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Jamie Chin ’25 Wins Cheverton Award, Chapman’s Highest Undergraduate Honor – Chapman University’s 2025 Campus Leadership Awards on May 9 recognized many outstanding graduates.

Jamie Chin, a senior chemistry and French double major, has been named the recipient of the Cecil F. Cheverton Award for 2025.  The Cheverton Award is the oldest and highest undergraduate student honor, awarded by a vote of the full Chapman faculty. A gift of the class of 1929, the original bronze Cheverton Award cup […]

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Jamie Chin, a senior chemistry and French double major, has been named the recipient of the Cecil F. Cheverton Award for 2025. 

The Cheverton Award is the oldest and highest undergraduate student honor, awarded by a vote of the full Chapman faculty. A gift of the class of 1929, the original bronze Cheverton Award cup remains on exhibit in Argyros Forum along with its successor, a silver bowl. These trophies are engraved with the names of all Cheverton awardees since 1929.

I am incredibly grateful and honored. This award means a lot to me, and it could not have been possible with everyone who has supported me,” said Chin.

Chin will pursue a Ph.D. in Chemistry at the University of Texas Austin this fall. “I am grateful to Dr. Owens, my very first research mentor, who kicked off my journey towards being a scientist,” said Chin. “I would also like to thank Dr. Wang and Dr. Kim for guiding and supporting me through the graduate school application process.” 

Chin is graduating with a wide array of research experiences behind her. As a Stauffer Fletcher Jones Fellow, under the mentorship of Dr. Cedric Owens, Chin researched the efficacy of esterase on chlorogenic acid, exploring its applications in food science. Her project, for which she co-authored a research paper in the Journal of Food Science, examined the upcycling of sunflower flour in baked goods. Sunflower flour is a nutritious alternative to wheat flour, but it produces an unpleasant green color due to chlorogenic acid. To resolve this problem, Chin added an esterase enzyme to the mixture to break down the chlorogenic acid, eliminating the green hue. 

“Participating in scientific research has taught me valuable skills and allowed me to cultivate novel scientific knowledge that can be shared with the world,” said Chin. 

At the Schmid College of Science and Technology Awards Night, Chin was named the Outstanding Chemistry Major. “Jamie has distinguished herself in the lab, the classroom, and across our academic community,” said Dr. Elaine Schwartz, Associate Dean for External Relations and Student Advancement. “Her record speaks to a rare combination of discipline and curiosity. As she heads to the University of Texas for her Ph.D., we can say with confidence that the future of science is in very good hands.”

Outside of the lab, Chin competes on the Women’s Water Polo team. Her first year, Chin set the second-highest single-season shooting percentage, and she served as a starter for the next three years. In the 2023-2024 season, Chin helped her team reach the post-season tournament for the first time in program history

“I am so grateful to have been supported by a group of strong, loving, and amazing women,” said Chin. “They all taught me to push myself to the limit and believe in myself.” 

Additionally, Chin is president of Chapman’s chapter of the American Chemical Society (ACS). “I never knew what being a club president was like until I became one,” said Chin. “I am naturally more hands-off, so I have often felt uncomfortable taking the lead. However, as president I had to learn to communicate effectively with my executive board to complete our tasks.” 

Chin put on ACS’ first fundraising initiative (a popular “pie your professor” event) and coordinated outreach activities with the local community. “My most memorable outreach event was at the Santa Ana Zoo, where we conducted a hidden-messages experiment with colored lenses. I felt incredibly fulfilled to foster a sense of excitement for the sciences in these young children.” 

“Throughout my four years here, I have been transformed from a shy, hesitant student into a confident leader, a determined athlete, and a dedicated researcher,” said Chin. “I am so excited to see what is next, and I will carry my Chapman community with me all the way to Texas.”



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Third Annual Back To School Supply Drive and Sand Volleyball Tourney Set for July 16 in San Antonio – Tejano Nation

Photo by Matej Bizjak on Pexels.com SAN ANTONIO, TX — The Third Annual Back To School Supply Drive and Sand Volleyball Tournament is officially set for Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at Sideliner’s Bar & Grill in San Antonio. Hosted by Tejano Up Radio and Hot Tejano, this exciting and family-friendly event will bring together the […]

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Photo by Matej Bizjak on Pexels.com

SAN ANTONIO, TX — The Third Annual Back To School Supply Drive and Sand Volleyball Tournament is officially set for Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at Sideliner’s Bar & Grill in San Antonio. Hosted by Tejano Up Radio and Hot Tejano, this exciting and family-friendly event will bring together the Tejano community for a good cause — helping local students gear up for the upcoming school year.

Team registration begins at 5:30 p.m. at the popular venue located at 15360 Henderson Pass. Whether you’re a seasoned volleyball player or just looking for a good time, all are welcome to participate. Early team registration and event inquiries can be directed to tejanoupradio@gmail.com or by calling 210.213.2557.

Hot Tejano Operations Manager and Tejano ROOTS Hall of Fame broadcaster Chris “Tejano Man” Tristan shared the vision behind the event in an exclusive interview with Tejano Nation.

“We want to invite everyone out on Wednesday at Sideliner’s Bar & Grill,” said Tristan. “Hot Tejano and Tejano Up Radio are joining forces for this back-to-school supply drive. We want everyone to come out and participate. Whether you’re a media company, radio station, organization, or just a group of friends — bring your team and be part of something that makes a difference.”

He emphasized that the event is open to all skill levels.

“You don’t have to be a pro. If you’re in a league or just play for fun, we invite you to join. We’re trying to fill up these backpacks with things kids need to go back to school — and if we don’t jump on it now, who will?”

Attendees can expect a festive atmosphere, sand volleyball action, and appearances from Tejano music stars including Stefani Montiel, Gabriel Zavala, and more.

