When I was thinking about college, those words just would not have come out. To get to go to college was an honor and a privilege. Of course, most wanted to go to some college and get the best jobs. It was an assumption for most high school students in the 1950s.

USA Today ran an article a week ago that caught my full attention. The subhead read “Teen grads increasingly choosing tech school.” I had certainly heard the idea that college is not for all, and I fully agree. But the statistics that I read were a bit shocking. First was a survey finding that 45% of teens were not interested in going to college. Of that group, about 14% were considering a trade school of sorts, and the rest were considering other options.

Also, with those teens not wanting college, many of their parents were fine with the idea, but overall, over 80% of all teens’ parents encouraged their children to attend college. A substantial number of parents did support a plan to not immediately attend college, rather seeking some time during which to travel, go to work or pursue a nondegree program.

Of course, finance is one of the leading reasons for not attending college. The price of education, whether it be at a four-year university, a junior college or even some sort of online platform, can be downright scary. Right now, the average cost of an in-state tuition at a university is $10,000 a year, while to attend out of state is almost triple that number. College tuition has doubled since 2000.

Want an even a scarier thought? Full tuition at Northwestern Law School in 1964 was about $6,000 a year. Last I heard, it was now close to $80,000 per year. Walking out looking for that first job, if there was no scholarship help, that law student would be $250,000 in debt.

Compare those numbers with the fact that the average cost of a complete trade school program’s tuition was about $15,000 last year. Then, one can compare those costs with what the potential income would be for the student. Is that fancy school worth it? Will there be a return on that additional investment?

I look back at the classmates of my 1967 graduation from law school and look back on their productive financial lives. Take my three roommates over that three-year span in law school. What a difference in ultimate employment. My freshman roommate was hired by a very prestigious law firm in San Francisco and would eventually represent the National Football League! One ended up in the insurance business far from the practice of law. The third, after making the coveted Law Review his first year, moved to an island off Seattle and raised goats. He later taught online for a university, and for a short stint served as a public defender. He really did a minimal practice of law.

Of course, those men all completed seven years of college and probably owed a substantial amount of college debt upon graduation, as did I. But the field opened a lifetime of practicing law to two of us. The college grind and expense were well worth it in the long run. Without our law degrees, we couldn’t pursue that career.

But that was almost 60 years ago. Certainly, things have changed. My senior high school class of 1960 had me as the only one who had his undergraduate degree after four years. Many more were to achieve that goal in a couple extra years, but cost and other factors brought a delay to some and a permanent nonattendance to a lot of others.

It is now 2025. My two oldest grandchildren have graduated from college, and two more are in college. None have shown any desire to skip this further education. But one of the surveys mentioned in the USA Today article showed that most high school students and their parents are basically unaware of their post-graduation options other than the four-year college path. Until graduation is near, many high school students and their parents have not discussed future educational plans.

I remember hearing that when a friend of mine was in high school, his father talked only about IF he went to college. My family talked only about WHEN we went to college. Expectation is often a driving force.

But college life is so much more than a degree and learning new skills. It can open the student to other ways of life, other beliefs, even other political views. Growing up in Clifton had not taught me a lot about much of the world. Only getting out there and experiencing it had me learning of the many differences here on planet Earth. It showed me that we Americans can be quite different in our views, our social status and our beliefs, be it political, religious or economics. I even found out that there were lots of folks who did not understand the difference between a cornfield and a soybean field.

If college is one thing, it is the opening of one’s eyes to so many other ways of life. Trade school is fine but generally confining, with no relocation and the same community. College is so much more wide open to life experiences as well as education. So, if your child or grandchild wants to skip college and go straight to a work plan, so be it. But at least show him or her the other options, even though it involves a lot of hard work and expense. Let the child see both sides and then decide.

Dennis Marek can be contacted at llamalaw23@gmail.com.

GIRLS TRACK ALL-SCHOLASTICS

Breanna Braham (Dennis-Yarmouth) 400 meters

Ainsley Cuthbertson (Lexington) shot put, discus

Emmanuella Edozien (Natick) 100-hurdles

Chloe Elder (Natick) 400 meters

Alessandra Forgione (Peabody) discus, javelin

Madeline Goncalves (Haverhill) shot put

Emerson Gould (Acton-Boxboro) pole vault

Greta Hammer (Needham) 2-miles

Abigail Hennessy (Westford Academy) 800 meters, mile

Nyrah Joseph (Billerica) pentathlon, triple jump

Nina Kyei-Aboagye (Sharon) 100 meters, 200 meters

Giuliana Ligor (North Reading) 400-hurdles

Gabrielle Pierre (Lincoln-Sudbury) long jump, triple jump

Zoe Santos (Norton) high jump

Julia Hansen, Grace Okocha, Gabrielle Antebi, Lavender Kozaka (Oliver Ames) 4×100-relay

