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Hotels approve funding for youth sports facility coming to Kalamazoo

KALAMAZOO, Mich. — Youth sports have long been a significant aspect of life in Kalamazoo, enriching both the lives of local children and the area’s economy. In a move poised to further boost these benefits, a new youth sports facility is expected to soon begin development, after getting the approval of funding last month. WXMI […]

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KALAMAZOO, Mich. — Youth sports have long been a significant aspect of life in Kalamazoo, enriching both the lives of local children and the area’s economy.

In a move poised to further boost these benefits, a new youth sports facility is expected to soon begin development, after getting the approval of funding last month.

Next Level Performance

WXMI

Next level performance hopes to partner with the facility in the future.

A variety of sports activities, including volleyball, play a pivotal role in helping kids develop essential life skills. Annemarie Boarman, general manager at Next Level Sports, also known as “The Dome,” emphasizes the importance of sports in fostering interpersonal communication.

“I mean, you see kids that are really disengaged, they don’t know how to communicate as well anymore. So I feel like sports is a place where they can get back to having kind of that presence with people in person again,” Boarman said.

Brian Persky, director of business development at Discover Kalamazoo, highlights the profound economic impact of sports tourism. “Just to give you an idea, like, all of our sports tourism business that we do in a year is about a $30 million economic impact on the community. That’s about 50 to 60 events per year,” Persky explains.

The new 150,000-square-foot youth sports facility is projected to almost double that impact, reaching approximately $48 million annually.

Funding for the facility received a boost last month when a 4% tax assessment was approved by 34 hotels in Kalamazoo. This initiative is viewed positively by Erika Regner, director of sales at Delta Hotels.

Delta hotels

WXMI

Delta Hotels has been a big supporter of the facility since its inception.

“We see a lot of sports, but we see a lot of hockey, we see a lot of skating, we see a lot of wrestling, and that’s about it. A lot of our families are traveling out of the area to go to teams or go to places to compete against teams that are from the area. And that’s just a huge loss of revenue for the city and for us,” Regner said.

Local basketball coach and alumni coordinator Donte Hudson from The Kalamazoo Promise expresses optimism about the potential benefits for local youth. “Having a facility like this would just give us the opportunity to touch more lives, reach out to more kids, and extend our reach to other areas, and not just Kalamazoo,” Hudson said.

The Kalamazoo Promise

WXMI

The Kalamazoo Promise provides scholarships to bring Kalamazoo athletes and scholars back to the city.

Hudson sees the facility as a means to create opportunities for children through sports.

“We foster relationships with them through basketball. So we want to see all of them succeed, and having a sports facility like this will just give everybody, like a hub or, you know, just that safe space to have these conversations and impact these lives,” he added.

There are currently three potential sites in consideration for the new facility, with a decision expected by early June, with the facility projected to be open by 2027.

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Rec Sports

Nelson Selected for U-18 Women’s Youth National Team Camp

EVANSTON, Ill. – Incoming first-year goalkeeper Nyamma Nelson has been called into U.S. Under-18 Youth National Team Camp at McCurry Park in Fayetteville, Ga.  Most recently, Nelson was called into U-18 Youth National Team Camp in March. The U-18 roster features 24 players, all born in 2007. Players born on or after Jan. 1, 2006, […]

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EVANSTON, Ill. – Incoming first-year goalkeeper Nyamma Nelson has been called into U.S. Under-18 Youth National Team Camp at McCurry Park in Fayetteville, Ga. 

Most recently, Nelson was called into U-18 Youth National Team Camp in March. The U-18 roster features 24 players, all born in 2007. Players born on or after Jan. 1, 2006, are age-eligible for next year’s 2026 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Poland. 

The camp is a joint camp with the U.S. U-19 National Team as part of the Federation’s U.S. Way philosophy which emphasizes increased programming for Youth National Teams to create more opportunities for young players to advance through the pathway to the full U.S. Women’s National Team with the goal of representing their country at a world championship.

U.S. U-18 WNT Roster – Training Camp – Fayetteville, Ga.

Goalkeepers (3): Daphne Nakfoor (Slammers FC HB Koge; Carlsbad, Calif.), Nyamma Nelson (Northwestern, Portland Thorns Academy; West Linn, Ore.), Carson Proctor (FC Prime; Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.)

