Women’s College World Series 2025: Texas Tech’s historic NIL investment leads to program’s first appearance
Imagn Images Texas Tech is on its way to its first-ever Women’s College World Series thanks to the arm of ace NiJaree Canady. The transfer pitcher from Stanford inked a historic name, image, likeness (NIL) deal with the Red Raiders worth just north of $1 million a year ago, but it’s clear she was worth […]
Texas Tech is on its way to its first-ever Women’s College World Series thanks to the arm of ace NiJaree Canady. The transfer pitcher from Stanford inked a historic name, image, likeness (NIL) deal with the Red Raiders worth just north of $1 million a year ago, but it’s clear she was worth the investment as Texas Tech swept Florida State in two Super Regional games on Friday.
Canady, last year’s National Player of the Year, pitched seven innings in Games 1 and 2. In the first game, she had four strikeouts, allowed just two hits and no earned runs; in the second, she had three strikeouts, three hits and an earned run.
The Matador Club, Texas Tech’s NIL collective, also gave Canady $50,000 for living expenses and $24 for her jersey number on top of the $1 million paycheck. They even had Kansas City quarterback (and Texas Tech alum) Patrick Mahomes call Canady, who is from Kansas and a fan of the Chiefs.
“My message was: We’re talking about Bo Jackson. We’re talking about Herschel Walker,” coach Gerry Glasco said this month, via ESPN. “We’re talking about a once-in-a-generation player that’s already made a name all over America. She’s a folk hero in our sport and she’s a sophomore.”
Canady explained that it wasn’t the money that made her decision, but the potential she saw in the team.
“I feel like people thought I heard the number and just came to Texas Tech, which wasn’t the case at all,” she told ESPN. “If I didn’t feel like Coach Glasco was an amazing coach and could lead this program to be where we thought it could be, I wouldn’t have come.”
Nine months later, Glasco and Canady have brought the program to historic heights.
Whether you’re a student, alum, or first-time visitor, Penn State and State College offer a surprisingly diverse and delicious food scene that goes above and beyond for a college town. From iconic campus eateries to hidden gems tucked along downtown streets, Happy Valley has no shortage of crave-worthy meals. This guide will walk you through […]
Whether you’re a student, alum, or first-time visitor, Penn State and State College offer a surprisingly diverse and delicious food scene that goes above and beyond for a college town.
From iconic campus eateries to hidden gems tucked along downtown streets, Happy Valley has no shortage of crave-worthy meals. This guide will walk you through the top places to eat, whether you’re looking for a quick bite between classes or a sit-down dinner to celebrate a big win at Beaver Stadium.
Desserts
Let’s start on campus, where no trip to Penn State is complete without a stop at the Berkey Creamery. This university-run ice cream shop is well-known for good reason.
With flavors like Death by Chocolate (my personal favorite), Peachy Paterno and Alumni Swirl, the Creamery never fails to grab the fascination and taste buds of visitors and locals alike. Give it a visit on a sunny day, you won’t regret it.
If you’re looking to try something other than the Creamery, don’t leave town without trying Meyer Dairy just outside of downtown State College. Many locals swear their ice cream is just as good or even better than the Creamery’s.
On campus delights
For something a bit more filling, head to Saxby’s in the Business Building. Run exclusively by students, this hidden gem offers several options for busy students quickly passing through on their way to class.
If you’re looking for variety, Pollock Commons in Pollock Dining Hall is a buffet-style cafeteria with plenty of stations to choose from. Fresh salads, perfectly grilled burgers, pasta and desserts make this a go-to for students who want both convenience and choice.
Over at the HUB-Robeson Center, students make their way in droves for any one of the building’s many restaurants, such as Blue Burrito, Slim Chickens, and Sbarro, among numerous others.
The best of downtown State College
Just a short walk off campus brings you into downtown State College, where the food scene opens up even more. The Waffle Shop is a famous weekend institution, known for its hearty breakfasts and fast service. If you’re lucky enough to beat the rush, get some pancakes or fill up on eggs and toast to start the day right.
Another beloved spot, the Corner Room, has been serving the community since 1926. With old-school booths, classic American food and Penn State memorabilia lining the walls, it’s a nostalgic must-visit. Try their grilled stickies for dessert — a cinnamon roll hybrid that’s even better with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Just down College Avenue, Irving’s has long been a favorite among students and locals. Their breakfast sandwiches, smoothies and freshly brewed coffee make it a perfect morning stop. My girlfriend is especially fond of their lox bagel. For New York-style bagels, Bagel Crust is another strong contender with a broader breakfast and lunch menu that includes omelets and deli-style sandwiches.
