The University of Colorado Boulder has selected Fernando Lovo to lead its premier athletic department, CU Chancellor Justin Schwartz announced today.  Lovo, who comes to Boulder from the University of New Mexico, was approved by unanimous vote of the CU Board of Regents and will succeed Rick George, who will transition to an AD Emeritus role.  Lovo will officially start on January 1, 2026. 
 
“When we began our national search for a new Director of Athletics, we sought someone of high character, committed to the student-athlete experience who has an innovative approach to revenue generation,” said Schwartz. “Fernando is a dynamic leader who is perfect for these dynamic times and embodies CU’s high standards and values. He has a proven track record of leading student-athletes to success both in competition and in the classroom, and I’m confident that he is the perfect steward to lead CU Athletics into this new era of college athletics. We are thrilled to welcome Fernando, Jordan, Liam and Layla to the Buffalo family.”
 
After joining New Mexico as Vice President/Director of Athletics in December, 2024, Lovo presided over eight Mountain West titles, tied for the fourth-most in school history and the most of any Mountain West school last year. UNM finished 2024-2025 ranked 49th in the Learfield Director’s Cup, tops among all Group of 5 schools and is off to another strong start this year, finishing the fall ranked 20th, which also leads the G5.  The Lobos also set numerous academic records, including a Mountain West record 231 Scholar-Athlete selections, which goes to student-athletes who have achieved a 3.5 GPA or higher, and 273 conference All-Academic Team members, which recognizes those student-athletes who have cumulative GPA for the academic year of 3.0 or higher. 
 
“I’m honored to join this incredible group of student-athletes, coaches and staff at a tremendous institution that strives for excellence and espouses the right values,” said Lovo. “We are in a time of extraordinary change in college athletics and Colorado should lead the way in shaping what comes next. I look forward to helping our student-athletes succeed in every aspect of their lives while bringing championships to Buff Nation. I am sincerely grateful to the CU Board of Regents, President Saliman, and Chancellor Schwartz for this incredible opportunity to lead this iconic department and its storied programs.  I am also honored to take over leadership of CU Boulder Athletics from Rick George, one of the legendary athletic directors in the country.”  
 
In just his second week on the job at New Mexico, Lovo was tasked with hiring a new football coach and brought in Jason Eck, who promptly led the Lobos to a 9-3 regular season record, their first nine-win season since 2016 and a berth in the Rate Bowl against Minnesota, while earning Mountain West Coach of the Year honors. Lovo also hired basketball coach Eric Olen from UC San Diego in what is widely considered one of the best hires of the offseason and who has UNM off to a 10-2 start this year.  
 
Lovo also led the UNM Athletic Department to a record revenue year, growing the overall operating budget of the department by 17.6% from FY25 to FY26, and achieving record marks in ticket sales, multimedia rights, parking, concessions, and trademark and licensing revenue, along with a record year in Lobo Club fundraising.
 

Prior to becoming Vice President/Director of Athletics for New Mexico, Lovo had two stints at the University of Texas at Austin, during which he served in a number of administrative roles.  Beginning in December 2021, he was Senior Associate Athletics Director for Facilities and Operations before quickly being promoted to Senior Associate Athletics Director, Facilities, Capital Projects & Game Operations. His final position with the Longhorns was as Executive Senior Associate Athletics Director- Operations, where, in addition to serving as sports coordinator for men’s basketball and men’s and women’s tennis, he oversaw nearly half a billion dollars in capital projects.  
 
Lovo first joined UT as Chief of Staff for Football from 2016 through early 2021 before taking the position of Chief of Staff with the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars.  

A native of New Orleans, Lovo grew up in Miami. He and his wife, Jordan, have two children, Liam and Layla.

Atlanta (3)

Atlanta finished first in the regular season standings with a 13-3 record before falling in the semifinals. The squad returns three AU stars to the roster, led by libero Piyanut Pannoy, who finished 14th on the AU leaderboard this fall with 1,957 points and ranked third in the league with 139 digs. Also returning are middle blocker Onye Ofoegbu and opposite hitter Tessa Grubbs.

