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BEHIND THE SCENES

KSHB 41 reporter Lily O’Shea Becker covers Franklin and Douglas counties in Kansas. Share your story idea with Lily. — A behind-the-scenes look at Rock Chalk Park in Lawrence, Kansas, previews the amenities it would offer to a 2026 World Cup team if it’s chosen by a country as a training site. Rock Chalk Park […]

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BEHIND THE SCENES

KSHB 41 reporter Lily O’Shea Becker covers Franklin and Douglas counties in Kansas. Share your story idea with Lily.

A behind-the-scenes look at Rock Chalk Park in Lawrence, Kansas, previews the amenities it would offer to a 2026 World Cup team if it’s chosen by a country as a training site.

Rock Chalk Park is home to the University of Kansas women’s soccer and softball teams, but its amenities can serve teams on the road: a laundry room, a medical room, a weight training room, and what Jason Booker with KU Athletics calls a locker room made for match days.

READ | KC Current training center being considered for World Cup team base camp

“I think they (countries) were a little bit surprised because they’ve seen some photos and things like that, but until you actually walk the facility, they were like, ‘Oh, OK, now I get it,'” Booker, KU deputy athletic director for external revenue, said. “These are large countries you would consider the A-class of soccer.”

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Booker said two countries have toured the facility, and KU anticipates several more tours throughout the year.

“Getting the read on their faces, it felt like it was very special, made us feel like we were onto something, that we were really going to do a great job being able to host,” he said.

Booker serves on the executive board of the Kansas City Sports Commission.

“I think what’s unique about this market is the opportunity to potentially host three base camps,” he said. “Two in Kansas City and one here (Lawrence), and we really consider ourselves as part of the Kansas City market.”

RELATED | ‘Big deal’: Lawrence, Douglas County unify efforts to prepare for 2026 World Cup ripple effects

He said countries touring base camps seem interested in Midwest sites due to their centralized location and distance from both coasts.

But, it wasn’t just the countries impressed by the tour, according to Booker. He said officials with FIFA took notice of the pitch.

“They came out and did a soil sample and said it would hold up to any English Premier League soccer pitch,” he said. “They were almost surprised when they came out and walked on the field, and they kind of looked at each other and were like, ‘Is this really a college soccer field?’”

Booker also mentioned Rock Chalk Park’s proximity to Lawrence Memorial Health West Campus and Topeka Regional Airport, where KU teams charter planes for sporting events, as external but nearby amenities for a team.

Booker said resources from the University of Kansas could help with hosting an international team, and the university itself could benefit from being in the spotlight.

“To be able to showcase this facility, we hope it will help with future recruiting, not only of student athletes but students on campus from an international perspective,” he said.

Booker said on open practice days, fans could fill the 2,000 seats around the pitch, and an additional 4,000 could watch from the lawn that surrounds the field.

Booker is planning alongside the City of Lawrence, which he said could see thousands of soccer fans next summer.

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2025 U.S. Classic: Field, schedule, how to watch

© Matthew Smith/Gymnastics Now The 2025 U.S. Classic is set for July 18-19 at NOW Arena in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, with Olympic gold medalist Hezly Rivera and Olympic alternates Joscelyn Roberson, Leanne Wong, and Tiana Sumanasekera headlining the field. The U.S. Classic is the final qualifier for the 2025 Xfinity U.S. Gymnastics Championships, which will […]

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From left to right: Nola Matthews, Leanne Wong, Hezly Rivera, Joscelyn Roberson, and Lexi Zeiss are all entered to compete at the 2025 U.S. ClassicFrom left to right: Nola Matthews, Leanne Wong, Hezly Rivera, Joscelyn Roberson, and Lexi Zeiss are all entered to compete at the 2025 U.S. Classic

© Matthew Smith/Gymnastics Now

The 2025 U.S. Classic is set for July 18-19 at NOW Arena in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, with Olympic gold medalist Hezly Rivera and Olympic alternates Joscelyn Roberson, Leanne Wong, and Tiana Sumanasekera headlining the field.

The U.S. Classic is the final qualifier for the 2025 Xfinity U.S. Gymnastics Championships, which will take place in New Orleans from August 7-10. This year’s meet features only women’s divisions after having men’s divisions in 2022 and 2023. It is also held in conjunction with the 2025 Hopes Championships, which features up-and-coming talent competing in 11-12 and 13-14 year-old divisions.

Simone Biles has won every U.S. Classic title since 2018 except for 2022, when Biles was on her post-Olympic hiatus and Wong was victorious. While Biles is once again on a post-Olympic break (to be determined if she’s retired or not), Wong is in the field again this year, as well as other NCAA and elite standout Roberson. The Florida and Arkansas stars have been on the Classic podium before, but this will be their first elite meet since Olympic Trials over a year ago.

Another exciting comeback to watch will be that of 2023 Winter Cup champion and 2022 world team alternate Lexi Zeiss. Zeiss just finished her freshman season at LSU and will compete in her first elite meet since the 2024 U.S. Championships.