The Federal Taphouse in downtown State College is another staple that shouldn’t be overlooked. With burgers, pizza and sandwiches taking over the menu, along with a variety of excellent appetizers and desserts, you can’t go wrong with any of the choices.
At night, especially during the school year, you’ll often find lines at Sher Halal Gyro Grill and DP Dough, which attract students far and wide for late-night bites that offer rich, popping flavors throughout most hours of the night.
In terms of pizza, State College has a lot to offer. From Faccia Luna to Brother’s Pizza to Snap Custom Pizza to Monte Carlo’s, there are plenty of pizza options. The popularity only seems to be growing with the introduction of Benny Leone’s pizza shop.
Sowers Harvest Café is full of healthy eats. It’s a bright, welcoming space that emphasizes sustainability and local sourcing. Their paninis, soups and fair-trade coffee are perfect for a relaxed lunch.
Sushi fans should try Kamrai or Tadashi, as both offer high-quality sushi, ramen and rice bowls in stylish, student-friendly settings.
Upscale dining
If you’re willing to drive a little, The Field restaurant is certainly one to try. With a rustic feel and bar food to die for, you’ll certainly find yourself feeling at home at this establishment.
If you’re celebrating or looking for an elevated meal, consider Kelly’s Steak & Seafood or American Ale House. Both offer upscale menus and cozy dining rooms ideal for parents’ weekend or special occasions.
Though I’ve highlighted many establishments for whatever your heart desires, I have only scratched the tip of the iceberg.
So now the next part is up to you — whether you’re here for four years or a weekend, make sure to get your fill of food because you never know what new eatery might become your new favorite.
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Boston NHL prospect teams up with Chipotle on signature bowl
Chipotle has announced that they are teaming up with National Hockey League prospect and former Boston College hockey player James Hagens for a new mobile order option. The “James Hagens Bowl” contains white rice, chicken, roasted chilli-corn salsa, sour cream, cheese, lettuce and guacamole. The bowl will be a featured menu item on the Chipotle […]
Chipotle has announced that they are teaming up with National Hockey League prospect and former Boston College hockey player James Hagens for a new mobile order option.
The “James Hagens Bowl” contains white rice, chicken, roasted chilli-corn salsa, sour cream, cheese, lettuce and guacamole. The bowl will be a featured menu item on the Chipotle app and website.
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Ahead of the 2025 NHL draft on June 27 and 28, Hagens sat down for an interview with the company and spoke about his upbringing, hobbies and future goals.
“I envision myself lifting a Stanley Cup,” he said after he was asked where he saw himself in five years.
He also spoke on why hockey players like Chipotle.
“Road trips. Chipotles are everywhere, it’s good food,” he said in the video.
Hagens is projected to be a top pick in this year’s draft. The “James Hagens Bowl” will be available for a limited time.
GREENWOOD, Ind. – Kira Juodikis (LaSalle, Ontario), a senior forward and captain on the 2024-25 University of New Hampshire women’s ice hockey team, has been named to the 2025 College Sports Communicators Academic All-District Women’s At-Large Team. Juodikis, who recorded a near-perfect 3.97 cumulative GPA while earning a Business Administration: Management degree, earned this […]
GREENWOOD, Ind. – Kira Juodikis (LaSalle, Ontario), a senior forward and captain on the 2024-25 University of New Hampshire women’s ice hockey team, has been named to the 2025 College Sports Communicators Academic All-District Women’s At-Large Team.
Juodikis, who recorded a near-perfect 3.97 cumulative GPA while earning a Business Administration: Management degree, earned this accolade for the second consecutive year. She has also been named a Krampade All-American Scholar and to the Hockey East All-Academic Team every year.
Juodikis was a Hockey East Third Team All-Star for the third consecutive year in 2025. She recorded 12 goals and eight assists for 20 points to lead UNH in both goals and points. The captain also had a team-high 87 shots, tied atop the leaderboard with three game-winning goals and ranked second with a .138 shooting percentage. Juodikis was one of three Wildcats to score a shorthanded goal and she ranked third among UNH forwards with 29 blocks.
Juodikis tallied 10 goals and six assists for 16 points in 25 league games. With those numbers, she ranked ninth in goals and tied for 18th in points.
