College Sports

38th Annual “The Nittanys” Held at Pegula Ice Arena – Penn State

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – The Student-Athlete Advisory Board (SAAB) recently hosted “The Nittanys” for the 38th-consecutive year. The event is a celebration of excellence in Penn State Athletics and was held at Pegula Ice Arena. More than 40 Penn State student-athletes and several teams were recognized for their academic, athletic and community engagement achievements in […]

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1 month ago

May 2, 2025

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UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – The Student-Athlete Advisory Board (SAAB) recently hosted “The Nittanys” for the 38^th-consecutive year. The event is a celebration of excellence in Penn State Athletics and was held at Pegula Ice Arena.

More than 40 Penn State student-athletes and several teams were recognized for their academic, athletic and community engagement achievements in an awards-style format. The event, which was sponsored by Penn State Student-Athlete Welfare & Development, was hosted by Caroline Jurevicius from the national champion Penn State women’s volleyball team.

Team Honors
Milton K. Morgan Jr. Highest Team GPA
The women’s gymnastics team was presented with the Milton K. Morgan Jr. Highest Team GPA award for its academic success during the 2024-25 academic year.

Varsity S Club Most Improved GPA
The teams honored for the most improved GPA were men’s tennis and women’s volleyball for their academic improvement in 2024-25 compared to 2023-24.

Individual Honors
Ernest B. McCoy Award
The McCoy Award is named for the longtime Dean of Penn State’s College of Physical Education, who also served as the University’s athletic director. The award is given to a senior men’s and women’s student-athlete who has combined successful athletic participation with academic excellence. The honorees of the Ernest B. McCoy award were Tyler Warren (football) and Jess Mruzik (women’s volleyball).

True Grit Award
The True Grit award recognizes a male and female student-athlete whose determination, and perseverance in overcoming serious adversity athletically or even personally, stands as a testament to their tremendous character and indomitable spirit. This award is sponsored by the Nittany Lion Club. This year’s honorees were Bella Misiura (women’s gymnastics) and Ben Schoen (men’s hockey).

Above and Beyond Mr. & Ms. Penn State
This award was established by SAAB to recognize the contributions of one male and one female senior student-athlete who display the true spirit of “WE ARE” as exemplified by their contributions and inspirations to their respective teams, as well their passion for everything Penn State. Recipients of this award are recognized for the following qualities: caring, encouragement, humility, honesty, humor, kindness, patience and school spirit. This year’s award recipients were Drew Taylor (field hockey) and Nick Dawkins (football).

Big Ten Jackie Robinson Community & Impact Award
The Big Ten Jackie Robinson Community & Impact Award was created to recognize Big Ten student-athletes who demonstrate Jackie Robinson’s core values, or “Jackie’s nine”: Courage, Determination, Teamwork, Persistence, Integrity, Citizenship, Justice, Commitment, and Excellence. Specifically, those student-athletes that have made an exceptional effort in impacting their local community through volunteerism, community programing, and/or philanthropy between January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024. This year’s recipients from Penn State were Jami Morris (women’s golf) and Dylan Lugris (men’s hockey).

Behind the Scenes Heroes
This award was established by SAAB to recognize individuals who are the embodiment of what it means to be selfless in the service of others, with no expectation of recognition, but are vital to student-athletes success here at Penn State. Katy Pohland, the director of athletic wellness and therapy services, was this year’s recipient.

THON Awards
THON Donor Drive Challenge
This award created by SAAB is in recognition of the team that raised the highest total this year on behalf of THON. The team which raised the most money collectively for THON was field hockey.

THON Individual Highest Total Raised
Elise DeWan (field hockey) was recognized as the student-athlete who individually raised the highest total on behalf of THON

THON Spirit Award
Ellie Hollin (women’s lacrosse) was honored with the THON Spirit Award. This award recognizes a student-athlete whose commitment to bringing awareness and funding to find a cure to end pediatric cancer, has been unmatched in their energy, effort and passion for all things THON.

