Montana State volleyball standouts Lauren Lindseth, Madilyn Siebler and Karli Heidemann were selected to the 2025-26 Academic All-District® Women’s Volleyball Teams, selected by College Sports Communicators, recognizing the nation’s top student-athletes for their combined performances on the court and in the classroom.

The CSC Academic All-America® program separately recognizes honorees in four divisions — NCAA Division I, NCAA Division II, NCAA Division III, and NAIA.

Lindseth, a Great Falls native, earned Second Team All-Big Sky Conference honors after guiding the Bobcats to their eighth straight Big Sky Conference Tournament appearance. Lindseth led in the Big Sky in overall and league matches, averaging 4.68 and 4.78 digs, respectively. She was also a four-time Big Sky Player of the Week honoree this past season.

Lindseth finished her career at MSU second in all-time digs with 1,987 saves. That total ranks fifth in Big Sky Conference history. The 5-9 libero also completed her career ranked ninth on MSU’s all-time ace chart with 124. She is a majoring in kinesiology/exercise science.

Siebler, a 5-10 outside hitter from Omaha, Neb., is a microbiology/pre-med major at Montana State. This past fall, she averaged 2.04 kills and 1.55 digs per set. She recorded a season-high 21 kills in Montana State’s 3-2 win over Montana in Missoula and notched a season-best 17 digs at Idaho State.

Heidemann, a 6-1 sophomore outside hitter from Diller, Neb., played and started in all 28 matches for MSU this fall. She finished the season with a team-best 323 kills, averaging 3.02 per set. In addition, she recorded 239 digs, averaging 2.23 per contest. Heidemann had a season-high 21 kills in MSU’s win over Northern Arizona and 18 digs at Portland State. She is a kinesiology/exercise science major.

 

HICKORY, N.C. – It was another great year for the Lenoir-Rhyne Athletics program. Lenoir-Rhyne students and faculty accomplished so much during the calendar year. Below are the top 10 stories of 2025.

#10 – Volleyball earns third consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance

Head coach Nicole Barringer has the Lenoir-Rhyne volleyball team rolling. Under Barringer’s leadership the Bears advanced to the NCAA Tournament for the third straight season, a program first. They took down Lander 3-1 to advance to the third round for just the third time in Lenoir-Rhyne volleyball history. They posted an intense reverse sweep of Anderson to advance to their second consecutive SAC Championship. 

Individually, Emmaleigh Allen was named the South Atlantic Conference Volleyball Scholar Athlete of the Year, a Lenoir-Rhyne volleyball first. Five Bear were named to the All-SAC Team while Averie Dale, Kaylie Cleaver, and Hadley Prince were AVCA Honorable Mention All-Americans. 

#9 – Track and Field success

Lenoir-Rhyne Track & Field saw continued success this season, highlighted by the incredible performance of Alexis Brown. Brown set the NCAA DII records in the 100m (10.93), outdoor 200m (22.35), and indoor 200m (22.88). She won national titles in all those events, bringing her career total to eight national titles. Due to her accomplishments she was named the SAC Female Athlete of the Year, USTFCCCA National Track Athlete of the Year, and CWSA Honda DII Female Athlete of the Year. 

As a team the Bears were runner-ups on both the men’s and women’s side at both the indoor and outdoor championships. Oliver Thatcher and Miranda Marr were each named to the All-America Second Team in their respective multi events at the national championships, while the 4x100m team finished seventh at nationals, earning All-America First Team status. Joining them at the national championships was the women’s 4x400m team and Havyn Spain in the 400m. Both Spain and the 4x400m team set school records throughout the year.

#8 – Tye Roberson becomes first AFCA All-America First Team honoree since 2015

Tye Roberson was named to the AFCA, AP, and Don Hansen All-America First Team due to his excellence in the return game. The Laurens, South Carolina, native set a new program record with an average of 41.9 yards per kick return this season. That average led NCAA DII and was second amongst all NCAA division. He was one of just two NCAA DII athletes with three kick return touchdowns, returning one for 98 yards against Anderson, 87 yards against Mars Hill, and 95 yards vs. Catawba. He is the first AFCA First Team All-America honoree since offensive Joe Ray in 2015.

#7 – Softball wins back-to-back SAC Tournament Championships

For the 10th time in program history and the second consecutive year, the Lenoir-Rhyne softball team won the South Atlantic Conference Tournament Championship. This was their first back-to-back title since they won four straight from 2010-13. Madison Wilson was named SAC Tournament MVP due to her incredible performances both on the mound and at the plate. Madison Primm and Lani Warren joined a prestigious group as they were named both NFCA All-Americans and CSC Academic All-Americans. During a win over Emory & Henry head coach Shena Hollar picked up her 1000th win at Lenoir-Rhyne, and her 1,063 career victories places her third among active NCAA DII coaches.

