Sports
No. 12 Indiana water polo goes winless in disappointing MPSF championships showing
No. 12 Indiana water polo finished its season in the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation championships Friday and Saturday in Los Angeles, losing both games to end its season. Indiana, the No. 7 seed, matched up against No. 2-seeded USC on Friday afternoon to kick off the tournament. The Trojans got off to a hot start, […]

No. 12 Indiana water polo finished its season in the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation championships Friday and Saturday in Los Angeles, losing both games to end its season.
Indiana, the No. 7 seed, matched up against No. 2-seeded USC on Friday afternoon to kick off the tournament. The Trojans got off to a hot start, scoring inside the opening two minutes. USC’s first-quarter dominance continued, scoring four more to lead 5-0 after only six minutes.
The Hoosiers found themselves drowning early. Indiana got on the board through junior attacker Grace Klingler, but it was followed by another USC goal seconds later. A goal from Hoosier senior attacker Skylar Kidd was again quickly cancelled out to give USC a 7-2 lead after one quarter.
USC entered another gear in the second quarter, constricting the Indiana attack as it conceded no goals. The goals flowed for the Trojans, however, as they scored five more to take a 12-2 advantage into halftime.
With one half still to go, the match already seemed essentially over. Even still, USC continued to pile on the goals, scoring three within a 30-second span early in the third quarter.
Senior center Sophia Sollie managed to score Indiana’s first goal since the first quarter, but it was followed by three more USC goals. With a quarter still to play, Indiana found themselves losing 18-3.
The final quarter saw the scoring slow, as the game was essentially decided. Klingler managed to score back-to-back goals, but it meant little in the end. In its worst loss of the season, Indiana fell 20-5.
Following the Friday result, Indiana played No. 6-seeded Arizona State University in an elimination game Saturday. The Hoosiers played the Sun Devils twice earlier in the season, losing both times.
Indiana started off on the wrong foot, conceding in the first minute. The Hoosiers responded quickly, however, with senior utility player Portia Sasser scoring the equalizer.
Arizona State then grabbed hold of the game, scoring four straight goals. With fears of a similar performance to USC unfolding, Sasser scored with one second left in the first quarter to make the score 5-2.
Arizona State scored a further two goals early into the second quarter, but Kidd and junior attacker Louisa Downes responded with a goal each. Each side scored one more to end the half, with the Sun Devils having an 8-5 advantage.
Arizona State scored 22 seconds into the second half, although senior attacker Olivia Stark answered with a strike of her own. The goals continued to pile up as the third quarter progressed, with the Sun Devils extending their lead by a further four goals.
Time started to run out on Indiana’s season as the fourth quarter began. Arizona State scored again to increase its lead to 8, and despite goals from Kidd and senior attacker Grace Hathaway, the inevitable seemed to be on the horizon.
Senior defender Claire Witting scored Indiana’s final goal of the season with a minute to go. As the clock struck zero, the Hoosiers’ season officially ended, losing 19-11.
The Hoosiers’ season wraps up on a disappointing note, with their conference season falling flat. They failed to win a single conference match, going 0-8. They also failed to surpass last season’s win total, falling from 21-10 in 2024 to 17-12 in 2025.
The defense often was unable to stop the top teams, unable to limit opposing firepower. In six games versus top 5 teams, five opponents scored 19 goals or more. In the two tournament games, the Hoosiers conceded 39 times.
The Hoosiers’ offense, however, was prolific at many points of the season. Kidd led the team with 62 goals, with Downes right behind at 56 goals. Sollie managed to score 37 goals while providing only 2 assists, compared to 32 assists from Kidd and 29 from Downes. Klingler and Sasser both netted 35 and 34 goals, respectively.
As the season is now over, the Hoosiers must look to the future. They have many upcoming underclassmen to replace the impact the seniors will be leaving behind, but nothing its guaranteed.
Sports
WSU track and field athletes facing program cuts, uncertain futures
The university announced on Monday that cuts to field events and limited spots for sprinting and hurdle events will be effective immediately. PULLMAN, Wash. — In an announcement sent on Monday, Washington State University told its track and field athletes that significant cuts are coming to track and field events, effective immediately. WSU said it […]