Lilah MacQuarrie, Riley Earle, Maddie MacKinnon, Liv Coperine (Duxbury) 4×400 relay

Tea Pagnotti, Maeve Gavin, Susannah Rockers, Hailey Cashman (Westwood) 4×800-relay

BREANNA BRAHAM

DENNIS-YARMOUTH

The Cape and Island League MVP won the Div. 5 championship in the 200-meter (24.29) and the 400-meter (54.87). She also won the New England championship in the 200-meter (23.86) and the 400-meter (53.99). She had times of 23.63 and 53.70 at the Meet of Champions in the 200-meter and 400-meters, respectively. The honors student will study Nursing at the University of Louisville.

AINSLEY CUTHBERTSON

LEXINGTON

The two-time Div. 1 champion set the state record in the U18 hammer this season while also winning the Div. 1 shot put and discus. The four-time Middlesex League All-Star holds five individual school records. The junior is an honor roll student.

EMMANUELLA EDOZIEN

NATICK

The junior set the state record in the 100-meter hurdles while also being named the champion at the Meet of Champions. She also won the 55-meter hurdles and is a two-time New Balance Nationals semifinalist in the 60-meter hurdles and 100-meter hurdles. Edozien is an honor roll student.

CHLOE ELDER

NATICK

The two-time Div. 1 champion holds program records in the 200-meter, 300-meter and 400-meter races. She placed 16th at Nationals in the 400-meter. The junior is a member of the National Honor Society and wants to major in health sciences to become an occupational therapist.

ALESSANDRA FORGIONE

PEABODY

The senior placed first at the Div. 1 championship in both javelin and discus. She also placed fourth at the Meet of Champions in shot put and took home first in the javelin. Forgione placed first at the New England championship in the javelin in 2024. She will attend UMass-Lowell.

MADELINE GONCALVES

HAVERHILL

The senior finished first in the shot put in the Meet of Champions and a runner-up in the New England championship meet. The school record holder in shot put and discus had personal bests of 44’2″ and 111’11” respectively. The National Honor Society member will attend the College of the Holy Cross.

EMERSON GOULD

ACTON-BOXBORO

The Dual County League All Star went undefeated at the pole vault which included first-place finishes at the Div. 1 championship and the Meet of Champions while also anchoring the 4×100 relay team that took home first as well. The senior also placed 15th at New Balance Nationals and now holds five school records. She will be pole-vaulting at Indiana University with a major in marketing.

GRETA HAMMER

NEEDHAM

The junior won the 2-mile at the Meet of Champions with a fifth-place finish in the mile. She also finished as the runner-up at the Meet of Champions in 2024 in the 2-mile. In her spare time, Hammer has donated more than 100 hours to community service.

ABIGAIL HENNESSY

WESTFORD ACADEMY

The junior took home first place in the Div. 1 800-meters (2:07.18 personal record) as well as the mile and continued her dominance by placing first in the 800-meter and the mile (4:37.11 personal record) in the Meet of Champions. The high honors student also placed seventh at the New Balance Nationals in the mile (4:42.72).

NYRAH JOSEPH

BILLERICA

The senior recorded a personal best 39’5″ triple jump to take home the Div. 3 championship title and scored 3,475 in the pentathlon to win that as well to win the MSTCA Outdoor Pentathlon. The Barbara Hood Memorial Student Scholar Athlete Award winner also took home first at the Div. 3 championship in the 100-meter hurdles (14.68), the 55-meter hurdles (8.35) and the pentathlon (3,258). The four-time All-Scholastic is a high honor roll/honor roll student and is committed to run track and field at UMass Lowell while studying exercise science.

NINA KYEI-ABOAGYE

SHARON

The junior broke the state record in the 200-meter and was the meet of Champions winner in the 200-meter and 100-meter. She went undefeated in the 100-meter this season. The cheerleader has not committed to any future collegiate plans at this time.

GIULIANA LIGOR

NORTH READING

The three-time Cape Ann League Athlete of the Year placed first in the Div. 5 championship in the 100-meter hurdles and the 400-meter hurdles while being the runner-up in the 100-meter hurdles at the Meet of Champions and winning the 400-meter hurdles for the third straight season at the Meet of Champions. Ligor is a high honors student and member of the National Honor Society. The senior will compete in track and field for the University of Pennsylvania.