Other names to watch include Jayla Hang – who has had an outstanding season internationally, winning nine individual medals at world cups and the Pan American Championships – 2025 Varna World Challenge Cup bars and floor champion Nola Matthews, 2025 Antalya World Cup beam champion Claire Pease, 2025 Jesolo Trophy bars champion Simone Rose, and 2025 Winter Cup champion Ashlee Sullivan.

Keep reading for how to watch the 2025 U.S. Classic and the full field.

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2025 U.S. Classic schedule and how to watch

Streaming Schedule

Date Event Platform Time (CT)
Friday, July 18 Hopes Championships FlipNow.tv 2:00–4:30 p.m.
Friday, July 18 Junior Women USAG YouTube 7:10–10:00 p.m.
Saturday, July 19 Senior Women – Session 1 USAG YouTube 2:00–4:00 p.m.

TV Broadcast Info

Date Event Platform Time (ET)
Saturday, July 19 Senior Women – Session 2 LIVE on CNBC & Peacock 8:00–10:00 p.m.
Sunday, July 20 Highlights (Tape Delay) NBC 4:00–6:00 p.m.

Who is competing at the 2025 U.S. Classic?

Senior Women Athletes (as of June 30, 2025)

  • Sage Bradford — WOGA
  • Harlow Buddendeck — RGA
  • Dulcy Caylor — World Champions Centre
  • Ally Damelio — San Mateo Gymnastics
  • Jordis Eichman — World Champions Centre
  • Reese Esponda — World Champions Centre
  • Kieryn Finnell — RGA
  • Catherine Guy — Pacific Reign
  • Jayla Hang — Pacific Reign
  • Gabrielle Hardie — Twin City Twisters
  • Myli Lew — San Mateo Gymnastics
  • Nola Matthews — Airborne Gymnastics Training Center
  • Annalisa Milton — GAGE
  • Malea Milton — GAGE
  • Avery Moll — Buckeye Gymnastics
  • Claire Pease — WOGA
  • Jazlene Pickens — Buckeye Gymnastics
  • Brooke Pierson — World Champions Centre
  • Hezly Rivera — WOGA
  • Joscelyn Roberson — University of Arkansas
  • Alessia Rosa — Hill’s Gymnastics
  • Simone Rose — Pacific Reign
  • Izzy Stassi — Gym X‑Treme
  • Ashlee Sullivan — Metroplex Gymnastics
  • Tiana Sumanasekera — World Champions Centre
  • Maliha Tressel — Twin City Twisters
  • Audree Valdenarro — Gymnastics Olympica USA
  • Sabrina Visconti — Nohas Gymnastics Academy
  • Camie Westerman — Hill’s Gymnastics
  • Halle Shea Wittenberg — Cypress Academy
  • Leanne Wong — University of Florida
  • Kelise Woolford — Buckeye Gymnastics
  • Lexi Zeiss — LSU
  • Alicia Zhou — Love Gymnastics

Junior Women Athletes (as of June 30, 2025)

  • Ashley Andrews — World Class Gymnastics
  • Isabella Anzola — WOGA
  • Sophia Buechler — Midwest Gymnastics Center
  • Charleigh Bullock — Capital Gymnastics
  • Espy Chang — Pacific Reign
  • Lavi Crain — GAGE
  • Vivi Crain — GAGE
  • Emmy Cunningham — Metroplex
  • Aulya Daniels — GAGE
  • Eva Doherty — World Class Gymnastics
  • Mavie Fitzgerald — San Mateo Gymnastics
  • Carla Fronc — Palmer’s Gymnastics Inc.
  • Addy Fulcher — Georgia Elite Gymnastics
  • Blake Green — Pearland Elite
  • Leah Higgins — North Stars Gymnastics Academy
  • Maya Kosarikova — Cypress Academy
  • Greta Krob — IGN
  • Isla Lazzari — CITY Club Gymnastics Academy
  • Anslee McCauley — Georgia All‑Star Gymnastics
  • Amariah Moore — First State Gymnastics
  • Caroline Moreau — Texas Dreams Gymnastics
  • Amia Pugh‑Banks — World Class Gymnastics
  • Lila Richardson — Hopes and Dreams Gymnastics
  • Paisley Ritger — Pacific Reign
  • Mary Salazar — Gymnastics Olympica USA
  • Kaylee Sath — GAGE
  • Elaina Sliney — Cincinnati Gymnastics
  • Kylie Smith — Cincinnati Gymnastics
  • Ansley Stevens — Cincinnati Gymnastics
  • Sage Stiggers — WOGA
  • Sydney Strong — Legacy Gymnastics
  • Emlyn Thomson — Hill’s Gymnastics
  • Addalye VanGrinsven — Pacific Reign
  • Grace Wickham — Georgia Elite Gymnastics
  • Sydney Williams — Metroplex
  • Trinity Wood — Capital Gymnastics
  • Mattie Mae Young — Georgia Elite



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Inside Gymnastics Magazine | Jayla Hang is set for the U.S. Elite season.