Donations of school supplies will be collected at the event. Suggested items include:

  • No. 2 pencils
  • Colored pencils
  • Pencil cases
  • Folders
  • Erasers
  • Notebooks
  • Scissors
  • Backpacks
  • Crayons
  • And other essential items

For those who prefer to contribute monetarily, donations can be sent via Venmo (@TejanoUpRadio) or CashApp ($TejanoUpRadio).

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to support students across San Antonio and Central Texas while enjoying music, great food, and a little friendly competition in the sand.

Follow Tejano Nation on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram, and subscribe to our YouTube channel to keep up with everything Tejano. Listen to new Tejano music first with our Spotify playlists and iHeartRadio podcast.

Copyright 2025 Tejano Nation. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without expressed written permission from Tejano Nation.

Freddie Martinez, Placido Salazar Among 2025 Inductees set for Texas Conjunto Music Hall of Fame

Annual ceremony to honor legends of conjunto music on July 26 in San Benito


Los Chamacos Discuss Name Dispute in First Interview

Current band members speak out for the first time following former frontman’s federal trademark filings


Discover New Music & Emerging Artists with Tejano Nation’s New Tejano Playlist – June 2025

Jennifer Peña’s comeback single “Wakala” headlines a 50‑track Spotify roundup that pairs Tejano icons with tomorrow’s stars







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Topeka native, KU All-American to join Washburn volleyball coaching staff

TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) – A local All-American is set to join the Washburn volleyball coaching staff for the upcoming season. According to an announcement from Washburn volleyball coach Chris Herron, the team has added Camryn Turner as a part time assistant coach beginning Aug. 1. “Cam is first an outstanding person who also happens to […]

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TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) – A local All-American is set to join the Washburn volleyball coaching staff for the upcoming season.

According to an announcement from Washburn volleyball coach Chris Herron, the team has added Camryn Turner as a part time assistant coach beginning Aug. 1.

“Cam is first an outstanding person who also happens to be a two-time DI All-American. We are very excited to have her join our program! She will bring her own ideas and energy and fits right into the culture here,” Herron said of Turner. “We will also have her set the ‘B’ Side this fall to help her in her preparations for her own upcoming season.”  

Turner most recently completed her first professional season with the Grand Rapids Rise in the Pro Volleyball Federation (PVF). Turner was selected 22nd overall in the third round of the 2024 draft. She appeared in 22 matches, recorded 569 assists with eight double-doubles.

Following the 2026 Ichabod season, Turner will continue playing in the PVF.

Washburn volleyball coach Chris Herron announced that the team has added Camryn Turner to the...
Washburn volleyball coach Chris Herron announced that the team has added Camryn Turner to the coaching staff.(Kansas Athletics)

Turner had a four-year career at the University of Kansas. While at Kansas, she was an AVCA All-American in each of her final two seasons (2023, 2024). She tallied 3,758 assists, 1,067 digs and 279 kills in her career and was named the Big 12 Setter of the Year in 2023. 

The newest addition to Washburn’s staff graduated from Seaman High School where she was the all-time leader in assists and kills. Turner was the 2019 Player of the Year for the Centennial League and was a 5A First Team All-State selection while also playing basketball.

“I am so excited for this opportunity to see volleyball from a different perspective. Not only that but getting to coach with an amazing group of girls and coaches who will push me to grow, and I hope I can do the same in return,” Turner said.  



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The Best American Men’s Water Polo Players of the NCAA Era

The Best American Men’s Water Polo Players of the NCAA Era (Part III: No. 1 to No. 10) By Jeff Moulton In the third and final installment of this three-part series, water polo expert Jeff Moulton discusses the individuals he has ranked No. 1 to 10 in his unofficial list of the top-25 American men’s […]

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The Best American Men’s Water Polo Players of the NCAA Era (Part III: No. 1 to No. 10)

By Jeff Moulton

In the third and final installment of this three-part series, water polo expert Jeff Moulton discusses the individuals he has ranked No. 1 to 10 in his unofficial list of the top-25 American men’s water polo players of the NCAA era. Parts I and II are linked below, with Part I including an explanation of the criteria used by Moulton to make his selections.