GABRIELLE PIERRE

LINCOLN-SUDBURY

Pierre set a personal record with a 19’8.25″ long jump to take home the crown in the Div. 1 championship. The senior was runner-up at the Meet of Champions in the long jump (18’5.25″) while also placing first first in the triple jump (41’9.5″). She will attend the University of Florida.

ZOE SANTOS

NORTON

The senior won both the Div. 5 championship (5-4) and Meet of Champions (5-7) events. She also captured titles at the MSTCA Dr. George Steele Relays. A multi-time All-Scholastic, Santos will run track at Quinnipiac.

OLIVER AMES

4×100

Grace Okocha, Julia Hansen, Gabrielle Antebi, Lavender Kozaka

The relay team of Grace Okocha, Julia Hanse, Gabrielle Antebi and Lavender Kozola set a program record with a 48.95 in the 4×100 meter relay to capture the Div. 3 championship and they also won the Meet of Champions in the same event with a 49.02. Antebi is a National Honor Society member and a high honor roll student. Hansen is a two-time Hockomock League All Star, National Honor Society member and high honors student who will attend Holy Cross to study biology. Okocha is a six-time Hockomock League All Star and high honor roll student who will attend URI for nursing. Sophomore Lavender Kozaka is now a two-time state champion and a high honors student.

DUXBURY

4×400

Liv Coperine, Lilah MacQuarrie, Maddie McKinnon, Riley Earle

The sophomore foursome of Liv Coperine, Lilah MacQuarrie, Maddie McKinnon and Riley Earle were the Div. 3 runner ups in the 4×400 relay. Coperine holds eight program records and is a Patriot League All-Star. MacQuarrie is an honor roll student and a two-time Patriot League All-Star. McKinnon is looking to attend high academic school, while Earle is a Patriot League All-Star and high honor roll student.

WESTWOOD

4×800

Tea Pagnotti, Maeve Gavin, Susannah Rockers, Hailey Cashman

The quartet of Tea Pagnotti, Maeve Gavin, Susannah Rockers and Hailey Cashman set a program record to win the Div. 3 championship in the 4×800 relay and won the Meet of Champions with a time of 9:17.58. Pagnotti set a personal record with a 2:14 in her 800 while also being a high honors student. Gavin is a member of the National Honors Society and would love to run cross country and track in college. Rockers is a five-time National Qualifier in indoor/outdoor track, a Tri-Valley League All Star, while Cashman is a straight A student.

LEAGUE ALL-STARS

BAY STATE CONFERENCE

Caitlyn Chang, Erin Kelley (Braintree); Thalia Goessling (Brookline); Ava Lombardo (Framingham); Ella Turner, Annaliese Aguilar, Reagan Gilmartin (Milton); Chloe Elder, Emmanuella Edozien, Sydni Chandler (Natick); Audrey Adam, Eva Adam, Eva Geddes, Greta Hammer, Sofi Galan (Needham); Audrey Welstead, Blake MacNeal, Brooke Bennett, Maggie Abely, Sophie Finkelstein (Newton North); Victoria Terzyiska (Walpole); Annie Comella, Charlotte Tuxbury, Emma Tuxbury, Kayla Bohlin, Leila Eccher, Maddie Tuxbury (Wellesley); Ainsley Weber, Casey Dempsey, Emma Daley, Gracie Richard, Isabella Galusha, Madison Campbell (Weymouth)

MVP: Chloe Elder

BIG THREE

Amaya Pastor, Jacqui Bank, Julia Lague, Madalena Morris, Alaysha Sylvia-Figueroa, Teresa Jacob Reig (New Bedford); Presley Yentz, Shayla Harrison, Mia Melendez, Anjola Olubanwo, Jasmine DoSouto, Gabrielle Nozil (Durfee); Kaliya Sanon, Miriam Correia, Miah Webb, Alina Nguyen, Jada Furtado (Brockton)

MVP: Madalena Morris

BOSTON CITY LEAGUE

Ava Gomes, Leanna Lynch, Demya McClure, Emma Wadsworth, Anjuli Szydlo, Maemae Chiang (Latin Academy); Sara Blanco (O’Bryant); Jacaya Ford (New Mission); Kali Eustache (Brighton)

