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Knox’s “Growing The Game” Recognized in the 2024-25 CSC Fred Stabley Sr. Writing Contest

Story Links 2024-25 Fred Stabley Sr. Writing Contest District Winners GREENWOOD, Ind. (May 20, 2025) – Howard University Department of Athletics was recognized in the 2024–25 CSC (College Sports Communicators) Fred Stabley Sr. Writing Contest, thanks to articles written by consultant Rob Knox.   […]

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GREENWOOD, Ind. (May 20, 2025) – Howard University Department of Athletics was recognized in the 2024–25 CSC (College Sports Communicators) Fred Stabley Sr. Writing Contest, thanks to articles written by consultant Rob Knox.
 
Knox’s story, “Growing the Game: Alexis Joseph,” was the District 2 winner (Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia & District of Columbia) for Social Justice/Diversity – University Division. The article highlight’s Howard assistant women’s lacrosse coach and former Duke University athlete, Alexis Joseph, who is dedicated to increasing the representation of Black women in lacrosse by not only introducing the sport into underserved communities but also providing the necessary support structures to help them thrive.
 
“I am honored to be recognized in the CSC Fred Stabley Jr. Writing Contest,” Knox stated. “It is a privilege to tell stories that reflect the excellence of Howard University Athletics. I am grateful to the student-athletes and staff for their trust and to Chevonne Mansfield and Kery Davis for the opportunity to share my passion for storytelling. Howard’s legacy is powerful and I am proud to help bring it to life.”
 
Knox was also acknowledged as runner – up in two District 2 University Division categories:

  • Coach/Administrator Profile: “Cape Verde in Qatar: Latroya Pina,” a captivating story about former Howard swimmer Latroya Pina, who represented Cape Verde at the 2024 World Aquatics Championships while balancing her role as an academic counselor at Howard and pursuing a doctoral degree in biology.

  • Historical Feature: “Forged by Adversity: Howard Men’s Soccer 1974 National Team,” a powerful tribute to the undefeated Howard Men’s Soccer team that claimed redemption and a national championship after the NCAA controversially stripped their 1971 title, highlighting their resilience in the fight for justice and equity in college athletics.

 
Knox is a member of the Lincoln University and Chester High School Athletic Hall of Fames and currently serves as the Senior Director of Strategic Communications at the Thurgood Marshall College Fund. Knox has been named the 2011 College CoSIDA Rising Star Award winner and previously won four Fred Stabley, Jr. writing awards.
 
The Fred Stabley Sr. Writing Contest recognizes the top writing and storytelling content in seven different categories from current 2024-25 CSC members. CSC members in all eight districts submitted nearly 500 articles in seven categories. District winners advance to the national ballot, with national winners in each of the seven categories to be announced later this month.
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.



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Hibbett Sports launches new ecommerce site, app for kids products

Less than a decade after Hibbett Sports launched its first ecommerce website and successfully used that site to drive in-store traffic and loyalty program sign-ups, the retail chain is launching a new website and mobile app to boost sales of products for kids. The new Hibbett Kids site at KidsHibbett.com spotlights new releases from major […]

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Less than a decade after Hibbett Sports launched its first ecommerce website and successfully used that site to drive in-store traffic and loyalty program sign-ups, the retail chain is launching a new website and mobile app to boost sales of products for kids.

The new Hibbett Kids site at KidsHibbett.com spotlights new releases from major brands. Those include Nike, Crocs and Adidas, featuring apparel, footwear and sports gear for children. The site, which includes Hibbett Rewards integration, customer service chat and buy now, pay later options with Klarna, marks a major digital launch for Hibbett after it was acquired by JD Sports in 2024.

