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Cruising around the Bijagos islands

After two days of rest upon arrival, we set sail for Bubaque, the only ‘town’ in the archipelago. We were already getting used to navigating in uncertainty. The keel struck a vicious rock, too slowly to cause damage but firmly enough to get stuck. With the falling tide, the consequence was inevitable: Gallinago now lay […]

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Cruising around the Bijagos islands


After two days of rest upon arrival, we set sail for Bubaque, the only ‘town’ in the archipelago. We were already getting used to navigating in uncertainty.

Inspecting the hull after getting stuck on a rock

The keel struck a vicious rock, too slowly to cause damage but firmly enough to get stuck. With the falling tide, the consequence was inevitable: Gallinago now lay almost horizontally and we were stuck.
Within the forest, they maintained their life as sedentary hunter-gatherers with a partially matriarchal social structure, continuing their animist beliefs and complex initiation rites. The natural barriers of the islands also benefited the other living creatures inhabiting the archipelago.
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Hiking through an isolated palm forestWe met a lovely man speaking perfect French. Fidel warmly invited us to sit around a delicious communal dish. We chatted for a long time. On the next day, his children took us fishing. An intense day.

Situated at the mouth of many rivers in Guinea-Bissau, the Bijagos archipelago is one of Africa’s most isolated maritime regions. Strong tides, violent currents, murky waters, rocky reefs, constantly shifting sandbanks and unstable winds make access difficult both from the sea and from the continent.
Pulling the dinghy up a totally deserted beach. Photo: Maxence and Victor Ansquer
Such were the few pieces of information we gathered. What more could we ask for? Having departed from Brittany in November on a transatlantic voyage that would have seen our crew part ways in South America, we’d tacked upon reaching the Canaries.

Maxence and Victor aresailing on Gallinago, a Beneteau which competed in the Figaro race. The Portuguese never fully overcame these obstacles. Until the country’s independence in 1973, the Bijago people resisted colonisation by retreating into the islands.

YM is packed with information to help you get the most from your time on the water.
During their world voyage, brothers Maxence and Victor Ansquer enjoy cruising around the Bijagos islands.
The first night on an unfamiliar boat can be a bit restless. You listen to the creaks and groans of…

Pulling the dinghy up a totally deserted beachHiking through an isolated palm forest. Photo: Maxence and Victor Ansquer

Fortunately, luck and some organisation helped us out: we shifted our weight to the best side and our floating home found a stable position without suffering any damage. We got what we came for, and then some: we would lose two anchors later on, victims to the currents and invisible rocks. Treacherous waters indeed!
Frustrated to sail along western Africa without stopping, we’d veered towards Dakar. Upon arrival, Victor voiced the idea that had been hovering: what if we sailed around the world?
The next day, we landed in Bubaque. The first contact with reality was unsettling: the poverty was striking. We wandered on a winding path through a bit of forest that led us to a village.

A yacht sailing over the horizon

In one evening we sketched a loop on the map, uniting our dreams and thirst for adventure. The Bijagos were a few days sail away, we would start there! In retrospect, our month-long stay was rich enough to write an entire book.

A wide-angle shot of a caribbean bay

Maxence and Victor are sailing on Gallinago, a Beneteau which competed in the Figaro race. Photo: Maxence and Victor Ansquer