This season the Lenoir-Rhyne softball team played their games in the brand new McCrorie Family Stadium. This stadium sits in the upper echelon of NCAA DII, featuring stadium-style seating, extended dugouts, concession stand, two VIP viewing areas, and a brand new press box with included soundproof broadcast booth. The stadium is named in honor of Hank McCrorie ’60, and his wife, Bernice McRCrorie, who made the lead gift in support of the project. 

#6 – Women’s Soccer claims third NCAA Regional Title in five years

Despite both roster and coaching turnover, the Lenoir-Rhyne women’s soccer team continues to win. Head coach Justin Maullin and his squad finished with a record of 13-5-3 and won their third regional title in five years, taking down Columbus State (1-0), North Georgia (1-0), and Lander (1-0) en route to the championship. They would eventually fall 2-1 in the national quarterfinals to eventual national champion Florida Tech. Lenoir-Rhyne remains the only SAC school since 2017 to win a women’s soccer regional.

Seven Bears were named to the SAC All-Conference team, two on the first team, one on the second, and three on the third. This year was the program’s 17th full season (9-1-1 in shortened Covid year) that they finished with double-digit wins, a streak that dates back to 2008. Their NCAA tournament appearance was the program’s 12th, and sixth consecutive. Due to their on field accomplishments Lenoir-Rhyne finished the season ranked eighth in the United Soccer Coaches national poll.

#5 – Lenoir-Rhyne Administration leadership transition

2025 was a year for new leadership at Lenoir-Rhyne University, with Daron Montgomery ’95 completing his first year as Vice President for Athletics. Montgomery has provided stability and a renewed vision for LR’s Division II athletic programs. This milestone coincides with the inauguration of President Summer McGee and her first six months of leadership, during which Dr. McGee has set a clear strategic direction and energized the campus community. Together, their early tenures signal a promising future for collaboration and continued growth at Lenoir-Rhyne.

#4 – Women’s Triathlon wins third national title in four years

Head coach Harley Mason has built a dynasty in Hickory. Her Bears squad won their third DII Women’s Triathlon title in four years, avenging last year’s loss to Wingate with a four-point victory. Zoila Sicilia joined teammate Sabrina Fleig as the only women’s triathletes to win a national title, taking home the individual crown with a time of 1:03:59. Fleig finished runner-up behind Sicilia and Claudia Teran-Romagosa was fourth. All three were named CTCA First Team All-Americans, while Isis Gaskin was a Second Team honoree and Alex Linden an Honorable Mention. Coach Mason picked up her fourth consecutive National Coach of the Year award and has now taken home that honor every year she has coached the Bears.

#3 – Beyond the Bricks

Lenoir-Rhyne athletes excelled in the classroom, posting a 3.44 average GPA for the 2025 calendar year. 262 athletes posted 4.00 GPAs and 789 finished with at least a 3.50 in either the spring or fall semester. Every varsity team on campus had above a 3.00 team GPA. 21 teams posted at least a 3.50 in either the spring or fall semester. Additionally, LR won the South Atlantic Conference’s league-wide challenge for Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), an award based on participation in Play4Kay, Make-A-Wish, Team Impact, Community Service, and overall sports GPA.

#2 – Men’s Basketball’s run to the Elite Eight

Head coach Brent Owen and staff led the Bears to arguably their best season in program history in 2024-25, setting a program record for wins (29) and advancing to the NCAA DII Elite Eight for the first time in program history. Lenoir-Rhyne brought home their first SAC Tournament Championship since 2003 with an 82-78 comeback victory over Lincoln Memorial in the championship. The run continued a week later when the Bears won their first NCAA Southeast Regional championship thanks to a 76-73 overtime victory over UNC Pembroke. 

For his efforts coach Owen was named South Atlantic Conference Coach of the Year and NABC Southeast District Co-Coach of the Year. Ziare Wells, Hantz Louis-Jeune, and Conrad Luczynski were named to the All-SAC Team, with Wells being named SAC Newcomer of the Year and SAC Tournament MVP. Luczynski scored 60 points over three games in the Southeast Regional and was named Tournament MVP. 