JD Sports is No. 22 in the Europe Database, Digital Commerce 360’s ranking of the largest online retailers in the region. Hibbett is No. 294 in the Top 2000. The database is Digital Commerce 360’s ranking of the largest North American online retailers. There, it falls under the Sporting Goods category. Digital Commerce 360 projects Hibbett’s total online sales in 2025 will reach $314.04 million

Hibbett Sports web sales by year

Why Hibbett Sports is launching a website for kids’ products

“We’re expanding our digital footprint to better serve today’s busy families and offering a more convenient, seamless, curated shopping experience from the nursery years through the teen stage,” said Bill Quinn, chief information officer at Hibbett. “We’ve built a thriving and successful kids business and in our next phase with Hibbett Kids, we will continue to engage with parents and caregivers in a more personalized way.”

The site features footwear and apparel for ages 13 and under, according to Hibbett. The company framed its approach to the site as prioritizing families. In addition, it noted the retailer focused on efficiency and search options that would be quick and easy. Its search results can be filtered by numerous options. Among those are new arrivals, gender, size, color, brand, price, clothing or shoe type and trend.

Its mobile app is available on both Android and iOS devices.

Hibbett’s role at JD Sports

“The Hibbett acquisition enhances our presence within North America and aligns with our objective of strengthening our existing community businesses — Shoe Palace on the West Coast and DTLR on the East Coast — with a highly complementary footprint, giving the Group access to hundreds of underserved communities across the U.S.,” wrote Andrew Higginson, chair at JD Sports, in a June 2025 letter to investors.

Meanwhile, in a review of the company’s fiscal year that ended on Feb. 1, 2025, Régis Schultz, the CEO at JD Sports, wrote that its North America revenue increased 27% year over year to $5.8 billion (£4,2 million). That period included six months of Hibbett ownership.

“While our roots are in the U.K., and our head office remains in Bury [England] where the company was founded, this acquisition makes the U.S. our largest market by revenue,” Higginson stated.

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Twenty-One Empire 8 Student-Athletes Named to 2024-25 CSC Women’s Track & Field Academic All-District® Team

Women’s Indoor Track and Field | 6/25/2025 1:00:00 PM Story Links 2024-25 College Sports Communicators Academic All-District® Women’s Track & Field Teams Twenty-one Empire 8 Student-Athletes from five different institutions were selected to the 2024-25 College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District® Women’s […]

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June 25, 2025

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Women’s Indoor Track and Field | 6/25/2025 1:00:00 PM



Twenty-one Empire 8 Student-Athletes from five different institutions were selected to the 2024-25 College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District® Women’s Track & Field/Cross Country NCAA Division III Team, which recognizes the nation’s top student-athletes for their combined performances on the field of play and in the classroom.
 

The 2024-25 Academic All-District® Women’s Track & Field/Cross Country Teams, selected by College Sports Communicators, recognize the nation’s top student-athletes for their combined performances on the field of play and in the classroom. The CSC Academic All-America® program separately recognizes track & field/cross country honorees in four divisions — NCAA Division I, NCAA Division II, NCAA Division III and NAIA. In order to be eligible for both All-District and All-American consideration, student-athletes must be at least a sophomore academically, hold a 3.30 cumulative GPA or above and be a starter or important reserve for their respective teams.
 
Academic All-District® honorees advance to the CSC Academic All-America® ballot. First-, second- and third-team Academic All-America® honorees will be announced on July 15. The CSC Academic All-District® teams include the student-athletes listed on the following pages.
 
Below are the Empire 8 selections.