AU Players: Piyanut Pannoy, Onye Ofoegbu, Tessa Grubbs

Houston (4)

Houston finished second in the regular season standings with a 10-6 record before falling in the semifinals. The squad is loaded with AU talent, headlined by 2025 AU champion Jordan Thompson, who earned 2025 LOVB Icons Second Team honors and set league records during her dominant fall campaign. Also joining Houston are libero Justine Wong-Orantes, who moved from Omaha after playing every AU match this fall and tallying 106 digs, outside hitter Madi Kingdon Rishel, who finished fifth on the AU leaderboard, and setter Micha Hancock, who ranked third in the league with 9.80 assists per set during the AU season.

AU Players: Jordan Thompson, Justine Wong-Orantes, Madi Kingdon Rishel, Micha Hancock

 

Madison (3)

Madison finished third in the regular season standings with an 8-8 record before falling in the quarterfinals. The squad returns three AU stars, including outside hitter Temi Thomas-Ailara, who finished 20th on the AU leaderboard with 1,706 points, and outside hitter Claire Chaussee, who carved out a specialized defensive role and finished 28th overall. They’re joined by LOVB first-timer, middle blocker Annayka Legros, who brings nearly a decade of international experience and made her AU debut this fall.

AU Players: Claire Chaussee, Annayka Legros, Temi Thomas-Ailara

Salt Lake (11)

Salt Lake boasts the largest group of AU stars with 11 athletes on the roster. The squad features outside hitter Dani Drews, who earned her second career AU podium finish with a fourth-place showing and 2,493 points, and middle blocker Sophie Fischer, who took the league by storm in her first full pro season and recorded the highest block total of any AU rookie with 24. Also joining Salt Lake are setter Madi Bugg, who moved from Atlanta after ranking fifth in both assists and setting efficiency across LOVB last season; libero Manami Kojima, the 2025 LOVB Libero of the Year, who ranked second in the AU with 140 digs; outside hitter Claire Hoffman, who finished seventh on the AU leaderboard; and middle blocker Tori Dixon, who ranked third in AU this fall with a 0.70 blocks-per-set average. Rounding out the roster are outside hitter Alexa Gray, middle blocker Serena Gray, outside hitter Madi Haynes, opposite Heydi Casanova, and opposite Skylar Fields.

AU Players: Dani Drews, Madi Haynes, Skylar Fields, Sophie Fischer, Tori Dixon, Alexa Gray, Madi Bugg, Serena Gray, Manami Kojima, Claire Hoffman, Heydi Casanova

 

Nebraska (3)

Nebraska (formerly LOVB Omaha) finished last in the regular season standings with a 5-11 record but made an impressive run in the postseason by upsetting Madison and second-seeded Houston to reach the finals before settling for the runner-up title. The squad features three AU stars, including middle blocker Emily Thater, who broke into the top five blockers during the AU season and ranked fourth in the league with a 0.68 blocks-per-set average. Also joining the roster are outside hitter Jaali Winters and setter Gabby Blossom.

AU Players: Emily Thater, Jaali Winters, Gabby Blossom

Austin (3)

Austin finished fifth in the regular season standings with a 5-11 record but shocked the league by upsetting Salt Lake and top-seeded Atlanta to capture the LOVB Finals crown. The squad features three AU stars, including middle blocker Molly McCage, who claimed her third consecutive Blocker of the Year award after leading the 2025 Championship with a 0.94 blocks-per-set average. She’s joined by opposite Khat Bell and rookie middle blocker Bella Bergmark, who ranked fifth in the league in blocks per set during her AU debut.

AU Players: Khat Bell, Molly McCage, Bella Bergmark

 

Season 2 of League One Volleyball returns on January 7 with the first serve to take place between Nebraska and the hosting Austin team.

Siera Jones is the digital media reporter at Athletes Unlimited. You can follow her on Instagram and X @sieraajones.

EAST LANSING, Mich. – Michigan State athletics announced a one-year contract extension for head volleyball coach Kristen Kelsay Monday. With the extension, Kelsay’s contract now runs through 2031.

