Sports

Saxtons River Fourth of July celebration

Published

6 months ago

June 29, 2025

Bellows Falls Community Bike Project at the 2024 Saxtons River Fourth of July parade. Photo by Ira Wilner

SAXTONS RIVER, Vt. – The Saxtons River Fourth of July Committee is excited to announce the details of this year’s celebration, which is scheduled to take place Friday, July 4, on Main Street in the Village of Saxtons River, Vt. Families have loved spending the Fourth of July in Saxtons River for more than 75 years.

The Fourth of July in Saxtons River is so much more than just a parade, it’s an experience. This year’s theme is “Where magic happens!” Everyone is welcome, and the best parade entry will receive a $500 prize. Entry forms can be found at www.srvtfourth.org/parade.

The day starts with the Firecracker 5K run, followed by the parade led by Grand Marshall Troy Wunderle. Then there’s firefighters water polo, cotton candy, a dunk tank, hula-hoop contest, egg toss, bounce house, and other kids’ games, great food, live music with local favorites The Gaslight Tinkers and Ezra Holloway up on the bandstand, ending with pickup softball games at the Rec Center.

We’re excited to announce this year’s grand marshal will be Troy Wunderle, a proud native of Vermont and a former international performer with the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus. Troy’s antics have been featured on the Disney channel, The Today Show, Martha Stewart, Chronicle, Fetch, Fox and Friends, and America’s Funniest Home Videos. He is a juried artist through the Vermont State Arts Council, and is the 2022 recipient of the American Circus Educators Excellence in Circus Education Award.

The Chroma float at the 2024 Saxtons River Fourth of July Parade. Photo by Ira Wilner

Up on the bandstand after the parade, The Gaslight Tinkers will delight attendees. The Gaslight Tinkers’ blend of global rhythms creates a joyously danceable sound around a core of traditional New England old-time and Celtic fiddle music, merging boundless positive energy with melody and song. Since its formation in 2012, the band has lit up the East Coast, West Coast, and the Caribbean, headlining clubs, dances, and major festivals. The sound and energy of I-Shea, Clara, Garrett, Elie, and Peter are universally irresistible. Following The Gaslight Tinkers will be Saxton River’s own Ezra Holloway. Holloway is a genre-blending musician currently attending the Music Conservatory at Purchase College. Known for his high-energy live shows and emotionally resonant songwriting, Holloway combines elements of rock, pop, punk, and alternative music. After making a strong debut with his EP “A Moment in Time” in 2023, he returns with his latest EP “Fall Apart,” releasing July 1.

Local artists Anna Clark and Marci Cruthirds have teamed up to create this year’s collectors’ T-shirt design. The three-color design captures the magic that happens in our beloved village, and is certain to sell out. The first opportunity to get one will be at the Saxtons River Village Market on Saturday, June 28, from 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. T-shirts will also be available at the street fair on the fourth, while supplies last. The cost helps cover expenses associated with this day-long event.

Embracing a reuse mindset to keep textiles out of landfills, again this year Clark and Cruthirds will hand silk screen a one-color version of this year’s T-shirt design on items already owned, which can be a T-shirt, a tote bag, a pillowcase, scarf, and more. T-shirts, or other items can be dropped off at the Saxtons River Village Market on Saturday, June 28, from 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., and then picked up on the fourth, at the SR4 T-shirt booth. A small suggested donation will help support this amazing day.

This year, the pie contest will be a little different in that our panel of judges will be tasting pies and selecting the winners the evening of Thursday, July 3. Winners will be announced following the parade on the next day. Also new for this year, we’ll have a Young Baker Award, for the best pie from a baker under 18.

For a full schedule of events, visit www.srvtfourth.org/schedule.

Link

Sports

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

Published

30 minutes ago

January 2, 2026

Your Sports Nation

State

Zip Code

Country

Link

Sports

Hawaii men’s volleyball preview: Outside hitter Louis Sakanoko

Published

46 minutes ago

January 2, 2026

Your Sports Nation

It was only two years ago that Louis Sakanoko rushed to Hawaii from his home country of France just days before the start of the 2024 season.

It was quite a culture shock for the 6-foot-5 outside hitter, who struggled to speak English.

One thing he brought with him that has never gone away is his smile. His outgoing personality, and his love for life and volleyball, are evident every time he steps on the floor. It is why in just a short amount of time, in a place far away from home, Sakanoko has quickly become a fan favorite.

“I love it here so much,” Sakanoko said. “I stayed here all summer, and so I discovered a little more of all of the islands and it’s just an amazing place. And I’m so much more comfortable here than I was last year, so everything is all great.”

On a team loaded with talent at the pins, Sakanoko has managed to hold onto his spot as a starter. He started 21 matches last season and hit .259 while averaging 2.39 kills per set.

The practice gym has changed a lot since Sakanoko first got here.

He’s one of only five players who have been with the team for more than two years.

“It is weird that it’s my third year now, but honestly it feels good,” Sakanoko said. “We have almost the same team as last year, and so it’s nice to have the same energy and the same team spirit and have this work ethic that I think everyone has now.”

Sakanoko is a big part of that team spirit. He was one of the first players in the gym for afternoon practice on Monday, and with that same smile, walked up and shook hands with all of the reporters gathered for a media session.