Cruising around the Bijagos islands: Taking stock in Bubaque

The helmsman’s eye fixed on the depth sounder while another watched the water’s surface for potential reefs had become our usual configuration. These precautions weren’t enough. Unable to pass the Bubaque point against the tide, a hesitation in finding the safest anchorage, blinded by the murky water, a moment’s inattention led to a mistake.
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Max and Victor Ansquer are brothers who are circumnavigating the globe via the three capes.Max and Victor Ansquer are brothers who are circumnavigating the globe via the three capes. Photo: Maxence and Victor Ansquer
We shared our impressions on the way back: we were all moved. Balanced between the overflowing hospitality of Fidel and his family, the joy of discovering new tastes, new words, and laughter, was the realisation of the deprivation our friends live in.
As we walked along the path strewn with plastic waste, we pondered: what to think, what to wish for them? Their ancestral way of life has been disrupted; there’s no place for the romantic illusion of going back.
However, amid extreme material simplicity, a disastrous lack of health care, they showed us how they have preserved their culture in harmony with the environment. It was a chance for us to discover it and question the dead ends of our own society.
Enjoying Bijagos hospitalityEnjoying Bijagos hospitality. Photo: Maxence and Victor Ansquer
A chance for them, we believe, to have these roots to lead a happy life, rich in sensations, emotions, and feelings. Essentials we westerners often lose sight of in our ever so fast world.
Our last ten days in the archipelago were spent searching for two of its traditional species: marine turtles and hippos. We easily found the former on the beach where, we were told, they lay their eggs.
As for the hippos, they eluded us despite two long walks through the savanna and a night spent in ambush on the beach. Living in the marshes, they come to the sea each night to rid themselves of leeches. Hidden in a hole dug in the dune, we watched from dusk till dawn, without success.
Locals passing on their fishing knowledge in the mangrovesLocals passing on their fishing knowledge in the mangroves. Photo: Maxence and Victor Ansquer
Despite this, we savoured the magic of those hours of waiting, magnified by the full moon, the roar of the waves, and the flight of birds. Observing their tracks leading into the ocean and hearing them moving behind a thicket was more than enough to satisfy us.
We could still imagine them amid these sumptuous settings: lush vegetation, muddy ponds where wading birds, pelicans, and small crocodiles roam.
Our visas finally came to an end. The hospitality of our Guinean friends had been overwhelming. Our circumnavigation was just beginning, and already we realised how difficult it would be to leave friends behind each time.

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The islands host an ecosystem of unique variety: migratory birds, monkeys, crocodiles, hippos, sea turtles, manatees, sharks, and all sorts of fish.

Confined to quarters during the pandemic, many sailors are itching to slip their lines and sail for the sun. Elaine…


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Doherty named to Academic All-District Team

Story Links The Edgewood College women’s track & field team has been recognized on the College Sports Communicators Academic All-District Team. Kylee Doherty has landed honors for her outstanding work in the classroom and efforts on the track. In competition, Doherty (Cross Plains, Wisconsin) continued to meet set new distances to […]

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The Edgewood College women’s track & field team has been recognized on the College Sports Communicators Academic All-District Team. Kylee Doherty has landed honors for her outstanding work in the classroom and efforts on the track.

In competition, Doherty (Cross Plains, Wisconsin) continued to meet set new distances to reach for Eagle throws in 2205. The junior punched her ticket to her third NCAA Division III Outdoor Track & Field Championships in the discus and javelin throw. Doherty finished 14th in the discus to claim Second Team All-America honors for the second-straight season. Doherty was named USTFCCCA All-Region in the javelin throw. The Cross Plains native set the Eagle school record in the javelin throw (43.72m) with the fifth longest mark in Division III at the UW-Whitewater Drake Alternative Meet on April 24. Doherty repeated as NACC Champion in the discus throw. In the classroom, Doherty owns a 4.00 GPA as an education and history major.

A release from the CSC on the Academic All-District Teams can be found here.



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Volleyball Signs Texas A&M Transfer Molly Brown

Story Links KALAMAZOO, Mich. – The Western Michigan volleyball team and head coach Colleen Munson have announced the signing of middle blocker Molly Brown, a transfer from Texas A&M. Brown joins fellow transfers Ella Guilfoy (Virginia Tech) and Lizzie MacIntosh (Grand Rapids CC), as well as incoming freshmen Keely Culler (Archbold, Ohio), […]

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June 24, 2025

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KALAMAZOO, Mich. – The Western Michigan volleyball team and head coach Colleen Munson have announced the signing of middle blocker Molly Brown, a transfer from Texas A&M. Brown joins fellow transfers Ella Guilfoy (Virginia Tech) and Lizzie MacIntosh (Grand Rapids CC), as well as incoming freshmen Keely Culler (Archbold, Ohio), Mia Jurkovic (Oswego, Ill.) and middle blocker Cassidy Pratley (East Leroy, Mich.) in the program’s 2025 class. All six are slated to suit up for the Brown and Gold this fall.

Molly Brown • 6-2 • Middle Blocker • Goshen, Ind. • Northridge (Texas A&M)

Brown arrives in Kalamazoo after spending her last three seasons at Texas A&M. Over the course of her three years with the Aggies, she played in 45 matches and 116 sets, accumulating 83 kills (0.72/set) and 123 total blocks (1.06/set). The most prolific season in College Station for Brown was her first in 2022. That year, she appeared in 26 matches, starting 23, and totaled 61 kills (0.75/set) and 92 blocks (1.14/set). 

