On Friday Oregon softball coach Melyssa Lombardi signed Addison Amaral, a shortstop from Salinas, California who played her first two seasons at Notre Dame University .

Amaral led the Irish in nearly every offensive category in 2025, tops on the team in “batting average, runs, hits, doubles, home runs, RBI, total bases, slugging percentage, walks, on-base percentage, and sacrifice flies,” according to Softball America.

She hit .365 as a sophomore with nine home runs and 43 RBI. Amaral fills a critcal need for Lombardi and the team, replacing Gold Glove shortstop Paige Sinicki, a senior who just signed an AUSA pro contract.

Amaral had 31 offers in the portal since entering on May 21.

She comes by her athletic talent naturally but the hard work is all hers. Her father Chad played football at Santa Clara. At Notre Dame High School in Salinas she earned all-state honors as a senior with 99 hits and 23 career home runs.

She’s the second Northern California addition for the Ducks this June, joining versatile power-hitting utility player Elon Butler from San Jose and the Cal Bears, who signed with the team on Wednesday.

For Duck fans, it’s great to see that the House Settlement and impending revenue shakeup hasn’t slowed momentum in the program. Coach Lombardi talks about Version 8, her vision for the 2026, building on the success of this year’s 54-10 squad that won the Big Ten Championship, came back to beat Stanford in the Eugene Regional and Liberty in the Super Regional.

The Ducks will have pitchers Lyndsey Grein and Elise Sokolsky back, plus these two big bats from the portal. The fabulous freshmen who played so well this season return, first baseman Rylee McCoy, designated player Stefini Ma’ake, catcher Emma Cox, second baseman Kaylynn Jones, all full-time starters.

Slap-hitting specialist Jones hit .345 batting out of the eighth spot for the Ducks, with 23 walks and 16 stolen bases. She’s a great candidate to lead off next year with Kai Luschar graduated. McCoy and Ma’ake combined to blast 33 home runs (19 and 14 respectively) with 113 RBI (59, 54.)

Cox was a rock behind the plate for the Ducks, chipping in eight home runs and 34 RBI. Slick-fielding third basemen Katie Flannery, a junior-to-be from Birmingham, Alabama returns also, 97 assists and eight double plays in 2025.

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FILE – Camp Randall Stadium is seen during an NCAA college football game between Wisconsin and Miami of Ohio, Sept. 12, 2015, in Madison, Wis. (AP Photo/Aaron Gash, File)

The University of Wisconsin and its NIL collective VC Connect filed a joint lawsuit on Friday against the University of Miami alleging it knowingly induced one of the Badgers’ football players to abandon a lucrative name, image and likeness contract to play for the Florida school this upcoming season.

Allegations of tampering rarely get to this level and the 23-page lawsuit, which was filed in state court in Wisconsin and obtained by The Associated Press, is unusual. Depending on its resolution, it could have a a wider impact on future NIL deals across college athletics.

The player in question in the filing is referred to only as “Student-Athlete A.” But the case summary describes facts that line up with the situation involving cornerback Xavier Lucas, who last December announced his plans to enter the transfer portal.

Shortly afterward, Darren Heitner, who has been representing Lucas, indicated that Wisconsin was refusing to put Lucas’ name in the portal and that it was hindering his ability to talk with other schools. In January, Heitner announced that Lucas would be playing for Miami this fall.

The situation is fallout from the rapid changes engulfing college athletics, specifically a combination of two things: Athletes went to court and won the ability to transfer with much more freedom and the 2021 NCAA decision clearing the way for them to strike NIL endorsement deals now worth millions of dollars. That has changed the recruiting landscape and forced the issue of contracts and signed commitments to the fore.

“Indeed, student-athletes’ newfound NIL rights will be rendered meaningless if third parties are allowed to induce student-athletes to abandon their contractual commitments,” a portion of the lawsuit reads.

Wisconsin said in January that it had credible information that Miami and Lucas made impermissible contact with each other before the former Badgers cornerback decided to transfer.

Wisconsin and VC Connect allege that the inducement for Lucas to attend Miami happened within days of him entering his NIL agreement to play for the Badgers, and that they incurred substantial monetary and reputational harm. The lawsuit seeks unspecified monetary damages and “a declaration that Miami’s conduct directed towards Student-Athlete A constituted tampering.”

A message left with the University of Miami seeking comment was not immediately returned. In a text message Friday, Heitner declined to comment on the lawsuit but he said that Lucas still plans to attend Miami and play football.

Wisconsin said it had the support of its leadership and the Big Ten Conference in filing the lawsuit, noting its commitment to “ensuring integrity and fundamental fairness in the evolving landscape of college athletics.”

