SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (Dakota News Now) – Instead of practicing serves and spikes, Sanford Sports Academy volleyball players spent their night wrapping gifts, making blankets, and giving back to the Sioux Falls community.

The event focused less on competition and more on service, bringing together athletes, families, and coaches for a night of holiday giving.

Mark McCloskey, director of Sanford Sports Volleyball Academy, said the goal of the program went beyond building strong athletes.

“We want great volleyball players, but it’s more important for us to have great people and a lot of them are really blessed to be here as we all are and happy to help folks that maybe need a little bit of help,” McCloskey said.

The giving effort began as a small act of support but grew into a lasting tradition within the program.

“We had one of our coaches, their family started this event kind of in a small way to recognize some of their family, and they needed some help, so we kind of stepped in, and we have a lot of hands that can help, and we’ve been going ever since,” McCloskey said.

That coach was Alyssa Chambers, who said the event carried both purpose and personal meaning. The night continued the work started by her family through an effort known as the Thomas Club.

“They called it Thomas Club, and they would bring food, and the clients and staff would ‘shop’ for families, and then they would go out and deliver the meals. So when my dad passed away 7 years ago, we were trying to think about how to keep this going, and we’re like, ‘I’m coaching here, I have manpower, I have a ton of teams and coaches,’ and so we kind of decided to take it on, and it stuck,” Chambers said. “I think this is year 9 or 10 that this has been going on.”

For Chambers, the impact went beyond donations.

“For me, I would just say it’s a really good reminder of who my dad was and who he is, and it just reminds me of him, and so just to be able to see people do this in honor of someone they don’t know is really special,” she said.

Parents and volunteers said the night showed how much the community could accomplish when working together.

“It’s kind of fun to see it in one place, where you can see all of the impact and everybody together making the difference and then see it go out the door to go into action,” said Suzann Kluever, a parent, coach, and volunteer.

For the athletes, the experience reinforced the values of the program.

“I think it is so important because it kind of just shows our thankfulness and our gratitude towards our community and allows us to be better people and shows what our program is actually about,” said player Liliana Rolon.

The event served as a reminder that while the teams compete together on the court, their biggest impact can come from giving back as a community.

Copyright 2025 Dakota News Now. All rights reserved.

Every business has a story, and Mieka Schambach claims B&B Indoor Foam Dart Arena is theirs — “a family adventure brought to life by passion, creativity, and a love for fun.” The first indoor dart battle arena is located at 6709 Maynardville Highway, 37918.

Mieka holds a business degree from King University in Bristol, TN, and has worked in general surgery administration for over a decade. She says the experience taught her how to manage operations, lead teams, and provide top-notch service — skills she now uses in running B&B.

She and her husband wanted more than just a business venture; they wanted to create a space where families could unplug, play, and make memories together.

Mieka says her husband Devon brought the hobby side of B&B to life. His knowledge of high-FPS play and competitive foam-dart gaming helped shape the arena into an exciting space for both casual players and serious enthusiasts. (High FPS- means Feet per second, which is how fast a dart is going.)

Mieka says, “B&B is more than an entertainment venue; it’s a reflection of our dream and commitment to the community. We love creating opportunities for people of all ages to connect, play, and support one another.”

B & B hosts school fundraisers, sponsors youth sports events, and partners with local nonprofits like Lift East TN and the Rocky Top Veterans Foundation.

Mieka reflects, “Our goal has always been to create a space where everyone can have fun, bond, and make memories,” we say. “Seeing families, kids, and teams enjoying themselves reminds us every day why we started B&B.”

In case they need another reminder of their “why” for creating the space, their two kids, Caidyn and Samara, are part of the heartbeat of the business, inspiring the family-friendly energy that fills every corner of the arena.

B & B now has Youth Sports Party Packages that are live.  See the website here.

Winter break hours from December 19, 2025, to January 4, 2026.

Blitzfire Overdrive, on Saturday, January 31, 2026, 4-10 p.m., is the premier competitive foam dart event held four times a year.

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A San Diego man who adopted false identities in an attempt to solicit sexually explicit material from a Florida boy was sentenced Wednesday to 12 years in prison.

Eric Jacob Layton, who also faces charges in San Diego related to multiple alleged underage victims, was sentenced Wednesday morning in federal court in the Southern District of Florida for trying to solicit a young amateur athlete who was 15 years old at the time.

Layton was arrested in 2023 at his University City home on allegations of posing as a doctor, sports reporter, massage therapist and youth sports modeling agent in order to obtain explicit photographs from minors and/or arrange in-person meetings, authorities said.

The FBI said Layton primarily targeted young athletes and that he reached out to the Florida boy via social media and direct calls.

Two of his online personas were a sports massage therapist named Travis Parkin and sports physician named Dr. Alexis Iniesta.