Part I
Part II

10. John Gansel – goalie, Foothill Hill High School and Stanford (2x NCAA champion, 4x 1st team All-American).

Gansel, the only 4x 1st team All-American goalie, is America’s greatest collegiate goalie and had an outstanding high school career at Foothill.  As former El Toro High School coach Don Stoll told the L.A. Times, “If you talk to old-timers, they say Gansel did stuff that no one has done since.”  Gansel graduated from Stanford in 1981.  He played in the 1982 World Championships and on three World University Games teams, including the 1979 team that won the gold medal (the first gold medal the United States won during water polo’s modern era) and the 1981 team that won the silver medal.  Gansel didn’t play in the Olympics.  He started medical school in 1982 and, as he said, “my polo career ran out of time.”  Dante Dettamanti, Gansel’s coach at Stanford, speaking about Gansel:  “I have been a part of water polo in this country for the last 57 years at all levels, including the USA National team.  Not only is John Gansel the best goalie that I have ever coached, he is the best goalkeeper that I have seen play in this country.  It was too bad he never had a chance to play on the USA Olympic team.  The timing just wasn’t right for him with the 1980 Olympic boycott, with almost every USA player returning for 1984 after the boycott, along with 1984 and 1988 conflicts with medical school and internship and residency training as a doctor.”  Dettamanti describing Gansel’s time at Stanford:  “Gansel was a virtual wall in the goal, allowing very few balls to get past him, even in practice.  He was critical to Stanford’s counterattack game, making the block and then making the perfect full-court pass to breakaway players in the 30-meter course used in those days.  He was a natural in the goal, at 6’3”, with great legs, long arms and uncanny quickness.  He was also an excellent swimmer (21+ 50 freestyle in high school).  In his senior year, 1980, Stanford held opponents to an average of 4.4 goals per game, the only time in school history that opponents have been held under a 5 goals-per-game average for the whole season.  Stanford has had several 4-time All-Americans since 1969, but only 2 Stanford players have been 4-time First Team All-Americans, John Gansel and Tony Azevedo.  In my opinion, the top goalie and top field player in USA water polo history.”  More from Dettamanti:  “In the 1979 World University Games in Mexico City, playing against the complete Yugoslavian and Russian national teams that were preparing for the 1980 Olympics, we won the gold medal with Gansel in the goal, limiting Yugoslavia and Russia to 5 and 6 goals in the semifinals and finals.  Those teams placed first and second in the Moscow Olympics.  In the 1981 World University Games, again with full national teams from other countries, we had to beat Russia to advance to the final game.  We were leading by one goal with one second left in the game when a European referee called a penalty shot against the USA.  Gansel blocked the penalty shot to preserve the victory.”  Jody Campbell, a member of the Water Polo Hall of Fame, discussing what it was like to play with Gansel at Stanford:  “We could take chances and ‘cheat’ to offense because we had Gansel.  I’ve seen and played with some of the best goalies in the world.  In my opinion, Gansel is the best.  Other goalies have great reaction, anticipation, and initial leg strength.  However, since Gansel, I have not seen the sustained leg strength he had to maintain a vertical position after multiple fakes or cross-court passes.  Goalies these days may have a great initial thrust and good reactions, but they quickly lose their legs if they have to sustain their position.  Gansel never lost his legs.”  Craig Boyer, a  teammate of Craig Wilson at UCSB and on the 1988 Olympic team, discussing Wilson and Gansel:  “Craig Wilson and John Gansel were two of the best goalies in the world.  I would give the slight edge to Wilson, who had a longer wingspan.  Gansel saw the writing on the wall that Wilson was going to be the starting goalie on the national team.  He made the right decision and retired from sports to go to medical school.”

9. Kevin Robertson – 5’9” LH attacker, Newport Harbor High School and Cal (1x NCAA Champion, 4x 1st team All-American, 1x NCAA Player of the Year, 3x Olympian, 2x silver medalist, Hall of Fame).

Robertson is generally considered to be the greatest American left-handed attacker of the NCAA era.  Robertson and Terry Schroeder led the United States in scoring in the 1984 Olympics, each scoring 13 goals.  Jody Campbell, Robertson’s teammate on the 1984 and 1988 Olympic teams:  “During his era, Robertson was one of the deadliest left-handed shooters in the world.  His explosiveness and anticipation created may opportunities for him to score and to record assists.  His work ethic, knowledge of the game, and speed proved that ‘size’ doesn’t dictate the effectiveness of a player.”  One of Robertson’s Newport Harbor High School teammates told me:  “Robertson excelled in a big man’s game by taking advantage of his quickness and intelligence.  I remember him swimming across my back, picking off his defender, and then shoving off me to create space for his shot.  It was like the ‘pick and roll’ in basketball but spontaneous.  I still have his handprint on my back.  That creativity is just one of the many facets of his greatness.”

8. Wolf Wigo – attacker, Bronx Science High School in New York and Stanford (2x NCAA champion, 4x All-American, 2x 1st team All-American, 1x ACWPC Player of the Year, 3x Olympian, 1x FINA World Cup champion, Hall of Fame).

Wigo scored 31 goals in the Olympics, including 16 goals in the 2000 Olympics.  He played professionally for Ethnikos Piraeus in Greece for three years.  Hall of Fame coach Dante Dettamanti said that Tony Azevedo, John Gansel, Jody Campbell, and Wigo are the four greatest players he coached at Stanford.  I asked Jack Bowen, Wigo’s teammate at Stanford and on the senior national team, about Wigo.  He said:  “If I were constructing a team and given first pick of any player in the world who’s ever played the game, I’d pick Wolf.  Wolf is the most intense competitor I’ve ever known, and, really, the last guy I want to deal with as a goalie because he just finds a way to score, not to mention, will take any beating to shut down the other team’s best player.”

7. Eric Lindroth – LH center, Newport Harbor High School and UCLA (3x NCAA champion, 2x All-American, 2x Olympian and would have been a 3x Olympian if the United States had qualified for the 1976 Olympics, 1x bronze medalist, Hall of Fame).

Lindroth played for UCLA from 1969 through 1972.  UCLA’s 1969 team was undefeated, winning the first NCAA water polo tournament.  A member of UCLA’s 1969 coaching staff told me:  “Eric was a ‘thinking’ player and always exhibited a poker face; he never showed much emotion but you knew he felt in control of any situation in the game.”  Bruce Bradley, Lindroth’s teammate on the 1972 Olympic team, discussing Lindroth after his death in June 2019:  “Eric was the ultimate teammate, another left hander.  He came out of Newport Harbor High School as CIF Player of the year in 1968 and won several national championships at UCLA under coach Horn.  He melded into our club team easily and made the ’72 Olympic team right out of college, when the best competition in the U.S. was at the club level.  Eric was great at both ends of the pool, always in position on ‘D’ and a prolific scorer in the counter attack, out of the hole, or at ‘6’ in the extra man.  He led by example, was unselfish, had a rocket arm and was basically a coach’s dream.”

6. Jody Campbell – center, Long Beach Wilson High School and Stanford (3x NCAA champion, 4x All-American, 3x 1st team All-American, 2x Olympian, 2x silver medalist, Hall of Fame).