“While we reluctantly bring this case, we stand by our position that respecting and enforcing contractual obligations is essential to maintaining a level playing field,” the statement said. “In addition to our legal action, we will continue to be proactive to protect the interests of our student-athletes, our program and the broader collegiate athletics community.

Lucas, who is from Pompano Beach, Florida, had 12 tackles, an interception and a sack as a freshman for Wisconsin last season.

Heitner said that Lucas hasn’t received any money from Wisconsin and therefore owes no money to the school. Heitner also argued that Wisconsin had violated an NCAA bylaw by not entering Lucas into the transfer database within two business days of the player’s request.

Wisconsin issued a statement at the time saying it hadn’t put Lucas’ name in the portal because he had entered a two-year binding NIL agreement.

In April, the surprise transfers of brothers Nico and Madden Iamaleava from Tennessee to UCLA prompted fresh questions about contracts and buyouts.

Nico Iamaleava, who led Tennessee to the College Football Playoff last season, walked away from a reported $2.4 million NIL contract. Arkansas freshman quarterback Madden Iamaleava entered the portal after spring practices wrapped up.

Arkansas athletic director Hunter Yurachek released a statement indicating he would support efforts by the Razorbacks’ NIL collective to enforce buyout clauses in athlete contracts. Iamaleava reportedly had a contract valued at $500,000 upon signing with Arkansas.

The University of Wisconsin and its NIL collective VC Connect filed a joint lawsuit on Friday against the University of Miami, alleging it knowingly induced one of the Badgers’ football players to abandon a lucrative name, image and likeness contract to play for the Florida school this upcoming season.

Allegations of tampering rarely get to this level and the 23-page lawsuit, which was filed in state court in Wisconsin and obtained by The Associated Press, is unusual. Depending on its resolution, it could have a wider impact on future NIL deals across college athletics.

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The player in question in the filing is referred to only as “Student-Athlete A.” But the case summary describes facts that line up with the situation involving cornerback Xavier Lucas, who last December announced his plans to enter the transfer portal.

Shortly afterward, Darren Heitner, who has been representing Lucas, indicated that Wisconsin was refusing to put Lucas’ name in the portal and that it was hindering his ability to talk with other schools. In January, Heitner announced that Lucas would be playing for Miami this fall.

The situation is fallout from the rapid changes engulfing college athletics, specifically a combination of two things: Athletes went to court and won the ability to transfer with much more freedom and the 2021 NCAA decision clearing the way for them to strike NIL endorsement deals now worth millions of dollars. That has changed the recruiting landscape and forced the issue of contracts and signed commitments to the fore.

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“Indeed, student-athletes’ newfound NIL rights will be rendered meaningless if third parties are allowed to induce student-athletes to abandon their contractual commitments,” a portion of the lawsuit reads.

Wisconsin said in January that it had credible information that Miami and Lucas made impermissible contact with each other before the former Badgers cornerback decided to transfer.

Wisconsin and VC Connect allege that the inducement for Lucas to attend Miami happened within days of him entering his NIL agreement to play for the Badgers, and that they incurred substantial monetary and reputational harm. The lawsuit seeks unspecified monetary damages and “a declaration that Miami’s conduct directed towards Student-Athlete A constituted tampering.”

A message left with the University of Miami seeking comment was not immediately returned. In a text message Friday, Heitner declined to comment on the lawsuit but he said that Lucas still plans to attend Miami and play football.

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Wisconsin said it had the support of its leadership and the Big Ten Conference in filing the lawsuit, noting its commitment to “ensuring integrity and fundamental fairness in the evolving landscape of college athletics.”

“While we reluctantly bring this case, we stand by our position that respecting and enforcing contractual obligations is essential to maintaining a level playing field,” the statement said. “In addition to our legal action, we will continue to be proactive to protect the interests of our student-athletes, our program and the broader collegiate athletics community.

Lucas, who is from Pompano Beach, Florida, had 12 tackles, an interception and a sack as a freshman for Wisconsin last season.

Heitner said that Lucas hasn’t received any money from Wisconsin and therefore owes no money to the school. Heitner also argued that Wisconsin had violated an NCAA bylaw by not entering Lucas into the transfer database within two business days of the player’s request.

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Wisconsin stated at the time, saying it hadn’t put Lucas’ name in the portal because he had entered a two-year binding NIL agreement.

In April, the surprise transfers of brothers Nico and Madden Iamaleava from Tennessee to UCLA prompted fresh questions about contracts and buyouts.