 

Before transferring to Texas A&M, Brown began her collegiate career at Purdue, where she was limited to three matches in two seasons, which included a redshirt year in 2021.

 

Brown was a four-year letterwinner and three-time First Team All-Conference selection at Northridge High School in Middlebury, Ind. She eclipsed the 200-kill mark in both her junior and senior campaigns, and was named to the 2018 Ultra Ankle JVA Watch List.

 

Off the court, Brown is a two-time AD Honor Roll member and earned a spot on the SEC First-Year Honor Roll for the 2022-23 academic year. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Nutrition and a master’s degree in Entrepreneurial Leadership from Texas A&M.

 



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Volleyball Releases 2025 Schedule – Florida State University

TALLAHASSEE – The Florida State volleyball team released its 2025 schedule on Tuesday morning. The schedule features nine teams that qualified for the NCAA Tournament including two Final Four Teams in Louisville and Pitt.    FSU will open its season with the Garnet and Gold Scrimmage on August 22 at 6 p.m. FSU will also […]

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June 24, 2025

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TALLAHASSEE – The Florida State volleyball team released its 2025 schedule on Tuesday morning. The schedule features nine teams that qualified for the NCAA Tournament including two Final Four Teams in Louisville and Pitt. 
 
FSU will open its season with the Garnet and Gold Scrimmage on August 22 at 6 p.m. FSU will also play an exhibition match against South Alabama at 3 p.m. on August 23. Both matches will be at Tully Gym and will be open to fans. 
 
The Noles will play its first six games away from home as they will head to Jacksonville on opening weekend to play UIC on August 29 at 3 p.m. and North Florida on August 30 at 6 p.m. Both games will be played at UNF Arena on the campus of UNF. 
 
FSU will head to Tampa the following weekend for the South Florida Showdown at USF. The Noles will play USF at 6 p.m. on September 5 before playing NCAA Tournament participant South Carolina at 3 p.m. on September 6.
 
The match against the Gamecocks will be FSU’s first of four consecutive matchups against SEC opponents. FSU will travel to Norman, Oklahoma, to face the Oklahoma Sooners on September 10 as a part of the Showdown at the Net. FSU will then head to Auburn on September 12 to face the Tigers. Auburn will then travel to Tallahassee for the home opener on Sunday, September 14 at 2 p.m. FSU will face Georgia State at 5 p.m. on September 15 before wrapping up non-conference play at Georgia Southern on September 20.
 
FSU will open ACC play with four consecutive road games at Clemson, Georgia Tech, Wake Forest and NC State. FSU will then host a pair of top 15 opponents as SMU will come to town on October 10 and Final Four participant Pitt will enter Tully Gym on October 12. 
 
The Noles will make their west coast trip to Stanford and Cal on October 16 and October 18 before returning home for four consecutive home matches against Virginia, Virginia Tech, Syracuse and Boston College. 
 
The Noles will play back-to-back games against rival Miami starting in Coral Gables on November 5 before the teams play in Tallahassee on November 8. The Noles will travel to National Runner-Up Louisville on November 13 and Notre Dame on November 16. The Noles will play three out of its final four games at home as they host North Carolina, Duke and Clemson with a trip to SMU on November 26.

The full schedule can be found at https://seminoles.com/sports/womens-volleyball/schedule 

 

For updates and exclusive content, follow the Seminoles on X (FSU_Volleyball), Instagram (fsuvolleyball) and Facebook (Florida State Seminoles Volleyball).

 

 



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Registration closes 26 July for World Aquatics Masters Championships in Singapore

If you’re hoping to compete in swimming, diving, water polo, artistic swimming, or open water swimming at the World Aquatics Masters Championships – Singapore 2025, now is the time to act. Registration closes soon—don’t miss your chance! Participants will also have a unique opportunity to watch the World Aquatics Championships—Singapore 2025, held in parallel from […]

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June 24, 2025

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If you’re hoping to compete in swimming, diving, water polo, artistic swimming, or open water swimming at the World Aquatics Masters Championships – Singapore 2025, now is the time to act. Registration closes soon—don’t miss your chance!

Participants will also have a unique opportunity to watch the World Aquatics Championships—Singapore 2025, held in parallel from 11 July to 3 August. Tickets to all six elite sports can be purchased here. 


Image Source: Singapore Tourism Board

Master athletes compete in five aquatics sports: swimming, diving, water polo, artistic swimming, and open water swimming, at four different competition venues: the World Aquatics Championships Arena, OCBC Aquatic Centre, Sentosa, and Our Tampines Hub.