The university announced on Monday that cuts to field events and limited spots for sprinting and hurdle events will be effective immediately.
PULLMAN, Wash. — In an announcement sent on Monday, Washington State University told its track and field athletes that significant cuts are coming to track and field events, effective immediately.
WSU said it will focus on keeping distance events competitive, but other core events like sprints, throws, jumps and hurdles are being drastically scaled back or completely cut, leaving many athletes unsure of their future.
“I am going through a very quick transfer portal window. Umm…That I’m finding is extremely stressful,” said Ashley Willems, a sprinter at WSU.
Before the news of cuts, Willems says she had just one season left. Now, she has other factors to consider as she moves forward. Willems says she’s newly married, immersed in her master’s program and just signed an apartment lease in Pullman.
“I just feel bad mainly for the people coming in who put their trust in the program and really did like choose WSU over other prospects,” said Willems. “For me, I am kind of on my way out, so…I would have loved to spend it here.”
Another athlete, Riley Pyeatt, runs mid-distance and says she is lucky to still have her spot.
“I feel happy that I am safe, but then I have all these teammates that have to leave,” said Pyeatt. “I knew big things were going to change just in general with the new NCAA versus house settlement, with the roster changes and NIL, but we had no idea a program cut was going to happen.”
Pyeatt says she’s grateful she can stay, especially after transferring just a year ago from a small school in Texas, but says she’s uncertain about what next season will bring.
“We will probably be competitive in the distance side…But obviously will be lacking in other areas,” said Pyeatt.
WSU says that although cuts are effective immediately, scholarships will be honored for affected student athletes who remain on campus. The university is also providing transitional support for student athletes who want to continue their athletic and academic careers elsewhere.
Sports
2025 Volleyball Camp – Eastern Arizona College
THATCHER, Ariz. — Eastern Arizona College (EAC) is excited to announce its 2025 Volleyball Camp lineup, welcoming young athletes of all levels to enhance their skills with expert coaching from EAC’s volleyball staff. This year’s camps will be held at the Guitteau Gymnasium and include sessions for elementary, junior high, and high school students. To streamline […]

THATCHER, Ariz. — Eastern Arizona College (EAC) is excited to announce its 2025 Volleyball Camp lineup, welcoming young athletes of all levels to enhance their skills with expert coaching from EAC’s volleyball staff. This year’s camps will be held at the Guitteau Gymnasium and include sessions for elementary, junior high, and high school students.
To streamline the registration experience, EAC has introduced a new online system via Transact Cashnet, enabling families to register multiple participants in a single order.
Volleyball Camp Dates and Details
- Elementary Camp (Grades K–5)
Dates: July 17–18, 2025
Times: Thursday 2–4 p.m. & 6–7:30 p.m.; Friday 9–11:30 a.m. & 1:30–3:30 p.m.
Cost: $75 - Junior High Camp (Grades 6–8)
Dates: July 7–9, 2025
Times: Monday–Tuesday 9–11 a.m. & 1:30–4 p.m.; Wednesday 9–11:30 a.m.
Cost: $90 - High School Camp (Grades 9–12)
Dates: July 14–17, 2025
Commuter Cost: $100
Resident Cost: $270
Schedule:- Freshmen/Sophomores: 8–10 a.m., 2–3:30 p.m., 7–8:30 p.m. (Mon–Wed); 8–10 a.m. (Thu)
- Juniors/Seniors: 10 a.m.–Noon, 3:30–5 p.m., 8:30–10 p.m. (Mon–Wed); 10 a.m.–Noon (Thu)
Resident campers will stay in Wesley Taylor Dorms and must bring their own bedding, toiletries, water bottles, and snacks. Dorm supervision and camp guidelines will be in place to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
New Multi-Order Online Registration Now Available
EAC has simplified the registration process for families enrolling more than one child. The new Transact Cashnet interface allows users to:
- Select a camp and fill out participant information.
- Add multiple registrations to one cart.
- Review all selections before final checkout.
A step-by-step visual guide is available on the EAC ticketing page to walk families through the multi-camper registration process.
To register, visit commerce.cashnet.com/eactic or scan the QR code found on the camp flyer.
For additional information, contact EAC Volleyball Coach Shari Kay at (928) 428-8410 or email shari.kay@eac.edu.
Sports
Uluave Joins Volleyball Staff As Assistant Coach
Story Links GREENVILLE, N.C. – Sina Uluave has been named an assistant coach for the East Carolina volleyball program which enters its sixth season under head coach Adler Augustin in the fall. Uluave arrives in Greenville after one year as a graduate assistant at Atlantic Coast Conference member SMU. She led […]