When asked how he manages to stay so happy, Sakanoko kept it simple.

“How can you not be (happy) in Hawaii?” he responded. “The people here are special, for sure, and the atmosphere is just so different. Like, it’s Christmas, and people are walking around in T-shirts. You can still surf. It’s the best place.”

The Rainbow Warriors are ranked No. 2 in the country to start the season and have a real shot at returning to play in the NCAA Tournament.

Sakanoko gutted his way through the end of the season last year despite getting hurt right before the UCLA match.

The way that season ended has made preparation for this year feel a little different.

“We always want to win a championship,” Sakanoko said. “I got injured before the semi and Kristian got hurt earlier and so we felt like we had it taken away from us a little. We gained some experience from that, but we all want to win a championship this year. I definitely feel like this could be our year.”

Sakanoko famously tied a UH record with nine aces in just his second match as a Rainbow Warrior.

He is one of five returning players who had at least 20 aces a season ago.

As Hawaii prepares to start the season tonight hosting New Jersey Institute of Technology at Bankoh Arena at Stan Sheriff Center, Sakanoko isn’t worried about the quick turnaround from the holiday break.

Practices with such a deep and talented team can at times seem a lot tougher than the actual matches.

“It’s funny, because when you come back from Christmas, you maybe haven’t played for a week or two and so maybe you think you’re a little slow, but you can’t be in these practices,” Sakanoko said. “Every single day in here is like a fight. You have to fight your way if you want to be on the court the next weekend. I think that’s why we’re so good. We have so many players that can push you, and that’s been that way ever since I got here.”

Sakanoko doesn’t think he’s changed much in his time at UH, but his attitude on the practice floor has been noticed by teammates.

Setter Tread Rosenthal, the only other third-year starter, singled out Sakanoko’s growth as a leader as one of the things to be excited about for this season.

“I think Louis has gotten much more mature and literally, this year, has taken a big step off the court of being more mature and more focused on what we need to do to be the best at the end of the year,” Rosenthal said.

LOUIS SAKANOKO

6-foot-5, Jr., Outside hitter

All-Big West freshman team

Link

Sports

How setter Isabelle Hoppe chose Wisconsin volleyball

Published

1 hour ago

January 2, 2026

Your Sports Nation

Isabelle Hoppe, like most everybody else in the volleyball world, had heard the rumors. But it wasn’t until the end that she thought how it might impact her life.

kAm}@E =@?8 27E6C p==\p>6C:42? D6EE6C xKKJ $E2C4< DE6AA65 2H2J 7C@> 96C !6?? $E2E6 E62> 2>:5 4@?D:56C23=6 4@?EC@G6CDJ[ E96 E2=< DE2CE65 4:C4F=2E:?8 E92E D96 H@F=5 6?5 FA EC2?D76CC:?8 E@ ?62C3J !:EED3FC89]k^Am

Transfer outside hitter follows connection in commitment to Wisconsin volleyball

kAm“x D2H 2 =@E @7 :E @? D@4:2= >65:2[” w@AA6 D2:5] “p?5 x <:?5 @7 C62=:K65 E92E 7@C 96C[ :E H@F=5 >2<6 D6?D6 3642FD6 !:EE H2D 8C25F2E:?8 E96:C D6EE6C 2?5 E96J <:?5 @7 ?66565 @?6]”k^Am

kAmw@H6G6C[ :E 2AA62C65 F?E:= ;FDE C646?E=J E92E w@AA6 H2D 8@:?8 E@ 36 E92E D6EE6C] w@AA6[ @?6 @7 E96 E@A EH@ D6EE6CD 😕 E96 a_ae C64CF:E:?8 4=2DD 7C@> ;FDE FA E96 C@25 2E !:?6\#:49=2?5 w:89 $49@@= 😕 v:3D@?:2[ !6??DJ=G2?:2[ =@@<65 E@ 36 E96 96:C 2AA2C6?E E@ qC@@<6 |@D96C 2D E96 !2?E96CD’ D6EE6C]k^Am

kAmqFE w@AA6 BF:4<=J C62=:K65 96C 42C66C H2D 23@FE E@ E2<6 2? F?6IA64E65 EFC? H96? CF>@C EFC?65 E@ 724E =2DE H66< 2?5 $E2C4< D:8?65 E@ ;@:? E96 !:EE AC@8C2>]k^Am

kAm“xE <:?5 @7 9:E >6[ 3FE x 5:5?’E E9:?< :E H@F=5 36 2 E9:?8 3642FD6 E96C6 H2D?’E >F49 4@>>F?:42E:@? E92E :E H@F=5 36 92AA6?:?8[” w@AA6 D2:5] “$@ x <:?5 @7 ;FDE 2DDF>65 :E H@F=5 36 7:?6 2?5 E92E x H@F=5 E2<6 :E 2D :E 42>6] %96? E96 52J D96 4@>>:EE65 😀 H96? x 7@F?5 @FE]”k^Am

kAm%92E 2=D@ H2D E96 52J E92E D6E @77 2 4@?7=F6?46 @7 6G6?ED E92E H@F=5 C6DF=E 😕 96C 364@>:?8 2 (:D4@?D:? q2586C]k^Am

Why All-American Jaela Auguste saw her future brightest with Wisconsin volleyball