As a Junior Elite, Jayla Hang excited the gymnastics world with exceptional gymnastics and high level of difficulty. She quickly became an athlete many pinned as the future of USA Gymnastics. In 2024, U.S. National Team member Jayla Hang narrowly missed qualifying for the Olympic Trials. This motivated Hang heading into the 2025 season.  “I […]

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As a Junior Elite, Jayla Hang excited the gymnastics world with exceptional gymnastics and high level of difficulty. She quickly became an athlete many pinned as the future of USA Gymnastics. In 2024, U.S. National Team member Jayla Hang narrowly missed qualifying for the Olympic Trials. This motivated Hang heading into the 2025 season. 

“I think I learned that after last year where I didn’t make trials, I wanted to take every opportunity I could get and just use it to my advantage, and not slow down in any bit, just because you never know what could happen at the end of the year. Make every opportunity count,” Hang said

Hang has certainly made each opportunity in 2025 worth her while. She began the year by taking second in the All-Around at Winter Cup, where she was selected to compete at both the Antalya and Osijek World Cup. In Antalya, she qualified to all four event finals and won gold on vault, and once again made each event final and won gold on floor, silver on beam, and bronze on vault in Osijek. With her confidence building, in early June Hang made a trip to Panama for the Pan American Championships where she performed an astonishing three consecutive days in the All-Around and left as a six-time Pan American Championships medalist. She won gold with the Team and in the All-Around, silver on bars, beam, and floor, and bronze on vault. Despite the exhausting meet format, it ultimately gave Hang needed experience. 

 “I’ve never had a competition where it’s competition after competition after competition. Having to keep my endurance up so I could  make it to the end definitely was hard,” Hang said. “Going into that meet on the last day, I was so tired, you could ask anyone, I was falling asleep half the time,” she said with a laugh. “Vault warm ups where I couldn’t even run, my legs felt like jello.”

From the outside, you’d have a hard time telling that Hang was tired. She recorded a 55.666 All-Around score in the Team Final, the highest All-Around score from a U.S. gymnast so far in 2025. She also hit every routine she competed at Pan Ams, a perfect 12/12. Each competition of 2025 has helped strengthen Hang’s confidence on the competition floor. 

 “I think I’ve gained a little more experience just getting back on the competition floor,” she said. “Every opportunity I get to just raise my hand and do my routines puts one more thing in the bucket to gain my confidence.”



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Did Michigan Hockey miss on Gavin McKenna or did Brandon Naurato pivot?

Welcome to Michigan Musings! Every Monday – at least until the start of football season – this will serve as your prime source for all things Michigan Wolverines; a weekly digest featuring thoughts and commentary on (mostly) the top stories from the week that was. Similar to a newsletter (Brewsletter?), this will feature an assortment […]

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Welcome to Michigan Musings! Every Monday – at least until the start of football season – this will serve as your prime source for all things Michigan Wolverines; a weekly digest featuring thoughts and commentary on (mostly) the top stories from the week that was. Similar to a newsletter (Brewsletter?), this will feature an assortment of stories and opinions from football to basketball to hockey to pop culture and everything in between.

Grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and let’s dive in.

Gavin McKenna to Penn State: Michigan’s Miss or Brandon Naurato’s Pivot?

Gavin McKenna is going to Penn State. You read that correctly. The generational hockey talent is not going to Boston College, B-U, North Dakota, Michigan State, any Minnesota school, and unfortunately, not Michigan…but Penn State.

Far from a traditional power, the Nittany Lions won as many NCAA Tournament games last season as they had in their previous 12. Now, Penn State is swinging for the fences with several high-profile signings and none bigger than McKenna, who is the highest-rated prospect to ever play at the collegiate level.

*Slides chips to the middle of the table*

Apparently, McKenna’s decision came down to two options: Penn State and Michigan State. One, praise be to whomever that this kid did not end up in East Lansing (Quick aside: On the same day, just a few hours later, Michigan State All-Planet forward and last season’s Hobey Baker winner, Isaac Howard, signed a professional contract and has left the team. Now, there are bad days and then there are BAD days). Two, what happened to Michigan?

The Wolverines had been considered frontrunners for McKenna’s services since the rule passed allowing CHL players to play in the NCAA last November. But as the months wore on, Michigan slowly fell out of contention. McKenna didn’t even take a visit to Ann Arbor.

Perhaps it was money-driven. Penn State reportedly offered $700,000, more than doubling Michigan State’s offer of $300,000, and likely trumping anything Michigan could have offered. The Nittany Lions are clearly in the business of pockets over pedigree as they try to buy a national title — or at least the last two wins required — with the backing of the Pegula family. Somewhere, Buffalo Sabres fans are pissed.

This is a recruiting loss that hurts more than most. Especially after it appeared Michigan was all-in on McKenna a few months ago. It felt like approaching the hottest girl in school to ask her to prom, and on approach, she is making out with the rich new kid at her locker. But after listening to Mayday Parade for a few days, it’s time to move on.

Where do head coach Brandon Naurato and the Wolverines stand without McKenna? Honestly, it’s not as bleak as some might assume. While the McKenna circus was parading between Happy Valley and East Lansing, Naurato quietly added some role pieces to help solidify the 2025 roster.

Staying among the CHL ranks, Naurato signed skilled defensemen Henry Mews and Matthew Mania, a pair of physical forwards in Malcom Spence and Justin Larose, and one of the best goalie prospects in the country in Jack Ivankovic.

