Sports

Keegan Cook pleased with Stella Swenson, etc.

Gilk (Champlin Park) and Garr (Rush City) were two of the top senior volleyball prospects in the state last year. Garr was considered the best libero in Minnesota’s high school ranks. The 6-2 Gilk was the No. 1 senior and ranked 27th nationally in the 2025 class. One of the biggest surprises this spring was […]

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May 1, 2025

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One of the biggest surprises this spring was the 6-5 Taylor, a long and athletic middle blocker from Houston. Middle blocker Lourdès Myers, a graduate transfer from Purdue, was a key addition as well.

“This spring let us know we brought in some good freshmen,” Cook said. “[Myers] has certainly made an impact for us already.”

Top incoming freshman Kelly Kinney from Florida is the 11th-ranked senior in the country. The 6-2 All-America outside hitter won’t join the team until the summer, but Kinney and Taylor will play for Cook on the U.S. U19 team at the world championship in July.

The 6-1 senior from Prior Lake was named a unanimous all-league first-team performer, and she was an honorable mention All-American.

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Vermont high school track and field: U-32 state championship sweep

U-32 remained on top. In a year of state records, Hartford’s Bennett Moreno surprised himself with an historic run. And Middlebury sprinter Jazmyn Hurley cruised to more individual hardware. Despite wet conditions, the track and field stars of Division II continued to shine bright on Friday. The U-32 girls and boys swept the team competition […]

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June 7, 2025

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U-32 remained on top. In a year of state records, Hartford’s Bennett Moreno surprised himself with an historic run. And Middlebury sprinter Jazmyn Hurley cruised to more individual hardware.

Despite wet conditions, the track and field stars of Division II continued to shine bright on Friday.

The U-32 girls and boys swept the team competition for the seventh time since 2013, Moreno shattered his own divisional record in the 1,500 meters, slipping under the 4-minute barrier, and Hurley captured the 100 and 200 one year after a three-win performance during the D-II state championships at Burlington’s D.G. Weaver Athletic Complex.

The U-32 boys racked up 167 points to runner-up Hartford’s 80 to claim the second of back-to-back crowns and their 10th state title overall since 2013. The Raider girls, meanwhile, surged to a five-peat with 138 total points, out-distancing Rice (88).

“We take the team competition really seriously. It’s a big focus for us,” U-32 coach Andrew Tripp said. “We knew we were the favorites and we knew that we didn’t need any heroics, that’s what we told the kids before (the meet).

“No one had to be Superman today. We just had to do what we’ve done all year and we’d be good. And they did that.”

Depth, star power prevail for U-32 program

Ginger Long headlined the U-32 girls in her final state meet. The senior captured the 1,500 (4:51.57) and 800 (2:22.67) and ran a leg on U-32’s victorious 4×400 relay squad. Counting her success across cross-country, indoor and outdoor track, Long rolled up 12 individual state crowns in her career.

Long’s teammate, Madison Beaudoin, finished second to Long in 1,500 and 800, and was also a member of the winning 4×400.

“Between (Long) and (Beaudoin), I’ll probably never coach two women like that again, ever,” Tripp said. “Arguably, two of the best athletes in the history of the school. And they both showed out (Friday). There are lot of girls who had amazing days.”

Indeed. Morgan Towne totaled 26 points in four individual events, Clara Maker won the 300 hurdles (49.41), placed second in the 100 hurdles and was on the winning 4×100 and 4×400 relay squads, Isobel Kobel captured the 400 (1:00.44) and Adeline Cannella racked up 16 points.

For the U-32 boys, Cavan Farrell swept the 110 hurdles (16.08) and 300 hurdles (16.64), the Raiders swept all three relays, Zackary Parton swiped runner-up spots in long jump and high jump, and Noah Kopsco’s big day included first in the 400 (51.15).

Kopsco, Farrell, Drew Frostick and Josh Pearson made up U-32’s first-place 4×100. Frostick, Kopsco, Wyatt Mallory and Andrew McKinstry were on the winning 4×400. And McKinstry, Asa Dorfman, Oren Winters and Sawyer Tootle formed the victorious 4×800 for U-32.