ATHLETE OF THE YEAR: Leanna Lynch

CAPE AND ISLANDS

Chari Wright, Whitney Sousa, Sophia Morin (Barnstable); Breanna Braham, Vivian Castano, Ava Kvietok, Olivia Pendleton, Siena Lauze, Kirsten Theloma, Kerri Clark, Katie Popovich (Nauset); Leah Depiper (Falmouth); Madison Mello, Camille Brand (Martha’s Vineyard); Varvara Conley, Alexa Ford (Monomoy); Rihanna Sutherland, Amina Iliusinova, Violet Roche, Adrianna Morgan (Nauset); Tallulah Clifford, Mary Kudarauskas, Hailey Patrish Valencia (Sturgis)

MVP: Breanna Braham

CAPE ANN LEAGUE

Delaney Dunn, 4×100 relay (Essex Tech); Giuliana Ligor, Callie MacLellan (North Reading); Morgan Felts, Kayley Simons, Devin Stroope, 4×400 relay (Newburyport); Ava Burl, London Cole (Triton); Georgia Wilson, Grace Rich, Asa Labell, 4×800 relay (Hamilton-Wenham); Kameya Perron (Ipswich)

ATHLETE OF THE YEAR: Giuliana Ligor, Georgia Wilson

CATHOLIC CENTRAL LEAGUE

Kaitlyn Burke, Kayla Dennis (Archbishop Williams); Nikki Clarke, Madison Giesta, Lea Ahmad-LeBlanc, Abigail Young (Arlington Catholic); Tea Briggs, Gigi Colleran, Ciara Coyne, Moira Cosgrove, Ella Dos Santos, Molly Duignan, Zoe Kurtz, Grace McMahan, Jillian Olson, Sophie Shaw, Eva Tynan (Bishop Feehan); Olivia Rowe, Anne Swanson, Adelaide Sweatman, Marianna Kay, Kyleigh Pidgeon (Cardinal Spellman); Abigail Clark, Annaikiah Donahue-Wilfred, Lydia Donahue-Wilfred, Gabrielle Howard (Cardinal Spellman); Jazmin Rodriguez (St. Mary’s)

MVP: Annaikiah Donahue-Wilfred

COMMONWEALTH ATHLETIC CONFERENCE

LOWER: Sarah Benchekroun, Katelyn Gilkie (Innovation); Jireilis DeJesus, Ferlande Jean Kacques, Estrella Martinez, Niya Brigham, Widelis Nieves, Maria Villaba, Kissairy Crespo, Zahara Belizaire, Isabella Cortez, Ava Rodriguez, Alana Gordon, Faith Akinbami, Leslie Zorrilla, Amy Huynh, Kassandra Pena (Lynn Tech); Destanee Soba (Nashoba Tech); Alice Jones (Mystic Valley)

MVP: Zahara Belizaire, Destanee Soba

UPPER: Teagan Galvagni, Olivia Stack, Mackenzie Plouffe, Andy Kalonji, Lily Beland, Lindsey Romelus, Hannah Ortiz, Wandelis Sanchez, Emaleigh Santos, Natasha Sarpong, Audrey Yann, Cedaine Decosma, Lillyana Githitu, Tshiabu Mutombo, Charlotte Fitch (Greater Lowell); Mariely Cepeda, Charlotte Berube, Elizallian Rivera, Leilana George, Jade Hallahan, Angelina Carvalho, Elizallian Rivera, Saskia Chai (Whittier); Feka Desir, Feyka Desir, Amira Martin, Brianna Solis (Northeast); Haleigh Cyr, Jaheidy Ortiz, Julissa Sanchez, Jada Ortiz, Trinity Figueroa, Liana Sanchez, Nicole Guerrero (Greater Lawrence); Kara Clayton, Mackenzie Weathebee, Makayla Nolan, Sydney MacPherson (Shawsheen)

GREATER BOSTON LEAGUE

Thania Simon, Kiara Ramirez-Villata, Lilly Serrano, Lauren Nadow, Hazel Hatleberg, Angely Mejia (Chelsea); Devonnnie Gomez-Walrond (Everett); Mariana De Leon (Lynn Classical); Danivel Diroche, Madisen McHake, Jade Quero (Lynn English); Amanda Fowke (Malden); Norah Berson, Emma Beardsley, Isabelle De Sousa-Vieira, Anycia Pierre, Gabriella Komorny, Sydney Coffillm, Caroline Gomez-McDonald, Olivia O’Brien, Sophia Yucel, Kaye Godcher, Magdelawit Takele (Medford); Gemma Stamatopouos, Liv Young, Marwa Riad, Jaliyah Manigo, Olivia Rupp, Rania Hamdani, Ashley Cabrera Rodriguez, Dayana Ortega, Francoise Kodjo, Haley Peralta (Revere); Marissa Luxama (Somerville)