Team Engagement Awards
This award created by SAAB recognizes the teams that participated the most in community service. Overall, 10 teams were honored: women’s golf, field hockey, women’s ice hockey, women’s swimming and diving, men’s soccer, men’s gymnastics, men’s ice hockey, men’s lacrosse, men’s volleyball, and baseball.

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College Sports

Union women’s hockey will play first college hockey game in M&T Bank Center | Sports

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16 minutes ago

June 10, 2025

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T.J. Oshie, US Olympic star and Stanley Cup champion, retires

WASHINGTON — T.J. Oshie, who scored four shootout goals for the U.S. to beat host Russia at the 2014 Sochi Olympics and helped the Washington Capitals win the Stanley Cup in 2018, announced Monday he is retiring after playing 16 NHL seasons. Oshie shared his news in front of hundreds of fans gathered at the […]

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40 minutes ago

June 10, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Oshie shared his news in front of hundreds of fans gathered at the fountains at Washington Harbour in Georgetown, seven years to the day of one of the most memorable Cup celebrations in hockey history when he and several teammates jumped into the fountains and took a dip.

President of hockey operations Brian MacLellan, general manager Chris Patrick, coach Spencer Carbery and longtime teammates Nicklas Backstrom and John Carlson came out to support Oshie as he called it a career.

“My only contribution was that this could be a good day and place to have (the ceremony),” Oshie said, adding, “I can’t thank the Caps enough. Another first-class move by them to have my retirement here, invite all the people out. It really made this day special.”

The announcement had been expected for quite some time, with Oshie’s contract expiring. The 38-year-old did not play this past season because of a nagging back injury that sidelined him off and on, going on long-term injured reserve instead.

Oshie said in the spring of 2024 he would only return to the Capitals if he found a permanent solution or fix to the issue. His final game was at home on April 28 last year against the New York Rangers, a 4-2 loss in the first round that eliminated Washington in a sweep.

“I was fully prepared that could be my last game: I got the pictures taken of me taking off the skates to prove it,” Oshie said. “I hadn’t thought too much about (the end), honestly, besides that moment. Even before that moment, knowing how tough it was on really the whole team with me, what I was going through, actually saying the words out loud at the podium with my family in front of me and the Caps organization, my teammates, all my close friends, it was emotional.”

Taken 24th in the 2005 draft by St. Louis, Oshie played 1,116 regular-season and playoff games in the league with the Blues and Capitals since making his debut in 2008. He had 336 goals and 428 assists for 764 points, including 21 points during Washington’s Cup run.

FILE - Washington Capitals right wing T.J. Oshie hoists the Stanley Cup after the Capitals defeated the Golden Knights 4-3 in Game 5 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals Thursday, June 7, 2018, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher, File) — Washington Capitals right wing T.J. Oshie hoists the Stanley Cup after the Capitals defeated the Golden Knights 4-3 in Game 5 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals Thursday, June 7, 2018, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher, File)

Oshie made an international name for himself at the Olympics, earning the nickname “T.J. Sochi” for going 4 for 6 in shootout attempts against Sergei Bobrovsky during the U.S.-Russia preliminary round game in that tournament.

“I like to think that when I was playing, that I was playing for my teammates, for my coaches, for my family, for my fans. I rarely thought about my own accolades,” Oshie said. “To be remembered (as a ‘warrior’ type of player) is a huge honor because that was my goal and the way I played the game.”

In the NHL, his biggest impact came after he was traded from the Blues to the Capitals in 2015. Oshie took on an immediate leadership role as a key addition to the core of Alex Ovechkin, Backstrom and Carlson, helping the team make the playoffs in eight of his nine seasons in the nation’s capital.

“I’ll be the first to give credit to my teammates, because without them, I was nowhere near good enough to do it without a group like that,” Oshie said.

Oshie’s 76 power-play goals in D.C. are the fifth most in franchise history. He scored 49 times in the shootout, tied for third all-time since it was implemented in 2005.