“We are a really strong program and we take a lot of pride in that,” Tripp said.

Bennett Moreno dusts 1,500 D-II record in 3:58.48

Less than a week after lowering his 800 D-II record to 1:51.60 at Essex Invitational, Moreno felt under the weather leading up to Friday’s D-II state meet. He wasn’t expecting to challenge his 1,500 D-II record of 4:00.11, but U-32’s Cole Page pushed the pace.

And Moreno saw his opportunity. With a lap to go, Moreno said he knew he could close strong, clipping the line at 3:58.48. Moreno is the first D-II runner to break 4 minutes in the 1,500.

“I said, ‘All right, let’s do this. Whatever I got,'” Moreno said. “That led me to a 3:58. I was not in that mentality, but it switches once you’re in it.”

Vermont high school track and field: Bennett Moreno resets record

Hartford senior Bennett Moreno broke his Division II state record in the 1,500 during the D-II track and field championships at Burlington on June 6.

Moreno said the 800 record means more to him.

“The 1,500 is special and I’m so glad I found it, but the 800 is always going to be where my heart lies,” he said.

As of Friday, June 6, Moreno owns five D-II records: 800 and 1,500 in outdoor and 600, 1,000 and 1,500 for indoor. The senior will compete at New Englands and then nationals.

After setting records, Jazmyn Hurley races to 100-200 double

At the Essex Invitational, Hurley buried the 100 and 200 records for D-II. They have been long-fulfilled goals for Hurley. But Friday’s rainy weather and slick track surface made it difficult to top those times less than six days later.

Still, Hurley charged in with comfortable wins, 12.69 in the 100 and 26.10 in the 200. The Middlebury College-bound senior finishes her career with 11 individual state titles from indoor and outdoor combined.

“It was still fun, I had a nice time,” said Hurley, who will race at New Englands.

Contact Alex Abrami at aabrami@freepressmedia.com. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter:@aabrami5.

DIVISION II GIRLS TRACK AND FIELD CHAMPIONSHIPS

Team scores: 1. U-32 138; 2. Rice 88; T3. Montpelier, Lake Region 42; 5. Harwood 39; 6. Fair Haven 37; 7. Lyndon 31; 8. Hartford 24; 9. Middlebury 20; 10. Woodstock 17; T11. Lamoille, Milton 16; 13. Mount Abraham 14.

100-meter dash: 1. Jazmyn Hurley, Midd 12.69; 2. Adeline Cannella, U-32 13.16; 3. Madison Perry, FH 13.30; 4. Bella Walsh, Rice 13.45; 5. Mollie Mislak, U-32 13.50; 6. Camille Edgar, Mont 13.54.

200: 1. Jazmyn Hurley, Midd 26.10; 2. Adeline Cannella, U-32 27.17; 3. Bella Walsh, Rice 27.58; 4. Mollie Mislak, U-32 27.89; 5. Eryn McGuire, Wood 28.12; 6. Grace Perreault, Wood 28.15.

400: 1. Isobel Koger, U-32 1:00.44; 2. Izzy Lacy, Rice 1:01.84; 3. Jeays Matz, Rice 1:02.75; 4. Samantha Hensel, Lyn 1:03.58; 5. Maddie Carbino, Hart 1:03.71; 6. Anna Wetherell, Mont 1:04.91.

800: 1. Ginger Long, U-32 2:22.67; 2. Madison Beaudoin, U-32 2:25.37; 3. Sara McGill, Mont 2:26.79; 4. Hailey Porter, Lam 2:30.93; 5. Jeays Matz, Rice 2:32.56; 6. Heidi Harldsen, Har 2:32.95.

1,500: 1. Ginger Long, U-32 4:51.57; 2. Madison Beaudoin, U-32 4:55.88; 3. Sara McGill, Mont 5:00.42; 4. Hailey Porter, Lam 5:01.44; 5. Evey Slavik, Rice 5:01.85; 6. Izzy Cellini, Wood 5:02.57.

3,000: 1. Evey Slavik, Rice 11:08.18; 2. Celia Wing, Har 11:09.29; 3. Elsie Koger, U-32 11:23.13; 4. Leah Jourdan, Lam 11:26.05; 5. Thea Boyles, Mont 11:46.74; 6. Adele Pritchard, Mont 11:46.94.

