open its inaugural season Saturday, Jan. 10, hosting the Indiana franchise at Comerica Center in Frisco.

The matchup marks the first Major League Volleyball game played by a Dallas-based team and is a milestone moment for the metroplex.

The Pulse will play 14 home matches during the 2026 Major League Volleyball season, giving local fans a consistent opportunity to support a women’s pro team built in their own backyard.

Saturday, Jan. 10 – Indy
Thursday, Jan. 15 – San Diego
Thursday, Feb. 5 – Omaha
Sunday, Feb. 8 – Grand Rapids
Thursday, Feb. 19 – Indy
Sunday, Feb. 22 – Grand Rapids
Friday, Feb. 27 – Orlando
Friday, March 13 – Columbus
Sunday, March 15 – Atlanta
Saturday, March 21 – San Diego
Thursday, March 26 – Atlanta
Friday, April 17 – Columbus
Friday, May 1 – Omaha
Sunday, May 3 – Orlando

Leading the team into its first season is head coach Shannon Winzer, who was named to the role in September. The January debut places Dallas at the center of the league’s early growth as women’s professional volleyball continues to gain momentum nationwide.

The timing feels right for North Texas. The region has long been a volleyball hotbed, producing elite athletes through nationally recognized club programs, championship high school teams and top-tier collegiate programs. Until now, many of those players, and the fans who followed them, had no local professional team to rally behind.

Dallas Pulse leadership told WFAA that they hope to change that.

Season ticket deposits are currently open, and the Pulse holds the No. 1 overall pick in the Major League Volleyball Draft scheduled for Nov. 24, giving the team a chance to add a cornerstone player ahead of its debut season.

Major League Volleyball is also preparing for future growth, announcing plans to add expansion teams in Washington, D.C. and Northern California in 2027.

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Iola outside hitter takes top honor on Texas 2A all-state volleyball team | APG State News

Published

1 hour ago

January 2, 2026

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Sports

Tritons Set for Preseason North American Challenge

Published

3 hours ago

January 2, 2026

Your Sports Nation

LONG BEACH, Calif. — UC San Diego men’s volleyball will prepare for the upcoming season with four exhibitions this weekend as part of the North American Challenge. The event will be hosted by Long Beach State on Friday and Sunday at the LBS Financial Credit Union Pyramid.

The Tritons will play two Canadian sides, Alberta and Calagry. They will play each team once on both days of the challenge.

SCHEDULE

Friday, Jan. 2

2 PM – vs Calgary

4:30 PM – vs Alberta

Sunday, Jan. 4

12:30 PM – vs Alberta

3 PM – vs Calgary

Live stats for all four matches will be available HERE. Fans interested in attending matches can purchase tickets through Long Beach State HERE.

UP NEXT
The Tritons open the 2026 season at home next Tuesday, Jan. 6. Jessup will visit LionTree Arena for a match that begins at 7 PM.

About UC San Diego Athletics
After two decades as one of the most successful programs in NCAA Division II, the UC San Diego intercollegiate athletics program has begun a new era as a member of The Big West in NCAA Division I. The 24-sport Tritons earned 30 team and nearly 150 individual national championships during its time in Divisions II and III and helped guide 1,400 scholar-athletes to All-America honors. A total of 83 Tritons have earned Academic All-America honors, while 39 have garnered prestigious NCAA Post Graduate Scholarships. UC San Diego scholar-athletes exemplify the academic ideals of one of the world’s preeminent institutions, graduating at an average rate of 90 percent, the highest rate among public institutions in NCAA Division I or II. For more information on the Tritons, visit UCSDtritons.com or follow UC San Diego Athletics on social media @UCSDtritons.

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Sports

Long Beach State Men’s Volleyball Hosts The North American Challenge

Published

3 hours ago

January 1, 2026

Your Sports Nation

LONG BEACH, Calif. – With the season just around the corner, the Long Beach State Men’s Volleyball team will host the North American Challenge, a preseason exhibition tournament featuring four teams from the United States and Canada. The two-day event will take place Friday, January 2, and Sunday, January 4, with matches held at the LBS Financial Credit Union Pyramid.

Joining the Beach in the tournament are UC San Diego, Calgary, and Alberta, bringing together a competitive mix of NCAA and U SPORTS programs for early-season action. The tournament will feature eight total matches across the two days, providing fans with a full slate of high-level volleyball.

Schedule
Friday, January 2

Time	Matchup (Home vs. Away)
11:30 AM	Long Beach State vs. Alberta
2:00 PM	UC San Diego vs. Calgary
4:30 PM	UC San Diego vs. Alberta
7:00 PM	Long Beach State vs. Calgary

Sunday, January 4

Time	Matchup (Home vs. Away)
10:00 AM	Long Beach State vs. Calgary
12:30 PM	UC San Diego vs. Alberta
3:00 PM	UC San Diego vs. Calgary
5:30 PM	Long Beach State vs. Alberta

Following each match, a Player of the Match from each team will be recognized. At the conclusion of the tournament, an All-Tournament Team will be selected.

Tickets can be purchased HERE.

Live statistics for all matches will be available via BeachLiveStats.StatBroadcast.com.

