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Josh Heupel defies NIL trend by prioritizing values over $12M offer at Tennessee’s critical juncture

Heupel’s Moral Compass in the Age of NIL In an era where name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals dominate the landscape of college football, Josh Heupel stands out as a beacon of integrity. While other coaches scramble to secure top talent through lucrative financial incentives, Heupel has chosen to prioritize fundamental values over extravagant offers, […]

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Heupel’s Moral Compass in the Age of NIL

In an era where name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals dominate the landscape of college football, Josh Heupel stands out as a beacon of integrity. While other coaches scramble to secure top talent through lucrative financial incentives, Heupel has chosen to prioritize fundamental values over extravagant offers, embodying a commitment to the principles of the game and his program.

A Divergent Path in Recruitment

The college football recruiting scene has seen dramatic shifts, with coaches like Sherrone Moore offering staggering sums—such as a $12 million NIL deal—to entice top prospects like Bryce Underwood. This trend raises questions about the future of college athletics, where financial incentives can overshadow traditional recruitment strategies. Yet, Heupel’s approach diverges sharply from this norm. He has made it clear that while financial support is important, the core values of teamwork, discipline, and character remain paramount in his vision for the Tennessee Volunteers.

Heupel’s decision to halt recruitment efforts that compromise these values speaks volumes about his leadership philosophy. He understands that success in college football is not merely a matter of assembling a roster filled with high-profile names; it is about fostering a culture that cultivates growth, resilience, and mutual respect among players.

The Turning Point for Tennessee

As Tennessee navigates a critical juncture in its football program, Heupel’s steadfastness in maintaining a principled stance could prove transformative. The emergence of pressing roster concerns underscores the importance of building a cohesive unit rather than merely attracting talent for talent’s sake. In a sport that often prioritizes immediate gratification through financial incentives, Heupel’s vision represents a longer-term strategy that could yield sustainable success.

The challenges ahead for Tennessee are significant, yet they also present an opportunity for Heupel to reinforce his commitment to a values-driven program. By focusing on character and cohesion, he aims to cultivate a team that can not only compete on the field but also thrive as a community off of it.

Looking Ahead: The Broader Implications

Heupel’s approach raises essential questions about the future of college football. As the NIL landscape continues to evolve, will more coaches follow suit, prioritizing values over financial gain? The implications of Heupel’s choices extend beyond Tennessee, potentially influencing how programs across the nation approach recruitment and team culture.

In a world where the allure of wealth can overshadow the essence of sport, Josh Heupel’s commitment to integrity serves as a reminder of what truly matters in athletics. His journey with the Volunteers is not just about winning games; it is about shaping young men into responsible athletes and citizens. As the season unfolds, the impact of his values-driven approach will likely resonate beyond the field, setting a precedent for future generations in college football.



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PITTSTON AREA FIELD HOCKEY: Adonizio takes over as head coach

Marnie Adonizio is preparing the Pittston Area field hockey team in her first season as head coach after taking over for Kate Connors, who resigned. The varsity head coaching job is the second for Adonizio, but first within the district where she is a middle school teacher and has spent 10 years coaching junior […]

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Marnie Adonizio is preparing the Pittston Area field hockey team in her first season as head coach after taking over for Kate Connors, who resigned.

The varsity head coaching job is the second for Adonizio, but first within the district where she is a middle school teacher and has spent 10 years coaching junior high track and another coaching junior high field hockey.

Adonizio played field hockey at Holy Redeemer and West Chester University. She served as head coach for one season at Nanticoke and also spent time as an assistant coach at Misericordia University.

“Obviously, it’s difficult when you come in after a coach that has been there for so long,” Adonizio said. “A lot of the kids know her and a lot of the kids know what she expects. It’s hard to just barge right in and implement your own routine in that respect.

“I do think my assistant Abby Wruble and I — she played in college and played in high school and has coached within Pittston Area field hockey — bring a lot of field hockey knowledge from our own experiences. You just hope that the team is open and receptive to that.”

Adonizio welcomes a team that returns five seniors and two juniors who started a year ago. The team’s six freshmen may be responsible for filling the bulk of the openings.

Pittston Area went 11-3 last season and tied for second in Wyoming Valley Conference Division 2. The Patriots reached the District 2-4 Class 2A Subregional semifinals and finished 12-8 overall.