Campbell was the leading scorer for the United States in the 1988 Olympics with 12 goals.  Hall of Fame coach Dante Dettamanti reminiscing about Campbell when he enrolled at Stanford as a freshman:  “He was a skinny kid, about 160 pounds, but he was tough.  People remember him as a great shooter, but he was also a great passer.  Even in difficult situations, he put the ball right in the shooter’s hand.  Campbell was our starting 2-meter player as a freshman and played in the NCAA tournament with a split web between his thumb and forefinger.”  Hall of Fame coach Monte Nitzkowski speaking about Campbell’s performance during the 1984 Olympics:  “Whenever Jody entered the game, the tempo went up.  Jody was well regarded for his toughness in the water.  He was one of the reasons we never lost at the 1984 Olympics.”  Greg Boyer, Campbell’s teammate on the 1988 Olympic team, told me:  “Jody was an incredible center forward.  He had amazing hands and great court vision.  Some of his shots and passes were especially creative.  While Terry Schroeder used brute force in set, Jody relied on guile and surprise.  As a pair they were very formidable.”

hallock-nov17

Photo Courtesy: Stanford Athletics

5. Ben Hallock – center, Harvard-Westlake and 3 years at Stanford (2x CIF Southern Section Division 1 champion, 2x CIF Southern Section Division 1 Player of the Year, 1x NCAA champion, 3x 1st team All-American, 2x Cutino Award winner, 2x ACWPC Player of the Year, 3x Olympian, 1x bronze medalist).

Hallock played on the 2016 Olympic team before his freshman year at Stanford, and scored 194 goals in his 3 years at Stanford.  He didn’t use his last year of college eligibility because of the COVID-19 pandemic, choosing to play professionally for Pro Recco in Italy.  Hallock has had a storied international career, winning 3 LEN Champions League titles, more than any other American.  If Hallock continues playing, he will be on the 2028 Olympic team and could move up higher on my list.  When his playing career is over, he will almost certainly be inducted into the Hall of Fame.  I asked former Harvard-Westlake and current Stanford coach Brian Flacks about Hallock.  His response:  “I started coaching Ben when he was just 11 years old, and right from the start, it was clear he was special.  A couple of things always stood out about him—first, his deep passion for water polo—he absolutely loved the sport.  I remember coaching his age group, and I’d burn DVDs of games for him.  Ben would text me late at night after watching the games for the third time, excitedly sharing his favorite highlights or moments, or telling me about the players he liked and wanted to mimic.  Second, Ben strikes a unique balance of being incredibly calm and thoughtful, yet also hyper-competitive.  That blend gave him a maturity and composure from a young age that you rarely see, and allowed him to compete in age groups much older than himself.  More importantly, what really set him apart was how that composure allowed him to play his best and be the most dependable in the biggest moments and on the biggest stages.  When you combine that passion, his commitment, and the fact that he’s a freak athlete, for me it’s hard not to see him as the best American water polo player of all time, and definitely one of the most dominant players our sport has ever seen.  Finally, I think he’s exactly what water polo needs as we continue to grow.  He’s a great student, a Stanford graduate, humble, super thoughtful, and considerate.  He should be the poster child for the type of person and player we want in our sport.  I have no doubt that he’ll succeed in whatever he chooses to do next—as a husband, father, and professional.  This kid is one of a kind.”

4. Terry Schroeder – center, San Marcos High School and Pepperdine (3x All-American, 3x 1st team All-American, 4x Olympian as a player, 2x Olympian as a coach, 2x silver medalist as a player, 1x silver medalist as a coach, 1x FINA World Cup champion as a player, Hall of Fame).

Schroeder, Pepperdine’s all-time leading scorer with a remarkable 444 goals, is the only American water polo player to win an Olympic medal as a head coach and a player.  Schroeder and Kevin Robertson led the United States in scoring in the 1984 Olympics, each scoring 13 goals.  I asked Craig Boyer, Schroeder’s teammate on the 1988 Olympic team, about Schroeder.  He said:  “Terry was the strongest player on the 1988 Olympic team, but his greatest strength was his emotional composure.  After a bad call or overly physical foul, he would simply smile and adjust his cap.  He usually drew an exclusion or scored a goal the next time he touched the ball.”  Jody Campbell, Schroeder’s teammate on the 1984 and 1888 Olympic teams, reminiscing about Schroeder:  “Terry served as the face of USA Water Polo for decades and continues to serve that role.  Nobody could represent the U.S. with integrity, loyalty and humility like Terry.  He was the top 2M in the world for decades, with the style of an unmovable beast and a level-headed demeanor.  A defender could hit him with a crowbar and he would just smile.  In all the years and hundreds of games Terry played nationally, collegiately and internationally, I only once saw him get mad enough to punch someone and that was me.”  Craig Klass, Schroeder’s teammate on the 1988 and 1992 Olympic teams, discussing Schroeder’s reputation in Europe:  “Such a force at 2M and throughout the pool!  A dominant anchor for USA water polo internationally for so many years.  The Europeans dubbed Schroeder “The Unsinkable Man,” which pretty much says it all.”  An NCAA champion discussing Schroeder’s place in water polo history:  “Terry’s statue is at the Coliseum for a reason.  I put him above Humbert and Hallock.  Terry had a generational impact on the sport in the U.S.  I could go on but the man was a piece of granite in the water.  A rock-solid foundation for his teams and for our sport.”

3. Chris Humbert – 6’7” LH center, Lodi and Tokay High Schools and Cal (3x NCAA champion, 4x All-American, 3x 1st team All-American, 2x ACWPC Player of the Year, 3x Olympian, 2x FINA World Cup champion, Hall of Fame).

