Sports

Bronson Chungson breaks barriers in water polo

Published

7 months ago

May 19, 2025

Nineteen-year-old Bronson Chungson, from Māngere, is not only competing in international polo but also breaking new ground as one of the few Pacific Islanders in a sport noted for its lack of diversity.

Born and raised in South Auckland, Chungson has quickly become a standout talent in water polo.

“I grew up in South Auckland, born and raised in Māngere, and went to Sacred Heart College. I currently live in San Francisco and I’m just playing water polo and studying,” he shared in an interview with Tofiga Fepulea’i on Island Time.

Chungson’s journey into the sport began at the Papatoetoe and Māngere swim clubs, where his aunt, a coach at Holy Cross Papatoetoe, introduced him to water polo.

“I didn’t enjoy [swimming] as much because it was an individual sport… but water polo being a team sport, it gave me more of a passion and a love for it because I got to play with friends.”

By Year 11 and 12, Chungson was already playing for older New Zealand squads. He now plays for West Valley College in California.

In June, Chungson will compete at the Under-21 World Championships in Croatia and Montenegro. He recognises the challenges ahead.

“Definitely, the European teams are the powerhouses – Hungary, Serbia, Croatia. But we’ve been fortunate enough to have a slightly less challenging pool. We’ve got Kazakhstan and Iran. I’m pretty sure Kazakhstan came first in the Asia Cup tournament, so we’ll be playing the champs of Asia.”

Chungson’s parents are fundraising to cover his travel costs to the World Championships. On their Givealittle page, they expressed their pride in his achievements, stating, “It’s such an incredible achievement, and we couldn’t be prouder.”

They say water polo is considered a minority sport and does not receive much funding, but they are committed to supporting Chungson’s passion and promoting cultural representation in the sport.

Watch the full interview with Bronson Chungson below.

“He’s often the only Sāmoan player in his teams, and it’s something he’s incredibly proud of. He loves representing his culture in a sport where diversity is rare, and this opportunity to represent both New Zealand and his Sāmoan roots on the world stage is something truly special.”

Looking ahead

Chungson still has one more year at West Valley and hopes to transfer to a four-year college in New York, California, or Los Angeles.

He says a highlight has been staying with other water polo athletes from South Africa, Germany, and Croatia, while representing his cultural roots.

“There are not many Pacific Islanders who are playing the sport, and so I want to make sure that I can inspire and encourage the younger generation to pursue a sport where it’s not dominated by Pacific Islanders as well, but we can still make a big mark.”

Bronson Chungson (centre) with his proud parents. Photo/Givealittle

Despite being far from home, he maintains a strong connection to his faith and culture. “It’s enormous for me, especially living here, it’s been hard dealing with the pressure and the stress with trying to play well in front of coaches and team-mates. But I always just remember that I’m playing for an audience of one and I give all my glory to God.”

His high school coach, Matt Lewis, a West Valley alumnus, has been one of his biggest inspirations. “There was a time when I was kind of thinking of just quitting water polo… but he helped me find the love and the passion for it again.”

Chungson encourages others to consider water polo. “Just give it a try. I think there’s too many times where we pass up these opportunities and we only later realise that we’re missing out … It’s just throwing a ball, playing with some teammates and having fun.”

Bronson Chungson’s waterpolo skills have led to travel and study opportunities. Photo/Supplied

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Sports

Tennessee Tech Closes 2025 with Tennessee State at Eblen Center

Published

24 seconds ago

December 28, 2025

Your Sports Nation

By Jeff Bowe, TTU Athletics Media Relations

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee Tech (6-7, 1-1) men’s basketball plays its final game of 2025 against Tennessee State (7-5, 1-1) at Hooper Eblen Center at 7:30 p.m. CT on Tuesday, Dec. 30.

The Golden Eagles return to the hardwood after an extended break for the holidays to face the Tigers. TSU has won five of the last seven games but most recently fell, 91-82, to SEMO, opening OVC competition 1-1. Tech has won three of the last four games and opened conference play with an 85-74 victory over SEMO, then fell to UT Martin (L, 62-86).

TTU enters today’s game 4-2 at home this season with wins over SEMO, Bethel (101-69), Berea (86-64), and Va. Lynchburg (118-58), and losses to West Ga. (L, 59-61) and UT Martin (L, 62-86).