#1 – Baseball’s magical run to national semi-finals

Under the guidance of first-year head coach Adam Skonieczki, the Lenoir-Rhyne baseball team put together a magical season that saw them advance all the way to the national semi-finals. The Bears finished runners-up to Catawba in both the South Atlantic Conference regular season and tournament championships. After breezing through the NCAA Southeast Regional at Belmont Abbey, Lenoir-Rhyne won their final two games in a best-of-three series at Catawba to claim the first NCAA Southeast Regional Championship in program history. Lenoir-Rhyne went 2-2 at the NCAA Championships, coming within one game of the championship series. They finished the year with a No. 4 ranking by the NCBWA.

This offense was quite possibly the most potent in NCAA DII history, as they finished the season ranked first in DII history in home runs (137), third in total bases (1,365), eighth in RBI’s (570), and 20th in slugging percentage (.617). Mackenzie Wainwright set new NCAA DII records for hits (121) and total bases (234), and is third all time in runs (102). Wainwright, Sal Carricato, and Cole Stanford were all named All-Americans and Stanford became the first Bear to ever be honored with Academic All-American status. Wainwright was named the Southeast Regional Player of the Year by the D2CCA, NCBWA, and ABCA and Adam Skonieczki was the ABCA Region Coach of the Year and Perfect Game National Coach of the Year.

LARA LIWANAG ON I-LISTEN: STRENGTH, PURPOSE, AND FIGHTING FOR FILIPINO ATHLETES

Episode dropping this Wednesday December 31, 2025 5PM on GMA Public Affairs Youtube Channel, Spotify and Apple Podcast

 

 

 

The upcoming episode of I-Listen spotlights Lara Liwanag—elite CrossFit athlete, coach, and advocate for inclusive sports—whose journey proves that strength goes far beyond physical power.

Known as the “clutch queen” after her standout performance on Physical: Asia, Lara represented the Philippines on an international stage, competing against some of the strongest athletes in the region. Despite being underdogs with no combat sports background, Lara and her teammate pushed through fear, injury, and pressure to give an all-out performance for the country. “Manalo man o matalo,” Lara says, “we did it for the Philippines.”

 

Beyond competition, Lara opens up about her long road as an athlete—from childhood dreams of representing the country, to becoming a national CrossFit champion, to facing injuries, setbacks, and online criticism. A registered nurse by profession, Lara chose to follow her true calling in fitness, even when others questioned her path. “Everything happens for a reason,” she shares. “Nandito ako ngayon dahil may purpose.”
 

 

Today, Lara is not only an athlete but a mentor. Through her gym and grassroots training initiatives with Olympian Hidilyn Diaz, she coaches children—many from underprivileged backgrounds—free of charge, helping them discover their potential through sports. Her advocacy highlights a pressing issue: the lack of support and funding for Filipino athletes, despite the abundance of raw talent across the country.

In her I-Listen interview, Lara delivers a powerful message to young women and aspiring athletes: strength is beautiful, fitness is for everyone, and confidence is built by simply starting. “Kung kaya ko, kaya niyo rin,” she says.

Dropping this Wednesday, December 31, 2025, this episode of i-Listen is a story of grit, faith, and purpose—reminding us that real strength lies in perseverance, service, and lifting others as you rise.

The University of Lynchburg announced Joshua Knapp as the head coach of the Hornets’ Men’s Volleyball Program in December 2025. He arrived in the Hill City with experience as a coach, student-athlete, and official, bringing a versatile background that will support the continued growth of the Hornets’ emerging men’s volleyball operation.

Knapp most recently served as the head coach for the Liberty University men’s club volleyball program, where he led the team since January 2023. In that role, he managed all aspects of the program, including training direction, recruitment efforts, and the coordination of support staff. Prior to taking over as head coach, he worked with the Flames as an assistant coach from August 2022 to January 2023, helping integrate skills development, training plans, and travel logistics for the team.

In addition to his coaching experience, Knapp is also a certified volleyball official with the Virginia High School League and the NCAA, a role he began in August 2025. His work as an official allowed him to use working knowledge of volleyball rules, regulations, and procedures while exhibiting professionalism through all interactions.

A former two-sport student-athlete at Liberty University, Knapp competed for four years in a high-level collegiate setting and served as a team captain for the men’s volleyball team from 2020 through 2022. Knapp earned his B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies from Liberty University in 2022, completing academic specializations in business, sports management, and carpentry.

TSWA Class A All-State Volleyball

Published 10:03 am Wednesday, December 31, 2025

LONGVIEW – State champion Blum dominated voting for the Blue Bell/Texas Sports Writers Association Class A All-State Volleyball Team for the 2025 season.

Blum’s Kinsley McPherson earned Player of the Year honors, and Blum head coach Lauren McPherson was named Coach of the Year.

