Sandi Rodriguez was named Assistant Director of Student Athlete Services in October 2018 after serving as the Administrative Assistant to Soccer, Softball and Tennis programs since 2015. 

Her current sport oversight includes Baseball, Soccer, Softball, Tennis, Beach Volleyball, & Indoor Volleyball.

Prior to this appointment, Rodriguez served as an Administrative Assistant for Women’s Basketball, Men’s Golf, Women’s Golf, Soccer, Softball, and Tennis from July 2015. 

The Gray, LA. native, began her career as the McNeese Academic Study Lab Coordinator from January 2011 – June 2013. She received her Associate degree from McNeese in December 2010 and her Bachelor degree in December 2012. 

Rodriguez is deeply involved in the community serving multiple roles within Pack 107 as a committee member, unit fundraising chair, unit advancement chair, and a pack administrator.

Rodriguez and her husband Jason have one son, Braedon. 

 

LONG BEACH, Calif. – Long Beach State Men’s Basketball has secured the commitment of Demarshay Johnson Jr., as the big man will reunite with Chris Acker, transferring to the Beach from San Diego State.
 
Demarshay Johnson Jr. | Center | 6-10, 220 | Richmond, Calif.
 
A high-level Division I transfer with experience and familiarity with Chris Acker from their time together at San Diego State, Johnson comes to the Beach after four seasons with the Aztecs program, where he played in 39 games as a depth option in the post. Johnson appeared in 14 games as a junior, setting career highs of eight points and eight rebounds while playing at San Diego State. Coming out of high school as the No. 27 center in the nation, Johnson led Salesian College Prep to three TCAL titles.
 
Acker on Johnson:
“I had the pleasure of coaching Demarshay for three seasons at San Diego State. Each year I saw his drive and competitive spirit grow. He is now ready for the opportunity to take a major step forward. I saw him take huge strides in games last season where he was a huge reason why San Diego State won some of those games. His IQ, athleticism, and versatility defensively will help our defense take a major step forward this season. He’s also shown flashes of being able to impact games on the offensive end as well.”
 
The addition of Johnson Jr. gives Long Beach State another Division I transfer, joining Isaiah Lewis and Shaquil Bender as commits for the 2025-26 squad. He joins returner Derrick Michael Xzavierro and highly touted incoming freshman Dallas Washington in what should be an exciting front court next season.
 

Two high jumpers refused to accept their medals at Saturday’s Oregon state track and field championships, opting instead to protest the inclusion of a transgender athlete at Hayward Field.

Tigard’s Alexa Anderson and Sherwood’s Reese Eckard (who finished third and fourth, respectively) stood on the back side of the podium and didn’t grab their medals.

One of the athletes, who tied for fifth in the high jump, is a transgender girl. The Oregonian/OregonLive is not naming the transgender athlete to protect her privacy.

Video from the day showed that a podium official gestured for Anderson and Eckard to move out of the way of the podium.

As of the 2024-25 school year, the OSAA’s policy on gender identity participation (Policy 37) allows student-athletes to participate in the activity that aligns with their “consistently asserted gender identity.”

Anderson told Fox News that she and Eckard protested at the podium in response to the OSAA’s policy that allows transgender students to participate in the sports that align with their gender identity.

“We didn’t refuse to stand on the podium out of hate. We did it because someone has to say this isn’t right,” she told Fox News. “In order to protect the integrity and fairness of girls sports we must stand up for what is right.”

The OSAA did not immediately respond to a request for comment about the student protest.

While there were no audible complaints from the crowd during the weekend, some attendees wore shirts that showed their displeasure with the OSAA’s current policy. Many wore shirts that said “Save girls sports” or shirts with “XX” on them to symbolize female chromosomes.

There was also some backlash on social media among anti-transgender accounts on X (formerly known as Twitter) like Riley Gaines and former tennis champion Martina Navratilova.

At the track and field state championships in 2024, McDaniels’ Ada Gallagher became the first known transgender student-athlete to win an individual state championship in Oregon. The OSAA keeps track of participation numbers in all activities, but the data does not include what gender a student was assigned at birth.

Gallagher’s time at Hayward Field last spring was a much different sight from this year’s state championships.