100 hurdles: 1. Zoe Martinez, Rice 16.54; 2. Clara Maker, U-32 16.88; 3. Morgan Towne, U32 17.25; 4. Maede Urie, LR 17.56; 5. Audrey Morris, Rice 17.83; 6. Barbora Tocikova, Lyn.

300 hurdles: 1. Clara Maker, U-32 49.41; 2. Camille Edgar, Mont 51.86; 3. Geneva Durgin, Hart 51.97; 4. Barbora Tocikova, Lyn 52.43; 5. Maeda Urie, LR 53.47; 6. Gabriella Marshia, Lyn 53.49.

4×100: 1. U-32 (Gould, Maker, Cannella, Mislak) 51.65; 2. Woodstock 52.97; 3. Fair Haven 54.45; 4. Lamoille 54.48; 5. Lake Region 55.07; 6. Hartford 55.47.

4×400: 1. U-32 (Long, Maker, Beaudoin, Koger) 4:09.86; 2. Hartford 4:23.75; 3. Lyndon 4:24.57; 4. Rice 4:26.23; 5. Montpelier 4:26.29; 6. Lamoille 4:35.58.

4×800: 1. Rice (E. Slavik, M. Slavik, Clarke, Matz) 10:26.51; 2. Hartford 10:38.37; 3. Harwood 10:42.09; 4. U-32 10:48.37; 5. Montpelier 11:05.77; 6. Lamoille 11:15.75.

Pole vault: 1. Clare Pritchard, Mont 9-2.25; 2. Seda Boyes, Independent 7-11.5; 3. Morgan Towne, U-32 7-5.75; 4. Maeve Daloz, U-32 7-5.75; 5. Jakobi Kmiecik, U-32 7-5.75; 6. Alida Apgar, Lyn 6-11.75.

High jump: 1. Maeda Urie, LR 4-7.75; 2. Hazel Stoddard, MTA 4-7.75; 3. Clare Pritchard, Mont 4-7.75; 4. Catherine Preuss, Milt 4-7.75; 5. Taylor Tritt, Rice 4-7.75; 6. Eryn McGuire, Wood 4-6.

Long jump: 1. Madison Perry, FH 16-08.75; 2. Morgan Towne, U-32 16-0.25; 3. Catherine Preuss, Milt 15-6.75; 4. Audrey Perry, FH 15-5; 5. Macey Mawhinney, Lyn 15-3.25; 6. Damiana Leese, Har 14-3.75.

Triple jump: 1. Maeda Urie, LR 34-8.5; 2. Madison Perry, FH 33-8.5; 3. Morgan Towne, U-32 33-1.75; 4. Piper Pauly, Wood 32-3.5; 5. Macey Mawhinney, Lyn 31-0.5; 6. Damiana Leese, Har 30-7.

Shot put: 1. Isabella Pockoski, Har 36-11.75; 2. Aerie Sanders, Rice 30-10.25; 3. Kaila Thompson, Milt 30-2.25; 4. Heidi Haraldsen, Har 29-4; 5. Rowan Kuehn, FH 28-1.5; 6. Clare Pritchard, Mont 26-6.25.

Discus: 1. Aerie Sanders, Rice 102-05; 2. Isabella Pockoski, Har 100-11; 3. Marie Voisin, Mont 97-02; 4. Brooklyn Hinton, LR 93-05; 5. Christin Haynes, U-32 87-04; 6. Rowan Kuehn, FH 87-04.

Javelin: 1. Heather Alexander, LF 110-10; 2. Gabriella Marshia, Lyn 77-10; 3. Hazen Stoddard, MTA 77-03; 4. Ophelia Mast, Rice 77-01; 5. Barbora Tocikova, Lyn 72-09; 6. Noa Martinez Cantero, Lyn 72-07.