Voting was conducted by TSWA members based on nominations from coaches and media members from around the state.

COACH OF THE YEAR: Lauren McPherson, Blum

PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Kinsley McPherson, Blum

FIRST TEAM

Middle blockers: Landree Bennett, Blum; Rylee Sears, Water Valley; Addison Spaith, Neches

Outside hitters: Kinsley McPherson, Blum; McCaylen Woods, Water Valley; Haley Scott, Blum

Setter: Tallie Rufino, Blum

Libero/Defensive Specialist: Addie Koetting, Blum

SECOND TEAM

Middle blockers: Emerson Fite, Sulphur Bluff; Janaye Coston, Water Valley; Jessica Rohde, Round Top-Carmine

Outside hitters: Bree Dooley, Round Top-Carmine; Zaylee Peyton, Sulphur Bluff; Marae Pounds, Chester

Setter: Madi Collett, Sulphur Bluff

Libero/Defensive Specialist: Audrey Gatlin, Medina

THIRD TEAM

Middle blockers: Callie Weddle, Perrin Whitt; Caitlyn Battreal, Oglesby; Braylee Clark, Woodson

Outside hitters: Brenna Briles, Forestburg; Emilee Silva, Aspermont; Crista Zirkel, Medina

Setter: Madison Markwardt, Round Top-Carmine

Libero/Defensive Specialist: Ana Servin, Sulphur Bluff

HONORABLE MENTION

Middle blockers: Zarah Wisehart, Oglesby; Kannan Collier, Perrin White; Ally Thorman, Jonesboro; Lily Payne, Chester

Outside hitters: Autumn Meyers, Oglesby; Lucchese Reilly, Perrin Whitt; Brylee Stevens, Oglesby; Alyssa Perez, Woodson; Landri McFarlin, Jonesboro; Lauren Citrano, Chester; McKieran Murphy, Perrin Whitt

Setter: Autumn Fitzpatrick, Water Valley; Nilah Stewart-Ayala, Trinidad; Ella Gustin, Jonesboro; Scarlet Aaron, Oglesby; Mailea Wimberly, Woodson

Libero/Defensive Specialist: Matti Polk, Aspermont; Natalie Carrell, Sulphur Bluff

TEMPE – The 2026 Sun Devil Beach Volleyball schedule has been announced, marking the Sand Devils’ third season with head coach Kristen Glattfelder and second in the Big 12 conference.

The Sand Devils have 10 weekends of competition, two of them at home. The team will face 10 of the 16 teams that competed in the 2025 NCAA Beach Volleyball Championship and will play against all four national semifinalists (TCU, LMU, Cal Poly and UCLA).

ASU will start its season across the Valley at the Canyon Classic at Grand Canyon from February 20-21. The Sand Devils will face host GCU along with Colorado Mesa, UC Davis and reigning 2025 NCAA Champion and Big 12 Champion TCU.

The Sun Devils will continue to stay in state and head south to Tucson to compete in the Cactus Classic on February 27, where they will compete against Arizona and Georgia State.

The home opener will be from March 6-7, as ASU will host Arizona, Southern Miss, Arizona Christian and Nebraska at the Sun Devil Classic.

The Sand Devils will be out of state for three-consecutive weeks. From March 13-14, they will compete in Manhattan Beach at the East Meets West Invitational where they will go head-to-head against NCAA runner-up LMU, as well as UCLA, Hawai’i and Cal. ASU will travel to LSU for the Death Volley Invitational from March 20–21, facing Georgia State, Texas, Florida State and LSU, before heading to TCU for the Big 12 Preview Tournament from March 27–28.

To start the final month of the regular season, the Maroon and Gold will head home and host the Sparky Invitational where they’ll play Stetson, GCU, FIU and Ottawa from April 3-4. The Sand Devils will be back on the road the following week and compete at the COE Challenge at Cal Poly from April 10-11 and face California, Cal Poly and UCLA.

ASU will play at lone dual at Long Beach State on April 17 before heading to Tucson for the Big 12 Championships on April 23 and 24.

In its first Big 12 season, Arizona State went 22-14, setting a new win record for the program. The Sand Devils also went 9-1 on home sand and finished the season ranked No. 12 in the AVCA Coaches Poll. The team also finished second at the first Big 12 Beach Volleyball Championships, falling to TCU 3-2.

The program and players earned several awards and accolades after finishing second in the league. Daniella Kensinger, Ava Kirunchyk and Samaya Morin were all named to the Big 12 All-Conference Team. Morin was also named an AVCA Second Team All-American. In addition, the team had three pairs named Big 12 Pair of the Week.