Last year’s 200- and 400-meter podium finishers were accompanied by Eugene law enforcement, and brought out to receive their medals by a different door on the ground floor at Hayward Field to ensure that they didn’t cross in front of fans in the stands.

Every time Gallagher’s name was called in the 2024 state meet, boos could be heard from the stands. They were loudest for the 200-meter dash final she won and were even louder when she was presented her medal.

This year, the Class 6A high jumpers were escorted to the field by an OSAA staffer. There was no visible law enforcement presence during the podium ceremony.

“We always review and try to learn from our events about how we can continue to provide a meaningful, championship experience to all student-athletes,” OSAA Executive Director Peter Weber told The Oregonian/OregonLive.

In February, President Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at preventing transgender women and girls from participating in the sports that align with their gender identity.

A month later, that order was followed up with the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights opening an investigation into Portland Public Schools and the Oregon School Activities Association, claiming that the two entities are in violation of Title IX by allowing a transgender girl to compete in girls sports.

Weber has told The Oregonian/OregonLive that a policy that discriminates based on gender identity could lead to a loss of funding for schools under Oregon state law.

— Nik Streng covers high school sports in Oregon. Reach him at nstreng@oregonian.com or @NikStreng

A stellar season for the Nelson Volleyball 17U Club has come to an end, with the club finishing among the best in BC.

A month after winning the Division Two Provincial Championships in Richmond, the team of West Kootenay teens competed in the 200-team Seattle Evergreen Classic May 24-26, finishing in the middle of the pack of 28 teams in their division.

Nelson played eight close games with teams from US cities including Tacoma, Coeur d’Alene and Seattle.

Coach Sara Smith says the Nelson Club has come a long ways, languishing in Division Five only two seasons ago, but now amongst the best teams in BC.

“The arc of the team was perfect,” says Smith.

“They peaked in provincials, they came together and excelled at just the right time.”

The Richmond finals were the culmination of the Volleyball BC Super Series, with tournaments in Langley and Vernon as well.

“All the girls came in as athletes but left as real team mates,” says NVC captain Gianna Davidson, “we learned how to play as one, not just for ourselves.”

Davidson is one of four Grade 12s leaving the team, along with New Denver’s Ria Kosling, Nelson’s Paityn Lake and Crawford Bay’s Georgia Shuel.

Graduating player, and NVC alumni Kara Strong, who moved to join the Fraser Valley’s legendary Rain City club in January, was selected to the National U17 All Star Team, making her one of the top six 17U players in Canada. Strong went on to lead Rain City to a national club championship.

Smith, a former college player and mom of three who returned to club and school coaching for the last six seasons, says NVC has a promising year ahead.

“We’ve got a lot of girls coming up for next year and we’re going to field a 18U team,” says Smith, “we’ll see if we can break into the top 12 teams in the province.”

---

Be the first to know! Don’t miss out on breaking news and daily updates in your area. Sign up to MyNelsonNow News Alerts.

What truly defines Virginia Military Institute are the people. Cadets, faculty, and staff, both past and present, are what make it “No Ordinary College.” I Am VMI showcases the outstanding individuals who have accepted the challenges and embraced the spirit of VMI. Their perspectives provide authentic insights into life at the Institute and the value of this unique military college.

Role at VMI: 2nd Class Cadet (Junior), VMI Class of 2026
Major: International Studies
Hometown: Ontario, California
Featured Activities: NCAA Division 1 Water Polo | Hotel Co. Commander 2025-26 | Honors Program
Post-Graduation Plans: Government Intelligence

Sadie Smith ’26 was looking for a college that could prepare her for a successful career and life. She said Virginia Military Institute is a place like no other and it offered the kind of lifestyle she was striving for.

“I am a cadet-athlete and VMI makes it possible to balance intense academics, sports, and rigorous military obligations,” she said. “VMI has given me so many tools to succeed and incredible leadership opportunities within the Corps and on the water polo team. I knew I would face many challenges here, but I was looking for that and it has made me into who I am today. VMI has provided me with unique opportunities to build good discipline, honor, and incredible character while putting service before self.”

As an international studies major, she has discovered a passion for national security.

“I enjoy seeing various viewpoints on topics, as well as the variety of skills political science knowledge helps build like writing, reading, debating, and organization. I added a computer science and national security minor because it is very applicable to the field of work that I would like to pursue,” she explained.