kAm%96 7:CDE DE6A H2D E2=<:?8 E@ !:EE 4@249 s2? u:D96C 23@FE 86EE:?8 2 C6=62D6 7C@> E96 AC@8C2> D96 925 4@>>:EE65 E@ 😕 yF?6 a_ac 2?5 D:8?65 H:E9 😕 }@G6>36C]k^Am

kAm“x E9:?< E96J <:?5 @7 F?56CDE@@5[” w@AA6 D2:5] “%96J @3G:@FD=J C64CF:E65 96C 7@C 2 C62D@?[ 2?5 x E9:?< 2E E92E A@:?E :E H2D F?56CDE@@5 E92E :E H2D 8@:?8 E@ 36 96C D9@H]”k^Am

kAm%96 <6J 724E@C 7@C w@AA6 H2D?’E ;FDE E92E $E2C4< H@F=5 36 CF??:?8 E96 D9@H[ 3FE D96 AC@323=J H:== 36 5@:?8 :E 7@C E9C66 D62D@?D[ 2DDF>:?8 D96 😀 8C2?E65 2 C65D9:CE D62D@?]k^Am

kAm“x ;FDE 5:5?’E H2?E E@ 8@ D@>6H96C6 H96C6 :E’D 8@:?8 E@ 36 E9C66 J62CD @7 AC@323=J D:EE:?8 E96 36?49[” w@AA6 D2:5] “$96’D DF49 2? 2>2K:?8 A=2J6C[ 2?5 x 6H E92E 2?5 x 92G6 D@ >F49 C6DA64E 7@C H92E D96 92D 5@?6] x 5:5?’E H2?E E@ 8@ 2?5 <:?5 @7 D:E 😕 96C D925@H] $@ x E9:?< E92E’D H92E F=E:>2E6=J >256 E96 564:D:@?]”k^Am

Wisconsin volleyball flips highly ranked setter from ACC power

kAmqFE H92E E@ 5@ ?6IEn u@C w@AA6[ E96C6 H2D @?=J @?6 @3G:@FD 2?DH6Ci (:D4@?D:?] p?5 :E ;FDE D@ 92AA6?65 E92E E96 q2586CD 925 2 56DA6C2E6 ?665 7@C 2?@E96C D6EE6C 27E6C k2 9C67lQ9EEADi^^32586C6IEC2]4@>^DA@CED^G@==6J32==^H:D4@?D:?\G@==6J32==\=@D6D\A2CE\E:>6\DE2CE6C\E@\EC2?D76C\A@CE2=^2CE:4=60ca7cfgea\abhh\c2d`\hfag\gh434dhfcbh3]9E>=Q E2C86ElQ03=2?2? p55J w@C?6C 564:565 E@ EC2?D76Ck^2m[ k2 9C67lQ9EEADi^^32586C6IEC2]4@>^DA@CED^G@==6J32==^7@C>6C\H:D4@?D:?\G@==6J32==\D6EE6C\7:?5D\?6H\9@>6^2CE:4=60c6_cf6g_\552`\c7_`\gbb5\7e_g5dbd3bbb]9E>=Q E2C86ElQ03=2?2E6=J E@ %r&k^2m]k^Am

kAmp?5 :E 2=D@ ;FDE D@ 92AA6?65 E92E @?6 @7 96C 525 r9C:D’ 9:89 D49@@= 3F55:6D[ $62? v69C<6[ 925 366? 2 ?6:893@C @7 q2586CD 4@249 z6==J $9677:6=5]k^Am

kAm“p7E6C x H2D C6=62D65[ H6 <:?5 @7 8@E 😕 E@F49 WH:E9 v69C<6X 2?5 E96? x D6E FA 2 42== H:E9 z6==J 2?5 E92E’D 9@H :E 2== 92AA6?65[” D96 D2:5] “%96C6 H2D?’E C62==J 2?@E96C A=246] x H2D =:<6[ ~z[ :7 x’> ?@E 8@:?8 E@ 8@ E@ !:EE[ H96C6 2> x 8@:?8 E@ 8@n %92E =:DE H2D D@ ?2CC@H 2?5 :E ;FDE H@C<65 @FE 3642FD6 @?6 @7 E96:C D6EE6CD =67E[ D@ E96J H6C6 😕 ?665 @7 2 D6EE6C[ 2?5 @3G:@FD=J x H2D 😕 ?665 @7 2 A=246 E@ 8@]”k^Am

kAmw@AA6 H2D 2 8@5D6?5 7@C $9677:6=5[ H9@ 2=@?8 H:E9 9:D DE277 925 366? D4@FC:?8 E96 EC2?D76C A@CE2= 7@C 2 DF:E23=6 D6EE6C 42A23=6 @7 k2 9C67lQ9EEADi^^32586C6IEC2]4@>^DA@CED^G@==6J32==^7C@>\42C=:?:\E@\9:==6J\E@\7F6C3C:?86C\H:D4@?D:?\G@==6J32==\D\F?>2E4965\D6EE6C\=:?6286\8C@HD^2CE:4=605_d524ah\6h4f\c57d\h`2a\62c5ggh“ah7]9E>=Q E2C86ElQ03=2?:DD65 2 >@?E9 E9:D D62D@? H:E9 2 5:D=@42E65 D9@F=56C] w@AA6 4964<65 2== E96 3@I6D]k^Am