Originally Published: June 9, 2025 at 6:50 PM CDT

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Julian Lewis Opens Up On Why NIL Won’t Define His Colorado Legacy

Julian Lewis Opens Up On Why NIL Won’t Define His Colorado Legacy originally appeared on Athlon Sports. At just 17 years old, Julian Lewis already has a million-dollar NIL valuation, a high-profile flip from USC to Colorado, and the weight of Buff Nation’s future resting on his shoulders. But in his recent interview with USA […]

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55 minutes ago

June 10, 2025

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Julian Lewis Opens Up On Why NIL Won’t Define His Colorado Legacy originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

At just 17 years old, Julian Lewis already has a million-dollar NIL valuation, a high-profile flip from USC to Colorado, and the weight of Buff Nation’s future resting on his shoulders. But in his recent interview with USA Today, Lewis made one thing crystal clear: he came to Colorado to win football games, not Instagram followers.

In an era where high school athletes are cashing checks before they’ve taken a college snap, Lewis, reclassified from the 2026 class to arrive early in Boulder, seems focused on more than money.

“Football is my priority,” Lewis told USA Today’s Brent Schrotenboer. “I have a responsibility to myself, my teammates, and my university to become the best player that I can be.”

Lewis’ perspective is refreshingly grounded, and it’s likely a product of both his upbringing and his support system. He credits his father and team for managing his off-field business affairs, allowing him to focus on the game.

“He’s always reminding me that I have two jobs: QB and entrepreneur,” Lewis said.

That kind of maturity, paired with raw talent, is exactly what head coach Deion Sanders is banking on. And make no mistake, despite having to compete with seasoned transfer Kaidon Salter for the starting job, Lewis’ presence in the quarterback room is already raising eyebrows. The fact that he holds a $1.1 million NIL valuation, second only to top-rated offensive lineman Jordan Seaton is proof that the spotlight is already on him, even if he hasn’t taken a college snap yet.

But Lewis isn’t using NIL to fuel ego or flash. His involvement with Fanstake, a platform that empowers fans to support athletes through NIL, showcases a player who understands the business side of college sports but refuses to let it distract from his main mission.

“There are thousands of great athletes who came before us who didn’t have the opportunities today,” Lewis said. “NIL has nothing to do with my college career; football and NIL are two very separate things.”

Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Julian “JuJu” Lewis shows off his Darth Vader chain.Julian Lewis

For Colorado fans still unsure of what to expect from the high school phenom turned early enrollee, Lewis’ message should serve as reassurance: he’s not here for fame. He’s here to compete.

The Buffs’ quarterback competition in 2025 may be one of the program’s most anticipated in years. And whether Lewis starts Day 1 or takes the long route, one thing is certain: he’s already proving he’s more than just another five-star recruit.

For Buffaloes fans looking for the next leader, Julian Lewis might be the quiet storm worth betting on.

Related: Deion Sanders Cancels Speaking Engagement as Rumors Swirl

Related: Deion Sanders’ Son Says Fathers’ Return to Boulder Uncertain in Surprise Update

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 10, 2025, where it first appeared.

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Assistant Keith Fisher Named Head Coach at Lindenwood

Keith Fisher, a longtime Penn State men’s hockey assistant coach, is the new head coach at Lindenwood College. Fisher spent 13 seasons at Penn State with head coach Guy Gadowsky, with whom he also coached at Princeton. Fisher and Gadowsky have worked together for 20 years. “Lindenwood hired an excellent coach and an even better […]

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57 minutes ago

June 10, 2025

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“Lindenwood hired an excellent coach and an even better person,” Gadowsky said in a statement. “Coach Fisher has been a great friend and a huge part of the success of the hockey programs at Penn State and Princeton. Penn State hockey, and me personally, will really miss Fish but we all look forward to seeing him build the Lindenwood hockey program with great integrity — just like him.”

Lindenwood College, located in St. Charles, Missouri, has sponsored varsity hockey since 2022. The program, which plays an independent schedule, finished 8-22-2 last season.