Humbert, the only American male player to win two FINA World Cup championships, is Cal’s all-time leading scorer with 296 goals, scored 37 goals in the Olympics, and usually led his teams in scoring.  During Humbert’s four years at Cal, Cal won three NCAA championships, finished second once, and had a won/loss record of 114 and 9.  He won two Italian League championships during his two years with Posillipo; a Greek Cup championship during his two years with Ethnikos Piraeus; and a LEN Super Final, Greek Championship, and Greek Cup championship during his one year with Olympiacos.  Rich Corso, Humbert’s coach on the 1996 Olympic team, describing Humbert, “He’s like a mix between a Shaq and David Robinson because he’s big and strong and also quick.”  Humbert was a freakish athlete.  Russ Stryker, one of Humbert’s teammates at Cal, told me:  “Humbert was probably the greatest athlete to play water polo in the United States.  He could have played on the Cal basketball team, would have been a starting pitcher on the baseball team, and could have been a sprinter on the swim team.  He was that talented.”  Hall of Fame coach Pete Cutino did not see Humbert play water polo before offering him a scholarship to Cal.  Instead, he offered Humbert a scholarship after watching him play a high school basketball game.  During the recruiting process, Humbert’s mother asked Cutino whether Humbert would receive much playing time if he went to Cal.  Cutino answered, “Mrs. Humbert, if Jesus Christ were on my bench and the starters were playing well, he wouldn’t get into the game.”  In spite of Cutino’s cautionary remarks, Humbert was a 3rd team All-American in his freshman season, a 1st team All-American in his sophomore season, and a 1st team All-American and the Player of the Year in his junior and senior seasons.

Tony-Azevedo-Water

Photo Courtesy: 6-8 Sports

2. Tony Azevedo – Long Beach Wilson High School and Stanford (4x California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) Southern Section Division 1 champion, 3x CIF Southern Section Division 1 Player of the Year, 2x NCAA champion, 4x 1st team All-American, 4x Cutino Award winner, 3x ACWPC Player of the Year, 5x Olympian, 1x silver medalist, Hall of Fame).

Azevedo, the son of a Hall of Fame coach and the only person to win four Cutino Awards, may be the most highly-decorated American water polo player.  He scored 61 goals in the Olympics (the 4th most in Olympic history) and 332 goals at Stanford.  He had a long international career, playing for Can Bissolati in Italy, JK Primorac in Montenegro, Fluminense in Brazil, VK Jug in Croatia, and Sesi in Brazil, and is better known internationally than he is in the United States.  Hall of Fame coach Dante Dettamanti recruited Azevedo to Stanford and coached him in 2001 when Stanford won the NCAA championship.  Dettamanti speaking about Azevedo:  “He’s without a doubt the best player we’ve ever produced in this country and also the best player we ever had at Stanford.  The reason Michael Jordan is a great player is the same reason Tony is a great player.  He’s a natural leader.  In my 32 years as a college coach, I’ve never had an athlete like this.  I’ve never had a freshman selected by his teammates as team captain.  He’s a lot like Jordan in that if you drop off him, he’ll shoot from outside and if you press him, he’ll drive on you.  He can create things on his own.  He’s impossible to guard.”  Hall of Fame coach John Vargas followed Dettamanti at Stanford, coaching Azevedo for three years in college and on the 2000 Olympic team.  Vargas on Azevedo:  “He’s the best player the United States has had.  No one’s done what Tony has done.  He knows where everybody is at all times.  We’ve seen other guys with the same physical ability, but his knowledge of the game separated him from all the rest.  He made all his teammates better.”

1. Craig Wilson – 6’5” LH goalie, Davis High Schol and UCSB for 2 years (1x NCAA champion, 1x All-American, 3x Olympian, 2x silver medalist, 1x FINA World Cup champion, Hall of Fame).

During my discussions with coaches, players, and fans, I often asked this question: Who is the  greatest player of the NCAA era?  There is no consensus.  Craig Wilson, Tony Azevedo, Chris Humbert, Terry Schroeder, and Ben Hallock all received some support for this distinction.  In a very close call, I chose Craig Wilson because he played goalie (the most important position in water polo), was probably more responsible for the success of his teams than any other player, and would be my first choice if we were selecting players for an imaginary round-robin tournament.  Wilson, voted the top goalie in the world on two occasions, is generally considered to be one of the top 4 or 5 goalies of all time.  He played professionally for three years, two years for CC Ortigia in Italy and one year for CN Barcelona in Spain.  Wilson recorded the most saves in the 1984, 1988, and 1992 Olympics.  After winning the silver medal in the 1988 Olympics, United States coach Bill Barnett said, “Without Craig, we would have never gone as far as we did.  He was our saving grace.”  One of Wilson’s UCSB teammates told me, “Wilson is known far better in Europe for being the GOAT than in the United States.”  Craig Boyer, another one of Wilson’s UCSB teammates, describing Wilson’s shot-blocking skills:  “During shooting warmups before games at UCSB, it was not uncommon for Craig to block 100 percent of the team’s shots.  The opposing teams noticed this and nobody was confident shooting against him.  He also knew my shooting tendencies very well.  He would guess where I was going to shoot, and not only block a good shot with two hands, but catch it with a laugh.  He often blocked shots that looked like certain goals.  Wilson made every good team he was on a great team.”  Wilson was also an outstanding passer.  Rich Corso, the goalie coach on the 1984 Olympic team, said, “Craig was incredible at getting the ball out fast during the counter-attack.  He was aggressive.  He was never afraid to throw the long touchdown pass.”  Wilson describing one of his greatest Olympic performances:  “Sometimes the water polo ball looks like a beach ball coming in slowly.  Sometimes it looks like a golf ball coming in quickly.  That day was a beach ball day.”  An NCAA champion told me:  “Wilson stuck with the sport for a very long time and is the reason several of the players on your list made it to the Olympics and competed for medals.  You simply cannot win at the highest level without superb goalie play.  I played with Wilson for years but never on the national team.  My perception based on those years is that Wilson was a fabulous talking goalie—directing the defense in front of him especially on power plays.  Wilson could determine which player(s) on an opposing team should be allowed to shoot and in what situation.  He could pass 30 meters on a dime.  Wilson could bait a lob and catch it having already told someone to counter off the top.  When Wilson says ‘the ball is looking like a beach ball today,’ you know the other team is not scoring.  I realize Tony Azevedo went to the most Olympics, won the Cutino Award four times, won two NCAA titles, and won a medal.  I would still place Wilson first.  No Wilson no winning and no medals for many others.”