Karlie Podwika returns in goal. The other seniors returning are defenders Jenna Zaladonis and Callie Shannon and midfielders Guiliana Latona and Angie Stucco.

Forward Lola Serino and defender Grace Wolfe are the juniors who return to the lineup.

Pittston Area opens Saturday at home against defending District 2 Class 3A champion Wyoming Valley West, then begins its WVC season at Wallenpaupack Aug. 28.



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Former Boston College Soccer Player Signs With Celtic FC Women: The Rundown

Former Boston College women’s soccer player Aislin Streicek has signed with the Celtic FC Women in Scotland. The organization made the announcement on Saturday. “We are delighted to announce the signing of full-back, Aislin Streicek,” said Celtic FC Women via X. “The 22-year-old Canadian joins us after putting pen to paper on a two-year deal […]

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Former Boston College women’s soccer player Aislin Streicek has signed with the Celtic FC Women in Scotland.

The organization made the announcement on Saturday.

“We are delighted to announce the signing of full-back, Aislin Streicek,” said Celtic FC Women via X. “The 22-year-old Canadian joins us after putting pen to paper on a two-year deal with the club. Welcome to Celtic, Aislin.”

Here’s the Rundown for Sunday, August 17, 2025:

Women’s Soccer: Boston College vs. FDU | 1 p.m. ET | ACCNX | Live Video | Live Stats

Boston College men’s soccer played its final exhibition game of the preseason at UConn, however the final score was not revealed.

13 days.

“It is difficult to put into words all that Jerry York means to Boston College. His record as the winningest coach in NCAA men’s ice hockey and BC hockey speak for themselves, but it is his humility, decency, unwavering commitment to his players, fellow coaches, and all of us in the BC family, and the quiet ways in which he contributes to this community that make him so beloved. He is a legend and one of the classiest individuals to ever coach in college sports.”

– Pat Kraft

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Women's soccer triumphs in Bornhoffer's debut as head coach

Next Game: at Asbury University (Ky.) 8/23/2025 | 7 PM Aug. 23 (Sat) / 7 PM at Asbury University (Ky.) LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Steve Bornhoffer era has gotten off to a rousing start. On Sunday night at Owsley B. Frazier Stadium, the Bellarmine University women’s soccer team netted a pair of first-half goals and held firm […]

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Women's soccer triumphs in Bornhoffer's debut as head coach


Asbury University (Ky.)

Next Game:
at Asbury University (Ky.)
8/23/2025 | 7 PM

Aug. 23 (Sat) / 7 PM

at Asbury University (Ky.)

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Steve Bornhoffer era has gotten off to a rousing start.

On Sunday night at Owsley B. Frazier Stadium, the Bellarmine University women’s soccer team netted a pair of first-half goals and held firm defensively while pulling out a 2-0 victory in Bornhoffer’s debut as the head coach.

Senior forward Lucy von Stefenelli sank a penalty kick and senior defender Sidney Rigsby notched a goal for Bellarmine (1-0), which won for the first time in a season opener in the Division-I era. Sophomore midfielder Aubrey Bally collected an assist against the Redhawks (0-1).

Bally had a hand in both goals. In only the fourth minute, she drew a penalty in the box, which led to a successful PK attempt from Stefenelli.

In the 39th minute, Bally launched a free kick toward the center of the box. Rigsby rose high above the crowded area and popped a header from 8 yards out over the outstretched arms of the goalkeeper and inside the right post.

Anna Jenkins had made sure Bellarmine had the opportunity to take a 2-0 lead. In her Knights debut, the redshirt freshman thwarted a PK attempt by Kayla Perfect in the 21st minute. Jenkins racked up eight saves while posting the clean sheet.

Bellarmine’s defense never broke despite Miami’s 15-7 advantage in shots and 6-2 edge in corner kicks.

Bellarmine will play at 7 p.m. (ET) Saturday at Asbury.

For more coverage of Bellarmine athletics, follow BUKnights on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and Facebook.
 
 

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John Marshall grad Ole Fevold stands out in his return to the ice at Rochester Grizzlies camp – Post Bulletin

ROCHESTER — Ole Fevold graduated from John Marshall in June, already with two seasons of junior hockey under his belt. Sort of. Fevold, a star forward for the Rockets as a sophomore, then for the Century/JM co-op as a junior and senior, played for the Rochester Grizzlies before and after his final two seasons of […]

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ROCHESTER — Ole Fevold graduated from John Marshall in June, already with two seasons of junior hockey under his belt.