Fisher spent 13 seasons with Penn State men’s hockey, the last seven as associate head coach. Fisher was part of four NCAA Tournament appearances at Penn State, including the program’s first trip to the Frozen Four. Fisher also helped Penn State to Big Ten championships in 2017 and 2020.

Fisher won the Terry Flannagan Award in 2020 as the nation’s top assistant. He has coached three Big Ten players of the year, 12 all-conference players and two All-Americans.

“While Coach Fisher’s recent run to the Frozen Four speaks volumes, it’s his overall body of work that truly sets him apart,” Lindenwood Athletic Director Jason Coomer said in a statement. “He is widely respected across the college hockey landscape, and we couldn’t be more excited to have him behind the bench, guiding and developing our young men.”

Before joining Gadowsky’s staff at Penn State, Fisher worked with him at Princeton from 2005-11. During Fisher’s time at Princeton, the Tigers qualified for two NCAA Tournaments, and the 2009 team won a school-record 22 games. Fisher led Princeton’s recruiting initiative for Gadowsky.

Fisher has coached in the United States Hockey League, helping the Omaha Lancers to the 2001 Clark Cup title. He began his career on the coaching staff at St. Cloud State University, his alma mater. Fisher also played college hockey at Hibbing Community College.

“From the outset of our search, it was essential to find a leader who could elevate our program to the next level,” Coomer said in a statement. “Coach Fisher has been immersed in winning cultures throughout his career and has consistently helped young men grow and compete at the highest levels of the game.”

Penn State went 22-14-4 last season, finishing fifth in the USCHO.com college hockey poll, its highest final ranking in school history.

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U.S. Soccer's new committee to evaluate NCAA soccer's future

Jeff KassoufJun 10, 2025, 02:13 PM ET Close Jeff Kassouf covers women’s soccer for ESPN, focusing on the USWNT and NWSL. In 2009, he founded The Equalizer, a women’s soccer news outlet, and he previously won a Sports Emmy at NBC Sports and Olympics. Open Extended Reactions U.S. Soccer announced on Tuesday a committee that […]

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1 hour ago

June 10, 2025

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U.S. Soccer's new committee to evaluate NCAA soccer's future

Jeff KassoufJun 10, 2025, 02:13 PM ET
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U.S. Soccer announced on Tuesday a committee that will evaluate and potentially overhaul the college soccer system.

The committee includes 18 members spanning stakeholders across the industry, from professional leagues and college soccer to the men’s and women’s games. They will recommend potential changes to college soccer – long viewed as an important but flawed development pipeline for the U.S. professional leagues – that could be implemented as early as next year.

“College soccer is integral to the fabric and future of our sport in this country,” U.S. Soccer CEO JT Batson said in a statement. “The individuals joining this group bring unique perspectives and expertise that will help us build a model where college soccer can thrive in a modern, connected system — all working collaboratively in service to soccer.”

UC Santa Barbara’s Manu Duah was the top pick in the most recent MLS draft, reaching a deal with San Diego FC. Photo by Eakin Howard/Getty ImagesEditor’s Picks2 RelatedNews of the committee’s formation comes at a transformative and uncertain time for college sports at large.Last week, a federal judge approved the terms of a $2.8 billion settlement that paved the way for colleges to pay student-athletes, a ruling that experts say will change college sports forever.

U.S. Soccer’s committee, called the “NextGen College Soccer Committee,” will be chaired by Dan Helfrich, principal at Deloitte Consulting and part of U.S. Soccer’s leadership advisory group.

Others involved from the professional game include Seattle Sounders and Seattle Reign co-owner Adrian Hanauer, Kansas City Current co-owner Angie Long, and executives from MLS, the NWSL and USL.

Representatives of top college programs are on the committee, as is Richard Motzkin, an executive at the player talent agency Wasserman.

The group is tasked with making recommendations for college soccer “to thrive in the rapidly evolving soccer ecosystem,” prior to the start of the academic year in the coming months and working with conferences and college programs “interested in these innovative solutions and opportunities.”