Special Note: If I revisit this article after the 2028 Olympics, Ryder Dodd will probably deserve a spot on my list, perhaps in the top 10.

Ryder Dodd – attacker, Huntington Beach and JSerra High Schools and UCLA (1x NCAA champion, 1x All-American, 1x 1st team All-American, 1x Cutino Award winner, 1x ACWPC Player of the Year, 1x Olympian, 1x bronze medalist).

Dodd, who just completed his first year at UCLA, played in the 2024 Olympics before entering UCLA.  He probably had the greatest true freshman season of any player in the NCAA era.  He is expected to be a member of the 2028 Olympic team.  Adam Wright, Dodd’s coach at UCLA, speaking in June 2024 after Dodd was named to the 2024 Olympic team:  “When we started recruiting Ryder, we laid out an eight-year plan that would position him to be a part of the squad for the 2028 Olympic Games here in Los Angeles.  We also listed a short-term goal of him becoming the best player in high school, which he’s done and his high school team winning the CIF Championship, which they did this past season while going undefeated.  Over the course of the past year and a half he’s been recognized on the junior national level as one of the best players in his age group in the world and that quickly pushed him to our Senior National Team.  Even though we haven’t had the chance to start working with Ryder here at UCLA, the progress that I’ve seen him make over the course of the last year is quite simply special.  His attacking abilities from both sides of the pool and his speed are truly a problem for opponents.  He’s only the second player in our sport to be in high school and go to the Olympic Games before he steps foot on campus here at UCLA.  We look forward to helping Ryder develop into one of the best players in the world.”  I asked Brett Ormsby, Dodd’s coach at JSerra, what makes Dodd such a special player.  His response:  “Ryder is competitive as hell, fearless, and works harder than anybody.  He’s as disruptive on defense as he is dangerous on offense.  He’s willing to play within a system and always prioritizes the team and winning over his own production.   He’s incredibly aquatic, born to move in the water, this is probably the most innate part of his game.  He continues to grow as a leader and communicator, which is ultimately where I think his biggest impact will be over the course of his career.  He is at his best when his best is needed, in the biggest games and the biggest moments and making winning plays.  But ultimately, if I had to pick what stands out most, it’s Ryder’s mind.  He is so present at all times, always absorbing information, learning and then applying it to his game.  And his game just keeps growing at every step.  As a coach, I think it’s an awesome lesson for other kids to know that what makes Ryder special isn’t ultimately the talent, the talent sets a baseline for his success, but we’ve seen tons of talented failures.  It’s Ryder’s hunger to learn, his desire for feedback, and his constant pursuit of improvement that set him apart in this early stage of his career, and he still has a lot of time and growth in front of him.”



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Pennington, Moderski Head CSCAA Team and Individual Scholar All-American Honors

Story Links GLASSBORO, NJ — The College Swimming and Diving Coaches Association of America (CSCAA) announced its selections for the team and individual Scholar All-Americans, where both the Rowan Men’s and Women’s Swimming Teams were cited. Honorees came from 432 institutions, comprising 18,459 student-athletes, that were recognized for their outstanding academic […]

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GLASSBORO, NJ — The College Swimming and Diving Coaches Association of America (CSCAA) announced its selections for the team and individual Scholar All-Americans, where both the Rowan Men’s and Women’s Swimming Teams were cited. Honorees came from 432 institutions, comprising 18,459 student-athletes, that were recognized for their outstanding academic achievements.

To earn the team honor, squads were required to achieve a grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 or higher during the Spring 2025 semester.

The women’s team boasted a 3.69 team GPA under head coach Elise Fisher with the men compiled  3.18 team GPA under head coach Brad Bowser.

Individually, the CSCAA highlighted over 2,700 swimmers and divers to its Scholar All-American Team for the 2024-25 season.

On the women’s side, Ella Pennington earned her second-straight CSCAA Scholar All-American accolade. A Biomedical Engineering major, Pennington had a tremendous 2024-25 season as the junior earned three All-American honors at the Division III Swimming and Diving Championships and was named a College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-American, becoming the first student-athlete in program history to claim the award. Pennington was also selected to the CSC Academic All-District Team and inducted into the Chi Alpha Sigma National Student-Athlete Honor Society. In the pool, she was named the 2024-25 New Jersey Athletic Conference Swimmer of the Year.

T.J. Moderski was named to the second team to represent the men. A Mechanical Engineering major, Moderski was named a CSC Academic All District selection and was also inducted into Chi Alpha Sigma. The junior earned a NJAC Honorable Mention in the 400 medley relay.

To qualify for First-Team Scholar All-America, student-athletes must have earned a GPA of 3.5 or higher and participated in their national championship. Second-Team selections, must have also earned a 3.5 GPA or higher and met a “B” time standard for the national championship or qualified for a diving zone qualification meet.



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Anna Crump, field hockey’s all-time leader in games played, returns as assistant coach

Story Links LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Louisville native and five-year field hockey letterwinner Anna Crump has been named the team’s assistant coach, head coach Toby Platt announced today.   “Bringing Anna Crump back to Bellarmine is a full-circle moment for our program,” Platt said. “As a former player, she understands what it means […]

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LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Louisville native and five-year field hockey letterwinner Anna Crump has been named the team’s assistant coach, head coach Toby Platt announced today.
 