These moves are in addition to the incoming transfers of North Dakota forward Jayden Perron, Cornell defenseman Ben Robertson and Northern Michigan goalie Julian Molinaro. Adding these players to the known commodities in Michigan’s freshman class, the vision for this team is starting to come together.

Projected first line: Garrett Schifsky-T.J. Hughes-Josh Eernisse

Last year’s leading scorer and best playmaker, Hughes, is likely to wear the ‘C’ this year and will command one of the most experienced top lines in the country. Flanking the captain will likely be Schifsky, a highlight reel scorer, and Big Ern, who plays like a pickup truck with finesse. This trio has the highest two-way star potential, with all three willing to commit as much energy to the defensive zone as the offensive zone.

Projected second line: Will Horcoff-Michael Hage-Jayden Perron

Unsurprisingly, this will be Michigan’s highest-scoring line. Horcoff and Hage are both first-round draft picks, and Perron, a former third-rounder, is a gifted offensive player in his own right. Chemistry may take some time to develop, and defense could be an issue, but this line has the talent to produce with any line in the Big Ten.

Projected third line: Malcolm Spence-Kienan Draper-Nick Moldenhauer

Despite playing third line last season, I considered moving Draper down just to add some experience, but the balance of talents makes more sense this way. Draper is one of Naurato’s shining examples of player development and will bring some size and goal-scoring to this group. Spence is a playmaker who thrives in transition, and Moldenhauer quietly (finally) hit his goal-scoring stride in the Big Ten Tournament last season.

Projected fourth line: Justin Larose-Cole McKinney-Aidan Park

The grind line is back! Larose, simply put, is an M-F’er on the ice and will bring an edge this team desperately needs. Joining Larose are a pair of freshmen, Cole McKinney and Aidan Park. Park is a natural center, but he should be able to handle the wing. Despite his youth, Park plays with a refined defensive game and a crazy high motor. McKinney will center this line and has been described as a “pain to play against” and one of the most consistent defensive forwards in the 2025 NHL Draft class. Together, these three personify the ideal Michigan fourth line.

Projected first D pairing: Tyler Duke-Luca Fantilli

This duo played extensively last season, and whether they are the top pair or further down the rotation, expect them to play together. A former staple of the second unit, Duke and Fantilli are both great examples of Michigan player development. Especially Fantilli, who has gone from “Adam’s token older brother” to one of the team’s most reliable players.

Projected second D pairing: Ben Robertson-Henry Mews

Robertson and Mews could easily end up as one of the top-pair defensemen on this team. Scratch that. Robertson and Mews WILL be the top pair by the end of the season. Robertson played first-line minutes last season for Cornell — the team that knocked out the Spartans in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament — and Mews is one of the most skilled offensive defenseman joining college hockey this season. Robertson and Mews could be one-two on the team for ice time this season.

Projected third D pairing: Dakoda Rheaume-Mullen-Matthew Mania

Dakoda Rheaume-Mullen played left and right last season, but ended the year on the left. DRM is a defenseman’s defenseman, and Mania is a physical, puck-moving player who will “cave your face in if needed.” As a bottom pair, Naurato simply needs stability from these two.

Projected starting goalie: Jack Ivankovic

Ivankovic is the best goalie prospect Michigan has had in years. Despite being undersized, Ivankovic is incredibly athletic, technically sound, and has consistently been described as a winner. Julian Molinaro and Stephen Peck will battle for the right to rotate with Ivankovic, but unlike last year, it is definitively one player’s net.

Freshman defenseman Drew Shock and sophomore D-man Hunter Hady will compete for the extra skater spot, while freshman Asher Barnett will likely take a redshirt. Josh Orricco is still on the roster, but his production suggests he’s mostly there for vibes. Committed since 2022, forward Teddy Spitznagel could also be joining the team, but deciphering college hockey roster building only goes so far without access to Yost.

Naurato went into this offseason and took a hard look in the mirror. A few months ago, I wrote about how Naurato was burning the program down to rebuild with McKenna. But maybe my thinking was too obvious, too Monday morning GM.

Weighing the options, is one McKenna worth the combination of Mews, Spence and Ivankovic? Most would say yes, (I did a few months ago) but if that’s the case, why have Western Michigan, Denver and Quinnipiac won the last four national championships instead of the teams with exceedingly better top end talent — Michigan, Boston College, Minnesota, and B-U? Furthermore, Union and Yale have more recent national championships than those big four. Were those teams too concentrated on building a higher ceiling more than fortifying the foundation with depth?

It is clear Naurato wanted to take a different approach this offseason by spreading the wealth beyond his top lines and increase his team’s two-way ability and physicality. The names don’t look as sexy as “McKenna” on the marquee, but last season’s national champions, Western Michigan, only had eight players with NHL deals and only one was selected in the top-100.

Although Naurato is taking a new approach, it doesn’t mean he is just adding role players either. This team already features a handful of top-50 picks and a few more could still be on the way.