GREENVILLE, N.C. – Sina Uluave has been named an assistant coach for the East Carolina volleyball program which enters its sixth season under head coach Adler Augustin in the fall.
Uluave arrives in Greenville after one year as a graduate assistant at Atlantic Coast Conference member SMU. She led the logistical management operations for the team, coordinating travel arrangements and recruiting visits among other various duties. Uluave also played a key role in the running of SMU Volleyball Camps.
After spending the majority of her collegiate playing career at Wichita State and Toledo, Uluave transferred to SMU for her final season, serving as the squad’s team captain and top libero. Her exceptional performance led to American Athletic Conference Libero of the Year and All-AAC First Team honors as she racked up 448 digs (3.96 per set) and was tabbed the league’s Defensive Player of the Week twice.
Playing as an outside hitter/right side at Wichita State her freshman and sophomore campaigns, Uluave collected 169 kills and 421 digs over 141 sets played while posting five double-doubles. She then moved on to Toledo where she earned a spot on the All-MAC Second Team as a junior after averaging 2.92 kills and 2.81 digs per set with 11 double-doubles.
Uluave and the Pirates begin their 2025 season Aug. 20 with an exhibition match at Old Dominion before kicking off the regular season Aug. 29-30 with a trio of matches against Florida A&M, Maryland Eastern Shore and host Hampton.
Sports
Taste of France for beach referee Hanrahan
Volleyball England official Sarah Hanrahan has recently travelled to France to referee at the Vienne Beach Open. Experienced on the stand both indoors and on the beach, she took charge of the quarter-finals, semi-finals and women’s final earlier this month. The competition was part of the Auvergne Rhône-Alpes Beach Tour. French speaker Sarah, from Warrington, […]

Experienced on the stand both indoors and on the beach, she took charge of the quarter-finals, semi-finals and women’s final earlier this month.
The competition was part of the Auvergne Rhône-Alpes Beach Tour.
French speaker Sarah, from Warrington, Cheshire, said: “It was a great day of beach volleyball, with fantastic weather.

“It was a fantastic opportunity for me to practise refereeing beach volleyball, ahead of NEVZA Beach in Bridlington at the end of June.
“It was really nice to referee in France again, and to see my old coach, Thierry Placette, as well as make new referee aquaintences.

“In the evening, I managed to find time to do a bit of sightseeing. Vienne is beautiful with fascinating history, including a cathedral and an impressive restored ancient Roman theatre.”
Tournament images by Tyson Masailanga.
If you are interested in becoming a referee, click here for more information.
Sports
Johns Hopkins to Join MPSF in Water Polo Beginning in 2025
Story Links BALTIMORE, MD – The Mountain Pacific Sports Federation (MPSF) has announced the addition of the NCAA Division-III Connecticut College and Johns Hopkins University Men’s Water Polo teams to the conference, beginning with the upcoming 2025 season. The Blue Jays’ water polo program previously competed in the Mid-Atlantic Water Polo Conference. […]