“Bringing Anna Crump back to Bellarmine is a full-circle moment for our program,” Platt said. “As a former player, she understands what it means to wear the jersey and represent this university with pride. Anna’s journey—from competing as a student-athlete here at Bellarmine to now returning as a coach—is a testament to her character and passion for the game.”
 
Crump concluded her playing career last fall, leading the team in goals (6), assists (4) and points (16). The former No. 19 in scarlet and grey tied for 8th in Bellarmine history with 18 assists and is the program’s all-time leader in games played and games started (both 80).
 
“I am excited and grateful for the opportunity to return to Bellarmine in a new role,” Crump said. “This program shaped so much of who I am today and being part of its growth now as a coach is incredibly meaningful.”
 
A Louisville area native and product of South Oldham High School, Crump joins Platt’s staff after one season playing under him as an assistant coach.
 
“I’m especially looking forward to working alongside Toby, whose clear vision for the program I’m eager to support,” Crump said.
 
Crump brings in previous coaching experience as an assistant at Mercy Academy and as a club coach at Stealth Field Hockey. At Bellarmine, her immediate return following her playing career gives her the opportunity to break into collegiate coaching with players with whom she has already established a rapport.
 
“Having already built strong relationships with many of the returning players, stepping into this role feels like a natural next step. I’m excited to support the team both on and off the field as we head into this season. There’s a strong foundation here, and I truly believe we have the potential to accomplish something special together,” Crump said.
 
“She knows our culture, believes in our vision and is ready to help drive us forward,” Platt concluded. “Having someone like Anna, who has lived the Bellarmine experience and now wants to give back to the program, brings a special kind of energy.”
 
The field hockey Knights are set to begin their 2025 campaign, the 40th in program history, against Saint Francis on August 29 at Trager Stadium on Louisville’s campus.
 
For more coverage of Bellarmine athletics, follow the Knights on X, Instagram and Facebook.





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Augsburg to honor 11 at Athletic Hall of Fame ceremony

Jesse Bakalyar ’98 (Wrestling) Two-time All-American, finishing second at 150 pounds in 1997 and seventh at 158 pounds in 1998 … Won MIAC title at 158 in 1998 … Finished his career with an 80-18 record, including a 34-6 mark his senior year and 31-7 record in 1996-97 … Member of Augsburg teams […]

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Action photo and mugshot photo of Jesse Bakalyar. Superimposed on the photo are the Augsburg Athletic Hall of Fame and Augsburg eagle logos, and the text "Jesse Bakalyar '98, Augsburg University Athletic Hall of Fame - Class of 2025."Jesse Bakalyar ’98 (Wrestling)

Two-time All-American, finishing second at 150 pounds in 1997 and seventh at 158 pounds in 1998 … Won MIAC title at 158 in 1998 … Finished his career with an 80-18 record, including a 34-6 mark his senior year and 31-7 record in 1996-97 … Member of Augsburg teams that won D-III national titles in 1995, 1997 and 1998, second in 1996.

 


Action photo and mugshot photo of Felicia (Faison) Krick. Superimposed on the photo are the Augsburg Athletic Hall of Fame and Augsburg eagle logos, and the text "Felicia (Faison) Krick '09, Augsburg University Athletic Hall of Fame - Class of 2025."Felicia (Faison) Krick ’09 (Soccer)

Outside defender … NSCAA All-Region 1st team in 2008 … All-MIAC in 2008, All-MIAC Honorable Mention in 2007 and 2006 … NSCAA Scholar All-Region 2nd team in 2008, CoSIDA Academic All-District in 2008, Academic All-MIAC in 2006, 2007 and 2008 … Played in 73 games (73 starts, 5,719 minutes, 78.3 minutes per-game) in career, with 1 goal and 5 assists for 7 points … Leader of a defense that allowed just 53 goals (0.69 goals-against-average) in her career, with 37 team shutouts … Part of teams that reached MIAC playoffs in 2005, 2006 and 2007, going 37-20-16 in her career.


 


Action photo and mugshot photo of Whitney (Holman) Mead. Superimposed on the photo are the Augsburg Athletic Hall of Fame and Augsburg eagle logos, and the text "Whitney (Holman) Mead '10, Augsburg University Athletic Hall of Fame - Class of 2025."Whitney (Holman) Mead ’10 (Soccer/Track and Field)

Soccer: All-MIAC in 2009, All-MIAC honorable-mention in 2008 and 2007; All-MIAC Sportsmanship Team in 2009, ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District (CoSIDA) first-team in 2009 and 2008, NSCAA/Adidas Scholar All-Region honorable-mention in 2009 and 2008, Academic All-MIAC in 2009, 2008 and 2007; Track: All-MIAC 3 times, All-MIAC honorable-mention 5 times, Academic All-MIAC in 2009 and 2008, USTFCCCA All-Academic Team in 2010 … 2010 Augsburg Honor Athlete … Defender in soccer, sprinter in track and field … In soccer, started every game of 71 in her Augsburg career, in first two seasons as forward, final two seasons as defender … Career totals: 10 goals, 10 assists, 30 points, 5 game-winning goals … Recorded 3 goals and 2 assists for 8 points, including 2 game-winning goals, in 2009 … Soccer team was 35-24-14 (.575) in her career with 2 trips to MIAC postseason playoffs … In track and field, won MIAC title in indoor 55-meter dash in 2010 and was part of outdoor 4×100-meter relay MIAC title in 2010, with relay squad qualifying for NCAA D-III outdoor nationals … Finished 2nd in MIAC outdoor 100 in 2010, 3rd in MIAC indoor in 55 in 2009 and 2nd in 2008 for All-MIAC honors … Finished 4th in MIAC indoor 200 and 4th in MIAC outdoor 100 in 2009, 5th in MIAC outdoor 200 in 2010, 5th in indoor 200 in 2008 and 4th in indoor 55 and 5th in indoor 200 in 2007 … Religion/Psychology major with 3.96 GPA.