Depending on how you count the non-dressers, Michigan has one or two potential roster spots remaining. And as NHL Development Camps have come to an end, several big name former CHLers have decisions to make with their teams and agents. Namely, Porter Martone.

The most recent sixth overall pick has been linked to Michigan as long as McKenna was. Martone is a 6-foot-3 power forward who was drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers, and who would fit Naurato’s new vision of two-way physicality to a tee. However, as we found out, this connection to the program does not guarantee anything, and unfortunately, with the departure of Howard, expect Michigan State to also make a strong push for Martone.

Michigan has pivoted to a new approach to build a winner. An approach that was desperately needed as the previous has not led to a national championship since the late ‘90s. Despite the feeling of loss in the moment, Naurato and the Wolverines didn’t fold after Penn State went all in. The Nittany Lions added a King, but Michigan reshuffled with a Full House.



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Penn women’s soccer team brings in 9 newcomers for 2025 campaign

PHILADELPHIA– The University of Pennsylvania’s Douglas N. Brush Head Coach of Women’s Soccer, Dr. Krissy Turner, has announced her program’s 2029 recruiting class. Nine women — Lauren Anderson, Kylie Emanuel, Casey Forman, Landon Lipton, Leah Lynch, Nicki Masseur, Zula Root, Lauren Stevens, and Keira Taylor — will join the program as freshmen in August. “Overall, this […]

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PHILADELPHIA– The University of Pennsylvania’s Douglas N. Brush Head Coach of Women’s Soccer, Dr. Krissy Turner, has announced her program’s 2029 recruiting class.

Nine women — Lauren Anderson, Kylie Emanuel, Casey Forman, Landon Lipton, Leah Lynch, Nicki Masseur, Zula Root, Lauren Stevens, and Keira Taylor — will join the program as freshmen in August.

“Overall, this is a class that provides high-level experience coupled with a competitive mindset which will elevate our program,” Turner said. “Thank you to my staff for their help in recruiting such a talented group of young women who embody the best of Penn Women’s Soccer. These young women will mesh well with the current team and add depth in many areas on the field. We are excited for their arrival to campus in early August.”

Introducing the Penn women’s soccer incoming Class of 2029:

LAUREN ANDERSON
Defense
Spring Hill, Fla. | F.W. Springstead

Club: Hernando Heat (2016-20) and Tampa Bay United ECNL (2020-25)

High School: Three-year letter winner and one-year captain … Three-time Gulf Coast 8 champion … Two-time district champion … Competed in state Final 8 and Final 16 (one time each) … Two-time All-Gulf Coast 8 Conference Player (2022 and 2023) … Two-time Florida State/Southeast Region ODP selection (2019 and 2020) … Nike ID2 National Best XI selection (2022) … Two-time ECNL Southeast Conference First Team selection (2023 and 2024) … Three-time ECNL National Selection Game participant … Four-year ECNL team captain (2021-25) … Three ECNL National Playoff appearances (2021, 2022, and 2023) … USLW League Final 8 appearance (2023) … Four-year Academic High Honors student.

Personal: Father played baseball at Gettysburg College (1988-1991) … Brother, Brendan, plays baseball at Florida Southwestern State College… Will enroll in the College of Arts and Sciences.

Why Penn? “I loved the coaching staff and how they made me feel wanted here, and it was obvious from the players I met that they loved being here. The chance to help build a winning team while getting a first-rate Ivy League education on a campus with so much to offer was a life-changing opportunity I couldn’t pass up.”

Coach Turner on Anderson: “Lauren is a fearless competitor who brings a strong technical foundation with her to University City.”

KYLIE EMANUEL
Midfield
Washington D.C. | School Without Walls

Club: Washington Capital United (2014-20) and Arlington Soccer Association (2020-25)

High School: Varsity letter winner … DCIAA Girls’ Soccer Player of the Year (2023) … DCIAA Girls’ Soccer All-League Team (2023) … DCSAA Girls’ Soccer All-Met Team (2023 and 2024) … DCIAA scoring and assists Leader (2023) … Varsity track athlete … DCIAA 1600M and 800M track champion … DCIAA track all league (2022-23) … National Honor Society member … Certificate of Achievement in Fitness and Lifetime Sports recipient.

Personal: Father is a Penn alumnus … Will enroll in College of Arts and Sciences.

Why Penn? “As I learned more about its academic excellence, diverse opportunities, and supportive community, I realized how well Penn aligns with my own aspirations. One of the most compelling aspects of Penn is its competitive, yet supportive environment—which is especially evident on the Penn Women’s soccer team. I am excited by the idea of representing Penn on the field and contributing to the success of the team. The chance to be part of a school that has shaped my family’s history is truly special. At Penn, I see an opportunity to excel both academically and athletically in ways that extend beyond the classroom and the soccer field.”

Coach Turner on Emanuel: “Kylie has a strong love of the game, and her passion for it shines through in how she competes at a very intense level.”\

CASEY FORMAN
Defense
Wynnewood, Pa. | Lower Merion

Club: Lower Merion Soccer Club (2015-20) and FC Delco ECNL (2020-25)

High School: Four-year letter winner and two-year captain … Two-time Central League champion (2021 and 2022) … Three-time first-team All-Main Line (2022, 2023, and 2024) … Two-time first-team All-Central League (2023 and 2024) … Three-time North Atlantic First Team all-conference (2021, 2022, and 2023) … North Atlantic Second Team all-conference (2024) … National Merit Scholar … Officer of Computer Science Club … Writing fellow.