“In her first season guiding Michigan State volleyball, Kristen Kelsay quickly established a winning culture on and off the court,” said Michigan State Vice President and Director of Athletics J Batt. “We are excited to watch the program continue to grow and strive for new levels of success under her leadership.”

“I am incredibly grateful to President Kevin Guskiewicz and Director of Athletics J Batt for the opportunity to represent Michigan State University for years to come,” said Kelsay. “Being a Spartan is a privilege, and I am honored to lead the women of Michigan State volleyball. I am humbled by the support of our athletic department and the entire Spartan family. Year one laid the foundation for the success of this program for years to come. I am so grateful for our people – my staff, the student-athletes, and our community. I look forward to continuing to build this program every day with our values and a shared mission.” 

Kelsay, who completed her first season as head coach in 2025, led MSU to its most wins since 2017 with an 18-12 overall record. The Spartans opened the season with a 10-0 mark in non-conference play, the program’s first time going undefeated in non-conference action since 2012 and fourth time overall. MSU was one of eight Division I schools and one of two Big Ten programs to go unbeaten in non-conference play in 2025, while the 10-0 record marked the best start for a head coach in their first season at MSU.

MSU earned its first sweep against a ranked opponent since 2017 in 2025 with a 3-0 win against No. 20 Indiana and swept Michigan in East Lansing for the first time since 2015. The Spartans also posted their best team hitting efficiency (.222), kills per set (12.83), assists per set (11.99) and service aces per set (1.71) since 2017. Individually, junior Karolina Staniszewska was named Second Team All-Big Ten and was an American Volleyball Coaches Association Honorable Mention All-Region selection, while setter Malayah Long was twice named Big Ten Freshman of the Week.

Nine Spartans earned Academic All-Big Ten honors, and junior Zuzanna Kulig earned Academic All-District honors from the College Sports Communicators (CSC).

DES MOINES, Iowa – The Drake Relays has again partnered with the Iowa Sports Foundation to help support all Iowans in their commitment to their 2026 health and fitness goals. During the holiday season and into the first days of the New Year, the Drake Relays staff are encouraging everyone to make their New Year’s resolution a Relays Resolution.
 
“Each New Year provides a definitive opportunity to set goals, and we’re proud to once again partner with the Iowa Sports Foundation to help Iowans turn those goals into action,” said Franklin P. Johnson Director of the Drake Relays, Blake Boldon. “The Relays Resolution campaign and the Live Healthy Iowa 10 Week Wellness Challenge provide accessible, motivating ways for people of all fitness levels to stay active and train toward the Drake Road Races.”
 
The 58th installment of the Drake Road Races will take place on Saturday, April 18, 2026, marking the official beginning of Relays Week. With three distances available, 5k, 10k, and half marathon, there is a race available for all fitness levels and the first six 2026 Drake Relays Champions will be crowned. All finishers receive a commemorative Drake Road Races finishers medal, a premium apparel item, free admission to the Thursday night Distance Carnival at the Drake Relays plus other benefits. Become one of the first finishers of America’s Athletic Classic when you cross the finish line on the Blue Oval. Make your Relays Resolution and register on or before Monday, January 5 to take advantage of our special Relays Resolution pricing at drakeroadraces.org.
 
“The beginning of a new year is an ideal moment to get active and set personal goals,” Nicole Kennedy, Chief Operating Officer, shared, ‘The Iowa Sports Foundation is excited to partner with the Drake Relays to provide these fun and healthy opportunities for Iowans.'”
 
As a way to stay accountable in training for the Drake Road Races, the Drake Relays are encouraging registrants to participate in the Live Healthy Iowa 10 Week Wellness Challenge. For $25, participants can now register for the Challenge that will run from January 12-March 20, 2026. Over the course of 10 weeks, teams (2-10 people) track activity minutes and/or weight loss through the Live Healthy Iowa website. This simple and affordable challenge provides Iowans an opportunity to improve their health while engaging in fun, friendly competition. To register visit livehealthyiowa.org/10-challenge. 
 