Defenders (8): Edra Bello (USC; San Diego, Calif.), Braelyn Even (Cincinnati United SC; Cincinnati, Ohio), Kiara Gilmore (Wisconsin; Allen, Texas), Emma Johnson (Lexington SC– USL Super League; Greenfield, Ind.), Zoe Matthews (Houston Dash – NWSL; Southlake, Texas), Leena Powell (UCLA; Culver City, Calif.), Katie Scott (Kansas City Current – NWSL; Fairview, Pa.), Jocelyn Travers (Bay Area Surf SC; Santa Cruz, Calif.)

Midfielders (7): Olivia Belcher (Alabama; Colleyville, Texas), Riley Cross (Penn State; Chatham, N.J.), Bella Devey (UNC; Draper, Utah), Natalia DiSora (Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC; Pittsburg, Pa.), Jordyn Hardeman (Virginia; Midlothian, Texas), Lily Kiliski (New York SC; Fresh Meadows, N.Y.), Ashlyn Puerta (Sporting JAX – USL Super League; Rancho Santa Fe, Calif.)

Forwards (6): Montgomery Draham (Real Football Academy; Somerdale, N.J.), Eres Freifeld (UNC; Redmond, Wash.), Eleanor Hodsden (Notre Dame; Dripping Springs, Texas), Mary Long (Kansas City Current – NWSL; Mission Hills, Kan.), Maddie Padelski (Alabama; Nolensville, Tenn.), Mya Townes (Georgia; Aldie, Va.)



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Lady Devils host Youth Basketball Camp

By Mark Carpenter People’s Defender The recent run of success for the North Adams Lady Devils basketball program hasn’t come by accident. I combination of hard work, a family atmosphere and numerous other factors have led the Lady Devils on a memorable run of the last decade. Another integral part of the success is […]

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June 27, 2025

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By Mark Carpenter

People’s Defender

The recent run of success for the North Adams Lady Devils basketball program hasn’t come by accident. I combination of hard work, a family atmosphere and numerous other factors have led the Lady Devils on a memorable run of the last decade. Another integral part of the success is the enthusiasm for the program in the lower grades that begins in the team’s annual summer basketball camps.

This year’s Lady Devils Youth Camp took place from June 10-12 and included 54 future starts, led in the camp drills by Lady Devils head coach Rob Davis and Assistant Coach Avery Harper. The girls in camp ranged from kindergarten through eight grade, a challenge in itself.

The 2025 Lady Devils Youth Camp consisted of the following young athletes.

• Kindergarten: Kynnady Unger, Maddelynne Profitt

• First Grade: Bryana Groves, Scarlett Brannock

• Second Grade: Maizee Dugan, Scarlett Simbro, Taytum Darling, Ruby Raines, Xyla Conley, Everlee Durbin

• Third Grade: Journey Rabold, Norah Jodrey, Dahlia Pennington, Claire Schmitz, Bexlee Barlow, Jovee Moore

• Fourth Grade: Tessa Simbro, Ellie Grooms, Malia Shelton, Audrey Rosselot, Zoie Hilderbrand, Adia Grooms, Tinsleigh Raines

• Fifth Grade: Grace Glenn, Hayven Jodrey, Addy Mullen, Sadie Barlow, Paizlyn Ramsey, Maya Pinto, Adalee Durbin

• Sixth Grade: Mollie Spurlock, Averee Cox, Aleah Ormes, Whitley Rosselot, Evelinn Durr, Avery Lahmers, Stellar Grooms, Lyla Harper, Madleun Rockers

• Seventh/Eighth Grade: Jalen Michael, Chloee Cox, Laken Mason, Kendle Christman, Brynley Bradford, Kendall Geeslin, Layla Martin, Annabell Groves, Addison Spiller, Erin Waters, Haylee Wheeler, Reese Schmitz, Abbagail Bolton, Jocelyn Duffey.

Summer basketball camps could not succeed without the valuable assistance of the team’s past and present players who volunteer their time to help the future Lady Devils improve their skills. This year’s group of past and present players included: Elizabeth Raines, Emma Pistole, Ava Pistole, Jacee Davis, Jaida Harrison, Jerzi Tong, Bella Gray, Tenzlee Burns, Sophia Barlow, Sydney McCann, Marnie Tolle, Abby Groves, Harlee Brand and Kenlie Jones.