Personal: Father wrestled at Yale (1981-1985) … Will enroll in the College of Arts and Sciences.

Why Penn? “I chose Penn because of its mix of strong academics and competitive soccer, as well as the beautiful campus in a great city.”

Coach Turner on Forman: “Casey is quick and crafty with the ball and has a skill set that allows her to play in the back, the midfield, or up front.”

LANDON LIPTON
Midfield
New York, N.Y. | Poly Prep Country Day School

Club: MSC (2013-18), World Class FC (2018-21), and PDA (2022-25)

High School: Letter winner and one-year captain … three-time All-Conference (2022, 2023, and 2024) … Conference champion … NYSAIS champion … Named to first team ECNL in PDA … Model U.N. … Writer for school newspaper.

Personal: Brother, Holden, played baseball at Penn … Will enroll in the College of Arts and Sciences.

Why Penn? “I am super excited to attend the University of Pennsylvania because it is an incredible university with a global presence and incredible alumni. I am also looking forward to the opportunity to pursue my passion for soccer at the Division I level.”

Coach Turner on Lipton: “Landon is another student-athlete whose background allowed her to compete in an environment with one of the top girls’ clubs in the country. She has the versatility to play multiple positions, which is one of her many strengths as a player.”

LEAH LYNCH
Defense
Los Altos, Calif. | Sacred Heart Prep

Club: MVLA ECRL-NL (2021-23) and SVSA GA (2023-25)

High School: Four-year letter winner and captain … CCS Division I Semifinalist (2023) … CCS Division V champion (2024) … NORCAL finalist (2024) … SHP second team all-league (2024) … Competed as a varsity track and tennis athlete … Athlete Build for Others Scholarship recipient (2024) … SHP Award for Academic Excellence in Chemistry recipient … Senior class officer.

Personal: Father played football and baseball at Stanford (1989-92), playing 14 years in the NFL; currently serves as San Francisco 49ers general manager (since 2017) … Mother played tennis at Southern California (1987-92) … Brother, Jake, played football at Stanford (2018-21) … Sister, Lindsay, played tennis at Santa Clara (2019-23) … Will enroll in the College of Arts and Sciences.

Why Penn? “I chose Penn because it has been my dream for my whole life to play Division I college soccer. Getting the chance to fulfill this dream at Penn with outstanding academics, people, and a great community cultivated by the coaches and players is an opportunity I am so grateful for.”

Coach Turner on Lynch: “Leah is a tremendous athlete who is a fantastic ball winner. This is an area of her game that will be a great asset to us.”

NICOLA “NICKI” MASSEUR
Defense
New York, N.Y. | The Brearley School

Club: World Class ECNL Girls 07 (2021-25)

High School: Four-year letter winner and one-year captain … Two-time AAIS champion (2023 and 2024) … NYSAIS champion (2024) … Three-time AAIS All-Star selection (2021, 2023, and 2024) … Two-time New England Conference champion (2022 and 2023) … Three ECNL Playoff appearances (2022, 2023, and 2024) … Sixth-place finish in ECNL Nationals (2023) … Model U.N. …Mock Trial … Upper School Athletics representative (2021-2024) … LSA Youth Board Member … K-5 enrichment tutor … Service Club … Staff writer on school yearbook.

Personal: Mother played field hockey at Penn and is a Penn Athletics Hall of Fame inductee … Father ran track at Cornell … Will enroll in the College of Arts and Sciences.

Why Penn? “I chose Penn for the rigorous academic environment balanced with the family-like team environment that the players and coaches have cultivated.”

Coach Turner on Masseur: “Nicki is an attack-minded outside back, which fits well into how we want to play. She also provides us depth, as she can play in a few different positions on the field.”

URSZULA “ZULA” ROOT
Forward
Berkeley, Calif. | Berkeley

Club: Lamorinda Soccer Club (2022-25)

High School: Varsity letter winner … West Alameda County – Foothill League champion (2022) … Member of Western Region ODP Championship team (2022) … Four-time GA Northwest League champion (2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025) … Two-time GA Northwest Conference Talent ID (2023 and 2024) … Served as editor on the Berkeley High Jacket; Gold Crown Winner of Columbia Scholastic Press Association … Volunteered at the SF Marin Food Bank for five years.

Personal: Will enroll in the College of Arts and Sciences.

Why Penn? “I chose Penn because of the amazing academic opportunities it has to offer. Dr. Turner’s program at Penn is competitive, hardworking, and challenging, which I value. Penn is the best place for me to grow to face new challenges and to make the most of opportunities on and off the field.”

Coach Turner on Root: “Zula is a talented 1v1 player who will be creative up front for us and enhance our attack.”