About Drake Relays

The Drake Relays has served as “America’s Athletic Classic” since its first running in 1910. The annual competition, hosted by Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, is recognized internationally as a destination for the world’s premier track & field athletes across multiple professional and amateur divisions. In 2020, the Drake Relays was named a Silver Level event on the World Athletics Continental Tour, a designation that has been received annually since that time. In addition to its signature stadium competition, the Drake Relays includes two marquee road running events open to the general public — the Grand Blue Mile presented by Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield and the Drake Road Races. For more information, visit drakerelays.org.
 
About Live Healthy Iowa
Live Healthy Iowa is a program of the Iowa Sports Foundation, a non-profit organization located in Ames, Iowa. Live Healthy Iowa brings together friends, families, businesses, and communities in team-based wellness challenges and active events encouraging lifelong well-being.

 

kAmp7E6C E2=<:?8 E9:?8D @G6C H:E9 96C A2C6?ED 😕 E96:C 9@>6 😕 $2?E2 rCFK[ r2=:7@C?:2[ E96 564:D:@? H2D 7:?2= 3FE :E H2D E@@ =2E6 E@ 42== $9677:6=5[ D@ D96 H2:E65 F?E:= |@?52J >@C?:?8 E@ 4@>>:E]k^Am

kAm%92E H2D H6=4@>6 ?6HD 7@C $9677:6=5[ H9@ 925 DF556?=J 8@?6 @? E96 9F?E 7@C 2 A:? 9:EE6C 27E6C =@D:?8 %C:?:EJ $9255\r6C6D 2?5 &?2 ‘2;28:4 E@ E96 A@CE2= 😕 E96 AC6G:@FD 76H 52JD] %96 >@C6 96 D2H @7 %C2G:D E96 >@C6 96 D2H 96C 2D 2 A6C764E 7:E 7@C E96 E62>] $96 6G6? C6>:?565 9:> @7 2 7@C>6C q2586C]k^Am

kAm“$96’D 925 2 G6CJ 8@@5 7:CDE EH@ J62CD[ 92D 6I46==65 2?5 7:ED 2 3:8\E:>6 ?665 7@C FD[” $9677:6=5 D2:5] “$96 A=2JD >F49 3:886C E92? 96C 96:89E] $96’D FA E96C6 @? 96C 3=@4<] $96’D 8@E E96 E@A A2CE @7 96C 9625 FA @G6C E96 ?6E] $96’D 3:8[ D96’D 5J?2>:4[ D96’D A9JD:42=] $96 <:?5 @7 C6>:?5D >6 @7 z6==: q2E6D[ H9@ 2=H2JD A=2J65 3:886C E92? 96C 96:89E] tG2’D E96 D2>6 H2J] %9:D <:5 >:89E 86E FA 6G6? 2 =:EE=6 3:E 9:896C]”k^Am

kAm$9677:6=5 😀 6I4:E65 23@FE E96 @FE=@@< 2E E96 A:? 7@C E96 q2586CD[ H9@ H:== 92G6 2 ?6H =@@< H:E9 E96 56A2CEFC6 @7 |:>: r@=J6C E9C@F89 8C25F2E:@? 2?5 ‘2;28:4] vC246 {@A6K 😀 6IA64E65 E@ C6EFC? @? E96 C:89E D:56[ D6?5:?8 vC246 t82? 324< E@ E96 =67E[ H96C6 D96 H:== ;@:? |25:D@? “F6DE[ :?4@>:?8 7C6D9>6? w2==6 %9@>AD@? 2?5 pF5C6J u=2?282?[ 2=@?8 H:E9 %C2G:D]k^Am