kAm“$96’D @?6 @7 E96 23D@=FE6 36DE D6EE6CD 😕 96C 4=2DD[” $9677:6=5 D2:5] “%@ 36 23=6 E@ 86E D@>63@5J @7 E92E BF2=:EJ 2E E9:D =2E6 52E6 😀 2 H:?\H:?] w6C 72>:=J 😀 72>:=:2C H:E9 E9:D D49@@= 2?5 E9:D AC@8C2>] $96 H2D 2 G6CJ 9:89=J C64CF:E65 A=2J6C H96? D96 4@>>:EE65 E96C6[ 2?5 E9:?8D <:?5 @7 3C@<6 @FC H2J @? E92E]k^Am

Former Wisconsin volleyball outside hitter headed to Big East power

kAm“$96’D 6I4:E65 23@FE E96 @AA@CEF?:EJ] %96 <:5 42? D6E] $96’D 2 32==6C] $96’D 4@>A6E:E:G6] $96’D G6CJ 4@?7:56?E @FE @? E96 7=@@C] $96 42? D6E H:E9 2 =@E @7 C2?86[ D6ED BF:4:?8 A=2J6CD] x’> G6CJ[ G6CJ 6I4:E65 E@ 86E xD236==6 96C6]”k^Am

kAmx?5665[ w@AA6 😀 ?@ DEC2?86C E@ (:D4@?D:?] q@E9 @7 96C A2C6?ED 2C6 7C@> E96 DE2E6 — 525 7C@> #9:?6=2?56C 2?5 >@> 7C@> (2=6D 2?5 E96J >6E H9:=6 2EE6?5:?8 (:D4@?D:? — 2?5 D96 2EE6?565 (:D4@?D:?’D 42>A EH@ J62CD 28@]k^Am

kAmqFE E96 q2586CD 5:5 ?@E C64CF:E 96C 2E E96 E:>6 3642FD6 @7 E96 AC6D6?46 @7 uF6C3C:?86C 2?5 4@>>:E>6?E @7 w@C?6C]k^Am

kAm“pE E96 E:>6[ (:D4@?D:? H2D?’E C62==J 2? @AE:@?[ 3FE :E H2D 2=H2JD 2 D49@@= x 925 H2?E65 E@ 8@ E@[” w@AA6 D2:5] “xE H@F=5?’E 92G6 H@C<65 2E E92E E:>6[ 3FE x =@G65 E96 AC@8C2>]”k^Am

kAmp=E9@F89 $9677:6=5 72>@FD=J E6==D 2== @7 9:D DE2CE:?8 D6EE6CD E92E 9:D >:DD:@? 😀 E@ ECJ E@ 3C:?8 😕 D@>63@5J H9@ 42? 362E E96> @FE[ w@AA6 F?56CDE2?5D E92E D96 =:<6=J H:== DA6?5 96C 7:CDE EH@ D62D@?D 324<:?8 FA uF6C3C:?86C]k^Am

kAm“x C6DA64E r92C=:6 D@ >F49 2D 2 A=2J6C[” w@AA6 D2:5] “$@ >@G:?8 7@CH2C5[ x H2D C62==J =@@<:?8 E@ E96 7FEFC6 @7 E96 AC@8C2> 2?5 9@H x 42? 4@?EC:3FE6[ >2J36 ?@E E9:D J62C @C ?6IE J62C[ 3FE 😕 E96 4@>:?8 J62CD]”k^Am

Former Wisconsin volleyball setter finds new home

kAmw@AA6 D2:5 D96 5@6D?’E @H uF6C3C:?86C G6CJ H6== J6E[ 3FE E92E D9@F=5 36 E2<6? 42C6 @7 BF:4<=J 3642FD6 E96J H:== D92C6 E96 D2>6 9@FD6 E9:D D6>6DE6C[ 2=@?8 H:E9 :?4@>:?8 EC2?D76CD k2 9C67lQ9EEADi^^32586C6IEC2]4@>^DA@CED^G@==6J32==^H9J\2==\2>6C:42?\;26=2\2F8FDE6\D2H\96C\7FEFC6\3C:89E6DE\H:E9\H:D4@?D:?\G@==6J32==^2CE:4=60dca4_baf\abf7\cah5\h2_a\5fa4ca`22fag]9E>=Q E2C86ElQ03=2?^DA@CED^G@==6J32==^EC2?D76C\@FED:56\9:EE6C\7@==@HD\4@??64E:@?\:?\4@>>:E>6?E\E@\H:D4@?D:?\G@==6J32==^2CE:4=60ceb_7eeb\7b64\c6bh\h3h`\e37afh5da7_`]9E>=Q E2C86ElQ03=2?