LAUREN STEVENS
Midfield
Encinitas, Calif. | La Costa Canyon

Club: City SC (2018-21) and San Diego Surf (2021-25)

High School: Named a four-star recruit by TopDrawerSoccer.com… Named Top 150 IMG ranked player… Attended US Youth National Team camp (2022) … US Youth National Team ID Center invite (2022) … Played in ECNL Playoffs (2022 and 2023) … Surf Cup champion (2022 and 2024) … National Honor Society member… Volunteer with Meals on Wheels, Cake4Kids, and NCL… Served as a classroom aide at her local elementary school.

Personal: Will enroll in the Wharton School.

Why Penn? “I chose Penn because of the exceptional athletics and academics. The competitive, yet supportive, atmosphere fostered by the coaching staff provides me with an excellent environment to be successful on and off the field.”

Coach Turner on Stevens: “Lauren’s experience playing for one of the best club teams in the country allowed her to learn how to be a box-to-box midfielder who is relentless in her effort.”

KEIRA TAYLOR
Defense
Raleigh, N.C. | Millbrook

Club: Sporting Blue Valley (2011-17) and NC Courage Academy (2017-25)

High School: Letter winner … NCFC Junior Showcase champion (2019) … US Youth National Team ID Center invite (2022) … Jefferson Cup finalist (2022) … 2024 U17 ECNL National Playoffs (2024) … Member of the U20 USL NC Courage Team (2024) … NC Courage Academy team captain (2022-2025) … National Honor Society member … Spanish Honor Society member … Mu Alpha Theta Honor Society member … TOP Soccer volunteer … Was a member of debate club.

Personal: Father played ice hockey and lacrosse at St. Michael’s College… Will enroll in the College of Arts and Sciences.

Why Penn? “I chose Penn because the academic and athletic programs are of the highest level. The environment is competitive, friendly, and welcoming. I am very excited to bring my soccer game to the next level while challenging myself and growing in the classroom at Penn.”

Coach Turner on Taylor: “Keira’s experience with her club program provided her with a competitive environment while teaching her the game. She has a great foundation to do well as a Division I student-athlete.”



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Which Young Bruins Players Have The Best Chance Of Making The Roster?

The youth movement is in full effect for the Boston Bruins, or at least it was. After selling off core pieces at the trade deadline last year and opening new opportunities for their prospects, it appeared the Bruins were ready to reinvigorate their lineup heading into the 2025-26 campaign. But with several veteran additions through […]

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The youth movement is in full effect for the Boston Bruins, or at least it was.

After selling off core pieces at the trade deadline last year and opening new opportunities for their prospects, it appeared the Bruins were ready to reinvigorate their lineup heading into the 2025-26 campaign. But with several veteran additions through free agency, those opportunities have suddenly dwindled.

The organization has seemingly placed a road block in front of its young talent. Roster spots won’t be given to them, but rather earned through internal competition against the veteran incumbents and amongst each other.

As the Bruins’ depth chart currently stands, there are six roster spots available. (four forward positions, one on defense, and one in goal). Here’s which young players have the best chance at grabbing them.

Fraser Minten:

The focal point of this season for the Bruins is re-establishing their defensive identity, which plays perfectly into the hands of Fraser Minten.

While many of the other young hopefuls will have to rely on their ability on offense to make the team, Minten’s strong two-way play makes him a front-runner to earn a roster spot.

The 21-year-old arrived in Boston last season at the trade deadline from the Toronto Maple Leafs as part of the return for Brandon Carlo, and was called up not too long after.

Minten dressed six games for the Bruins down the stretch. Although he recorded only one goal, he showed his acumen for playing in his own zone by anchoring the third line and logging time on the penalty kill. He could very well take on the role once again this year.

Michael Callahan:

As the lone defenseman of the bunch, Michael Callahan has as good a chance as anyone to make Boston’s opening night roster as the extra body for the back end. If he’s able to beat out the newly acquired Jordan Harris and Victor Soderstrom, that is.

Callahan, 25, appeared in 17 games for the Bruins last season, accumulating 14:09 of time on ice per night and tallied a single goal. He was typically deployed for defensive zone shifts and largely held his own, even against difficult matchups such as Nathan MacKinnon.

Given his defensive tendencies, Callahan may in fact have the advantage in the triple threat match. Harris is more known for his play in the attacking end. Plus, Soderstrom has appeared in just three NHL games over the last two years.

Nevertheless, the battle between the three for the seventh defenseman role will be an underlying story during training camp.

Matthew Poitras:

It’s debatable who needs Matthew Poitras to make the team more, the Bruins or Poitras himself.

Of course, Poitras would like to break camp with the Bruins. Poitras struggled through pair of stints in Boston last year and was eventually demoted to AHL Providence after playing in only 33 games at the NHL level, so he should come into training camp with a hair across his you know what.

But say, for whatever reason, Poitras isn’t on the opening night roster and is instead back in Providence to start the year. It’ll be as damaging for the Bruins as it is him. Not only would it essentially signal that the Bruins have little belief in the young forward, but likely wipe out any value he has a potential trade chip as well.

Standing 5 ’11″and 180 pounds, Poitras’ size has always been his downfall. That could be the case once again with the Bruins continuing to prioritize playing with physicality.