Smith went on to highlight the growth her professors encourage. “I especially value the academic challenge here and how well I have gotten to know the professors in the international studies department, they are incredible and always looking to help me succeed.”

She said her experience at VMI has been transformational — for both herself and for her water polo team. VMI has served as a place where she can balance Division I athletics, a challenging major, ROTC, and the opportunity to partake in rank positions within the Corps of Cadets.

“VMI is an environment that fosters professionalism and accountability on a daily basis, which maintains a structured military lifestyle,” she said.

With the opportunity to hold rank, she’s been able to train new cadets by establishing a good culture and spirit. Smith has also been able to balance her responsibilities by practicing good time management skills that have made her a proficient worker, team member, and friend.

“There are very few schools that make it possible to do this, and regardless if you are commissioning or not, you can be involved in incredible leadership opportunities,” she said. “I am involved in training incoming rats at VMI, and have developed so much as a leader and feel that being on a team doing this we give back to VMI by helping to form the incoming rats into a class and setting individuals up to live a successful life here. This all boils down to the connection VMI cadets have with each other and alumni that are long lasting and unlike any other.”

She said she’s proud to be a VMI cadet because she’s been able to embody honor and discipline.

“There is an incredible culture here of hard work and dedication, and I feel that I can rely on anyone to be supportive in the VMI community,” she commented. “The honor system instilled and the ability to sustain it makes VMI special. Discipline and hard work are highly valuable here and will pay off due to all of the incredible opportunities VMI has to offer.”

Although she believes that everyone has the potential to be a leader, she credits VMI for giving her the confidence and support to grow as one.

“This requires facing challenges that are not always pretty or fun in the moment, but they have really shaped me into a well-rounded individual and given me resilience and confidence to attack any challenge with effort and perseverance,” she admitted. “VMI has shown me that when you put your mind to something and are purpose driven, then you can accomplish your goals in all aspects of life.”

Her future hopes include working for the Defense Intelligence Agency. This summer, she is well on her way to that goal with an internship with the agency.

“I feel that VMI has prepared me as a well-versed leader to be able to succeed at this internship and to go out of my comfort zone,” she said. “I feel excited to work in a team environment and hope to receive further opportunities with this agency later after graduation. VMI has also taught me to be prepared for the unexpected and that not everything goes your way all the time. I like to keep an open mind and know that the skills I have learned here will aid me if I receive a job, go to graduate school, or take time to travel after VMI.”

Overall, VMI has given her relationships she knows will last for life.

“I have made so many amazing friends and have had the opportunity to interact with and work with incredible people, teammates, coaches, and professors,” she explained. “VMI, being a small community built on integrity and resilience, allows people to form long lasting bonds and relate significantly on a personal level. Everyone here is on their own path and working at their own goals, however, I love how cadets still feel very connected. VMI also has an amazing support system and resources to succeed in athletics, academic, and military.”

– VMI –

Of all the rapidly changing trends witnessed by sports – and in particular their fans – over the past decade, one of the most significant is what has become of sports stadiums. Indeed, it could be argued that the term ‘modern sports stadium’ is somewhat old fashioned as the homes of sports teams have evolved into multi-use events facilities.

Any stadium that is being constructed from new or being upgraded is done so with the clear message that the end result won’t be what passed before to satisfy fans. The new or enhanced stadium is now a true communications hub, capable of meeting the connectivity demands of those who visit them: that is of the transmission of masses of video content to and from not just fans but also broadcasters, and not just content from sports fans but also those going to music events.

For all sports stadiums, providing a modern, high-quality communications network is very much a team game, principally involving a leading comms operator that not only understands current demands but can demonstrate how to manage the inevitable data explosion. Few countries’ sports arenas have had to deal with this issue more than those in France. And – as exemplified with its work for the last Rugby World cup and Olympic Games, as well as routine Ligue 1 games – few companies have provided solutions to meet this demand more than Orange.

Calling growth in data at today’s sports arenas ‘robust’ would be very much an understatement. A 2024 study from Ericsson calculated that arena venues had seen a 67% growth in data usage compared with a year previously, noting specifically that fans in stadiums now demand high-performance, robust and reliable mobile coverage to share, interact with and stream content. The next survey will almost certainly see this figure surpassed considerably. At the Stade Orange Vélodrome in Marseilles, this will be a certainty.