DIVISION II BOYS TRACK AND FIELD CHAMPIONSHIPS

Team scores: 1. U-32 167; 2. Hartford 80; 3. Rice 57; 4. Fair Haven 55; 5. Lake Region 31; 6. Lamoille 25; 7. Montpelier 25; 8. Lyndon 18; 9. Harwood 17; 10. Woodstock 15; T11. Mount Abraham, Milton 11; 13. Middlebury 8; 4. Missisquoi 4.

100-meter dash: 1. Shane Raetz, FH 11.33; 2. Jeonghun Jin, Rice 11.42; T3. Josh Pearson, U-32 11.62; Drew Frostick, U-32 11.62; 5. Ayodele Lowe, Hart 11.69; 6. Jericho Thatcher, LR 11.75.

200: 1. Jeonghun Jin, Rice 22.84; 2. Theodore Washburn, Rice 23.21; 3. Noah Kopsco, U-32 23.28; 4. Josh Pearson, U-32 23.64; 5. Elliot Rowe, Lam 23.71; 6. Devin Schlegel-Barber, Milt 23.73.

400: 1. Noah Kopsco, U-32 51.15; 2. Elliot Rowe, Lam 51.62; 3. Theodore Washburn, Rice 51.73; 4. Adler Lahar, LR 53.92; 5. Tighe Hrabchak, Hart 53.99; 6. Andrew McKinstry, U-32 54.03.

800: 1. Bennett Moreno, Hart 1:57.07; 2. Tennessee Lamb, U-32 1:59.75; 3. Wyatt Malloy, U-32 2:00.08; 4. Cody Young, U-32 2:00.28; 5. Cole Page, U-32 2:02.97; 6. James Underwood, Wood 2:03.20.

1,500: 1. Bennett Moreno, Hart 3:58.48 (D-II record); 2. Cole Page, U-32 4:06.56; 3. James Underwood, Wood 4:06.82; 4. Cody Young, U-32 4:07.49; 5. Samuel Brondyke, Mont 4:09.81; 6. Zeb Whitlock, Lam 4:10.98.

3,000: 1. Jay Borland, Mont 9:04.12; 2. Samuel Brondyke, Mont 9:05.52; 3. Ben Warfield, U-32 9:11.41; 4. Zeb Whitlock, Lam 9:19.21; 5. Oren Winters, U-32 9:24.49; 6. Luke Murphy, 9:33.32.

110 hurdles: 1. Cavan Farrell, U-32 16.08; 2. Nate Leavitt, Lam 16.69; 3. Malcolm Rose, U-32 17.23; 4. Ethan Gratton-Derby, LR 17.38; 5. Joshua Kafumbe, Midd 17.56; 6. Kingston Newell, Lyn 18.68.

300 hurdles: 1. Cavan Farrell, U-32 16.64; 2. Kleo Bridge, Mont 16.77; 3. Nate Leavitt, Lam 17.16; 4. Malcolm Rose, U-32 17.23; 5. Ethan Gratton-Derby, LR 17.56; 6. Atif Milak, Mont 17.98.

4×100: 1. U-32 (Pearson, Kopsco, Farrell, Frostick) 43.86; 2. Rice 44.56; 3. Middlebury 46.48; 4. Fair Haven 46.78; 5. Lyndon 48.84; 6. Lake Region 48.88.

4×400: 1. U-32 (Frostick, Kopsco, Mallory, McKinstry) 3:32.02; 2. Rice 3:36.07; 3. Hartford 3:36.25; 4. Lake Region 3:49.71; 5. Harwood 2:52.71; 6. Montpelier 3:53.35.

4×800: 1. U-32 (McKinstry, Dorfman, Winters, Tootle) 9:17.08; 2. Woodstock 9:28.28; 3. Hartford 9:33.61; 4. Lake Region 9:48.31; 5. Lamoille 9:52.73; 6. Middlebury 10:25.28.

Pole vault: 1. Tyler Noyes, Lyn 10-11.5; 2. Jace Hetrick, FH 10-5.5; 3. Jack Quicker, Wood 9-11.75; T4. Benjamin Lang, Hart; Malcolm Rose, U-32 9-5.75; 6. Ryan Parker, U-32 9-5.75.