Layton pleaded guilty in August to a count of attempted enticement of a minor in the Florida case, first reported to the Plantation Police Department in Broward County. He pleaded not guilty in 2023 to the San Diego charges, which include felony counts of lewd acts on a child and contacting a minor with the intent to commit a sexual offense.

The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children Cyber Tipline also received a report regarding the Florida case.

According to court documents, Layton initially claimed to be a writer for a sports publication who wanted to interview the boy, then later posed as a physician and asked a series of questions that he claimed were necessary for participation in his sport.

Many of the questions were explicit in nature, according to a factual proffer statement filed in connection with his plea agreement, which states Layton also sought pictures of the boy’s genitals that he claimed “were required to determine the minor victim’s physical development.”

City News Service contributed to this report.

By: Nolan Sniffin, Fall ’25 Intern

 
In the world of high school athletics, talent alone doesn’t win championships. Victories aren’t earned just by the fastest runners, the highest jumpers, or the most technically skilled players. Success in sports is built on teamwork, discipline, and most importantly, leadership.

Whether it’s a coach setting the standard or a team captain lifting up their peers, leadership by example is the foundation of a strong, unified team. It’s not always about being the loudest voice in the room, it’s about embodying the team’s values with integrity and consistency. Leadership starts with accountability. It means showing up every day with the intention of improving, holding yourself to high standards, and encouraging your teammates to do the same.

“Leading by example means keeping yourself accountable and working to not be a hypocrite,” said Rebecca Verspoor, a three-sport athlete at Delaware Academy High School in Section IV.  “As a leader, you shouldn’t cut corners. You put in the work and encourage others to do the same. Leaders also make mistakes, but the key is how they respond, learn, and move forward.”

Leadership in sports isn’t about demanding attention; it’s about earning respect. The most effective leaders listen as much as they speak, and they take time to understand their teammates’ individual motivations and struggles. That empathy builds trust, which is essential for a team aiming for long-term success.

“An athlete can develop leadership skills on and off the field by first being a follower,” said Lilly Phillips, a former basketball star at Cambridge High School (Section 2) and now playing at the University at Albany. “As a freshman or underclassmen, it is important to first follow the experienced leaders on a team and learn from their mistakes or skills. Being a follower allows you to absorb information and learn coachability.”

Athletes don’t become leaders overnight. Leadership is a skill developed over time through daily habits, hard work, and how athletes carry themselves on and off the field.

“Understanding the skills required to be a leader allows makes it easier to become a better leader,” said Phillips, who’s sister is also a college basketball player at University at Rhode Island. Gaining these skills doesn’t happen overnight, one must be confident in themselves to go beyond fears to try hard things. Connecting with others is a great place to start.”

How athletes influence a team through leadership can sometimes be seen early during youth sports or high school athletics where athletes first must learn to respect the coach, program and the values in place.  

“One of the most effective ways athletes can grow as leaders is by showing respect for their coaches and committing to the team’s standards,” said Coach Scott Deleso, Ossining High School Varsity Baseball Coach. “Leadership begins with holding yourself accountable and setting the tone for others to follow then the rest happens quickly.”

Talent can take a player far, but what separates the good from the great is their commitment to the little things: consistent effort, personal discipline, and the determination to outwork everyone else. Those are examples of leadership by actions, not just skill in the game or words in a huddle.

“I’ve been fortunate to coach athletes who took that to heart who knew talent alone wasn’t enough,” said Coach Deleso. “Watching them push beyond their limits and embrace the grind has been one of the most rewarding parts of my coaching journey.”

Captains often serve as the crucial link between coaches and teammates. Their job isn’t just to play well, it’s to create an atmosphere of focus, mutual respect, and accountability. Sometimes, leadership is as simple as helping a struggling teammate through a tough practice or keeping morale up during a slump. By following team values day in and day out, captains help establish a culture where excellence becomes the norm.

“The qualities that I think make a good leader are people who are genuine, knowledgeable, bold and selfless,” said Vespoor. “It’s important that a leader is looking out for what is best for the team and not just themselves. It is also important that a leader is respectful to their coaches and their teammates and gains respect from their teammates.”

True leadership is often revealed in the hardest moments after a tough loss, during a losing streak, or when the team is facing internal challenges. That’s when leaders rise, keeping the group united, composed, and focused on growth.

“After failure, I find it helpful to take time to reflect and gather my thoughts,” said Verspoor. “When the team comes back together, we set new goals individually and collectively and move forward stronger. Being part of a team that feels like a family is what motivates us.”

Strong leadership is the heartbeat of any successful sports program. It transforms individual potential into team achievement. It helps athletes grow not just on the field, but off it as well. And in high school athletics where every season is a new chance to learn leading by example isn’t just effective, it’s enduring.

“You can develop leadership skills by surrounding yourself with good leaders and using the qualities from those who came before you,” said Sophie Phillips. “You can also ask a coach for help to so you know what you’re missing from your leadership set, or even ask a teammate how they view you as a leader. Leadership is a skill and something you can always get better at.” 