kAm“x =@G6 @FC A:?D C:89E ?@H[” $9677:6=5 D2:5] “%96 E2=6?E 2?5 E96 A9JD:42=:EJ[ 2== @7 E96> 42? A=2J D:I C@E2E:@?D] x’> 6I4:E65 7@C 2?@E96C DAC:?8 @7 t82? 2?5 “F6DE[ D66:?8 E96:C 82>6D 8@ 7C@> E96:C 7:CDE E@ E96:C D64@?5 J62CD 96C6] (6’C6 8@:?8 E@ 86E {@A6K ;F>A:?8 H96? H6 86E 324< 7C@> 3C62< 2?5 x’> DE@<65 7@C @FC EH@ 7C6D9>6? 4@>:?8 :?] p?5 ?@H tG2[ E92E’D 2 =@E @7 D:I C@E2E:@?D E92E 42? A=2J E96 6?E:C6 82>6] %96J 42? 2== 86E @? E96 32== 72DE[ E96J 42? 4@?EC@= E96 32== 2?5 2C6 5J?2>:4 2E9=6E6D]”k^Am

kAm%C2G:D H:== 36 2 C65D9:CE ;F?:@C H:E9 EH@ D62D@?D @7 6=:8:3:=:EJ 2E (:D4@?D:?] $96 C65D9:CE65 96C 7C6D9>2? J62C 2E &r$q 3642FD6 E96 E62> H2D =@2565 H:E9 6IA6C:6?465 A=2J6CD] $96 >256 E96 >@DE @7 E92E D62D@? 3J =62C?:?8 7C@> E62>>2E6 |:496==6 ~9H@36E6[ E96 q:8 (6DE !=2J6C @7 E96 *62C 😕 a_ab H9@ 7:?:D965 96C 42C66C =2DE D62D@? 2E ~C68@?]k^Am

kAm%C2G:D E96? 3FCDE @? E96 D46?6 2D 2 C65D9:CE 7C6D9>2?[ 62C?:?8 q:8 (6DE uC6D9>2? @7 E96 *62C 2?5 7:CDE\E62> 2== 4@?76C6?46 9@?@CD 2D D96 2G6C2865 b]bd <:==D A6C D6E[ a]_a 5:8D A6C D6E 2?5 9:E ]a`_] $96 7@==@H65 E92E FA E9:D A2DE D62D@? 3J 2G6C28:?8 b]hb <:==D 2?5 `]fd 5:8D 2?5 9:EE:?8 ]ac_ E@ 62C? D64@?5\E62> 2==\q:8 (6DE 9@?@CD] $96 >:DD65 D:I >2E496D H:E9 2 >:?@C D9@F=56C :DDF6]k^Am

kAm$96 C64@C565 2 42C66C\9:89 b_ <:==D 282:?DE &r xCG:?6 2?5 2=D@ 925 a` <:==D 282:?DE &$r 2?5 `h 282:?DE rC6:89E@?[ 3@E9 😕 7:G6\D6E =@DD6D]k^Am

kAm%C2G:D D2:5 D96 H2D =@@<:?8 E@ E6DE 96CD6=7 2E 2 9:896C =6G6= 2?5 C64@8?:K6D E92E D96 H:== 7246 E@F89 4@>A6E:E:@? E@ 86E 😕 E96 =:?6FA 7@C E96 q2586CD]k^Am

kAm“x H2D ;FDE =@@<:?8 E@ >2<6 E92E ?6IE DE6A 😕 >J 42C66C 3642FD6 F=E:>2E6=J x H2?E E@ A=2J AC@ H96? x 8C25F2E6[” D96 D2:5] “$@ x H2D ;FDE =@@<:?8 7@C 2 AC@8C2> E92E 2=:8?D H:E9 E92E 8@2= 2?5 42? 96=A >6 86E E96C6]k^Am

kAm“x 5:5?’E 6IA64E E@ 4@>6 :?E@ 2?J AC@8C2> x H2D E2=<:?8 E@ 2D 2? :>>65:2E6 DE2CE6C 2?5 ?@ @?6 AC@>:D65 >6 E92E 6:E96C] x @H 2E E9:D =6G6= J@F 92G6 E@ H@C< 2D 92C5 2D J@F 42? 2?5 x’> AC6A2C65 E@ 5@ D@ E@ 86E E92E DA@E]”k^Am

kAm%C2G:D[ H9@ D2JD D96’D 24EF2==J d\“[ 2? :?49 E2==6C E92? 96C =:DE65 96:89E[ 😀 4@?7:56?E E92E D96 92D E96 82>6 ?646DD2CJ E@ A=2J 2E E96 9:896DE 4@==68:2E6 =6G6=]k^Am