Local 5 participates in Nexstar’s 29th Annual Founders Day, giving back to community

Nico Iamaleava, who led Tennessee to the College Football Playoff last season, walked away from a reported $2.4 million NIL contract. Arkansas freshman quarterback Madden Iamaleava entered the portal after spring practices wrapped up.

Arkansas athletic director Hunter Yurachek released a statement indicating he would support efforts by the Razorbacks’ NIL collective to enforce buyout clauses in athlete contracts. Iamaleava reportedly had a contract valued at $500,000 upon signing with Arkansas.

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Addison Halpern, a forward at Rutgers Preparatory School, is the 2025 National Gatorade Player of the Year for girls’ soccer. The Selection Committee based its judgment on three pillars: athletic excellence, academic achievement, and exemplary character.

During her senior year, Halpern scored 44 goals and made 14 assists, leading them to a perfect 23-0 record. What’s fascinating about her haul is that she missed the first six games of the season because he competed for Team USA in the FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup.

Meanwhile, included in Rutgers Prep’s undefeated run is a 3-0 triumph over DePaul High to capture the New Jersey Non-Public B state championship. She finished her high school girls’ soccer career with 180 goals and 68 assists, numbers that helped her become the 2024 United Soccer Coaches National Player of the Year.

In addition to dominating on the pitch, this National Gatorade Player of the Year winner maintained a 3.86 GPA. Beyond soccer and the classroom, this University of Virginia commit also volunteered as a youth soccer coach, an elementary school tutor, a church servant, and a Rise Against Hunger advocate.

Halpern is among the 51 Gatorade Player of the Year winners for girls’ soccer from each state and the District of Columbia. Likewise, she will receive a $1,000 grant and has a chance to give a $10,000 spotlight grant if the committee selects her organization to receive the financial assistance.

List of Gatorade Player of the Year state winners for girls’ soccer 2025

Alabama – Taylor Leib (Midfielder, Briarwood Christian School)

Alaska – Lexi Luff (Forward, South Anchorage High School)

Arizona – Whitney Reinhardt (Midfielder, Notre Dame Preparatory High School)

Arkansas – Sydney Hopper (Midfielder, Bentonville High School)

California – Daya King (Midfielder, Vista De Lago High School)

Colorado – Teagan Myers (Defender, Fossil Ridge High School)

Connecticut – Alexa Pino (Forward, St. Joseph High School)

Delaware – Lily Phillips (Midfielder, Saint Mark’s High School)

District of Columbia – Kailyn Effah (Midfielder, St. John’s College High School)

Florida – Giovanna Waksman (Midfielder/Forward, The Pine School)

Georgia – Bristol Kersh (Defender/Forward, Cherokee Bluff High School)

Hawaii – Xeayna Salanoa (Goalkeeper, Punahou High School)

Idaho – Campbell Wilson (Forward, Rocky Mountain High School)

Illinois – Callie Tumilty (Forward, Naperville Central High School)

Indiana – Meredith Tippner (Forward, Noblesville High School)

Iowa – Abi Roberts (Forward, Linn-Mar High School)

Kansas – Anisten Cabantac (Midfielder, St. Thomas Aquinas High School)

Kentucky – Caitlyn Chase (Forward/Midfielder, Sacred Heart Academy)

Louisiana – Ella Kate Johnston (Forward, Parkview Baptist School)

Maine – Ashley Connolly (Midfielder/Defender, Gorham High School)

Maryland – Sascha Beasley (Defender, Walt Whitman High School)

Massachusetts – Maddie Recupero (Midfielder, Hopkinton High School)

Michigan – Ava Lutke (Forward, Unity Christian High School)

Minnesota – Tenley Senden (Forward, Wayzata High School)

Mississippi – Addie Siders (Defender/Midfielder, Sumrall High School)

Missouri – Maddie DiMaria (Forward/Midfielder, Cor Jesu Academy)

Montana – Maya Bossenbrook (Forward, Bozeman High School)

Nebraska – Sonora DeFini (Forward, Gretna East High School)

Nevada – Olivia Stark (Forward, Faith Lutheran High School)

New Hampshire – Lauren Christy (Midfielder, Brewster Academy)

New Jersey – Addison Halpern (Forward, Rutgers Preparatory School)

New Mexico – Mia Barela (Forward/Midfielder, Las Cruces High School)

New York – Kennedy Ring (Midfielder, Columbia High School)

North Carolina – Sadie Peterson (Forward, Pine Lake Preparatory)

North Dakota – Sarah Helderop (Midfielder, Mandan High School)

Ohio – Tessa Knapp (Forward, Bay High School)

Oklahoma – Rylee McLanahan (Midfielder, Edmond North High School)

Oregon – Sophia Stiles (Defender, Jesuit High School)