MVP: Thania Simon, Kiara Ramirez-Villata

HOCKOMOCK LEAGUE

Alex D’Amadio (King Philip); Nina Kyei-Aboagye, Linda Jenner, Imani Vaughn (Sharon); Madison Bruno, Ella Chandaria (Franklin); Sophia Olaniyan, Emersyn DePonte, Max Cassinelli (Taunton); Chloe Dubuisson, Adileh Azar, Grace Martinek, Sally Hoban, Lauren Raffetto (Canton); Emilia Smith, S’staarr Parham, Keren Aldana (Attleboro); Lavender Kozaka, Julia Hansen, Grace Okocha, Brie Antebi, Hannah Dupill, Maeve Horsman, Katie Beaulieu (Oliver Ames); Ella McManus, Ashley Cleverdon, Riley DoRosario, Danielle Lomuscio, Maddie Hill (King Philip); Jordan Egan, Molly Galgoczy, Raegan Gagne, Julia Smith, Riley Buckley (North Attleboro); Lauren Bober (Foxboro); Chloe Guthrie, Lily Roche (Mansfield); Julianys Rentas (Milford)

MVP: Nine Kyei-Aboagye, Chloe Dubuisson

MAYFLOWER ATHLETIC CONFERENCE

Nyah Baker (Holbrook); Marielle Albon, Zoey Onuegbu (Bristol-Plymouth); Emma Foley, Alexah Pedder, Grace Flattery, Tiana-Lei Acevedo (Diman); Sienna Cabe, Ingrid Beaudoin (Wareham); Nailani Ridore, Sanye Campbell, Juliette Alonso (Blue Hills); Edina Blaise (Southeastern); Amiaya Johnson (Cape Cod Tech)

OVERALL MVP: Nyah Baker, Sienna Cabe, Grace Flattery

MIDDLESEX LEAGUE

Aubrey Deardorf, Jane Conrad, Sabrina Green, Caitlin Lennox, Natalie Seed, Julianna Mathurin, Felice Haverty, Evelyn Radcliffe, Amelia Whorton, Lucy Kontos, Marissa Hao (Lexington); Isabelle Lightbody (Reading); Lara McLucas, Cadence L’Heureux (Melrose); Dana Lehr (Belmont); Bridget Higgins, Riley Newman, Julia Ramsey, Chloe Walker (Winchester); Jessica Leehan (Woburn); Bella Hayes (Arlington); Morgan Blout (Stoneham)

MVP: Aubrey Deardorf, Morgan Blout, Cadence L’Heureux

NORTHEASTERN CONFERENCE

ALL-CONFERENCE: Soraya Mathieu, Destiny Okoye (Saugus); Tess Ryan (Danvers); Amanda Schneider, Savannah Stevens, Mara Siewko (Masconomet); Annabelle Averett (Swampscott); Ella Braz, Makayla Kokonezis, Madison Holleran, Alessandra Forgione, Lauren Foley, Ava Champigny, Avery Marcus, Lilah Tromble (Peabody); Paige Tredwell, Norah Walsh, Marion Grace Ladouceur, Marrietta O’Connell, Geneva Becker (Marblehead); Lillian (Lily) Judge, Jane Cosmas, Samantha Hayward, Reese Kwiatek, Olivia Anketell, Infinity Burns (Beverly)

ATHLETE OF THE YEAR: Alessandra Forgione

PATRIOT LEAGUE

KEENAN: Maddie MacKinnon, Liv Coperine, Riley Earle, Tessa Long, Lauren Sutliffe, Addie Bjorness (Duxbury); Clare Lowther, Meghan Koenan, Vivian Sichol, Zoe Schultz, Sophia McDougal (Hingham); Eleanor Angeles Whitfield, Sarah Penney, Meredith Miller, Charlotte Perreault, Anna White, Grace Keene (Marshfield); Macey Shriner, Willow Herndon, Ainsley Hall, Lily Bartholomew (Plymouth North); Allison Cheverie (Silver Lake); Maliah Pierre, Keryn Stone (Whitman-Hanson)

MVP: Willow Herndon

FISHER: Anna Egan (Hanover); Maddy McGillicuddy (North Quincy); Maya Bergamesca, Caroline Minogue, Sadie Nugent, Amelia Nelson, Ella Govostes, Veronica Ghattas, Ava Bouphavongsa, Grace Stevens, Raelin McMullen, Sadie Rizzitano, Tessa Vitale (Pembroke); Alexa Lasnicki, Evie Chadwick, Sophia Adams, Zoe Wodja, Sarah Kirrane, Lilia Davies (Plymouth South); Bassma Torky, Caroline Zuffante (Quincy); Lauren Thompson, Maryn Noble, Molly Gould (Scituate)