Sort of.

Fevold, a star forward for the Rockets as a sophomore, then for the Century/JM co-op as a junior and senior, played for the Rochester Grizzlies before and after his final two seasons of high school hockey.

Though he played in 31 total games with the Grizzlies over two seasons, that experience was designed with the 2025-26 season in mind. Not only did those games in the rugged North American 3 Hockey League prepare him for his final two high school seasons, they prepared him for this moment, when he’s set to begin his first full season of junior hockey.

“I can’t thank Veener enough for taking me in; it’s prepared me so much for the junior experience,” Fevold said of Tyler Veen, who was the Grizzlies coach the past two seasons, but is moving on to an assistant coaching job at Augsburg University. “It’s prepared me so well to be able to go out there and battle every single day.

“It’s definitely a faster pace (than high school hockey) and I’m a little bit of a smaller guy (5-feet-11, 180 pounds), so playing up against those bigger boys, you have to play a grittier game and protect yourself.”

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Fevold

The majority of the past two years, the standout power forward was playing through some discomfort, the result of a lingering injury he suffered in the Section 1, Class 2A playoffs in early 2024, just days before Century/JM played in the state tournament.

But, last spring, after helping the Grizzlies to within a victory of a trip to the Fraser Cup — the NA3HL’s national championship tournament — Fevold signed a tender agreement to play for the Austin Bruins in the North American Hockey League this season. And he had surgery to fix the lower-body injury.

Though he says he’s currently about 70-75%, Fevold was back on the ice over the weekend, skating in the Rochester Grizzlies’ main tryout camp, where close to 80 players were battling to earn a spot on the team’s roster for 2025-26. Fevold wore a non-contact jersey throughout the weekend, but he’s climbing closer and closer to full strength.

He also skated at Austin’s orientation camp two weeks ago.

Always one to play with a physical edge to his game, Fevold is counting down the days until he is cleared for contact.

“Everything feels good; unfortunately, I’m still no-contact, but I’m waiting for that clearance day — I think it’s late August, so it’s coming up,” said Fevold, who expects to bounce between practices with the Grizzlies and Bruins to start the upcoming season. “I’m excited just to get back on the ice and get to work.”

The Grizzlies open their regular season on Friday, Sept. 12, at the Wisconsin Woodsmen (Tomah, Wis.). Rochester’s home opener is set for 7 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 13, against the Woodsmen at the Rochester Recreation Center.

• Rochester native and former Grizzlies head coach Chris Ratzloff is set to start his first full season as the head coach of the Minnesota Wilderness, who like the Grizzlies, play in the NA3HL. Ratzloff left Rochester after the 2022-23 season to become the head coach of the Chippewa Steel in the NAHL. He was let go from that position halfway through last season, then he took over the Wilderness in late December. He led the Grizzlies to an NA3HL national championship in the spring of 2022.

• Rochester native Mike Aikens, a 1989 John Marshall graduate, will be a head coach again this season. Aikens spent the past three seasons as an assistant coach at Division I St. Lawrence University in Canton, N.Y., approximately 80 miles south of Ottawa. He’ll return for his second stint as head coach of the Anchorage Wolverines of the North American Hockey League. Aikens, who was an assistant coach for the Rochester Grizzlies from 2018-21, guided the Wolverines to a 41-21-8 overall record in 2021-22 and a national runner-up finish.

• Casey Mignone, the very first head coach of the Grizzlies, also has a new home for the 2025-26 season. Mignone was an assistant coach at Division I University of Alaska-Fairbanks the past two seasons. He’ll be the associate head coach with the Muskegon (Mich.) Lumberjacks in the USHL this season. The Lumberjacks also just hired Pat Maroon, a three-time Stanley Cup winner, as an assistant coach.





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Sam Pandolfo commits to BU

Sam Pandolfo has been a standout at Rivers for the last two seasons. (Brian Kelly/NEHJ) Surprise, surprise. Sam Pandolfo, son of Boston University bench boss Jay Pandolfo, committed to the Terriers on Sunday night. A native of Winchester, Mass., Sam Pandolfo will play for the U.S. National Team Development Program this coming season after being […]

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August 18, 2025

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Sam Pandolfo has been a standout at Rivers for the last two seasons. (Brian Kelly/NEHJ)

Surprise, surprise.