The home of Olympique de Marseille (OM) – traditionally seen as France’s second team behind the enriched Paris Saint-Germain – is unique in that not only does it have naming rights sponsorship from a leading global comms operator, it is also the home of a test bed for mobile and fixed communications technology and services. Orange’s relationship with OM really began in earnest in the 4G days of June 2016 as part of a grand strategy to create a totally renovated connected stadium in time for that year’s Euros tournament.

Recalling the connectivity demands of the time, Guillaume Chabas, head of innovation at Orange Business and head of the 5G Lab at Orange Vélodrome, said the first step was to create something significant with the wireless connection and create and purpose some applications for new usage. In 2016, 4G was the mobile standard but on its own it was not enough. WiFi connectivity had to be implemented to upgrade network capacity because 4G was not enough to meet anticipated network loads.

Six years later – just months away from a Rugby World Cup that would see Orange Vélodrome act as a key host stadium – 5G had very much entered the room and not just metaphorically. The end of the 2021/22 football season saw fans in the hospitality boxes and premium seats able to make use of the Orange 5G network to see the first use cases that the next-generation mobile infrastructure could support. Indeed, Orange Vélodrome was also France’s first 5G-equipped stadium, taking advantage of a non-standalone core network that comprised a 3.5GHz mid-band network complemented by experimental mmWave 5G in the 26GHz range. There was also AWS Edge Capacity connected to an experimental 5G area and to a cloud/hybrid edge.

Initial supported technologies and services included virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), video analytics based on artificial intelligence (AI), and real-time monitoring of stadium resources. One of the most impressive and interesting of these was the Augmented Match service, a mixed-reality mobile app developed jointly by Orange and Immersiv.io that allowed fans to access real-time technical and statistical information about the players on the field. This gave the option of data on the players – such as distance ran, goals scored, general pedigree etc – transposed upon the official TV feed of the game for those watching on a smartphone. The players’ positions were displayed in real time along with other data, such as shots, dribbles, passes and defence.

The app ran over the experimental 26GHz 5G network along with edge computing, using Computer Vision to detect player position, with 5G ensuring a very high-speed connection, necessary to provide the lowest possible latency to avoid any lag between the actions on the field, AR data and even digital twins of the players.

It’s no surprise to discover that Chabas and his team were also actively involved in the 2024 Paris Olympics for which select maritime events were hosted in the nearby marina in Marseilles. In terms of challenges, and indeed environment, the Marseilles nautical events brought about unique conditions for network broadcast. The company leant in on the established Stade Orange fibre network that routinely sees use in transporting high-quality broadcast video during OM home fixtures. A key part of the broadcast service was based on using specially optimised Samsung S24 smartphones as TV cameras directly on boats, supported by an Orange private 5G network.

Fast forward to 2025 and the Orange Vélodrome is upping the connectivity ante to stay relevant for today’s fans. “From the way athletes train to how fans experience the game, technology is transforming sports at every level. While unlocking new business opportunities, it creates immersive entertainment and democratises sports, making them more interactive and inclusive,” says Chabas.

Orange has now deployed four key applications to boost broadcasting and ultimately the fan experience, namely an evolved Immersiv.io app that brings AR overlays and live stats and replays directly into the stadium; Touch2See which is designed to enable visually impaired fans to ‘feel’ the game through tactile tablets; 5G+ for Camera, said to offer “seamless” media production; and Team Connect, based on a private 5G network that is said to enable private 5G media production. Specifically, the app is designed to allow real-time, high-performance interference-free live broadcasting and critical event communications during events using dedicated frequencies and cloud services to streamline operations.

Going forward, Chabas see more innovation from the connectivity set up. Key projects being investigated include potential advanced monetisation opportunities from video feeds by which AI could recognise key brands’ sports equipment. Prioritised electronic payment services are regarded as another key area. But essentially, the key will be delivering an advanced comms infrastructure to make these potentials real, with AI very much at the forefront in the new immersive world of sports broadcast.

“As 5G, AI, and immersive technologies evolve, the future of sport is not just something you watch; it’s something you live,” Chabas concludes.