MVP: Maya Bergamesca

SOUTH COAST CONFERENCE

Aiyana Massie, Olivia Santos, Deanna Brightman (Case); Maddie Duarte, Shelbie Ruffley (Greater New Bedford); Hayden Robinson, Alivia Cosme, Kearston Nelson, Juliana Dutra (Seekonk); Audrey Thomas, Ella Milhench, Abigail Balsis, Morgan Patraiko, Phoebe Cowles (Old Rochester); Kayla Walker, Kate Austrino, Alyssa Caldeira, Emma Pope, Chloe Gauthier (West Bridgewater); Orianna Hernandez (Apponequet); Jalissa Rapihino, Leah Hyder (Dighton-Rehoboth); Braley Boucher (Fairhaven); Madelyn Willis (Somerset Berkley)

MVP: Aiyana Massie

SOUTHEAST CONFERENCE

Alimah Yahya, Alisha Gomes, Annalyne Barrett, Brenna Woodbury, Molly Jesson, Tessa Bringardner, Michelle Jones, Erin Mitchell, Kelsie Dessaps, Camden Strandberg, Christian Wise, Kayla Tejan Siesay, Isabella Johnson (Bridgewater-Raynham)

SOUTH SHORE LEAGUE

Emma Flanagan, Evangeline McCleary, Janelle White (Abington); Jadyn Sotomayor, Emma Wall, Josie Helms, Alyssa Virden, Julia Grimes, Shatavia Leonard, Maya Sepulveda, Sophia Tibbetts, Carly Peterson (Carver); Suzie Frank (Cohasset); Grace Schnell, Elizabeth Willis, Isabella Bright, Riley Sheehan, Ari Cofran (East Bridgewater); Elsie Harper (Hull); Emily Curtin, Anna Jensen (Mashpee); Mia Lee Bowens, Lily Price, Charleigh Butler, Kennedy Frawley, Hailey Iwanski, Jocelyn Bush, Caroline Thibodeau, Charlotte Pickering (Middleboro); Abigail Shaw, Cooper Young, Katherine Murray, Meredith Cassidy, Audrey Birtwell, Arianna Veneto (Norwell); Jayda Adora Bleus, Knyia White, Sasha Zavala Lopez (Randolph); Emilee Dunham, Brianna Quinlan, Kamilla Magalhaes, McKenzie Furlong (Rockland); Mia Mulcahy, Iris Gaffney, Kylee Beaudoin (Sandwich)

TRI-VALLEY LEAGUE

LARGE: Josie Hopkins, Savannah Rivera, Bella Walkiewicz, Clara Bransfield, Kaelyn Faber (Hopkinton); Tea Pagnotti, Susannah Rockers, Maeve Gavin, Hailey Cashman (Westwood); Amariah Montaque, Tracey Brown, Kaylee Nunes (Dedham); Natalie Martin, Kese Motlotle (Norwood); Kaitlyn Quealy, Maggie Kuchman, Izzy Ross, Annabelle Lynch, Reis Pirelli (Holliston); Sadie Gilhooly, Lauren Donovan, Alexandra Kliss (Ashland)

MVP: Kaitlyn Quealy

SMALL: Zoe Santos, Evangeline Emerson, Molly McIntyre (Norton); Katelyn Maniero, Lily Von der Heyde, Maeve Kelly (Medway); Shea Conroy (Millis); Emma Marden, Julia Ritchey, Kate Shanahan, Elyse Bissada, Camille Boudreau (Dover-Sherborn); Alyssa Schoenfeld, Megan Mak, Claire Teany, Ava Bruckerhoff, Chloe McCormack (Medfield); Olivia Carney, Calleigh Elder, Caleigh Hayes, Emanoela Barreto, Jenna Dormady, Elizabeth Glynn (Bellingham)

MVP: Olivia Carney

Originally Published: July 6, 2025 at 4:18 AM EDT

(Knotts, left) PHOTO: norceca.net

Kari Knotts stands 6-foot-3.5 inches tall and loves volleyball and is already a winner at some of the highest stages of the sport. She be a key part in leading Lovett’s volleyball program to championships for the rest of her high school career.

The Lions haven’t won a title since the Class 2A championship in 2012.

And Knotts, who is just coming into her own and growing into the sport, is just 14 years old. She has a 10-foot-9 approach and is a two-time triple crown MVP in the 14-U competition and

On June 28, Knotts helped lead the United States U-19 team to gold in the Norceca Panamerican Cup in Kingston, Ontario, Canada where she was named MVP and earned the best spiker award for the event.