Changes to the college soccer system could be implemented beginning in the 2026-27 academic year. Critics of college soccer include prominent coaches and administrators within the game. They argue that the college game has not kept pace with modern soccer and fails to prepare players to be professionals.

The college game utilizes slightly different rules like clock stoppages and unlimited substitutions. But critics’ biggest point of contention is the short fall season that crams a couple dozen games into a few months.

A proposal to shift soccer from a fall sport to one that spans the full academic year — fall to spring with a winter break — dates back 25 years and picked up renewed momentum in 2022.

University of Maryland men’s soccer coach Sasho Cirovski led a group of Division 1 soccer coaches and executives interested in implementing what they called the “21st Century Model.”

The college game remains a particularly important pipeline in the women’s game. U.S. Soccer said in Tuesday’s news release that “the group’s work will consider both the men’s and women’s college games, recognizing that the models and solutions may differ between the two.”

U.S. Soccer formal involvement with college soccer is new.

The NextGen College Soccer Committee will also evaluate commercial opportunities for college soccer, which is of increasing importance in the NIL (name, image, likeness) era of college sports where athletes can be paid.

The federation said it would engage the NCAA and the USOPC for feedback. U.S. Soccer said it will begin outreach to college programs and conferences to gauge interest “in participating in the new opportunities or model(s).”

There are more than 50,000 college soccer players combined in men’s and women’s soccer across all three divisions.

There is an increasing number of female players bypassing college to turn professional as teenagers, but that pathway remains the exception rather than the rule.

U.S. Soccer’s announcement of a committee to evaluate college soccer comes as professional league attempt to figure out their own solutions.

MLS has MLS Next Pro for reserve teams, and USL has a formal academy system with its teams.

The NWSL recently announced vague plans to launch a second division for reserve teams as early as next year. U.S. Soccer said it would work its pre-professional youth members to consider their roles in potential solutions.

College Sports

Fisk gymnastics, nation’s first HBCU program, to shut down after 2026

The first HBCU to have a gymnastics program will participate in its last season in 2026. Fisk University, which began competing in January 2023, will discontinue its program after next season, the school announced last week. “Considerable challenges … to schedule competitions and build a robust recruiting pipeline,” were the reasons cited for the decision […]

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2 hours ago

June 10, 2025

Your Sports Nation

The first HBCU to have a gymnastics program will participate in its last season in 2026.

Fisk University, which began competing in January 2023, will discontinue its program after next season, the school announced last week.

“Considerable challenges … to schedule competitions and build a robust recruiting pipeline,” were the reasons cited for the decision on the school’s website. Fisk competes in the HBCU Athletic Conference, and the sport isn’t sanctioned by the conference, resulting in those challenges.

“While we are tremendously proud of the history our gymnastics team has made in just three years, we look forward to focusing on our conference-affiliated teams to strengthen our impact in the HBCU Athletic Conference,” Valencia Jordan, Director of Fisk Athletics, said on the school’s website. “Fisk is grateful for the hard work, dedication and tenacity of its gymnasts, staff members, and coaches who made this program possible.”

The Tennessean has reached out to Jordan for comment.

Fisk University gymnastics had early success

Despite being new on the scene, Fisk’s gymnastics team has experienced some success.

Morgan Price of Lebanon became the first gymnast from an HBCU to win the all-around championship at the USA Gymnastics Women’s Collegiate National Championships in 2024. She repeated the feat in 2025.

“It feels good because of the hard work that has been put in,” Price said in a release after the first title. “Honestly, I didn’t know where I would place, but it was a pleasant surprise. I have heard from a lot of people so far. I am still trying to take all this in.”

Price, Allie Berkley, Aliyah Reed-Hammon, and Ciniah Rosby each earned first-team All-American honors for the 2025 season.

Paul Skrbina is a sports enterprise reporter covering the Predators, Titans, Nashville SC, local colleges and local sports for The Tennessean. Reach him at pskrbina@tennessean.com and on the X platform (formerly known as Twitter) @paulskrbina.

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