Sports

Rise from UNCA ball player to MLB manager

Published

8 months ago

May 25, 2025

Rise from UNCA ball player to MLB manager

ATLANTA, G.A. (WLOS) — The list of Major League Baseball Managers without any professional playing experience is a short one, even as the National League’s 150th anniversary approaches.

Mike Shildt is on that list.

“I consider Mike one of my best friends in the world,” Marc Rosenbalm said.

Rosenbalm, a righty submariner, met Shildt playing American Legion ball around Charlotte

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Eventually, it was time to figure out where they’d play college ball. The two friends, and eventual roommates, went west to play college ball together.

“To be honest with you I had never heard of UNC Asheville (UNCA) before we were recruited there,” Rosenbalm said.

Rosenbalm, and eventually Shildt, were recruited by then UNCA manager, Ken Bagwell.

“I was a throw in in this deal,” Shildt said. “‘Bags’ came and saw ‘Rosey’ and I was going to Wingate, but I was really close with those two guys, so I came up with them on their visit because we were boys, and they were working out and so he was like, ‘Work out’ and I worked out and he was like ‘Hey want to come too?’ I’m like, ‘Sure that’d be great,’ so I came on board.”

The Bulldogs program was just a few years old when Shildt arrived on campus in 1987.

“Being a brand-new program, not having a field to play on, man you got to sell it,” Bagwell said.

Bagwell coached the Bulldogs from 1986 to 1987 but left quite an impression on Shildt.

“I loved ‘Bags’ because he was a players guy, so I definitely take that,” Shildt said. “He was for you. ‘Bags’ was also a worker; if you wanted ground balls, he’d hit you ground balls. If you wanted BP, he threw BP. ‘Bags’ was just a players guy through and through.”

“There was nothing he didn’t know about the game, and you know Mike probably learned a lot from him,” Shildt’s teammate John Smith Jr. said.

For Shildt, his time at UNCA was quite literally his baseball Undergraduate Degree.

UNC ASHEVILLE RECEIVES $1M DONATION TO FUND STEM SCHOLARSHIPS, OPPORTUNITIES

“He would turn to me and be like what would you do in this situation? Would you bunt? Would you hit and run? What would you do? And I’d be like I’d hit a home run, you know, I mean I don’t know,” Rosenbalm said.

Baseball was in his blood; Shildt grew up going to Charlotte Orioles games where his mom worked.

“I just was around the ballpark, and I kept the scoreboard every day and I did that for five or six years and I literally didn’t miss a pitch, or I’d get replaced,” Shildt said.

Eventually, it became clear that playing pro ball was not going to be an option for Shildt.

“I realized pretty soon that I was smarter about the game than I was talented, but the bar was pretty low,” Shildt joked.

His old coach, Bagwell, was a little blunter.

“He was as smooth as silk [on the field,] but he couldn’t hit the ball with a canoe paddle,” Bagwell.

Shildt’s inquisitive mind naturally turned to coaching; first at UNCA and UNC Charlotte before rising through the ranks of pro ball.

He scouted, coached and managed in the St. Louis Cardinals minor leagues for more than a decade.

FORMER UNCA HEAD COACH BACK IN OLD HOME WHEN GRASSHOPPERS VISIT MCCORMICK FIELD

“He started out in short season a ball, but then he quickly moved up through the system,” Rosenbalm said. “The guy just won everywhere he went.”

He got his major league shot as a coach in 2017 and was promoted to manager the following year.

“There was just no quit in him, he was going to the big leagues,” Rosenbalm said.

Shildt’s former teammate, Terry Gahagan said of Shildt, “He’s the kind of guy you want in your foxhole and in your dugout. Mike’s not going to let you down.”

That intense loyalty to his players is exactly where Shildt’s former manager said he excels.

“I wish I could take any kind of credit for Shildt, but I can’t,” Bagwell said. “It was just Shildt being Shildt.”

In six seasons as a major league boss, the former Bulldog has never had a losing season.

“I’m pretty loyal by nature,” Shildt said. I’m big into connection, relationships. That’s one of the things I appreciate most about team sports. It’s one of the reasons I continue to do what I’m doing now.”

Rosenbalm and a few family friends traveled to Atlanta during the San Diego Padres series with the Braves to visit with Shildt.

“Mike hasn’t changed,” Gahagan said. “Still talk on the phone, still text, he’s still Mike. He’s dedicated 100% to the San Diego Padres, but he’s also dedicated to his friends and that will never change. That’s just Mike.”

Sports

Avery Vogt Named Gatorade Iowa Volleyball Player of the Year

Published

5 minutes ago

January 12, 2026

Your Sports Nation

Photo taken by Next Level Portrait

Avery Vogt, a senior at Waukee Northwest High School, has been named the 2025–26 Gatorade Iowa Volleyball Player of the Year, one of the top honors in high school athletics. The Gatorade Player of the Year award recognizes student-athletes for success in athletics, academics, and community involvement.