ALFRED UNIVERSITY

Briana Dorr, So., Clifton Park, NY – Mechanical Engineering

Natalya Ryckman, Sr., New Eagle, PA – Health Fitness Management

SUNY GENESEO

Jillian Ambler, So., Fairport, NY

Ann Brennan, Jr., Honeoye Falls, NY

Sierra Doody, Jr., Webster, NY

Janelle Eckl*, Sr., Pittsford, NY

Brynn Mooney, Jr., Honeoye Falls, NY

HOUGHTON UNIVERSITY

Kyra Binney, Jr., Lewisburg, PA

Victoria Brewster*, So., Montour Falls, NY

Jenna Fischer, So., Rocky Hill, NJ

Noelle Linenfelser*, Jr. Grand Island, NY

Rachael Smith, Jr., Reading Station, PA

NAZARETH UNIVERSITY

Lauren Bendall, Gr., Syracuse, NY – Physical Therapy

Katie Jacques, Gr., Rexford, NY – Inclusive Adolescence Education, MSED

Samantha Luba, Jr., Buffalo, NY – Public Health and Dance Studies

Isabel Morse, Jr., Ithaca, NY – Environmental Science and Sustainability

Lea Richard*, Gr., Gansevoort, NY – Physical Therapy

ST. JOHN FISHER UNIVERSITY

Ciarra Franz, Sr., Pittsford, NY – Nursing

Olivia Grinnell, Jr., Elmira, NY – Nursing

Sophia Leach, So., Rochester, NY – Psychology

Caitlin Voloshen, Jr., Bethlehem, PA – Pharmacy

*Note: Student-athletes selected as CSC Academic All-America finalists are denoted with and asterisk; they will advance to the national ballot to be voted on by CSC members.

The Division II and III CSC Academic All-America® programs are partially financially supported by the NCAA Division II and III national governance structures to assist CSC with handling the awards fulfillment aspects for the 2024-25 Divisions II and III Academic All-America® programs. The NAIA CSC Academic All-America® program is partially financially supported through the NAIA national office member.

 

ABOUT THE EMPIRE 8 CONFERENCE

The members of the Empire 8 Conference are committed first and foremost to the pursuit of academic excellence and the league is regarded as an outstanding NCAA Division III conference. The membership has distinguished itself among its peer group for its quality institutions, spirited and sportsmanlike competition, outstanding services and highly ethical policies and practices. Its commitment to serve the educational needs of its student-athletes is the hallmark of the E8. For more on the Empire 8 visit www.empire8.com.

 

EMPIRE 8 SOCIAL MEDIA

YouTube – Facebook – Twitter – Instagram





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Raquel McDonald – Women’s Volleyball Coach

Raquel McDonald enters her first season as head coach Dylan Lasher’s top assistant for the Slippery Rock University volleyball program in 2025.     “We’re very excited to have Raquel join our program,” said Lasher. “She will bring a great deal of energy, work ethic and […]

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Raquel McDonald enters her first season as head coach Dylan Lasher’s top assistant for the Slippery Rock University volleyball program in 2025.  

 

“We’re very excited to have Raquel join our program,” said Lasher. “She will bring a great deal of energy, work ethic and commitment to SRU. Raquel’s passion, successful playing career and coaching ability will be extremely beneficial to our players, staff and community.”

 

McDonald assists in all facets of the program as Lasher’s lead assistant.

 

CAREER AT A GLANCE

• McDonald comes to The Rock after spending two successful seasons at Thiel College where she assisted in all facets of the men’s and women’s volleyball programs.

• During her time at Thiel, McDonald helped Lasher turn around the Tomcats’ women’s team that after going just 3-22 in 2023 compiled an impressive 17-9 record in 2024.

• The 2024 season not only marked the second-highest victory total inside the Thiel women’s program since 2012, The 14-win improvement from 2023 to 2024 was the second-best year-to-year improvement among all 419 NCAA Division III women’s volleyball programs.

• McDonald was also an assistant for the Thiel men’s program which concluded its 2025 season with a 22-7 record that included a perfect 12-0 showing in the Presidents’ Athletic Conference, a PAC Tournament championship and an NCAA Tournament berth.

 

COACHING TIMELINE

• 2018-22: Club SyrV

• 2023-25: Thiel College (Women’s Assistant Coach)

• 2023-25: Thiel College (Men’s Assistant Coach)

• 2025-Present: Slippery Rock (Assistant Coach)

 

ATHLETIC CAREER

• Prior to embarking on her coaching career, McDonald was a standout middle blocker for Thiel from 2019-22.

• Over 95 career matches, McDonald totaled 208 blocks, 660 kills and a .247 attack percentage. • Named an All-PAC honoree on three occasions in addition to earning a spot on the College Sports Communicators Academic All-America Team as a senior.

• Graduated from Thiel ranked second in program history in career attack percentage and ninth in total blocks.