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Parks, Recreation & Youth Development

With an emphasis on Oakland’s youth, Oakland Parks, Recreation & Youth Development and its partners will provide best in class, relevant and equitable programs and services, while meeting the specific needs of people and communities both at the neighborhood level and regionally throughout the City of Oakland. We achieve this mission through intentional engagement and […]

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June 27, 2025

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With an emphasis on Oakland’s youth, Oakland Parks, Recreation & Youth Development and its partners will provide best in class, relevant and equitable programs and services, while meeting the specific needs of people and communities both at the neighborhood level and regionally throughout the City of Oakland. We achieve this mission through intentional engagement and by removing the barriers that prohibit equitable opportunities for all.

All Programs & Camps – Register Online

Town Camp & More Are Coming This Summer!

We are excited to announce that Town Camp and a variety of summer programs will be available for Summer 2025!

Registration Dates:

• Priority Registration for Camper in need of Financial Aid: Begins February 18, 2025

• Priority Registration for Oakland Residents: Begins February 24, 2025

• Open Registration for All: Begins March 10, 2025

Watch Our Town Camp PSA:

• English (No Subtitles): https://vimeo.com/1040547540

• English (With Subtitles): https://vimeo.com/1040547504

• Spanish: https://vimeo.com/1040547474

• Chinese: https://vimeo.com/1040547439

We can’t wait for another great summer!

Due to overwhelming demand, Oakland Parks, Recreation & Youth Development is not currently accepting new bench or plaque requests.

Please check back in Spring 2025 for more information on dedicating a bench.

If you require an in-person service, please contact us to be directed to the appropriate staff/division unit for an appointment – parksandrec@oaklandca.gov or (510) 238-7275.

Donate to the Oakland Parks & Recreation Foundation

Services

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  • City Stables

  • City Wide Sports

  • Cultural Arts Centers



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Silver Valley Youth Sports June 27, 2025

Silver Valley Volleyball Club teams play in Hawaii tournament.     Courtesy photo The Silver Valley Volleyball Club 13U team recently competed at the Hawaiian Island Volleyball Fest in Honolulu June 12-14. From left are assistant coach Riley Valley, Danica Valley, Stella Zook, Mia Stutzke, Hayden Haynes, Kendall Allen, Janelle Strange, Emily Elliott, Sierra Haralson, Sophia […]

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June 27, 2025

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Silver Valley Volleyball Club teams play in Hawaii tournament.

    Courtesy photo The Silver Valley Volleyball Club 13U team recently competed at the Hawaiian Island Volleyball Fest in Honolulu June 12-14. From left are assistant coach Riley Valley, Danica Valley, Stella Zook, Mia Stutzke, Hayden Haynes, Kendall Allen, Janelle Strange, Emily Elliott, Sierra Haralson, Sophia Field, Cammie Cielke and coach Jordan Smith.
  



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WAC to Rebrand to UAC, Add Five New Members in 2026

Football 6/26/2025 9:01:00 AM Evan Nemec Story Links Abilene Christian University (ACU) is pleased to welcome five full-time members to its conference, which will rebrand from the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) to the United Athletic Conference (UAC), beginning in the 2026-27 academic year. Austin Peay, Eastern Kentucky, North Alabama, West Georgia and Central Arkansas will […]

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WAC to Rebrand to UAC, Add Five New Members in 2026
ACU UAC rebrand release graphic

Football

Evan Nemec

Abilene Christian University (ACU) is pleased to welcome five full-time members to its conference, which will rebrand from the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) to the United Athletic Conference (UAC), beginning in the 2026-27 academic year.

Austin Peay, Eastern Kentucky, North Alabama, West Georgia and Central Arkansas will officially join the UAC on July 1, 2026, alongside ACU, Tarleton State and UT Arlington. The rebranding of the WAC to the UAC will also take place in the summer of 2026.

The UAC and Atlantic Sun Conference (ASUN) are forming a groundbreaking, strategic alliance that will strengthen and provide long-term stability for both conferences. The alliance allows two similarly situated conferences to resolve many challenges at once: better aligning membership; reducing expenses; collectively leveraging assets such as media rights; providing members of both leagues with nonconference games against regional opponents; and situating both conferences for streamlined decision making.

The UAC and ASUN will remain separate conferences, maintain independent governance structures and offices, and have their own automatic qualifying bids to the NCAA postseason for conference champions. Each will consider limited expansion opportunities in the future.