Marat Khusnutdinov:

Another trade deadline acquisition by the Bruins last year, Marat Khusnutdinov had an early audition for the team over the final few weeks of last season, posting five points with three goals and two assists over 18 games.

Like Poitras, size isn’t on Marat Khusnutdinov’s side, either.

What is, though, is that, even if he doesn’t claim a spot in the starting lineup, he’s probably more apt to stick on the roster as an extra forward than Poitras or Fabian Lysell.

Fabian Lysell:

Perhaps the poster child of what used to be a concerningly shallow Bruins prospect pool, Fabian Lysell appeared to be yet another in a long line of disappointing first-round draft picks by the organization.

The former 21st overall pick in 2021 didn’t make his NHL debut until last season. Like all young players, he experienced difficulties making the adjustment but began to find his footing as the year came to a close, finishing with three points over his final five games.

As always, a willingness to compete is the chief concern when it comes to Lysell. If there was ever a time to dissuade those worries, it’s now.

Dans Locmelis:

Coming out of UMass, Dans Locmelis opened quite a few eyes during his short time in AHL Providence last season, and even more on the international stage while playing for Latvia in the World Championships earlier this summer.

However, that all came in a limited sample size, and the Bruins likely want Locmelis to develop in the minors for a little longer before adding him to the main roster.

The 21-year-old wing simply has too many players in front of him to leapfrog for spot on the team, even if he puts together a strong showing in training camp.

Michael DiPietro:

Michael DiPietro was far and away the best goalie in the AHL last season, and will have his work cut out for him as he tries to beat out two established NHL goalies in Jeremy Swayman and Joonas Korpisalo.

In actuality, the competition is between DiPietro and Korpisalo for the right to be Swayman’s backup, who owns the starting role as long as he’s in Boston. Korpisalo was unhappy with the amount of playing time he had last season and will make a heavy push for more this year, while DiPietro is hoping to prove he can make it at the next level.

The crease isn’t big enough for the both of them.

Georgii Merkulov:

It came as a surprise to see the Bruins re-sign Georgii Merkulov in restricted free-agency.

By his own admission, Merkulov had a hard time in his few appearances with the team last year, generating just one point in six games while also having his fair share of mishaps on defense as well.

It also should be noted that Merkulov isn’t exactly a spring chicken anymore, either, and will be 25 years old when the regular season begins. If he doesn’t develop into an NHL talent by then, it’s unlikely he ever will.

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Paul Finebaum reacts to report of Nick Saban interest in returning to coaching

Paul Finebaum had an interesting reaction to the wild Nick Saban coaching report put out by Greg McElroy on Monday. The former Alabama quarterback said he heard from someone “in the know” that believes Saban will return to coaching. Finebaum spoke to some others on a different occasion that said Saban is having the time […]

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Paul Finebaum had an interesting reaction to the wild Nick Saban coaching report put out by Greg McElroy on Monday. The former Alabama quarterback said he heard from someone “in the know” that believes Saban will return to coaching.

Finebaum spoke to some others on a different occasion that said Saban is having the time of his life not coaching. Currently, the former Alabama coach is an analyst in ESPN’s College GameDay, plays a lot of golf, does speaking engagements and hangs out with his wife, Miss Terry.

Fibebaum would love the news cycle if Saban decided to return to coaching, likely in college of course, but that’s not happening in his mind. Heck, just imagine if he did the opposite of Bill Belichick and tried his hands at the pros following a Hall of Fame college career.

“As much as I would love to have turned SEC Media Days upside down and said to Greg, ‘I’ve heard the same thing,’ I told Greg I was with somebody,” Finebaum began during SEC Media Days. “I was walking around somebody the other day, let me put it that way, who’s around Saban a lot, not in the state of Alabama, but in Florida. And he described to me what I’m sure you’ve heard many times, and you’ve heard, you know Nick very well, is that he’s having the time of life. 

“He’s playing at better golf clubs than he’s ever played at and that will continue, because everybody wants Nick Saban to be in their golf club. He’s making a fortune when he decides he wants to make a speech. He’s making a fortune when he shows up on ESPN once a week. And why would you give all that up at the age of 74? Don’t ask me how I know about things like that, but I hang around a lot of people who are turning 70, and it makes no sense, except that Nick Saban is the most competitive human being. And maybe if somebody said, ‘Coach, listen, Pete Carroll, same age, $10-15 million we’ll give you this, we’ll give you that.’”

For full context, McElroy explained what he heard regarding his former coach Monday morning on McElroy and Cubelic. There’s a reason why he brought it up.

“This is a little bit out of left field, but the question was asked of me … a very much in the know person that I have a lot of respect for and have spent a lot of time around and just really, really admire,” McElroy said during an interview with Paul Finebaum on the show. “They seem to think Nick Saban’s not done coaching. I had a similar reaction. He’s pretty adamant that he thinks Nick Saban will be coaching again. … Look, if it wasn’t someone notable, I’d never say a word.”

Saban retired with a record of 292-71-1 and seven national championships. He was the head coach at Toledo, Michigan State, LSU and Alabama in his career. Saban also had a brief stint with the Cleveland Browns as the DC under Belichick.



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