Pennsylvania – Kylie Maxwell (Forward, Neshaminy High School)

Rhode Island – Emma Kucal (Forward, Cumberland High School)

South Carolina – Payton Nutzman (Forward/Midfielder, Eastside High School)

South Dakota – Addie Budig (Midfielder/Defender, Harrisburg High School)

Tennessee – Ellett Smith (Midfielder, Houston High School)

Texas – Audrey Bryant (Forward/Midfielder, Ursuline Academy)

Utah – Hope Munson (Defender/Midfielder/Forward, Olympus High School)

Vermont – Holley MacLellan (Forward/Midfielder, Milton High School)

Virginia – Audrey McKeen (Midfielder/Forward, Bishop O’Connell High School)

Washington – Ally Laccinole (Defender, Woodinville High School)

West Virginia – Ariana Borneo (Midfielder/Defender, Morgantown High School)

Wisconsin – Jessica Fernau (Midfielder/Forward, Muskego High School)

Wyoming – Ruby Hoelscher (Midfielder, Jackson Hole High School)

The University of Wisconsin and its Name, Image and Likeness collective, VC Connect, filed a joint lawsuit Friday against the University of Miami alleging it knowingly induced one of the Badgers’ football players to abandon a lucrative NIL contract to play for the Hurricanes this upcoming season.

Allegations of tampering rarely get to this level and the 23-page lawsuit, which was filed in state court in Wisconsin and obtained by the Associated Press, is unusual. Depending on its resolution, it could have a a wider impact on future NIL deals across college athletics.

The player in question in the filing is referred to only as “Student-Athlete A.” But the case summary describes facts that line up with the situation involving cornerback Xavier Lucas, who last December announced his plans to enter the transfer portal.

Shortly afterward, Darren Heitner, who has been representing Lucas, indicated Wisconsin was refusing to put Lucas’ name in the portal and it was hindering his ability to talk with other schools. In January, Heitner announced Lucas will play for Miami this fall.

The situation is fallout from the rapid changes engulfing college athletics, specifically a combination of two things: Athletes went to court and won the ability to transfer with much more freedom and the 2021 NCAA decision clearing the way for them to strike NIL endorsement deals now worth millions of dollars. That has changed the recruiting landscape and forced the issue of contracts and signed commitments to the fore.

“Indeed, student-athletes’ newfound NIL rights will be rendered meaningless if third parties are allowed to induce student-athletes to abandon their contractual commitments,” a portion of the lawsuit reads.

Wisconsin said in January it had credible information that Miami and Lucas made impermissible contact with each other before the former Badgers cornerback decided to transfer.

Wisconsin and VC Connect allege the inducement for Lucas to attend Miami happened within days of him entering his NIL agreement to play for the Badgers, and they incurred substantial monetary and reputational harm. The lawsuit seeks unspecified monetary damages and “a declaration that Miami’s conduct directed towards Student-Athlete A constituted tampering.”

A message left with the University of Miami seeking comment was not immediately returned. In a text message Friday, Heitner declined to comment on the lawsuit but he said Lucas still plans to attend Miami and play football.

Wisconsin said it had the support of its leadership and the Big Ten Conference in filing the lawsuit, noting its commitment to “ensuring integrity and fundamental fairness in the evolving landscape of college athletics.”

“While we reluctantly bring this case, we stand by our position that respecting and enforcing contractual obligations is essential to maintaining a level playing field,” the statement said. “In addition to our legal action, we will continue to be proactive to protect the interests of our student-athletes, our program and the broader collegiate athletics community.

Lucas, who is from Pompano Beach, Fla., had 12 tackles, an interception and a sack as a freshman for Wisconsin last season.

Heitner said Lucas hasn’t received any money from Wisconsin and therefore owes no money to the school. Heitner also argued Wisconsin had violated an NCAA bylaw by not entering Lucas into the transfer database within two business days of the player’s request.

Wisconsin issued a statement at the time saying it hadn’t put Lucas’ name in the portal because he had entered a two-year binding NIL agreement.

In April, the surprise transfers of brothers Nico and Madden Iamaleava from Tennessee to UCLA prompted fresh questions about contracts and buyouts.

Nico Iamaleava, who led Tennessee to the College Football Playoff last season, walked away from a reported $2.4-million NIL contract. Arkansas freshman quarterback Madden Iamaleava entered the portal after spring practices wrapped up.

Arkansas athletic director Hunter Yurachek released a statement indicating he would support efforts by the Razorbacks’ NIL collective to enforce buyout clauses in athlete contracts. Iamaleava reportedly had a contract valued at $500,000 upon signing with Arkansas.