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Pitt volleyball | Panthers add Kentucky MB Jordyn Dailey

Published

4 hours ago

January 1, 2026

Your Sports Nation

Pitt received a commitment from former Kentucky middle blocker/right-side hitter Jordyn Dailey.

Dailey is a redshirt sophomore and will have two years of eligibility. The 6-foot-2 North Carolina native racked up 188 kills, 116 blocks and 42 digs over the past two seasons. Dailey recorded 142 kills, 82 blocks and a .314 hitting percentage in 2024. Her numbers dipped to 46 kills, 34 blocks and a .211 hitting percentage in 2025.

Pitt lost middle blocker Ryla Jones to Penn State through the transfer portal.

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Kats sign six to 2026 roster

Published

4 hours ago

January 1, 2026

Your Sports Nation

HUNTSVILLE – The Sam Houston volleyball program and head coach Brenda Gray announced the signing of six student-athletes to play for the Bearkats for the 2026 season.

The signing class consists of outside hitters Annika Brooks, Brenlin Garlitz, Justice Rachal, Kameron Rector, Lauren Pyle and Sarah Odell.

“All of these young ladies bring a passion and energy that Sam Houston Volleyball thrives upon,” head coach Brenda Gray said. “They all come with numerous accolades both on the court and in the classroom.”

Annika Brooks • 6-3 • RS • Halletsville, Texas • Sacred Heart Catholic School / Blinn College

Blinn College

– 2025 second team all-conference selection

Ovilla Christian School

– 2021 second team all-district selection as freshman

– 2022 first team all-district selection as a sophomore

– 2022 honorable mention all-area

– 2023 first team all-district selection as a junior

– 2023 TAPPS first team all-state selection

– 2023 honorable mention all-area selection

– 2023 TAPPS academic all-state selection

– 2024 first team all-district selection as a senior

– 2024 TAPPS first team all-state selection

– 2024 TAPPS academic all-state selection

Texas Tornadoes (Club)

– 17s bid to nationals

– 18s bid to nationals

Gray on Brooks …

“Annika brings size and a blocking presence to our game on the right side. We are so fortunate to have her join us this spring.”

Brenlin Garlitz • 5-10 • S • Waxahachie, Texas • Ovilla Christian School

Ovilla Christian School

– 2022 TAPPS second team all-district selection as freshman

– 2023 TAPPS first team all-state

– 2024 TAPPS first team all-state

– 2024 Ellis County All-Star Team

– 4-time state champion

Texas Advantage Volleyball (Club)

– NRG 15s bid to nationals

– NRG 16s bid to nationals

– TAV 18s Black: 5th at nationals

Gray on Garlitz …

“We are excited to bring in a dynamic setter to help run our floor. Brenlin runs a quick offense and brings a passion and love for the game that is undeniable.”

Justice Rachal • 5-8 • OH • Cypress, Texas • Bridgeland HS

Bridgeland HS

– 2-time first team all-district selection

– District Offensive Player of the Year

– AVCA Phenom Watch List

– 2-time academic all-district selection

– GHVCA postseason second team choice

– 2023 honorable mention all-district selection

TAV Houston (Club)

– GJNC 16U all-tournament team (Liberty)

– GJNC Third place 17 American

– GJNC 17U all-tournament team (American)

Gray on Rachal …

“Justice will be a crowd favorite from the start. She has a contagious energy and a vertical leap that will add to the excitement on the outside position.”

Kameron Rector • 5-11 • OH • Midlothian, Texas • Midlothian HS

Midlothian HS

– 2023 District Utility Player of the Year

– 2024 Academic All-District selection

– 2025 district MVP

Mad Frog (Club)

– Girls Junior National Championship

– All-Tournament team

– 16 & Under USA Tournament

Gray on Rector …

“Kameron is just so solid all around and will bring a defensive prowess and ball control that a team always needs to continue their success.”

Lauren Pyle • 5-8 • S • Longview, Texas • Hallsville HS / Tyler JC

Tyler JC

– 2025 Region XIV Setter of the Year

Hallsville HS

– 2021 first team all-district selection

– 2021 honorable mention all-state

– 2022 District Setter of the Year

– 2022 all-state selection

– 2023 District MVP

– 2023 All-East Texas Player of the Year

– 2023 all-state selection

– 2023 academic all-state selection

East Texas Alliance (Club)

– 17s bid to nationals

– Won Lonestar Classic

Gray on Pyle …

“It is good for us to get an experienced floor leader on the roster and we are excited to have her join us in the spring to begin running our offense and bring her expertise that she delivered in junior college”.

Sarah Odell • 5-11 • OH • Tomball, Texas • Tomball HS

Tomball HS

– 2023 first team all-District 15-6A selection

– 2024 and 2025 District 15-6A Outstanding Offensive Player of the Year

– 2024 and 2025 first team all-District 15-6A

– 2024 and 2025 academic all-District 15-6A

– Played club at North Houston Elite Volleyball

Gray on Odell …

“There is an explosiveness to the outside that is needed in this league, which Sarah immediately gives us as a complete, six-rotation player who will help balance our offense.”