Football has always been about more than the game for Tayler Hawkins. From his formative years at San Diego State to hoisting a UFL championship trophy with the DC Defenders, Hawkins’ path is a testament to perseverance, faith, and the power of connection.

“It feels good, honestly,” Hawkins said, still soaking in the triumph of his first UFL title. “I haven’t had much time to really reflect — we got back a couple days ago — but it definitely feels good to be a champ again, man.”

Hawkins’s championship moment is the latest chapter in a winding journey that began in Palm Springs and found footing at SDSU, where he played from 2016 to 2021. What drew him to SDSU?

 “Mainly like the winning culture. I’ve always been a sore loser, so I like to win,” Hawkins said. “They had a culture already built there… and it was close to home, so you know, can’t really beat it.”

During his Scarlet and Black days, Hawkins showcased versatility, switching between safety and cornerback while playing alongside future NFL and UFL talents like Rashaad Penny, Matt Araiza, Cameron Thomas, Kyree Woods and Turner Bernard.

“It definitely means a lot,” Hawkins reflected. “A lot of the DBs I played with are still playing right now. That brotherhood… that’s something that’s gonna last a lifetime for sure. Some of those guys gonna be at my wedding.”

Hawkins carved out standout moments in the Mountain West championship game appearances, thrilling bowl victories and unforgettable battles.

 “My first year there, playing in the championship game, and then my last year playing in that championship game — those really stick with me,” he said. “We won a lot of games over there, man. My college experience was probably second to none.”

Going undrafted in 2022, Hawkins signed with the San Francisco 49ers. There, he endured the highs of making an NFL debut and the lows of injury setbacks. His interception in the season finale in 2024 against the Rams was a career highlight, but shortly after came wrist surgery.

 “It was like a good moment for about a couple days… after that, it was just back to normal. I had to find a way to do it again and get healthy,” Hawkins said.

His time with the 49ers, including a Super Bowl run while on injured reserve, offered lessons that continue to guide him.

 “Just to be where your feet are, take it one day at a time, and try to stack good days,” Hawkins said. “Keep my feelings out of it. It’s all business. You gotta see the bigger picture.”

That bigger picture brought Hawkins to the UFL, where he joined a DC Defenders team known for grit and unity. 

“It’s definitely a great opportunity to get back in the league,” Hawkins said. “The tape is out there… and everybody can see. Hopefully I get a call this summer, and if not, I’ll be back out here next year and ride it till the wheels fall off.”

In DC, Hawkins found a familiar Aztec connection in defensive backs coach Vernon Dean — a former SDSU standout and two-time Super Bowl champion.

“Dean, that’s my guy, man,” Hawkins said. “He’s an Aztec. So just off that alone it’s a different kind of relationship… I play hard for him.”

Dean shared similar admiration.

“He was a dude at San Diego State,” Dean said. “Great cover skills, boundary corner, would come up and tackle really well. He’s one of the hardest workers I’ve been around.” 

Dean’s respect for Hawkins goes beyond shared alma mater ties.

“Great athlete, hard worker, a guy that knows what he needs to work on, and he works on it every day.”

Dean’s mentorship, shaped by his own winding path from junior college to the NFL, has been invaluable.

“Having that DB background, he could relate to some of the stuff we were going through on the field and with injuries,” Hawkins said. “Dean would let you know when you was wrong — no sugar coating it in this game.”

For both coaches and players, the UFL represents more than just football — it’s a platform for second chances.

“Most of these guys now, they realize that hey, this could be their last shot,” Dean said. “They come in with the right discipline, the right attitude. Taylor came in, made an impact right away.”

And Hawkins? He’s not done chasing the dream.

“I’m gonna keep training, staying in shape, get my wrist right,” he said. Off the field, he’s investing in his future: AI, crypto, real estate.

“Football comes to an end one day… I’m just gonna be smart with my money and multiply it in many different ways.”

Hawkins offers simple advice to Aztecs aiming for the pros: “Chase your dreams. It’s possible. Don’t let the money or the girls get you in trouble… keep the main thing the main thing.”

In Hawkins, Dean sees a player who has what it takes to earn that next opportunity.

“There’s no reason why Tayler Hawkins shouldn’t get a chance to play in the NFL this year,” Dean said. “He’s got the athleticism, the speed, the mind, and the mental makeup. And he’s 100% professional.”

As Hawkins waits for the next call, he remains grounded by the same faith and drive that carried him from SDSU to the NFL to UFL glory.