kAm$96’D 2=D@ =@@<:?8 7@CH2C5 E@ 86EE:?8 E@ @H 7@C>6C q2586CD D6EE6C {2FC6? r2C=:?:[ H9@ H:== 36 96C D6EE6C 4@249] (9:=6 r2C=:?:’D AC6D6?46 @? E96 4@249:?8 DE277 H2D?’E 2 724E@C 😕 96C 49@@D:?8 (:D4@?D:?[ D96 D66D :E 2D 2 3:8 3@?FD]k^Am

kAm“x >62?[ D96’D =:<6 2 =686?5[” D96 D2:5] “q6:?8 23=6 E@ H@C< H:E9 96C 😀 8@:?8 E@ 36 2H6D@>6]”k^Am

kAmw@AA6 2=C625J 😀 72>:=:2C H:E9 D6G6C2= @7 96C ?6H E62>>2E6D kDA2? :5lQ5@4D\:?E6C?2=\8F:5\77aab2h_\f777\ba5g\73g5\ce2f434_36efQmkDA2?m— k^DA2?mk^DA2?m76==@H :?4@>:?8 7C6D9>6? w2==6 %9@>AD@?[ pF5C6J u=2?282? 2?5 {J??6J %2C?@H] p== 7@FC 2C6 A2CE:4:A2E:?8 😕 E96 &?56C pC>@FC }6IE p==\p>6C:42 6G6?E 😕 ~C=2?5@[ u=@C:52[ H9:49 4F=>:?2E65 H:E9 2 >2E49 @? }6H *62C’D s2J] $96 2=D@ A=2J65 H:E9 %9@>AD@? 2?5 u=2?282? @? E96 &$p &`h }2E:@?2= E62> 😕 a_ac 2?5 92D 8@EE6? E@ @H %2C?@H 😕 @E96C ?2E:@?2= E62> 24E:G:E:6D =2DE J62C]k^Am

kAmpE ;FDE d\7@@E\g[ w@AA6 😀 F?56CD:K65 7@C 2? 6=:E6 =6G6= D6EE6C[ 3FE $9677:6=5 :D?’E 4@?46C?65 23@FE E92E]k^Am

Wisconsin volleyball loses starter who shined down the stretch to transfer portal

kAm“%96 96:89E 7@C 2 D6EE6C 😀 5@H? E96 =:?6 @7 >@DE :>A@CE2?E BF2=:E:6D @7 2 D6EE6C[” $9677:6=5 D2:5] “%96C6 2C6 E9:?8D E92E 2C6 D@ >F49 >@C6 :>A@CE2?E] $@>6 @7 E96 36DE D6EE6CD 😕 E96 H@C=5 2C6 @? E96 D>2==:D9 D:56] $96’D 8@E 7@@EDA665[ 96C =@42E:@? 😀 8@@5] $96 H:== 36 23=6 E@ AFE FA 2 D:>:=2C EJA6 @7 32== 2?5 E6>A@ E92E r92C=:6 5@6D[ 2?5 E92E 46CE2:?=J >2<6D :E 62D:6C @? E96 9:EE6CD]”k^Am

kAmw@AA6[ H9@ H2D 2 9:EE6C @? 96C 9:89 D49@@= E62>[ D2:5 D96’D =62C?65 E@ FD6 96C @E96C 2E9=6E:4 EC2:ED E@ @G6C4@>6 96C =24< @7 96:89E]k^Am

kAm“xE’D <:?5 @7 92C5 H96? J@F 86E E@ 2 9:896C =6G6=[ 3FE x =:<6 E@ E9:?< @7 :E 2D <:?5 @7 2? 25G2?E286[” D96 D2:5] “(:E9 E2==6C D6EE6CD[ =:<6 e\a @C e\b[ :E’D 92C56C 7@C E96> E@ >@G6 3642FD6 E96J’C6 D@ =@?8] qFE x 2> G6CJ 28:=6[ x 42? >@G6 G6CJ H6==] x’> AC6EEJ 72DE 2?5 x 42? ;F>A AC6EEJ H6==[ D@ :E’D ?@E 2=H2JD 2 5:D25G2?E286]k^Am

kAmQx’> @3G:@FD=J ?@E 2 9F86 3=@4<[ 3FE x 42? 4@?EC:3FE6 😕 2 =@E @7 @E96C H2JD 2?5 E92E’D H92E x’G6 EC:65 E@ 7@4FD @?[ 7:8FC:?8 @FE H2JD x 42? >2<6 >J E62> 36EE6C ?@E ;FDE 3J >6 5@>:?2E:?8 2E E96 ?6E]”k^Am

Final Four trip triggers salary, bonus bump for Wisconsin volleyball coach

kAm%96 255:E:@? @7 w@AA6 3C:?8D E96 q2586CD C@DE6C E@ `c A=2J6CD[ A6?5:?8 2?J 255:E:@?D =2E6C 😕 E9:D A@CE2= A6C:@5[ H9:49 CF?D E9C@F89 |@?52J[ @C 😕 E96 DAC:?8 H:?5@H 7C@> |2J `\`d] $9677:6=5 H@F=5 =:<6 E@ 255 2 324< C@H A=2J6C @C EH@[ 3FE E96C6 H2D ?@E9:?8 @? E96 :>>65:2E6 9@C:K@?]k^Am