Avery helped lead the Wolves to an impressive 38–1 season and the program’s second state championship. She finished the year with 939 assists, along with 216 kills, 171 digs, 45 blocks, and 38 service aces, highlighting her versatility and leadership on the court. Her season also earned her AVCA Honorable Mention All-American and AVCA All-Region recognition.

In addition to the Gatorade honor, Avery was named to the IGCA Elite All-State Team, selected as the State Tournament Most Valuable Player, and received the 5A Ms. Volleyball award. She played a key role in Northwest closing the season with 52 consecutive set victories.

Off the court, Avery enjoys giving back to the community. She volunteers as a mentor at camps and clinics and supports literacy outreach by reading to elementary students throughout the Waukee Community School District.

After graduation, Avery will continue her volleyball career at Drake University. Congratulations, Avery, on this incredible honor

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Sports

This Week in Saluki Athletics: January 12-18

Published

18 minutes ago

January 12, 2026

Your Sports Nation

CARBONDALE, Ill. – School is back in session at Southern Illinois and Saluki athletics is back in full swing. Last week, both basketball squads were in action as well as the swim and dive team. And this week, track and field returns to competition.

Men’s Basketball (8-9, 2-4)
Men’s basketball had just one game last week, falling 70-57 at UIC. Damien Mayo Jr. was the game’s leading scorer with 17, and he also tied Quel’Ron House to lead all players in assists with five.

Two games await Southern this week. On Wednesday, Jan. 14, they host Drake at 7 p.m. SIU then welcomes Belmont to Banterra Center on Saturday, Jan. 17, at 6 p.m.

Women’s Basketball (4-11, 1-5)
The women’s basketball squad split their two conference games last week.

First, the team lost to Evansville on Thursday, 75-70. Jeniah Thompson reset her career-high in points with 19, and grabbed 12 rebounds to complete a double-double. Karris Allen had a nice game as well with 15 points and eight rebounds, and Indya Green was the final Saluki to hit double-digit points with her 11.

SIU then picked up their first conference win of the season on Saturday, defeating Valparaiso 97-59. Thompson set a new career-high in points once again with 25, and had 14 rebounds as well for another double-double. Green, Kayla Cooper, and Tkiyah Nelson all had 10+ points as well.

This week, the Salukis host Murray State on Thursday, Jan. 15, at 6 p.m. They then welcome UIC to Carbondale on Sunday, Jan. 18, for a 2 p.m. match.

Swim and Dive
It was a busy weekend for swim and dive, who competed for the first time following winter break.

On Friday, the men’s squad traveled to Purdue and fell 207-103. Carter Ruthven won SIU’s first event of the day by taking gold in the 100-butterfly. Alex Cimera won the 200-freestyle event as well as the 100-freestyle. Southern’s last win of the meet came in the 400-IM thanks to Juraj Barcot.

SIU then hosted Evansville and Indiana State’s women’s team on Saturday for Senior Day. Both Southern squads took down Evansville, but the women’s team fell to Indiana State in a close meet. The Salukis started the meet by winning both sides of the 200-medley relay, and Joshua Aceves was the team’s first individual winner in the men’s 1000-freestyle. Susy Hernandez then won the 200-freestyle, as did Willem Huggins for the men’s team. In the 100-backstroke, Liseska Gallegos Gutierrez and Cimera both grabbed gold. Olivia Herron, Maddax Thompson, Nate Worsham , Tomáš Peciar, Benedek Andor, and Barcot all won events as well, and Oliver Mebs provided SIU a diving win in the one-meter dive.

It is another busy week for swim and dive. On Friday, Jan. 16, the team hosts McKendree at 2 p.m. before welcoming Vanderbilt’s women’s team on Saturday, Jan. 17, for a 1 p.m. meet.

Track and Field
The indoor track and field season resumes this week when the Salukis head to the Indiana Invitational on Friday, Jan. 16, and Saturday, Jan. 17.

Follow the Salukis
Keep up with all the latest news and information on the Salukis by following the team on X at @SIUSalukis, on Instagram at @siusalukis, and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/SalukiAthletics/. Fans can also download the “Salukis” Mobile App on the App Store or Google Play Store.

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Sports

Ahen Kim Named Head Coach of Duke Volleyball

Published

21 minutes ago

January 12, 2026

Your Sports Nation

WASHINGTON – After three years as head coach and nine years in the American University volleyball program, Ahen Kim has been named the new head coach of Duke University volleyball. Kim most recently led AU to a historic season in 2025, capturing the program’s first Patriot League title since 2019. He leaves American with a 44-25 overall record at the helm.

“We are incredibly grateful to Ahen for everything he has given to American University volleyball,” said Director of Athletics and Recreation JM Caparro. “His connection to this program runs deep, from his time as an assistant under Barry Goldberg during one of the most successful eras in our history to leading the program through an important transition as head coach. This past season’s Patriot League championship and NCAA Tournament berth were a testament to his leadership, commitment to our student-athletes, and belief in this program. While we will miss Ahen, we are proud of the work he has done at AU and understand the significance of the opportunity he has earned. We wish him nothing but success in his next chapter.”