High jump: 1. Ayodele Lowe, Hart 6-2; 2. Zackary Parton, U-32 5-8; 3. Jack Almeida, FH 5-8; 4. Beckett Bailey, Lyn 5-6; 5. Joseph Nyiringabo, Mont 5-4.25.

Long jump: 1. Ayodele Lowe, Hart 22-1; 2. Zackary Parton, U-32 20-6.5; 3. Shane Raetz, FH 19-11.5; 4. Landon Morris, Miss 19-5.25; 5. Truman Sawyer, MTA 19-2.5; 6. Angel Lockward, Lyn 19-1.25.

Triple jump: 1. Jayden Forbes, Hart 41-0.25; 2. Truman Sawyer, MTA 39-2.5; 3. Angel Lockward, Lyn 38-6.75; 4. Asa Young, 36-1.25; 5. Ari Jorgenson, U-32 35-0.25; 6. Jack Spaulding, 34-5.5.

Shot put: 1. Caden Lynch, FH 40-7; 2. Eric Poso, Rice 40-1.25; 3. Evan Coates, U-32 39-6.75; 4. Brandon Driver, Hart 39-6.75; 5. Alec Husmann, Hart 39-1; 6. Connor Rowley, Har 38-11.75.

Discus: 1. Devin Schlegel-Barber, Milt 124-7; 2. Connor Rowley, Har 114-01; 3. Eneko Farr, U-32 106-04; 4. Caden Lynch, FH 103-09; 5. Asa Young, FH 98-10; 6. Jack Eldred, Rice 91-07.

Javelin: 1. Adler Lahar, LR 148-07; 2. Mathew Tsouknakis, Hart 145-03; 3. Gavin Clark-Viola, Har 12-10; 4. Angel Lockward, Lyn 121-10; 5. Asa Young, FH 121-06; 6. James Mount, MTA 114-11.

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No. 13 Baseball Edges No. 4 Auburn in Super Regional Thriller

Story Links AUBURN, Ala. — Caden Bodine’s second home run of the night — and his first since March — lifted No. 13 Coastal Carolina to a 7-6, 10-inning win over No. 4 Auburn in Game 1 of the NCAA Baseball Auburn Super Regional early Saturday morning at Plainsman Park. […]

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June 7, 2025

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AUBURN, Ala. — Caden Bodine’s second home run of the night — and his first since March — lifted No. 13 Coastal Carolina to a 7-6, 10-inning win over No. 4 Auburn in Game 1 of the NCAA Baseball Auburn Super Regional early Saturday morning at Plainsman Park.

Following a weather delay of one hour and 46 minutes, play resumed at 11:45 p.m. CT, and the Chanticleers (52-11) eventually pulled out their 10th extra-inning win of the season behind four home runs, two apiece from Bodine and Blagen Pado. The win pushes Coastal within one victory of its first College World Series appearance since 2016.

Bodine broke a 6-6 tie with a solo blast to right in the top of the 10th, then helped close the door defensively. The junior catcher also threw out two would-be base stealers, giving him 45 career caught-stealing throws — just one shy of tying the program record of 46 set by Matt Beaird (2015–18).

Pado matched Bodine’s output with two home runs, including a three-run shot in a four-run fourth inning that gave Coastal a 6-1 lead at the time. It marked the first time since March 25, 2016 (Tyler Chadwick and Michael Paez vs. Stetson), that two Chanticleers each homered twice in the same game.

Walker Mitchell was hit by a pitch in the 10th, setting a single-season school record with his 31st HBP.

The game lasted 3 hours and 23 minutes, not including the weather stoppage, and ended just after 2:30 a.m. local time. Game 2 of the best-of-three series is scheduled for Saturday at 3 p.m. ET.

Notebook: Coastal Carolina 7, Auburn 6 (10 inn.)

Big Bats Return: Caden Bodine hit his first home runs since March 11 vs. Wake Forest, bringing his season total to five. He finished the night 3-for-5 with three RBI.

Pado Power: Blagen Pado also went deep twice, giving him eight homers on the year. He finished with a game-high four RBI.

Record Watch: Bodine now has 45 career runners caught stealing, one shy of tying Coastal’s all-time mark.