“God’s got a plan for me,” he said. “Just gotta keep following His plan.”

Jul. 5—Ishmael Kipkurui has run his last race for the UNM Lobos.

The NCAA record holder, 2025 outdoor national champion in the 10,000 meters and four-time All-American has signed a professional contract with Nike and will return to his native Kenya to train, according to an initial report by TheStrideReport.com and confirmed by UNM Track & Field coach Dan Gauson.

Advertisement

“We’re thrilled Ishmael has secured a spot on the Kenyan team for the World Championships in Tokyo,” Gauson said in a statement released by UNM. “We’d like to express our gratitude for his contributions to Lobo Track and Field and offer our full support as he embarks on this new chapter with Nike.

“As one of the world’s top 10,000m talents, we can’t wait to see him shine in the future.”

His first competition as a professional runner was Saturday in Eugene, Oregon, at the Prefontaine Classic, where he finished fifth in the 10K in a personal best time of 26:47.72.

As he donned the Nike running jersey and had already signed with Nike, the personal best is not considered a new UNM record.

Advertisement

UNM teammate and fellow Kenyan runner Pamela Korsgei, a two-time national champion last month in Eugene, ran in a UNM jersey later in the day as she completed the women’s 3,000-meter steeplechase in 9:22.66 — a little less than seven seconds slower than her personal best set this past season with the Lobos. She finished 15th in the elite field of the world’s best.

Kipkurui, a true freshman, set the NCAA outdoor record in the 10K in March at 26:50.21 and also posted the fourth fastest time in collegiate history in the 5,000 meters (13:09.24).

Both Kipkurui and Kosgei are semifinalists for the men’s and women’s Bowerman, the award given each year to track’s top athlete.

CHAMPIONSHIP CHASE: Los Alamos High School graduate Chase Jackson (formerly Chase Ealey when she was a state champion sprinter and thrower for the Hilltoppers) set a Prefontaine record in the shot put, throwing 20.94 meters (68 feet, 8.5 inches).

Advertisement

“I feel like I’m ready to throw 21, and I’m ready to do it at a big meet,” Jackson said. “I’m excited to get some training days with my coach … excited to clean it up and see what we can do going into Tokyo (the 2025 World Championships).”

Ealey, a multiple time Olympic qualifier, is a two time gold medalist at the past two World Championships (2022 and 2023) and holds the U.S. record in the shot put at 20.95 meters (68 feet, 8.75 inches). In 2024, she had a pair of fouls and did not qualify for the finals in the Paris Olympics.

“I just have to have a goldfish mindset — forget about (Paris) — and that’s kind of what I’ve done,” Jackson said. “I’m using it to push harder and this season I’ve never been more driven, so I’m just taking that into Tokyo and going for my third world title in a row.”

The BOV Volleyball Marathon in aid of Id-Dar tal-Providenza is back with 53 hours of non-stop play in the home’s Siġġiewi car park. The 15th edition of the marathon will get under way, under the patronage of President Myriam Spiteri Debono, on July 18 at 6.30pm and end at midnight of July 20. Forty players, selected after six weeks of training, will form five teams.

In a short address during the presentation of the players to the media, Mgr Martin Micallef, director of Id-Dar tal-Providenza, said that this year the home is celebrating its 60th anniversary besides the 15th edition of this marathon.

He spoke about the dire need of funds with which Id-Dar tal-Providenza can continue offering the services it currently offers to its 115 residents. He revealed that the home is in the process of opening more homes in the community and urged one and all to attend the marathon and support the players who “enter this challenge with a lot of dedication and commitment”.

Ernest Agius, BOV’s chief operations officer, said that the marathon is more than a game – “it is a testament to the power of unity”.

Mgr Martin Zammit (fourth from right) and BOV COO Ernest Agius (third from right) at the launch of the volleyball marathon.

“When sport meets solidarity, we build a stronger, more compassionate Malta. At BOV, we are proud to stand beside those who never stop believing in a just and better society.”

On the three evenings of the marathon, between 9pm and midnight, there will be live entertainment by local singers and bands on the main stage purposely built in the car park. Zone 5 will be performing on July 18, folk band Kantera on July 19 and the Spiteri Lucas Band on July 20.

The public may make a donation by calling on the follwoing numbers: 5170 2012 for €15; 5180 2013 for €25; 5190 2070 for €50; and 5130 2044 for €100. The pledge line is 2146 3686.

One can also send their donations via BOV Mobile banking, the BOV Mobile Pay 7932 4834 or PayPal, or make a donation online through the home’s bank accounts. For more information, visit www.sabihlitaghti.org.