“I’m forever grateful to American University Volleyball and will cherish the time I’ve had coaching here both as an Assistant and as Head Coach,” said Kim. “It has been an honor to serve the program after Coach Barry, and I am extremely proud of the work by our student-athletes and staff to restore its competitive legacy. I want to thank President Alger, JM, Katie Benoit and the AU community for all the support for me and our program over the years. With the addition of the Meltzer Center and Goldberg Court, I know this program will continue to be a winner. AUVB will always be special to me and I wish the program continued success. Once an Eagle, always an Eagle.”

As an assistant from 2012 to 2017 and a head coach since 2023, Kim has been synonymous with many of AU volleyball’s greatest moments. He was on the bench for five Patriot League championships and all three of AU’s NCAA Tournament wins, and returned in 2023 to find more success as a head coach. Kim led the Eagles to back-to-back 20-win seasons in 2023 and 2024, leading to one of the best campaigns in program history in 2025. American won 24 games up through the Patriot League final, with Kim guiding several players to unprecedented individual success. AU earned six All-Patriot League selections and took home all five major postseason awards, including the Coaching Staff of the Year distinction given to Kim and his assistants. In total as a head coach, Kim oversaw 12 All-Patriot League players, six major award winners, two AVCA All-Region selections, and two All-Americans.

With undeniable success on the court, Kim made an equal impact off the court. 30 of his players have landed on the Patriot League Academic Honor Roll and three players earned spots on the Academic All-Patriot League team in 2025, which recognizes both on-court and academic performance.

American University will conduct a national search for its next volleyball coach.

Keep up With Us

For the latest on American University Volleyball, stay tuned to AUEagles.com and follow the team on Twitter (@AU_V olleyball), Facebook (/AU.Volleyball) and Instagram (@au_volleyball).

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Sports

Bulldogs See Two First Place Finishes in First Chance Qualifier

Published

34 minutes ago

January 12, 2026

Your Sports Nation

Men’s Track and Field | 1/12/2026 2:21:00 PM

Wichita, Kan – McPherson College started their 2026 off with an indoor meet on the campus of Wichita State for the First Chance Qualifier. Following their Christmas break, the Bulldogs sought after a solid performance in their first meet of the new year.

The Basics
Location: Heskett Center

Women’s Highlights
In the Women’s 60m Hurdles, Blake Posey would run her personal best time of 9.47 and place 2^nd in the meet. Nina Zimmerman finished the Women’s 60m with a 9.24 personal record. Chloe Guzman, a dual-sport athlete for the Bulldogs (women’s soccer), would continue the personal best category after running a 9.40 in the Women’s 60m.
Johanna Walker’s mile time in the Women’s Mile was also a personal best time, running a 6:19.02; this would beat her previous best time by an astonishing 29 seconds.
In the throws department, Cara Shultz’s shot put would travel 12.44m for a personal best throw; she would have a personal-best weight throw of 15.14. In both event Schultz competed in, she placed fourth.

Men’s Highlights
For the men, Eric Brown began his indoor season with a time of 1:29.86 in the Men’s 600m. Lamar Gordon lit up the competition taking first place in the Shot Put and the Weight Throw events. His shot put would travel 15.29m and his weight throw landed at 17.99m.

Up Next
The Bulldogs will travel to Maryville, Missouri this upcoming weekend for the Coach Alsup Invitational hosted by Northwest Missouri State University on January 17^th.

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Sports

Granby adult volleyball standings (Jan. 5)

Published

37 minutes ago

January 12, 2026

Your Sports Nation

**First place winners of the Granby volleyball tournament in April 2025, K-Town.**
*Granby Recreation Department/Courtesy photo*

As of Jan. 5, the Granby adult co-ed volleyball league has continued its season with some hard-hitting competition.

Results from last week’s games

Washed Up downed Net WERK
Timberline over Spike Tysons
CV Electric beat Sagebrush
Prather Plumbing beat Eastside Gang
Washed Up downed Ski Pigs
Spike Tysons over Liberty Spikes
Drowsy Water Ranch downed Float Goats
CV Electric beat Prather Plumbing
Ski Pigs downed Liberty Spikes
Drowsy Water Ranch over Timberline
Float Goats beat Sagebrush
Net WERK over Eastside Gang
Drowsy Water downed Ski Pigs

League Standings as of Jan. 5

Washed Up 8-0
Drowsy Water Ranch 8-1
Timberline 7-2
Float Goats 6-2
CV Electric 6-3
Sagebrush 5-4
Net WERK 5-4
Prather Plumbing 4-5
Spike Tysons 2-7
Ski Pigs 2-7
Eastside Gang 0-9
Liberty Spikes 0-9

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