GAME INFORMATION
Matchup: Tennessee Tech (6-7, 1-1 OVC) vs. Tennessee State (7-5, 1-1 OVC)
Date & Time: Tuesday, Dec. 30 at 7:30 p.m. CT
Venue: Hooper Eblen Center
Watch: ESPN+ | Dylan Vazzano (PxP) and Frank Harrell (Analyst)
Radio: 106.1 The Eagle | Noah McKay (PxP) and Jacob Vinson (Analyst)
Promotion: Purple Haze – WEAR PURPLE!

INSIDE THE SERIES
Overall: TSU leads, 41-39
In Cookeville: Tech leads, 23-17
In Nashville: TSU leads, 18-22
Neutral sites: TSU leads 2-0
Current Streak: TTU won 1
Last Meeting: TTU won 77-74 in Cookeville (Feb. 22, 2025)

TECH NOTES
Dani Pounds leads Tech in scoring, averaging 12.5 points per game (19th in OVC), and Mekhi Cameron is second on the team with 12.2 points per game (20th in OVC). Pounds is fourth in the OVC in free-throw percentage, shooting 84.1 from the line. Pounds leads the Golden Eagles in rebounds with 4.8 per game (20th in OVC).

JaJuan Nicholls is second on the team in rebounds per game (4.7), which is 23rd in the conference.

Tennessee Tech’s 118 points against Va. Lynchburg (W, 118-58, 11/10/25) mark the third-most points scored in a single game by an OVC team this season.

Ty Owens is second in the OVC with 4.2 assists per game (54 total). Nicholls is tied for fifth in the conference in blocks per game (1.2) and fourth in the OVC in total blocks (16).

The Golden Eagles are second in the conference in points per game (79.7), as well as fourth in the conference in scoring margin (3.5). TTU holds the second-best shooting percentage in the OVC (47.0, 365-777), making three fewer shots than the conference leaders (Lindenwood, 47.4).

OPPONENT NOTES
Tennessee State (7-5, 1-1) leads the all-time series 41-39 as the teams split the last two matchups during the 2024-25 season.

The Tigers are coming off a hard-fought 91–82 loss to Southeast Missouri at the Gentry Center, while the Golden Eagles also enter the contest following a defeat.

The game marks the return to action for both programs after a 10-day break. Tennessee State will open the 2026 calendar year on the road at Little Rock on Saturday, Jan. 3.

Aaron Nkrumah leads the Tigers in scoring with 17.0 points per game, averaging 4.8 rebounds per contest and 2.6 assists per game. Travis Harper II is second on the team with 15.8 points per game, and Dante Harris is third on the squad per contest with 12.6 points on average.

PURCHASE TICKETS
Tickets for Tennessee Tech Men’s Basketball are on sale now – call (931) 372-3940, visit the Hooper Eblen Center ticket office, or order online at TTUsports.com.

FOLLOW THE GOLDEN EAGLES
Fans can be sure to follow the Golden Eagles men’s basketball team on X (@TTU_Basketball), Instagram (TTUMBB), and Facebook (TTU MBB) for all of the news, notes, and updates.

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Sports

Top 25 Moments of 2025

Published

15 minutes ago

December 28, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Helms, a transfer from Texas A&M, bested his previous Heptathlon score of 5394 which he earned at the Stan Scott Invite and Multis taking place on Jan. 30-Feb. 1, hosted by Texas Tech. He has had immense success in the Key City, posting three different splits at the Red Raider open in the 60m hurdles (8.30), 4x400m (3:16.21, 49.27 split) and pole vault (16-2/4.93m).

At the Mountain West Outdoor Track and Field Championships, Robertson has etched herself in the record books. At the NCAA Outdoor National Championships, she recorded the best finish by a Bronco since the 2022 campaign by finishing 53rd in a field of 254 total runners.

Robertson was the first Bronco woman to earn All-America honors in the 1,500 since 2019 (Emma Bates). Hanna Ackermann also posted a top finish while in Eugene. Ackermann recorded a time of 9:54.21 in the steeplechase. The time was the third-fastest time in Boise State history.

Helms registered a score of 7,696 in the decathlon. His mark ranks third in Boise State school history and improved his previous mark in the decathlon at the 2025 Mountain West Outdoor Track and Field Championships which were hosted by Fresno State in Clovis, California.