ASUN commissioner Jeff Bacon will serve as the executive director of the alliance between the UAC and ASUN. Bacon has served as executive director of the current UAC, a football-only conference consisting of nine teams from the WAC and ASUN. WAC commissioner Rebekah Ray will also assume a leadership role in the alliance.

All of ACU’s 15 athletic programs will be housed in the UAC. In football, ACU will continue to compete with Tarleton State, Austin Peay, Eastern Kentucky, North Alabama, Central Arkansas and West Georgia. All seven teams are current members of the football-only UAC, and competed against each other during the 2024 season. Football-playing members of the WAC and ASUN have competed in a formal partnership since 2021.

“This is a strong move for ACU, greatly benefiting the university, our fans and all of our student-athletes, coaches and athletics administration,” said Dr. Phil Schubert, ACU president. “The United Athletic Conference and alliance with the ASUN reflect a commitment to excellence and innovation in an ever-changing college athletics landscape. Most importantly, this positions us well to continue developing student-athletes for lives of Christian service and leadership and competitive success.”

“I want to extend my deepest thanks to President Schubert for his outstanding leadership and steady guidance through the ever-evolving landscape of college athletics,” said Zack Lassiter, ACU vice president for athletics. “We are confident this new path best positions us for long-term success at the Division I level.

“The eight UAC members beginning in the 2026-27 athletic season are like-minded institutions, including two fellow Texas schools, reducing travel demands for our student-athletes during regular season play and maintaining our access to NCAA Championships in all sports. Our existing football partnership with these schools has already built strong relationships with these new conference peers, and we are excited to expand our competition to all our athletic programs.”

ACU has been a member of the WAC since July 2021 and of the football-only UAC since its inception in 2023.

Click here to read the official announcement from the WAC and ASUN.

 

What They’re Saying

“We are extremely excited about our transition to be a member of the UAC! This bold move positions our team to compete at a high level while aligning with dynamic institutions that share our competitive spirit and commitment to excellence. The geographic footprint of the UAC will provide a strong platform for recruiting, growth, postseason opportunities, and long term success for our student athletes.” – Julie Goodenough, ACU women’s basketball head coach

“We are excited about the next chapter for our athletic department and the opportunities to compete against some old rivals while establishing some new ones. We have a lot of momentum on campus and throughout our department. I’m grateful for our administration’s commitment to athletics and we feel like we are positioned for success across the board.” – Rick McCarty, ACU baseball head coach

“We are incredibly excited for the rebrand, and future membership of the UAC starting in 2026-27! This move represents a bold and strategic decision for our program, as it puts us in a competitive, forward-thinking conference. The UAC is a great fit for our vision and the culture we’re building. This will not just have a positive impact for our team, but for our university and student-athletes. I’m grateful for our continued upward trajectory and can’t wait to see what we accomplish next!” – Stephen Salas, ACU women’s soccer head coach

 

WAC Membership, 2025-26

Abilene Christian Abilene, TX
California Baptist Riverside, CA
Southern Utah Cedar City, UT
Tarleton State Stephenville, TX
UT Arlington Arlington, TX
Utah Tech St. George, UT
Utah Valley Orem, UT

 

Football-Only UAC Membership, 2025-26

Abilene Christian Abilene, TX
Austin Peay Clarksville, TN
Central Arkansas Conway, AR
Eastern Kentucky Richmond, KY
North Alabama Florence, AL
Southern Utah Cedar City, UT
Tarleton State Stephenville, TX
Utah Tech St. George, UT
West Georgia Carrollton, GA

 

All-Sports UAC Membership, beginning 2026-27

Abilene Christian Abilene, TX
Austin Peay Clarksville, TN
Central Arkansas Conway, AR
Eastern Kentucky Richmond, KY
North Alabama Florence, AL
Tarleton State Stephenville, TX
UT Arlington (non-football) Arlington, TX
West Georgia Carrollton, GA
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Rec Sports

Santa Maria youth softball team qualifies for state games | Youth Sports

The Santa Maria Lady Saints 8U All-Stars softball team has qualified for the California State Games that will take place in San Diego in July. The Lady Saints went 5-0 at the Morro Bay Coastal Summer Slam and won the 8U Division tournament championship. The Santa Maria squad won an age division title at the […]

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June 27, 2025

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The Santa Maria Lady Saints 8U All-Stars softball team has qualified for the California State Games that will take place in San Diego in July.



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