kAmpD E9:?8D DE2?5[ E96 q2586CD H:== 92G6 `b A=2J6CD @? 92?5 7@C E96 DAC:?8 D62D@?[ H:E9 7@FC @7 E96 7:G6 7C6D9>6? 6?C@==:?8 62C=J 2?5 @?=J u=2?282? ;@:?:?8 E96 E62> 😕 |2J] uF6C3C:?86C 2=D@ 😀 6IA64E65 E@ A2CE:4:A2E6 kDA2? :5lQ5@4D\:?E6C?2=\8F:5\f7d27cfa\f777\d`hh\4eec\hbd“_hb2d2_QmkDA2?m—k^DA2?mk^DA2?m D96 5@6D ?@E A=2? E@ 92G6 DFC86CJ @? 96C D9@F=56C]k^Am

kAm%96 q2586CD C@DE6C 9625:?8 :?E@ DAC:?8ik^Am

kAmkDEC@?8m$6EE6CDik^DEC@?8m uF6C3C:?86C[ w@AA6[ |@C82? ‘2? (:6k^Am

kAmkDEC@?8m~FED:56 9:EE6CDik^DEC@?8m vC246 t82?[ |25:D@? “F6DE[ %C2G:D[ %9@>AD@?[ Wu=2?282?Xk^Am

kAmkDEC@?8m|:55=6 3=@4<6CDik^DEC@?8m }2E2=:6 (2C5=@H[ pF8FDE6[ %2C?@H[ zJ>@C2 $4@EEk^Am

kAmkDEC@?8m#:89E D:56ik^DEC@?8m vC246 {@A6K[ Wt82?Xk^Am

kAmkDEC@?8m{:36C@ik^DEC@?8m zC:DE6? $:>@?k^Am

Wisconsin volleyball transfer portal tracker: Who's in and who's out for the Badgers

kAmpD 7@C 96C AC6D6?46 @? E92E =:DE[ w@AA6 😀 6BF2= A2CED DFCAC:D65 2?5 6I4:E65] xE’D 366? 2 H9:C=H:?5 7@C 96C[ 4@?D:56C:?8 E92E F?E:= 23@FE 2 H66< 28@ D96 H2D =@@<:?8 2E E96 AC@DA64E @7 D6EE:?8 7@C EH@\E:>6 !=2J6C @7 E96 *62C ~=:G:2 q234@4<[ 925 A:4<65 96C 4=2DD6D 2E !:EE 2?5 H2D A=2??:?8 E@ D92C6 2? 2A2CE>6?E H:E9 2 4@FA=6 @E96C :?4@>:?8 7C6D9>6?]k^Am

kAmqFE D96’D C625J E@ >@G6 @? H:E9 96C ?6H 42C66C A2E9]k^Am

kAm“%9:D C62==J D@=:5:7:65 >J 36=:67 E92E 6G6CJE9:?8 92AA6?D 7@C 2 C62D@?[” w@AA6 D2:5] “%9:D 😀 @?6 @7 E9@D6 E9:?8D H96C6 J@F C62==J 92G6 E@ 36=:6G6 E92E 3642FD6 @?6 52J x E9@F89E x H2D 8@:?8 E@ 36 =:G:?8 😕 !:EED3FC89 7@C E96 ?6IE 7@FC J62CD 2?5 E96? E96 ?6IE 52J x H2D >@G:?8 24C@DD E96 4@F?ECJ]k^Am

kAm“xE H2D G6CJ 23CFAE[ 2?5 x ?6G6C H@F=5’G6 8F6DD65 E92E E9:D H@F=5 92AA6?] qFE E92E 5@6D?’E >62? E92E :E’D ?@E 8@:?8 E@ 36 2>2K:?8[ 2?5 x’> DFA6C 6I4:E65 7@C :E]”k^Am

Photos: Wisconsin volleyball 2025 season in photos

Wisconsin outside hitter Grace Egan (32) serves against UW Milwaukee on Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2025 at UW Field House in Madison, Wis.

OWEN ZILIAK,STATE JOURNAL

Wisconsin middle blocker Alicia Andrew (17) is greeted by fans after taking the floor prior to a match against Southern California at the Wisconsin Fieldhouse in Madison, Wis. Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025. JOHN HART, STATE JOURNAL

JOHN HART,STATE JOURNAL

Wisconsin defenders jump to block a spike by Kansas outside hitter Jovana Zelenovic (9) on Friday, Aug. 29, 2025 at Kohl Center in Madison, Wis.

OWEN ZILIAK,STATE JOURNAL

The Wisconsin student section reacts after Wisconsin wins the third set against Kansas on Friday, Aug. 29, 2025 at Kohl Center in Madison, Wis.

OWEN ZILIAK,STATE JOURNAL

Wisconsin setter Charlie Fuerbringer (24) sets the ball for a spike against Texas on Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025 at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wis.

OWEN ZILIAK,STATE JOURNAL

Wisconsin setter Charlie Fuerbringer (24) sets the ball against Eastern Illinois on Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025 at UW Field House in Madison, Wiss.

OWEN ZILIAK,STATE JOURNAL

Wisconsin outside hitter Grace Egan, left, and middle blocker Carter Booth, right, go up for a block against UC-Davis Sept. 4.

OWEN ZILIAK,STATE JOURNAL ARCHIVES

Wisconsin outside hitter Grace Egan (32) and Wisconsin middle blocker Carter Booth (52) yell after a block to win the first set against Purdue on Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025 at UW Field House in Madison, Wis.