Here are the competition dates for each sport:

Open Water Swimming: 26 and 27 July

Artistic Swimming: 30 July to 3 August

Swimming: 7 to 14 August (with a day off on the 9 August for Singapore’s National Day)

Diving: 17 to 22 August

Water Polo: 16 to 22 August

A detailed competition schedule can be found here (starting from page 27 of the latest World Masters Information Bulletin).

The event also aims to provide an attractive environment where participants can enjoy the competitions and their stay in Singapore. With this, World Aquatics is offering a webinar, workshop, and seminar – all tailored to age-group aquatics athletes – to help make the most of an incredible time in a global city that’s the gateway to Southeast Asia. 


Image Source: World Aquatics

Of Note from the Organisers:

Registration and payment for all events are required for all participants by 26 June 2025. Registrations and event entries will not be considered without completed payment. Registrations submitted after 26 June 2025 will not be considered. Participants are to note that registration may close before the deadline if participation quotas are met.  


Image Source: Singapore skyline at night (Singapore Tourism Board)

Singapore is a dynamic and multicultural city, shaped by its rich heritage, lush landscapes, and deep connection to water. The World Aquatics Masters Championships – Singapore 2025 reflects this identity through the theme “Water Shapes Us.”

Singapore is an experienced host city for major events. This history includes hosting 25 previous World Aquatics competitions, including the 13 editions of the Swimming World Cup and the 2015 World Aquatics Junior Swimming Championships. This year’s Swimming World Cup will culminate with Singapore hosting the finals (31 October—2 November 2024).


Image Source: Calvin Chan / Singapore Tourism Board

Four world-class competition venues will be ready to welcome master athletes and provide them with perfect conditions for competition. These are:

World Aquatics Championships Arena


Image Source: World Aquatics Championships Singapore 2025

Located within the Singapore Sports Hub, the World Aquatics Championships Arena will host water polo and swimming at the Masters Championships. The Singapore Sports Hub will also host fan engagement events throughout the Championships.

OCBC Aquatic Centre


Image Source: Switzerland’s Noe Ponti celebrates setting a new world record in the men’s 50m butterfly at the OCBC Aquatic Centre during the 2’24 Swimming World Cup event in Singapore (Yong Teck Lim/Getty Images)

The OCBC Aquatic Centre will host water polo and diving competitions at the World Aquatics Championships—Singapore 2025 and the World Aquatics Masters Championships – Singapore 2025.

Sentosa


Image Source: Sentosa Island’s Palawan Green, the home for open water swimming at the World Aquatics Masters Championships – Singapore 2025 (Sentosa Development Corporation)

The island resort of Sentosa off Singapore’s southern coast will be home to the open water swimming events at the World Aquatics Masters Championships – Singapore 2025. Throughout the Championships, look out for fan engagement events in Sentosa.

Our Tampines Hub

Our Tampines Hub will host artistic swimming competitions and water polo training sessions during the World Aquatics Masters Championships – Singapore 2025. The venue is designed to host sporting and entertainment activities, making it a versatile hub for various large-scale events in Singapore.

Singapore offers world-class accommodations and is renowned for its exquisite service. The Information Bulletin provides detailed information about Singapore’s global entry requirements, air travel, and local transportation.  


Image Source: Diving at the 2012 World Aquatics Championships (World Aquatics)

All competitions at the World Aquatics Masters Championships will follow the prevailing World Aquatics Rules and Regulations during the event dates.  

If you are a pool swimmer wondering if your time in your favourite event can get you into this edition of the World Aquatics Masters Championships, here are the marks you’ll have to get under to swim for age-group world glory: Men’s and Women’s Swimming Entry Times

Be sure to check the World Aquatics Masters Championships – Singapore 2025 event page always to stay updated with the latest information. 