Juodikis scored her 50th goal Jan. 3 vs. the University of Maine to become the 30th UNH Wildcat to reach that milestone. She finished her career with 56 goals and 37 assists for 93 points in 134 games.
Juodikis’ season highlights included her second career hat trick with three goals in UNH’s 5-3 win at Merrimack College on Jan. 10; she was subsequently named Hockey East Player of the Week on Jan. 13. The three points matched a season high established Nov. 8 against Providence College when she matched her career high of two assists and scored a goal in the Wildcats’ 7-3 victory.
Juodikis had a total of six multiple-point games and recorded consecutive multiple-point games twice. She followed the aforementioned three-point game vs. PC with two points (one goal, one assist) the next day against those Friars. Juodikis’ two-goal game at Providence (Feb. 1) was followed by a two-point performance (1g, 1a) vs. Merrimack (Feb. 6).
Juodikis made the shift from winger to center in early January. In her last game as a UNH Wildcat, she won 11 of 16 faceoffs (.688 win percentage).
The Academic All-District Team, selected by College Sports Communicators, recognizes the nation’s top student-athletes for combined performance in athletics and the classroom (must have a 3.50 or higher cumulative GPA). The CSC Academic All-America program separately recognizes honorees in four divisions.
The 12 sports included on the women’s at-large ballot are: beach volleyball, bowling, crew/rowing, fencing, field hockey, golf, gymnastics, ice hockey, lacrosse, rifle, skiing and water polo.
For more information about CSC Academic All-District and Academic All-America Teams programs, visit AcademicAllAmerica.com.
Juodikis is one of six Wildcats named to the 2025 CSC Academic All-District Women’s At-Large Team. She is joined by field hockey’s Nicole Poulakis as well as skiers Hattie Barker, Tilde Kandell, Jasmine Lyons and Hedda Martelleur.
GREENWOOD, Ind. – Nicole Poulakis (Ajax, Ontario), a junior on the 2024 University of New Hampshire field hockey team, has been named to the 2025 College Sports Communicators Academic All-District Women’s At-Large Team.
Poulakis, who has a 3.89 cumulative GPA in pursuit of a sport management & leadership degree, earned this accolade for the […]
GREENWOOD, Ind. – Nicole Poulakis (Ajax, Ontario), a junior on the 2024 University of New Hampshire field hockey team, has been named to the 2025 College Sports Communicators Academic All-District Women’s At-Large Team.
Poulakis, who has a 3.89 cumulative GPA in pursuit of a sport management & leadership degree, earned this accolade for the second consecutive year. She was selected to both the America East All-Conference First Team and All-Academic Team in the 2023 and 2024 seasons, and she also earned NFHCA Northeast Region Second Team recognition both years.
Poulakis, who started all 20 games for the Wildcats in 2024, ranked third on the team in goals (11) and fourth in points (24), as well as tied for the lead in game-winning goals (three). On the America East conference leaderboard, she tied for sixth in goals per game (0.55) and tied for ninth in points per game (1.20); her three game-winning goals tied for fourth.
Poulakis recorded a point in 11 of 20 games with a goal in 10, including two goals in the America East semifinal victory. The captain scored a goal three consecutive games Oct. 6-18 and had a goal in back-to-back games two other times. She also had a three-game point streak Sept. 22-29.
In five games against nationally-ranked teams, Poulakis tallied two goals and an assist for five points. Also of note, she recorded four goals and an assist for nine points in six conference games.
The Academic All-District Team, selected by College Sports Communicators, recognizes the nation’s top student-athletes for combined performance in athletics and the classroom (must have a 3.50 or higher cumulative GPA). The CSC Academic All-America program separately recognizes honorees in four divisions.
The 12 sports included on the women’s at-large ballot are: beach volleyball, bowling, crew/rowing, fencing, field hockey, golf, gymnastics, ice hockey, lacrosse, rifle, skiing and water polo.
For more information about CSC Academic All-District and Academic All-America Teams programs, visit AcademicAllAmerica.com.
Poulakis is one of six Wildcats named to the 2025 CSC Academic All-District Women’s At-Large Team. She is joined by Kira Juokidis of the women’s hockey team as well as skiers Hattie Barker, Tilde Kandell, Jasmine Lyons and Hedda Martelleur.
Wisconsin, NIL collective sue Miami, allege tampering and NIL inducements to land football player | Sports
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 […]
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.
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Wisconsin, NIL collective sue Miami, allege tampering and NIL inducements to land football player | News
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 […]
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.
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