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Shondell Inks Transfer Lameen Mambu – Purdue Boilermakers

Published

32 minutes ago

December 28, 2025

Your Sports Nation

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Outside hitter Lameen “Mimi” Mambu is set to transfer to Purdue volleyball, announced by head coach Dave Shondell. Mambu joins the Boilermakers after spending her freshman season at Georgia Tech, where she led the Yellow Jackets’ offense with 345 points and 304 kills.

“What a wonderful Christmas gift to get the commitment from a smart and dynamic student-athlete,” Shondell said. “We’re excited to have this hard-hitting high-flyer join our team after such a strong first season at Georgia Tech where she helped lead them to an NCAA tournament appearance. We watched Mimi play in high school and knew she would be a special player. Mimi learned so much about our program from Kash [Akasha Anderson] and Isabelle Bardin who are good friends from the D.C. area.”

2025 // AS A FRESHMAN AT GEORGIA TECH

Played in all 30 matches as a freshman, making 25 starts
Led Georgia Tech’s offense with 345 points, 304 kills and 854 attempts while averaging 2.92 kills per set
Posted 10 digs, seven kills and two block assists at Purdue in Georgia Tech’s 3-1 win at Purdue (9/3).
Averaged one dig per set with .46 blocks per set
Recorded a season-high 17 kills vs. Georgia (9/19)
Secured a career-high 20 points vs. Arkansas State (8/31), including a career-high 16 digs and 16 kills
Registered three double-doubles
Went nearly errorless on the attack in the sweep at Clemson (11/12), posting a .481 attack % behind 14 kills and one error on 27 swings
Saw at least 20 attacks in 25 matches and 40 attacks in four matches
Served up four aces in the season-opener vs. Wofford (8/29), a career-high
Totaled 14 kills, second-most on the team, along with four digs and a block assist in the five set loss to UCLA in the NCAA First Round

HIGH SCHOOL

Spent four years playing at Chantilly High School
A three-time District Player of the Year award winner (2022-2024)
Three-time All-State First Team honoree (2022-2024)
Four-time All-Region First Team honoree (2021-2024)
Led her to team to become three-time District Champions (2021, 2022, 2024) and two-time Regional Champions (2022 And 2024)
2025 Under Armor Next Volleyball All-American competitor
Won a silver medal with the United States U19 National Team during the summer of 2025

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Best of small school volleyball in Palm Beach

Published

48 minutes ago

December 28, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Dec. 28, 2025, 10:54 a.m. ET

The 2025 Palm Beach Post All-County teams are here!

The Palm Beach County High School Sports Awards is proud to announce the Player of the Year nominees for small school volleyball.

Player of the Year winners will be announced at the South Florida Fair in a live ceremony on Saturday, Jan. 24. Nominees will be able to register to attend for free, thanks to sponsors. For more information about the show, please reach out to deputy sports editor Eric J. Wallace (ejwallace@pbpost.com).

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Best of large school volleyball in Palm Beach

Published

1 hour ago

December 28, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Dec. 28, 2025, 10:54 a.m. ET

The 2025 Palm Beach Post All-County teams are here!

The Palm Beach County High School Sports Awards is proud to announce the Player of the Year nominees for large school volleyball.

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Sports

December 28 – Kelly Sheffield was hired to coach UW-Madison’s Volleyball team

Published

1 hour ago

December 28, 2025

Your Sports Nation

MADISON, Wis. — On this day, December 28, 2012, Kelly Sheffield was hired as Wisconsin’s head volleyball coach, instantly propelling the program into one of the best in the country.

The Badgers had been coached by Pete Waite for the previous 13 years, and the program had been struggling since 2008. Sheffield turned things around immediately in his first season, making it all the way to the national championship in 2013, falling just short to Penn State.

Since then, the Badgers have made the NCAA tournament each season and have not lost more than 10 games in any season since he was hired.

He led the program to the top of the mountain in 2021, when they defeated Nebraska for the first championship in program history.

Since then, they have made the Final Four twice, most recently this past season, where they fell just short to the Kentucky Wildcats in five sets.

Sheffield has also coached 20 different Badgers to 45 All-American nominations, headlined by Dana Rettke and Sarah Franklin who won AVCA Player of the Year honors in 2021 and 2023.

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