 

 

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Lottery.com Appoints Tim Scoffham as CEO to Lead Global Expansion of Sports.com Media and Lottery.com International — TradingView News

FORT WORTH, Texas, June 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Lottery.com Inc. (NASDAQ: LTRY, LTRYW) (“Lottery.com” or “the Company”), a leading technology company transforming the intersection of gaming, sports and entertainment, today announced the appointment of Tim Scoffham as Chief Executive Officer of Sports.com Media Group Limited (“Sports.com Media”) and Lottery.com International Limited (“Lottery.com International”), effective immediately. […]

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FORT WORTH, Texas, June 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Lottery.com Inc. (NASDAQ: LTRY, LTRYW) (“Lottery.com” or “the Company”), a leading technology company transforming the intersection of gaming, sports and entertainment, today announced the appointment of Tim Scoffham as Chief Executive Officer of Sports.com Media Group Limited (“Sports.com Media”) and Lottery.com International Limited (“Lottery.com International”), effective immediately. The appointment follows a successful consultancy period beginning in May 2024, during which Tim helped shape the Company’s global growth strategy across iGaming and digital sports media.

With more than 20 years of leadership in gaming, media, and entertainment, Tim is widely recognized as a veteran operator in media, sports entertainment and gaming sectors. His international experience and ability to execute high-growth, regulated strategies across emerging markets make him an ideal fit to lead these businesses into their next chapter.

Tim will oversee the strategic integration and international expansion of Sports.com Media, a premium digital sports content and engagement platform, and Lottery.com International, the Company’s iGaming and international lottery division focused on delivering secure, compliant, and entertaining lottery experiences across key global markets. His leadership will focus on aligning commercial, media, and technology platforms, bolstering regulatory partnerships, and unlocking scalable, revenue-generating opportunities in high-growth jurisdictions.

“Our Company is delighted with this appointment,” said Matthew McGahan, CEO and Chairman of Lottery.com. “Tim brings energy, credibility, and international expertise. His bold, entrepreneurial leadership style and deep experience in both gaming and media are precisely what we need at this inflection point. We are seeing strong forward momentum in the business and the markets, and Tim’s appointment gives us further confidence in our global roadmap. He is fully aligned with our vision to build Lottery.com and Sports.com into powerhouse global brands.”

Tim Scoffham added: “It’s an incredibly exciting time to join Lottery.com in a full-time leadership capacity at Sports.com Media and Lottery.com International, both of which represent unique global opportunities. The Sports.com and Lottery.com brands sit at the intersection of sports, gaming, and immersive content, and I believe we’re only scratching the surface of what they can become. With outstanding teams already in place and a unified international strategy underway, I’m looking forward to accelerating growth, strengthening partnership, and delivering long-term value to Lottery.com shareholders.”

About Sports.com Media

Sports.com Media Group Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Lottery.com Inc., is a next-generation digital platform delivering premium sports content, immersive fan experiences, and real-time engagement to a global audience. Focused on innovation, original formats, and media-rights partnerships, Sports.com is shaping the future of sports storytelling and digital fan engagement.

About Lottery.com International

Lottery.com International Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Lottery.com Inc., provides a secure and compliant iGaming and global lottery platform that enables users to participate in international lottery games through digital channels. The platform is focused on regulated market expansion, localized offerings, and sustainable, high-margin growth.

Under Tim Scoffham’s leadership, both businesses will continue the expansion of Sports.com and Lottery.com into globally recognized brands—driven by innovation, strategic execution, and an unwavering commitment to compliance and user experience.

About Lottery.com

The Lottery.com Inc. (NASDAQ: LTRY, LTRYW) family of brands — including Sports.com, Tinbu and WinTogether, comprise a unified ecosystem that integrates gaming, entertainment, and sports. Follow the Company on X, Instagram and Facebook.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains statements that constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements, other than statements of present or historical fact included in this press release, regarding the Company’s strategy, future operations, prospects, plans and objectives of management, are forward-looking statements. When used in this Form 8-K, the words “could,” “should,” “will,” “may,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project,” “initiatives,” “continue,” the negative of such terms and other similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain such identifying words. These forward-looking statements are based on management’s current expectations and assumptions about future events and are based on currently available information as to the outcome and timing of future events. The forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release or as of the date they are made. The Company cautions you that these forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, most of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond the control of the Company. In addition, the Company cautions you that the forward-looking statements contained in this press release are subject to risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to, expectations related to the investigation of short selling or potential naked short selling, including the Company’s analysis, its ability to take appropriate corrective action, or any potential investigations by regulators; any future findings from ongoing review of the Company’s internal accounting controls; additional examination of the preliminary conclusions of such review; the Company’s ability to secure additional capital resources; the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern; the Company’s ability to respond in a timely and satisfactory matter to the inquiries by Nasdaq; the Company’s ability to regain compliance with the Bid Price Requirement; the Company’s ability to regain compliance with Nasdaq Listing Rules; the Company’s ability to become current with its SEC reports; and those additional risks and uncertainties discussed under the heading “Risk Factors” in the Form 10-K/A filed by the Company with the SEC on April 22, 2025, and the other documents filed, or to be filed, by the Company with the SEC. Additional information concerning these and other factors that may impact the operations and projections discussed herein can be found in the reports that the Company has filed and will file from time to time with the SEC. These SEC filings are available publicly on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Should one or more of the risks or uncertainties described in this press release materialize or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results and plans could differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements. Except as otherwise required by applicable law, the Company disclaims any duty to update any forward-looking statements, all of which are expressly qualified by the statements in this section, to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this press release.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ddd041d2-dfd1-40b2-ae96-d48dad3d080e