OWEN ZILIAK,STATE JOURNAL

Wisconsin outside hitter Mimi Colyer (15) elevates to contest a ball at the net against Illinois on Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025 at UW Field House in Madison, Wis.

OWEN ZILIAK,STATE JOURNAL

Wisconsin outside hitter Mimi Colyer (15) is introduced prior to the match against Illinois on Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025 at UW Field House in Madison, Wis.

OWEN ZILIAK,STATE JOURNAL

Wisconsin setter Charlie Fuerbringer (24) high-fives kids lined up before playing UC-Davis on Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025 at UW Field House in Madison, Wis.

OWEN ZILIAK,STATE JOURNAL

Wisconsin outside hitter Grace Egan (32) hits the floor after saving the ball from touching the ground against Texas on Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025 at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wis.

OWEN ZILIAK,STATE JOURNAL

Wisconsin outside hitter Mimi Colyer (15) helps setter Charlie Fuerbringer (24) off the floor after losing a point to Texas on Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025 at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wis.

OWEN ZILIAK,STATE JOURNAL

Wisconsin head coach Kelly Sheffield huddles with his senior players following the teamÕs win over UNC during a second round NCAA Tournament match between the teams at the Wisconsin Fieldhouse in Madison, Wis. Friday, Dec. 5, 2025. JOHN HART, STATE JOURNAL

JOHN HART,STATE JOURNAL

Wisconsin outside hitter Grace Egan (32) watches as the ball flies in the air before a serve against Notre Dame on Sunday, Aug. 17, 2025 at UW Field House in Madison, Wis.

OWEN ZILIAK,STATE JOURNAL

Wisconsin outside hitter Grace Egan (32) goes up for a spike against UC-Davis on Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025 at UW Field House in Madison, Wis.

OWEN ZILIAK,STATE JOURNAL

Wisconsin players react after a Minnesota touch goes out of bounds on Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025 at UW Field House in Madison, Wis.

OWEN ZILIAK,STATE JOURNAL

The Wisconsin bench celebrates after a point against UW Milwaukee on Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2025 at UW Field House in Madison, Wis.

OWEN ZILIAK,STATE JOURNAL

Wisconsin outside hitter Mimi Colyer (15) attempts to spike over three Iowa defenders on Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025 at UW Field House in Madison, Wis.

OWEN ZILIAK,STATE JOURNAL

Nebraska middle blocker Rebekah Allick (5) yells after a block on Wisconsin outside hitter Grace Egan (32) on Friday, Oct. 31, 2025 at UW Field House in Madison, Wis.

OWEN ZILIAK,STATE JOURNAL

A young fan smiles after getting a high-five from a Wisconsin player during introductions against Minnesota on Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025 at UW Field House in Madison, Wis.

OWEN ZILIAK,STATE JOURNAL

Wisconsin outside hitter Una Vajagic (1) dives for a ball flying out of bounds against Michigan on Saturday, Oct.5, 2025 at UW Field House in Madison, Wis.

OWEN ZILIAK,STATE JOURNAL

Wisconsin outside hitter Mimi Colyer (15) is introduced prior to the teamÕs non-conference match against Florida at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wis. Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025. JOHN HART, STATE JOURNAL

JOHN HART,STATE JOURNAL

Wisconsin outside hitter Mimi Colyer (15) blocks a spike against Michigan on Saturday, Oct.5, 2025 at UW Field House in Madison, Wis.

OWEN ZILIAK,STATE JOURNAL

Wisconsin outside hitter Madison Quest (10) emerges from the locker room before playing Michigan on Saturday, Oct.5, 2025 at UW Field House in Madison, Wis.

OWEN ZILIAK,STATE JOURNAL

Wisconsin right side hitter Addy Horner (2) and Wisconsin middle blocker Natalie Wardlow (12) collide trying to set the ball against Nebraska on Friday, Oct. 31, 2025 at UW Field House in Madison, Wis.

OWEN ZILIAK,STATE JOURNAL

Wisconsin outside hitter Mimi Colyer (15) extends to hit a ball going out of bounds against Minnesota on Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025 at UW Field House in Madison, Wis.

OWEN ZILIAK,STATE JOURNAL

Wisconsin middle blocker Alicia Andrew (17) and right side hitter Wisconsin setter Charlie Fuerbringer (24) put up a block against Indiana outside hitter Jaidyn Jager (24) in the first set of a match at the UW Field House in Madison, Wis. Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025. AMBER ARNOLD, STATE JOURNAL

AMBER ARNOLD STATE JOURNAL

Wisconsin outside hitter Grace Egan (32) lines up a bump after a return by Iowa on Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025 at UW Field House in Madison, Wis.

OWEN ZILIAK,STATE JOURNAL

Wisconsin middle blocker Carter Booth (52) reacts after a point against Kansas on Friday, Aug. 29, 2025 at Kohl Center in Madison, Wis.