Sam Pandolfo, son of Boston University bench boss Jay Pandolfo, committed to the Terriers on Sunday night.

A native of Winchester, Mass., Sam Pandolfo will play for the U.S. National Team Development Program this coming season after being a top player at Rivers for the last two seasons.

Pandolfo has been a longtime member of the ’09 Boston Junior Eagles. As a 14U eighth grader, he was part of the trio with Carter Meyer (Winchester, Mass.) and Finn Sears (Medford, Mass.) to take prep by storm. In 2023-24, Pandolfo notched four goals and dished out 21 assists in 27 games, playing alongside Meyer and Sears.





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WOMEN'S SOCCER FALLS TO IONA 1

Next Game: at Niagara University 8/21/2025 | 7:00 P.M. Aug. 21 (Thu) / 7:00 P.M. at Niagara University New Rochelle, N.Y. – The Le Moyne College women’s soccer team were defeated 1-0 in its second game of the 2025 season against the Iona Gaels. Le Moyne (0-2)Starters: McPheron (GK), Calle, Sylstra, Courcy, Cookinham, Vigliotti, LeBlanc, Barhoumhi, Pietrzak, […]

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August 18, 2025

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WOMEN'S SOCCER FALLS TO IONA 1


Niagara University

Next Game:
at Niagara University
8/21/2025 | 7:00 P.M.

Aug. 21 (Thu) / 7:00 P.M.

at Niagara University

New Rochelle, N.Y. – The Le Moyne College women’s soccer team were defeated 1-0 in its second game of the 2025 season against the Iona Gaels. Le Moyne (0-2)Starters: McPheron (GK), Calle, Sylstra, Courcy, Cookinham, Vigliotti, LeBlanc, Barhoumhi, Pietrzak, Casey, Cutuli Iona (1-1)Starters: Rogers (GK), Infantino, Jones, Haertter, Smith, Canetti, Graziano, Little, Ryan, Banegas, Thompson. Recap:  The Dolphins made one change to their starting XI from their previous matchup against Rhode Island, as senior midfielder Jasmina Barhoumi (Worms, Germany/Nelly-Sachs-IGS/D’Youville) recorded her first start of the season.
 
Le Moyne looked to get on the front foot quickly, as they registered their first shot of the game taken by fifth year midfielder Gabriella Sylstra (Little Falls, N.Y./Little Falls/Richard Bland/Old Dominion) in the 4th minute of play, not troubling junior goalkeeper Savannah Rogers of the Gaels.
 
Rogers was the first keeper called into action, as graduate student midfielder Danielle Casey (Clifton Park, N.Y./Shenedehowa) fired two shots into the bottom corner, both of which were saved by Rogers.
 
In the 15th minute of play, Iona earned its first shot of the game taken by senior midfielder Krystal Haertter, sailing over the crossbar and out for a goal kick. Three minutes later, Haertter took another shot, hitting the right post but staying out of the net to keep the score even.
 
The two sides continue to battle throughout the first half, until Iona were able to find a breakthrough in the 42nd minute of play. The Gaels earned a throw in close to the corner flag, taken by freshman forward Mya Jackson. The initial throw in was cleared back out wide by the ‘Phins, before being redirected back into the box by Jackson, eventually finding the head of junior defender Camille Daniel, placing her header into the bottom left corner to give the Gaels the lead just before halftime.
 
Both Le Moyne and Iona recorded four shots in the first half as the Gaels entered the break leading 1-0.
 
The second half did not see as many shots as the first, with both sides registering just one shot a piece. Freshman forward Kaitlyn Gilhooly (Chicopee, Mass./Chicopee Comprehensive) got things started for the ‘Phins, forcing Rogers into making her third and final save of the game in the 48th minute.
 
Sophomore goalkeeper Mikayla McPheron (Rome, N.Y./Rome Free Academy) earned her first save of the game in the 67th minute of play, as Jackson took a shot down the middle of the goal.
 
The Gaels would see out the game to finish with a 1-0 result, earning their first win of the season.
 
Following today’s action, Le Moyne will continue its road stretch on Thursday, August 21st as they are set to take on the Purple Eagles of Niagara University. Action is scheduled to kickoff at 7:00 P.M.
 
 

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