This press release was published by a CLEAR® Verified individual.

For more information, please visit www.lottery.com or contact our media relations team at press@lottery.com.

Tim Scoffham

Tim Scoffham, CEO of Sports.com Media LTD and Lottery.com International LTD.



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NCAA Approves East Texas A&M’s full Division I status

Story Links INDIANAPOLIS – A new era is officially underway in Northeast Texas as the NCAA Division I Board of Directors approved full Division I membership status for East Texas A&M University during its meeting on June 23.   As Northeast Texas’ only Division I university, East Texas A&M—which has 14 sports […]

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INDIANAPOLIS – A new era is officially underway in Northeast Texas as the NCAA Division I Board of Directors approved full Division I membership status for East Texas A&M University during its meeting on June 23.
 

As Northeast Texas’ only Division I university, East Texas A&M—which has 14 sports teams—is now immediately eligible for NCAA postseason competition. This announcement comes at a time of unprecedented growth and achievement for the university, including recent elevation to Research 2 (R2) classification by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, record enrollment during Fall 2024, and the largest graduating class in university history this spring.
 

“Achieving full Division I membership is a tremendous milestone for our university. This accomplishment reflects the dedication, perseverance, and passion of our student-athletes, coaches, staff, alumni, and loyal supporters who have poured their hearts into this journey,” said East Texas A&M President Mark Rudin. “Division I membership opens the door to an exciting new era of opportunity for East Texas A&M, and I can’t wait to see where it takes us!”
 
The Lions officially joined the Southland Conference and initiated the Division I reclassification process on July 1, 2022. Since then, the school’s athletics department has recorded impressive performances with multiple sports recording top-three finishes in Southland Conference standings, 25 individual conference championships, four conference player of the year awards, three student-athletes earning All-America honors, three Olympians, and one NFL Draft pick.
 

“Achieving approval for full NCAA Division I membership status marks a proud moment in the rich history of East Texas A&M University and Lion Athletics. Furthermore, it is a testament to the vision, strength, resilience, and commitment of our entire university community to unlock the full potential of this institution,” said Director of Athletics Jim Curry. “We are grateful to the NCAA Division I Board of Directors and the NCAA Division I Strategic Vision and Planning Committee for their belief in our candidacy, and to the Southland Conference and our students, alumni, faculty, staff, donors, and university stakeholders who have supported this initiative in countless ways over many years.”
 

“As momentous as this accomplishment is, we recognize that it’s not the end of the journey, but in fact the start of the next chapter of East Texas A&M University and Lion Athletics. We commit to building a culture of excellence worthy of this achievement and look forward to expanding upon our proud championship history, now at the highest level of college athletics.”
 
Along with an impressive showing on the playing surface, the Lions also took care of business in the classroom, with multiple programs recording perfect 1,000 Academic Progress Rate (APR) scores as well as one student-athlete earning Academic All-America honors. In total, 609 student-athletes were named to the Southland Conference Commissioner’s Honor Roll over the past three years , including a record number during the 2024-25 academic year.
 

“This is a historic day, not just for East Texas A&M but for the entire Southland Conference,” said Southland Conference Commissioner Chris Grant. “East Texas A&M’s elevation to full Division I status reflects not just athletic success, but a campus and community united behind a shared vision. The Lions have demonstrated the ambition, investment, and drive that define our league, and we’re excited to see them compete, grow, and lead at the Division I level.”
 

The first official competition for East Texas A&M as a full Division I member comes on August 14 as the soccer team hosts Little Rock to begin its season. Volleyball, football, and men’s and women’s cross country teams start their seasons on August 29-30.



DIVISION I CELEBRATION VIDEO

 

-ETAMU-



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