Mitchell Hit Again: Walker Mitchell was plunked for the 31st time in 2025, setting the program’s single-season record.

Home Run Surge: Coastal tied its season high with four home runs in a game. The Chants previously hit four in their 18-7 win over East Carolina in the Conway Regional.

Pitching Carousel: Cameron Flukey started and allowed three runs in five innings. Dominick Carbone surrendered three more over two innings, but Matthew Potok and Ryan Lynch (save No. 8) held Auburn scoreless over the final three frames.

Lightning Delay: The game was halted at 9:59 p.m. CT due to lightning and resumed at 11:45 p.m.

Clutch Defense: Coastal turned two double plays and threw out two runners on the bases — including a 10th-inning twin killing to end the game.

Series Continues: Game 2 is set for 3 p.m. ET Saturday. A Chanticleers win sends them to Omaha.

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Building your adventure: CIA veteran shares an inspiring story about courage with graduates | National

One of the greatest joys about being retired from CIA is the opportunity I now enjoy to immerse myself in our local community, especially the schools where my kids and their pals spend their days in class and on the sports fields. After all, freedom of opportunity in our glorious country starts with a good […]

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June 7, 2025

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After all, freedom of opportunity in our glorious country starts with a good education.

Around this time of year I’m always honored to speak with high school seniors who are about to take a momentous step forward toward building their own adventure. My message to them invokes one of the most courageous and inspirational people I’ve ever met, Gib Smith.

I first met Gib in the late 1980s when we were assistant swim coaches for the Capital Sea Devils, based in Washington, D.C. In addition to coaching, we both swam the morning practice with the older kids ages 12 to 18 from 5 to 7 a.m.

I’M BUILDING HOPE ON CHICAGO’S NOTORIOUS SOUTH SIDE

Gib, who had swum all through high school and for James Madison University, was the fastest swimmer in the pool. He and I were both in our early 20s and from the moment we met, I admired Gib for being such a strong swimmer even though our days of competing in water polo and college swim meets were long behind us.

But what made Gib’s swimming prowess so extraordinary was that he was also fighting cancer. Having been diagnosed with leukemia shortly after graduating from college, Gib would show up for practice even after having been subjected to arduous cancer treatment the day before.

He inspired all of us, including future Olympian Tom Dolan, who was then only 12 years old and just starting to come into his own as a brilliant long distance and individual medley swimmer. I fondly remember good-naturedly teasing Tom, asking how it was that Gib was crushing him in practice even while recovering from another round of radiation.

In 1988, Gib raised $12,000 for the National Cancer Institute by competing in the Chesapeake Bay Bridge swim race held each year in early June. Even while fighting cancer, Gib was building his own adventure.

MAKE COLLEGE COMMENCEMENTS BORING AGAIN

Adventure implies getting outside one’s comfort zone, which is especially challenging for cancer patients. That’s why Gib’s story should resonate with high school graduates as they take the next step in what can often feel like a daunting new chapter in their lives.

First, few high school graduates have escaped some adversity in their lives, perhaps on the sports field, or God forbid as was the case for my own children, family trauma. But as British Prime Minister Winston Churchill once said, “If you’re going through hell, keep going.”

In the words of my former boss at CIA Dave Petraeus, Gib overcame adversity by staying “fit to fight.” Swimming 6,000-yard practices each morning defined Gib’s will to overcome adversity by never ever giving up.

Second, high school graduates should already be thinking about connecting with something larger than themselves by making a valuable contribution to their community, maybe even to our nation or beyond. Gib was not only empathically thinking of other cancer patients, he also impacted the rest of us.

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Anyone who might have been weary at the end of swim practice only had to glance over at Gib fighting through the pain with every bit of strength he had. We were all better swimmers because of him. And for years at CIA and now in retirement, there has hardly been a day that goes by when I do not think of Gib, and the shining example he set.

Third, as they start preparing to make important life decisions, high school graduates should be asking themselves this significant question: Why?

In the words of my SEAL Team Six friends, Gib planned the dive and dove the plan. He was swimming through brackish Chesapeake Bay water overflowing with jellyfish that morning because that’s how he chose to fight cancer and do his part to help others suffering the same cruelly arbitrary fate. We should strive to be honest with ourselves about the reasons for our big life decisions.