BALTIMORE, MD – The Mountain Pacific Sports Federation (MPSF) has announced the addition of the NCAA Division-III Connecticut College and Johns Hopkins University Men’s Water Polo teams to the conference, beginning with the upcoming 2025 season. The Blue Jays’ water polo program previously competed in the Mid-Atlantic Water Polo Conference.
Johns Hopkins Associate Vice Provost for Student Affairs, Director of Athletics & Recreation Jennifer S. Baker added, “We are thrilled to be joining the MPSF, and are grateful to [MPSF Commissioner] Foti Mellis and his team for welcoming Johns Hopkins Water Polo. The conference’s commitment to excellence is evident in everything it does, and we are excited for our players to have access to championships, while competing against some of the best teams in the country. The MPSF continues to elevate the sport of water polo nationally, and we believe our program will thrive as its newest member.”
The 2025 MPSF Men’s Water Polo season will feature 11 teams. California, Stanford, UCLA, and USC compete in the western division, while Connecticut College and Johns Hopkins join Augustana, Austin College, Penn State Behrend, Washington & Jefferson and Wheaton in the eastern division. The 2025 conference championship, which will be in its fourth year of crowning a champion for two divisions, will be held at Stanford’s Avery Aquatics Center (Nov. 21-23).
Johns Hopkins is coached by Max Schlegel, who enters his seventh year at the helm, and has been on staff since 2016.
“I couldn’t be more excited to be joining the MPSF and the experiences it can provide for our players,” said Schlegel. “Johns Hopkins University Athletics prides itself on student experience and with this change, I believe our water polo program is taking a big step forward in that regard.”
Since the hiring of Mellis in 2021, the conference has added 58 teams, 30 schools, and six sports.
“We are thrilled to welcome Connecticut College and Johns Hopkins University to the MPSF family,” said Mellis. “Their rich history of excellence in Division-III men’s water polo will bring new energy and competition to our conference, and we look forward to the exciting matchups ahead. Together, we continue to elevate the sport and inspire the next generation of athletes.”
Johns Hopkins is set to open the season on Saturday, September 6 at the Washington & Jefferson Tournament. The Blue Jays return their top three goal scorers, including a pair of All-Americans, from last year’s squad that won 12 games.
The MPSF has captured all 33 NCAA D-I Championships in men’s water polo since its inaugural season of 1992. The conference enters the 2025-26 year with 121 total national championships, including four during 2024-25, with its 113 NCAA titles leading the nation amongst Non-Power Four Conferences.
Sports
More than half of Australians follow sports for teams, but younger fans favour athletes
A new report by YouGov titled “Star Power: The role of individual athletes on sports fandom” explores how high-profile athletes influence team allegiance, consumer purchasing behaviour, and brand engagement in Australia. Sport remains deeply embedded in Australian culture. According to the report, a majority of Australians say they are interested in sports (extreme to a […]

A new report by YouGov titled “Star Power: The role of individual athletes on sports fandom” explores how high-profile athletes influence team allegiance, consumer purchasing behaviour, and brand engagement in Australia.
Sport remains deeply embedded in Australian culture. According to the report, a majority of Australians say they are interested in sports (extreme to a little interest), while only 25% express no interest at all.
Football tops the list of most-watched sports
When it comes to sports viewership, Australian Rules Football emerges as the most popular among Australian sports fans (those who are interested in sports), with 39% choosing it as their favorite to watch, closely followed by football (soccer) at 37%. Other much-loved sports include tennis (33%), cricket (28%), and rugby league (23%).
Team loyalty drives fan engagement
For more than half of Australian sports fans (55%), allegiance to a team is the most significant reason they follow a particular sport — more than twice the number who are influenced by an athlete (21%). However, younger fans (Gen Z and Millennials) are more likely to follow a sport because of a favorite athlete.
Other motivating factors include ease of watching the sport (44%), having played the sport personally (35%), and family traditions (31%).
Despite strong team loyalty, 31% of Australians say they would support both their current and a new team if their favorite athlete switched. This sentiment is strongest among Gen Z (46%) and millennials (43%).
Meanwhile, 28% Australians would follow the athlete but not support the new team, and 9% would support the new team instead. Gen Z fans were most likely to switch allegiance, with 15% saying they’d support the new team entirely if their favorite player made a move.
Social media fandom and brand influence
Social platforms remain important for sports engagement. 61% of Australians say they are extremely or somewhat likely to follow a team on social media, while 53% say the same for athletes.
In terms of brand influence, athletes are the most trusted public figures, with 67% of Australians expressing trust in their endorsements — ahead of singers (58%), actors (56%), and social media influencers (43%).
Gen Z and millennials exhibit higher trust in athletes compared to older demographics.
Top athletes in Australia: A mix of global icons and local Heroes
When asked about their favorite male athletes, global football icons Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo lead the list. Among Australian athletes, tennis player Alex de Minaur ranked highest at fifth place, with cricketer Steve Smith and F1 driver Oscar Piastri also making the top ten.
In contrast, the list of favorite female athletes skews heavily toward local talent, indicating a strong preference for homegrown stars. Footballer Sam Kerr stands out prominently, cited by 23% of respondents as their favorite.
Download the full report here.
Methodology
The insights in this report have been sourced via YouGov Surveys – providing rapid answers from the right audience. The survey was conducted from February 14 – March 6, 2025, with 1,005 respondents in Australia.
Additional insights are available for 14 other markets: Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Great Britain, India, Italy, Mexico, Poland, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, the UAE, and the USA.
The target group “Sports fans” refers to respondents who answered extremely interested, somewhat interested, or a little bit interested to the question: “How interested, if at all, would you say you are in sports?”
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