OWEN ZILIAK,STATE JOURNAL

Wisconsin players, including Wisconsin middle blocker Alicia Andrew, left, and libero/defensive specialist Kristen Simon (7) celebrate the teamÕs win over UNC during a second round NCAA Tournament match between the teams at the Wisconsin Fieldhouse in Madison, Wis. Friday, Dec. 5, 2025. JOHN HART, STATE JOURNAL

JOHN HART,STATE JOURNAL

Link

Sports

Vote for Sarasota, Manatee County 2025 Volleyball Player of the Year

Published

2 hours ago

January 2, 2026

Your Sports Nation

Jan. 2, 2026, 5:01 a.m. ET

The Herald-Tribune has announced its 2025 Fall All-Area team selections for Manatee and Sarasota counties.
Venice’s Tien Murray was named the Player of the Year from the First-Team selections.
Voting for the fan-selected Player of the Year will close on Wednesday, Jan. 7 at 9 a.m.

The Herald-Tribune started rolling out its 2025 Fall All-Area team selections.

We honored the top players from Manatee and Sarasota counties by naming First Team, Second Team, and Honorable Mentions lists.

We also named a Player of the Year from among the 14 First-Teamers in Venice’s Tien Murray.

Tien Murray of Venice High School is the 2025 Herald-Tribune All-Area Volleyball Player of the Year.

Now we will let you have your say. Do you agree with Murray being our pick for Player of the Year, or do you prefer a different First-Team selection?

Voting will remain open until Wednesday, Jan. 7 at 9 a.m.

Click HERE to vote or in the poll below.

Link

Sports

Hawaii men’s volleyball preview: Middle Blocker Trevell Jordan

Published

3 hours ago

January 2, 2026

Your Sports Nation

Trevell Jordan couldn’t have been happier with where he was.

The Mesa, Ariz., native was a roughly 30-minute drive from home at nearby Grand Canyon University, playing volleyball as a freshman for a school that was coming off an appearance in the semifinals of the NCAA Championships.

Jordan started 21 matches before missing the last four with an injury and was named to the All-MPSF Freshman Team. The Lopes were eliminated in the semifinals of the MPSF Tournament, but despite an 18-10 season, the plan was to run it back.

“We were a really young team, so we were pumped for the upcoming season,” Jordan said. “We had already made a bunch of plans of all the things we were going to do together to get ready.”

One meeting that came on a couple of hours’ notice and lasted all of five minutes changed everything.

“It came out of the blue, on one Sunday morning, where our coach texted our group chat and (wrote) the (athletics director) wants to meet with you guys,” Jordan recalled. “This was over the summer and half our team already left for home and we got to the meeting thinking it was going to be about what it was going to be like next year with the coaches. The AD walked in, said we are cutting your program, and we got two questions off before she booked it out of the room. It was quick.”

Suddenly, Jordan had to find somewhere else to play volleyball. He had chosen Grand Canyon because it was so close to home.

Never did he ever think his next journey would take him to an island six hours away in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.

“It was a big move to come across the ocean over here,” Jordan said.

Ultimately it was his connections to a bunch of players on the team that led to the 6-foot-10 sophomore middle blocker joining the Rainbow Warriors in the fall.

He knew sophomore hitter Finn Kearney, who grew up in nearby Phoenix, and also played with setter Tread Rosenthal, Justin Todd and opposite Kainoa Wade with Team USA.

Jordan was on the United States U21 team that won a bronze medal for the first time ever at the FIVB World Championships in China in August with Wade and Rosenthal.

“It was a really cool experience and achievement, especially for me. I didn’t make the first two USA teams. I was on the alternate roster, sadly, but I think that lit a fire underneath me for this last one,” Jordan said. “It really brought a better version out of me getting cut from those other two tryouts, and when I went in there, I went in with the mentality of, ‘I want to play.’”

That’s the same mentality Jordan is bringing into the practice gym at UH as he tries to crack the starting lineup on a loaded Hawaii team ranked No. 2 in the country in the preseason AVCA rankings entering today’s home opener against New Jersey Institute of Technology at Bankoh Arena at Stan Sheriff Center.

Hawaii lost Kurt Nusterer — who had one year left of eligibility but left to pursue a major career opportunity — in the middle but returns sophomore Ofeck Hazan. UH also landed a 7-foot freshman in Roman Payne and has Justin Todd, another Team USA alum who can play both on the outside and in the middle.

Jordan landed in Hawaii for the first time in August when he came to start school.

Off the court, the biggest difference was getting used to the palm trees and the tropical climate after spending his whole life growing up in the desert.

On the court, Jordan is used to playing with some of the best players in the country in his experiences with the USA team.

Compared to his one year at Grand Canyon, the major difference is the daily grind that comes in the practice gym.

“We’re all talented and there is for sure a standard that has been set to the highest bar that we have,” Jordan said. “And that’s why you have to come into the gym every day to compete. There’s always going to be someone better than you, so that’s why you want to play to the best of your ability every day in the gym and get as much out of each other as you can.”

TREVELL JORDAN

6-10, Soph., Middle Blocker

All-MPSF Freshman Team (at Grand Canyon)

Hit .889 for Team USA to win bronze at FIVB World Championships

Link

Sports

Meet the 2025 Volleyball Team

Published

3 hours ago

January 2, 2026

Your Sports Nation

Jan. 2, 2026, 5:03 a.m. ET

DeLand won its sixth consecutive district title and made the furthest postseason run in the Volusia-Flagler area in 2025.

The Bulldogs advanced to the Region 1-7A semifinals but had to play Winter Park, the No. 1 team in Florida. DeLand’s season came to an end there, but it was still a successful campaign for one of the area’s perennial powers.

Link