Gib successfully completed the grueling two-hour, 4-5-mile Chesapeake Bay Bridge race despite the frigid water and strong currents. He also beat cancer, earned a law degree, got married and had two children, who are now grown up and on to building their own adventures.

So go forth, high school graduates, and take inspiration from the great ones around you as you choose your path in life’s great adventure.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE FROM DANIEL HOFFMAN

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Holland Christian volleyball’s run to finals ends with state runner-up

HUDSONVILLE – The Holland Christian volleyball players took turns posing with a trophy after the match on Saturday. It just wasn’t the trophy they wanted. “I had no expectations of holding up the championship trophy going into the season,” senior Grant VanderZee said. “Of course you hope for it. But at the end of the […]

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34 minutes ago

June 7, 2025

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HUDSONVILLE – The Holland Christian volleyball players took turns posing with a trophy after the match on Saturday.

It just wasn’t the trophy they wanted.

“I had no expectations of holding up the championship trophy going into the season,” senior Grant VanderZee said. “Of course you hope for it. But at the end of the day, holding up any trophy is pretty cool for our guys.”

The Holland Christian boys volleyball team lost in three sets – 25-21, 25-18 and 25-18 – to Lowell in the Division 2 state championship at Hudsonville High School on Saturday.

“This season was crazy,” junior Jacob Tinholt said. “Coming in with three people that had never played volleyball before. No one really expected us to go very far. It’s special to play in a game like this.”

The Maroons finished with an impressive 36-9 record.

“We played good,” coach Mark Walraven said. “But Lowell played great, though. We were outmatched. We didn’t do anything wrong, it just wasn’t our day. I’m proud of the guys. They put their heart and soul into the season.”

Lowell was dominant from the start. Holland Christian only had one lead the entire day, when it was 3-1 early in Game 2. The Red Arrows defense at the net neutralized the heaving hitting of VanderZee, a 6-foot-6 big hitter, who is Michigan’s Mr. Volleyball Award winner.

“We played a great game and good defense,” VanderZee said. “Our hits weren’t going down. They did a nice job blocking. They outplayed us.”

Senior Spencer Walraven, the team’s setter, said he loved how this season played out.

“We had a lot of new guys this year,” he said. “Lots of guys that had never touched a volleyball. It was fun to grow into a good team.”

Best friends will be roommates in college

Saturday’s game was the last for seniors VanderZee and Spencer Walraven. But they won’t be parting ways. The duo will be roommates in college when they head to Grand Canyon University in Phoenix.

“We grind together, we get after it,” VanderZee said of Walraven. “It’s nice to have someone who is just as dedicated as me. Not only in volleyball, but in life in general is a real blessing. He’s my best friend and we’re going to college together.”

Grand Canyon recently got rid of its men’s volleyball program. But that doesn’t mean the Holland Christian duo are done playing. They plan to team together in the school’s club beach volleyball program.

“I’m gonna play with Grant in college,” Walraven said.

Coaching his son was ‘an honor’

Coach Mark Walraven admits it isn’t always easy to coach your own kid. But it went pretty smooth for him coaching his son, Spencer.

“It was awesome,” Mark said. “A privilege, really. It’s tough sometimes. But we have a great relationship. It truly was an honor to coach him and the rest of the team. We’ve got some great memories.”

Spencer said it was special.

“I love it,” he said. “We had lots of dinner-time conversations and talking about the type of lineups and stuff. It’s been bigger than volleyball at the end of the day. It’s been so much fun.”

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Coco Gauff's Net Worth

Image Credit: Getty Images Coco Gauff has been one of the most popular names in American sports since 2019 when she became the youngest player in the Wimbledon Championships to qualify for the main draw. At the time, Coco was just 15 years old, and she defeated Venus Williams. After years of dedication and hard […]

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June 7, 2025

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Coco Gauff's Net Worth: How Much Money the Athlete Makes — Image Credit: Getty Images

Coco Gauff has been one of the most popular names in American sports since 2019 when she became the youngest player in the Wimbledon Championships to qualify for the main draw. At the time, Coco was just 15 years old, and she defeated Venus Williams. After years of dedication and hard work, the Atlanta, Georgia, native won her first French Open title in 2025.