 


Action photo and mugshot photo of Mike Kennedy. Superimposed on the photo are the Augsburg Athletic Hall of Fame and Augsburg eagle logos, and the text "Mike Kennedy '79, Augsburg University Athletic Hall of Fame - Class of 2025."Mike Kennedy ’79 (Soccer/Golf)

All-MIAC selection in 1977 and 1978 … Scored 12 goals and 16 assists for 40 points in his career (1975-78), currently ranking t-15th in school history in points, t-9th in school history in assists … Team captain in 1978 … Member of Auggie teams that won MIAC title in 1975, finished third in 1976 and second in 1977 and 1978, with 47-12-10 record in his four seasons, reaching NAIA playoffs all four years and region finals in 1978 … Also member of Augsburg golf team.


 


Action photo and mugshot photo of Larry Lamparske. Superimposed on the photo are the Augsburg Athletic Hall of Fame and Augsburg eagle logos, and the text "Larry Lamparske '69, Augsburg University Athletic Hall of Fame - Class of 2025."Larry Lamparske ’69 (Football/Hockey/Track & Field)

Offensive lineman in football, earning All-MIAC honors in 1966, 1967 and 1968, and NAIA All-District honors in 1966 and 1967 … Also played hockey and track & field during his Auggie days … Played in Canadian Football League for Hamilton TigerCats … Served as a physical education teacher and coach for the Minneapolis Public Schools for 35 years … In later life, he and his wife Sue became well-known for their collection of Disney “Goofy” memorabilia, leading him to be nicknamed “Goofy” … Passed away on July 21, 2023.


 


Action photo and mugshot photo of Mike LeDuc. Superimposed on the photo are the Augsburg Athletic Hall of Fame and Augsburg eagle logos, and the text "Mike LeDuc '97, Augsburg University Athletic Hall of Fame - Class of 2025."Mike LeDuc ’97 (Hockey)

All-American West 2nd Team Forward in 1995-96 … All-MIAC in 1995-96 and 1996-97, All-MIAC Honorable Mention in 1994-95 … In 93 career games, finished with 66 goals, 80 assists for 146 points, including 17 power-play goals, five shorthanded goals and six game-winning goals … Ranks 10th in school history in career points, t-10th in career goals, t-10th in career assists, 8th in career power-play goals, t 3rd in career shorthanded goals … Scored 25 goals with 23 assists for 48 points in 1994-95, with single-season school-record five shorthanded goals … Scored 14 goals with 26 assists for 40 points with eight power-play goals in 1995-96.


 


Action photo and mugshot photo of Ryan McIntosh. Superimposed on the photo are the Augsburg Athletic Hall of Fame and Augsburg eagle logos, and the text "Ryan McIntosh '01, Augsburg University Athletic Hall of Fame - Class of 2025."Ryan McIntosh ’01 (Hockey)

All-MIAC goalie all four years of his career (1997-2001) … AHCA All- American 2nd team in 1997-98 season, when he went 14-2-3 with 3.24 GAA and .917 save pct., leading Augsburg to the MIAC regular-season and playoff titles, and NCAA D-III fourth-place national finish … Played in 98 career games, with 47-35-13 record, 3.18 GAA and .908 save pct., with 6 shutouts … School record for career victories, t-2nd in career shutouts, 6th in career save percentage, 10th in career GAA … Holds career record with 2,986 saves (30.47 per-game is 4th in average) … Had 10 or more wins each of his 4 seasons, with GAAs of 3.24 or better and save percentages of .904 or better each year … Part of teams that made 3 MIAC playoff appearances in his career.


 


Action photo and mugshot photo of John Pena. Superimposed on the photo are the Augsburg Athletic Hall of Fame and Augsburg eagle logos, and the text "John Pena '98, Augsburg University Athletic Hall of Fame - Class of 2025."John Pena ’98 (Wrestling/Football)

Three-time All-American at heavyweight, finishing sixth nationally in 1996, fourth in 1997 and second in 1998 … 106-24 career record at Augsburg, including 32-4 record his senior season … MIAC champion at heavyweight in 1996, 1997 and 1998, qualifying for national meet each time … NWCA Division III Scholar All-American in 1996 and 1997 … Team co-captain in 1997-98 … Member of Augsburg teams that won D-III national titles in 1995, 1997 and 1998, second in 1996 … Also played football as defensive lineman on Augsburg’s 1997 MIAC championship team.

 


Action photo and mugshot photo of Shanna (Reed) Reineke. Superimposed on the photo are the Augsburg Athletic Hall of Fame and Augsburg eagle logos, and the text "Shanna (Reed) Reineke '10, Augsburg University Athletic Hall of Fame - Class of 2025."Shanna (Reed) Reineke ’10 (Volleyball)

All-MIAC setter in 2009 … In her four years at Augsburg (432 sets), Reed finished with 3,251 assists (3rd in school history) and 168 career service aces (tied-3rd in school history) … 7.53 career assists per-set average is 5th in school history, 0.39 career service aces per-set average is 7th-best … Finished with 1,026 assists in 2009, to go along with 265 digs and 31 kills … Had 10 assist-dig double-doubles in 2009, including 3 in last 5 matches … Earned MIAC Setter of the Week honors twice in career … Had career-high 60 assists in 5-set win against Northwestern-Roseville … Recorded 35-plus assists 13 times in 2009 … In 2009, led Augsburg to its first berth in MIAC postseason playoffs since conference went to current six-team format in 2001.


 




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