 

PERSONAL

• Native of Syracuse, New York

• Earned bachelor’s in cognitive psychology, sociology and criminal justice while minoring in Spanish from Thiel in 2023.

• Holds a master’s in special education from Slippery Rock (2025).

 











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Five Rams Named to the 2025 CSC Academic All-District Team

Story Links WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – Five Rams from the Winston-Salem State University track and field team was named to the College Sports Communicators All-Academic Team. The 2025 Academic All-District® Women’s Track & Field teams, selected by College Sports Communicators, recognize the nation’s top student-athletes for their combined performances on the track, […]

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June 25, 2025

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WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – Five Rams from the Winston-Salem State University track and field team was named to the College Sports Communicators All-Academic Team.

The 2025 Academic All-District® Women’s Track & Field teams, selected by College Sports Communicators, recognize the nation’s top student-athletes for their combined performances on the track, in the field, and in the classroom. The CSC Academic All-America® program separately recognizes women’s track& field honorees in four divisions — NCAA Division I, NCAA Division II, NCAA Division III and NAIA.

For WSSU, Daijion Lee, Jasmine Higgins, Kamauree Randolph, Zoe Chesson and Tinasia Davis were all selected to the team.

The entire list of all honorees from all divisions can be found Here.

Academic All-District® honorees were considered for advancement to the CSC Academic All-America® ballot. Student-athletes selected as CSC Academic All-America® finalists are denoted with an asterisk and will advance to the national ballot to be voted on by CSC members.

Daijion Lee and Kamauree Randolph have been considered for the CSC Academic All-America ballot.

First-, second- and third-team Academic All-America® honorees will be announced July 15, 2025.

The Division II and III CSC Academic All-America® programs are partially financially supported by the NCAA Division II and III national governance structures to assist CSC with handling the awards fulfillment aspects for the 2024-25 Divisions II and III Academic All-America® programs.

The NAIA CSC Academic All-America® program is partially financially supported through the NAIA governance structure.

For more information about CSC Academic All-District® and Academic All-America® Teams program, visit www.AcademicAllAmerica.com.  

 



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McDonald named volleyball assistant coach

Story Links SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. – Raquel McDonald will join the Slippery Rock University volleyball program as an assistant coach, head coach Dylan Lasher announced Wednesday.   “We’re very excited to have Raquel join our program,” said Lasher. “She will bring a great deal of energy, work ethic and commitment to SRU. […]

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June 25, 2025

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SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. – Raquel McDonald will join the Slippery Rock University volleyball program as an assistant coach, head coach Dylan Lasher announced Wednesday.
 
“We’re very excited to have Raquel join our program,” said Lasher. “She will bring a great deal of energy, work ethic and commitment to SRU. Raquel’s passion, successful playing career and coaching ability will be extremely beneficial to our players, staff and community.”
 
McDonald comes to The Rock after spending two successful seasons on Lasher’s staff at Thiel College.
 
“I’m looking forward to starting this new chapter at Slippery Rock University and am excited for the opportunity to grow, contribute, face challenges and work alongside a great team,” said McDonald. “Let’s get to work!”
 
During her time at Thiel, McDonald assisted in all facets of the volleyball program and helped Lasher turn around the Tomcats’ women’s team that after going just 3-22 in 2023 compiled an impressive 17-9 record in 2024.
 
The 2024 season not only marked the second-highest victory total inside the Thiel women’s program since 2012, The 14-win improvement from 2023 to 2024 was the second-best year-to-year improvement among all 419 NCAA Division III women’s volleyball programs last fall.
 
McDonald was also an assistant for the Thiel men’s program which concluded its 2025 season with a 22-7 record that included a perfect 12-0 showing in the Presidents’ Athletic Conference, a PAC Tournament championship and an NCAA Tournament berth.
 
Prior to embarking on her coaching career, McDonald was a standout middle blocker for Thiel from 2019-22. Over 95 career matches, McDonald totaled 208 blocks, 660 kills and a .247 attack percentage while being named an All-PAC honoree on three occasions in addition to earning a spot on the College Sports Communicators Academic All-America Team as a senior.
 