In the end, it’s not the stats or trophies that make a leader stand out, it’s the impact they leave behind, the culture they help build, and the standard they set for those who follow.

 

GRAND ISLAND, Neb. (KSNB) – The Northwest Vikings boys basketball team is off to 3-1 start to the season, their lone loss at state qualifier Gretna East.

After only winning eight games in 2024, the Vikings jumped that number to 18 in 2025, moving the program in the right direction.

This season, they’re led by two young players averaging double digit points, sophomore forward Blake Wissing and junior guard Jaden Brandt.

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City officials and residents are split over a redevelopment plan of 295 E. Dougherty Street, where supporters expressed excitement for new parking, student housing and urbanization while others warned the project may disrupt community services, limit access to Lay Park Community Center and overlook housing needs.

Lay Park Community Center has given the downtown Athens community a place to learn and play, since opening in 1975. Today, the center supports children through programs including summer camp, youth sports and holiday events. 

Stephanie Johnson, District 6 Commissioner, expressed her concerns about the transparency and effectiveness of the new development in a Mayor and Commission meeting held on Nov. 4, 2025.

Johnson questioned the transparency of the development process by asking whether the developers ever met with the mayor and or county staff after submitting their initial plan to discuss expanding the project. Athens-Clarke County Mayor Kelly Girtz said they did not. 

Following the response, she then referenced an alleged conversation with a developer who said his group had been invited into an Athens-Clarke County official office to present plans, raising further questions about whether some discussions occurred outside public view.

Johnson also criticized the county’s progress on affordable housing and where its priorities should lie.

“And when it comes to housing, affordable housing, we don’t have anything appreciable to show for it,” Johnson said. “So yes, we need housing, but there are poor people that live in Athens too,” she added.

Officials Acknowledge Benefits Despite Challenges

The surrounding area of Lay Park Community Center is set for redevelopment if approved by the mayor and commission of Athens in the coming weeks. According to the plans, the development will provide new housing for 1,400 university students, with the addition of a parking deck built to ease downtown parking overflow. 

According to the development agreement, Core must “relocate or replace the playground on the ACC Property to a location approved by the Unified Government at Core’s expense.” As of today, Core will provide $275,000 to ACCGov, which will not fully cover Leisure Services’ plans to integrate an upgraded playground. The current estimated cost of the new playground will cost “at least twice the provided $275,000,” according to the development agreement. 

The development agreement would remove the existing playground, with the private contractor, CS Acquisitions Vehicle, LLC, aka Core, supplementing in a smaller playground in its development. 

Athens-Clarke County Mayor Kelly Girtz said that even with potential negatives of the project, the positives would outweigh them.

“Certainly it’s true that when people have gotten accustomed to a certain aesthetic views and something is going to be different … That’s just difficult for members of the public at times,” Girtz said. 

Alex Bond, assistant director of Athens-Clarke County government, spoke about how the effects of construction will impact the community center and its visitors.

“Construction will be impactful for sure,” Bond said.

Bond said during the year and a half of construction, they plan to rebuild the park and parking for the center. However, during that period of time the park will be less accessible as it currently is for guests. He included that the greatest impact will be the ability for guests to to play at the park, pull up to the front of the center for carpool and park across the street.

He said the 1,400 new residents will have an impact on how many visitors come to use the facilities, including the pickleball and basketball courts.

A benefit of the redevelopment will be the new location of the park.

“The playground will be more nested into Lay Park,” Bond said. “Moving the playground will benefit the users of the park.”

Temporary Playground Loss and Traffic Changes at Lay Park

For Kelly Thomas, the facility supervisor at Lay Park Community Center, the redevelopment raises practical concerns about daily operations and access for families who rely on the center’s programs. 

Thomas said losing the current playground will limit daily activities and the center will be without a playground for an unknown amount of time. He also said parking access will shrink, adding that the plan guarantees roughly 50 spots in the new parking structure, which is less than the current parking situation.

Resident raises concerns about loss of community space

Normaltown resident Jordan Croy said the redevelopment threatens one of the neighborhood’s few accessible gathering spaces. He said the Lay Park playground plays an important social role for families, including his 6-month-old daughter.

He said his daughter already benefits from the park due to her constantly meeting new kids on the playground. 

“I don’t know, close by, there’s a few areas near Normaltown, but it’s, you know, it’s kind of fun to meet people from different walks of life because different people show up to different parks,” Croy said when discussing the park’s diversity.

“So, spaces like this are super valuable,” Croy said. “If you don’t have enough of them close by, you can feel really isolated.”

He added that the park carries racial relevance. 

“The families that I’ve seen here tend to be Black,” Croy said. “And I don’t know, it’s hard to ignore the like, sort of the racial component of the story.”

The redevelopment has not yet been approved by Athens-Clarke County officials, and it remains unclear when the project will move forward.

Ziggy Moon, Laney Spevacek and Skylar Smith are journalism majors in the Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Georgia.