kAm“x E9:?< x’G6 5@?6 2 8@@5 ;@3 @7 4FC2E:?8 >J @G6C2== 82>6[” D96 D2:5] “x E9:?< x’> AC6EEJ 6IA=@D:G6 2?5 x A=2J 2== E96 H2J 2C@F?5 2?5 42? 9:E E96 324< C@H 2EE24<[ H9:49 😀 H92E x H2D 86EE:?8 C64CF:E65 7@C 3J 2 =@E @7 4@==686D]k^Am

kAm“z6==J D2:5 x 925 2 72DE 2C> 2?5 E92E’D H92E 96 =:<65 23@FE >6] x E9:?< x 42? 9:E 😕 2 72DE @776?D6 2?5 x H2?E E@ 4@?E:?F6 E@ 7:?6 EF?6 >J D<:==D 2?5 =6G6= FA 😕 6G6CJ H2J] ~3G:@FD=J[ x’> 8@:?8 E@ 36 D66:?8 3:886C 3=@46 😀 9@H x 42? 9:E @77 E9@D6 9:89 92?5D]”k^Am

kAmtG6? E9@F89 D96 8C6H FA @? E96 (6DE r@2DE — 7:CDE 😕 $2?E2 rCFK[ E96? q6?5[ ~C68@?[ 2?5 7:?2==J {28F?2 q6249 — D96 925 7@==@H65 E96 (:D4@?D:? AC@8C2>] $96 8@E E@ @H r92C=:6 uF6C3C:?86C H9:=6 E96J H6C6 3@E9 😕 E96 |:KF?@ {@?8 q6249 4=F3[ 2=E9@F89 E96J H6C6 @? 5:776C6?E E62>D]k^Am

kAm“x’G6 366? 2 9F86 72? @7 E96 E62>[” D96 D2:5] “tG6CJ@?6 H9@ @HD 4@==686 G@==6J32== @HD (:D4@?D:?] xE’D DF49 2? 9@?@C E@ ;@:? DF49 2 DFAA@CE:G6 2?5 6?E9FD:2DE:4 4@>>F?:EJ =:<6 (:D4@?D:?] tG6CJ@?6 92D 366? DFA6C H6=4@>:?8] q2586C }2E:@? 92D 366? :?4C65:3=6]”k^Am

kAmp 9:?E E@ 96C ?6H 72?Di 96C 7:CDE ?2>6 😀 AC@?@F?465 pG2] w6C >@> &CDF=2 😀 xE2=:2? 2?5 E92E 😀 E96 xE2=:2?[ 2D H6== 2D $A2?:D9[ AC@?F?4:2E:@?] qFE D96’D FD65 E@ A6@A=6 42==:?8 96C tG2]k^Am

kAm“(96? x H2D =:EE=6 x FD65 E@ 4@CC64E A6@A=6[” D96 D2:5] “qFE[ 9@?6DE=J[ :E 92AA6?D D@ @7E6? E92E x 42?’E 3=2>6 A6@A=6 2?J>@C6] x C6>6>36C E96 7:CDE 52J @7 <:?56C82CE6? E96C6 H6C6 2 3F?49 @7 pG2D 😕 >J 4=2DD 2?5 x 42>6 9@>6 2?5 x E@=5 >J >@> J@F DA6==65 >J ?2>6 HC@?8]”k^Am

kAmqFE 6:E96C H2J[ D96’D =@@<:?8 7@CH2C5 E@ >2<:?8 2 ?2>6 7@C 96CD6=7 H:E9 E96 q2586CD]k^Am

kAm“x’> DFA6C 6I4:E65 E@ 36 @? E9:D ;@FC?6J 2?5 36 2 A2CE @7 E9:D 2>2K:?8 AC@8C2>[” D96 D2:5] “xE’D 567:?:E6=J 8@:?8 E@ 36 ?6H[ 3FE 2? 6I4:E:?8 ?6H]”k^Am