McDonald, who ranks second in Tomcat program history in career attack percentage and ninth in total blocks, graduated from Thiel with her bachelor’s in cognitive psychology, sociology and criminal justice while minoring in Spanish. She is currently finishing her master’s in special education from SRU. 

Outside of volleyball, McDonald has served as a Behavioral Health Technician at George Junior Republic, taught Spanish at Kennedy Catholic High School and was the Director of Student Services at the William Penn Academy.

 

A native of Syracuse, New York, McDonald officially began her new role at SRU this week.

 

The Slippery Rock volleyball team opens its 2025 season 3 p.m. Sept. 3 against Elizabeth City State University at the Fairmont State Classic.

To stay up to date with all that happens at The Rock, follow our official Athletic Communication accounts on ‘X’ (formerly Twitter, @Rock_Athletics), Facebook (RockAthletics) and Instagram (RockAthletics).

 





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Illinois Water Polo All-State 2025 Award Winners

The Illinois Water Polo 2025 All-State team was released recently and 11 girls from the Journal-area were selected, including four repeat honorees. Stevenson’s Olivia Spieth was selected first team All-State in 2024 and 2025. Spieth was also named the state’s Player of the Year after leading the Patriots to their third straight state championship. Fremd’s […]

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June 25, 2025

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The Illinois Water Polo 2025 All-State team was released recently and 11 girls from the Journal-area were selected, including four repeat honorees.

Stevenson’s Olivia Spieth was selected first team All-State in 2024 and 2025. Spieth was also named the state’s Player of the Year after leading the Patriots to their third straight state championship.

Fremd’s Elly Jo Fay was a third team All-State selection in 2024 and 2025. Hersey’s Melissa Loch earned second team All-State honors this season after earning fourth team All-State in 2024. Maine West’s Lauren Capper, one of four sophomores in 2024 to earn All-State honors, was selected to the fourth team All-State squad for a second straight year.

A total of eight boys water polo athletes were also selected to the All-State team in 2025, including three repeat selections.

Stevenson’s Armeet Gill was a second team All-State selection in 2024, but earned first team All-State honors this season. Fremd’s Tyler Franke earned All-State honors for a second straight season. He was fourth team in 2024 and third team in 2025. Palatine’s Brodie Piecuch also earned fourth team All-State honors in 2024 and third team honors in 2025.

 

Girls All-State:

First Team:

Olivia Spieth (Jr.), Stevenson

Elsa Kusevskis (Jr.), Stevenson

Reese Winegar (Sr.), Fremd
Second Team: 

Melissa Loch (Jr.), Hersey

Victoria Duncan (Sr.), Stevenson

Third Team: 

Elly Jo Fay (Sr.), Fremd

Caterina Gaido (Jr.), Fremd

Fourth Team:

Lauren Capper (Jr.), Maine West

Coco Schultz (Sr.), Hersey

Emily Steinberg (Jr.), Hersey

Jillian Carlson (Sr.), Stevenson

Awards:

Player of the Year: Stevenson’s Olivia Spieth

Coach of the Year: Lyons’ Megan Jacobs

Senior Scholastic Award: Libertyville’s Maya Anderson

 

Boys All-State:

First Team:

Anthony Cardone (So.), Stevenson

Armeet Gill (Jr.), Stevenson

Second Team:

Nick Maslowski (Sr.), Palatine

Third Team:

Kenny Weisner (Jr.), Stevenson

Tyler Franke (Sr.), Fremd

Brodie Piecuch (Sr.), Palatine

Fourth Team:

Ben Przekota (Sr.), Maine South

Hubert Roszkowski (Sr.), Palatine

Awards:

Player of the Year: Naperville North’s Jack Reif

Coach of the Year: Naperville North’s Kelly Reif

Senior Scholastic Award: Naperville North’s Mason Hofmann

 

If you like this story, you can get a whole lot more practically every day of the week by subscribing to journal-topics.com. Click here to choose your preference of either print or online, or call 847-299-5511.



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