During a press conference following her 2025 victory, Coco noted that there is “a lot going on in our country right now with things,” according to The Guardian, likely referring to the sweeping changes after the 2024 presidential election. Coco, however, acknowledged that she represents “people that look like me in America who maybe don’t feel as supported during this time period.”

“I remember after the election and everything, it kind of felt like a down period a little bit, and my mom told me during Riyadh: ‘Just try to win the tournament just to give something for people to smile for,’” Coco added. “So, that’s what I was thinking about today when holding that. And then, seeing the flags in the crowd means a lot. … Some people may feel some type of way about being patriotic and things like that, but I’m definitely patriotic and proud to be American, and I’m proud to represent the Americans that look like me and people who kind of support the things that I support.”

Below, learn more about Coco’s career.

How Did Coco Gauff Get Rich?

Coco gradually built her overall fortune over the years through endorsement deals and her earnings from victories.

What Is Coco Gauff’s Net Worth?

Coco has exponentially increased her net worth over the years after winning multiple matches. As of June 2025, she has a net worth of $35 million, per Celebrity Net Worth.

According to Forbes, Coco has built a salary of about $9.4 million, and her endorsements have totaled about $25 million.

What Is Coco Gauff’s Ranking Now?

Coco is currently second in the world in women’s tennis, and Aryna Sabalenka is still No. 1.

Sports

Riley Gaines pulls no punches with blunt response to Simone Biles' insults in spat over trans athletes

She pulled no punches. Conservative anti-trans activist Riley Gaines couldn’t resist going for the low blow in her ongoing online spat with gold medal-winning gymnast Simone Biles. In her latest reply in the back-and-forth between the pair, Gaines referenced convicted sexual predator Larry Nassar — the former Team USA doctor who abused the Olympic legend […]

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1 hour ago

June 7, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Riley Gaines pulls no punches with blunt response to Simone Biles' insults in spat over trans athletes

She pulled no punches.

Conservative anti-trans activist Riley Gaines couldn’t resist going for the low blow in her ongoing online spat with gold medal-winning gymnast Simone Biles.

In her latest reply in the back-and-forth between the pair, Gaines referenced convicted sexual predator Larry Nassar — the former Team USA doctor who abused the Olympic legend and other females gymnasts.

“All the horrific sexual abuse @Simone_Biles witnessed and spoke out against caused by one man, yet [she] believes women should be forced to strip naked in front of men to validate the man’s feelings,” the former collegiate swimmer posted to X.

“You know how many gold medals you’d have if your ‘inclusive’ dream came true? Zero.”

Nassar is serving 40 to 175 years in prison for sexually abusing hundreds of gymnasts, including Olympians Biles, Aly Raisman, and Gabby Douglas.

Biles blasted Gaines on X for criticizing a Minnesota softball team that included transgender player Marissa Rothenberger.

The pitcher threw a shutout and helped bring a state championship home to Champlin Park High School.

“To be expected when your star player is a boy,” Gaines wrote in response to a photo of the team celebrating the winning season.

Biles, a seven-time Olympic gold medalist, told Gaines she was “truly sick.”

“All of this campaigning because you lost a race. Straight up sore loser,” Biles wrote to Gaines, who competed against trans swimmer Lia Thomas in 2022.

“You should be uplifting the trans community and perhaps finding a way to make sports inclusive OR creating a new avenue where trans feel safe in sports. Maybe a transgender category IN ALL sports!! But instead… You bully them… One things for sure is no one in sports is safe with you around!!!!!”

In another post, Biles added, “bully someone your own size, which would ironically be a male.”

Gaines called the dig “disappointing,” and added, “It’s not my job or the job of any woman to figure out how to include men in our spaces. You can uplift men stealing championships in women’s sports with YOUR platform. Men don’t belong in women’s sports and I say that with my full chest.”

Gaines added in a separate post, “My take is the least controversial take on the planet,” and accused Biles of “being a male-apologist at the expense of young girls’ dreams.”

With Post wires