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Daniel Villarreal Joins Navy Women's Basketball Staff

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Daniel Villarreal Joins Navy Women's Basketball Staff

ANNAPOLIS, Md. – Following the announcement of Sam Brunelle on Monday, the second assistant coach to be announced to Head Coach Tim Taylor‘s 2025-26 Navy women’s basketball staff is Daniel Villarreal. A talented coach with an emphasis on player development and film study, he comes to Annapolis following a successful run in the NBA and WNBA, most recently with the Washington Wizards.

Villarreal’s coaching career has seen him bookend time in the professional ranks around stints in the collegiate game at UCLA and Florida State. The first stop in his innovative and influential career was as a basketball operations and video intern with the Washington Mystics in 2016. Villarreal continued to impress those within the Mystics organization and moved up to an analytics and video consultant role before becoming the head analytics and video coordinator in 2018.

He branched out into the women’s collegiate ranks during his offseasons with the Mystics, first taking a position on UCLA’s video staff for the 2017-18 campaign before switching coasts and joining Florida State’s operation as the head video coordinator. During his two combined seasons with the Bruins and Seminoles, Villarreal’s squads went a combined 51-17 and had successful runs in the NCAA Tournaments both years.

Still with the Mystics during their summer-based season, he began crossing the arena and assisting with the video operations of the Washington Wizards starting in 2019-20. With his foot in the door into the NBA, Villarreal quickly moved up the corporate ladder and was elevated to a full-time position with the Wizards in the roles of Assistant Video Coordinator/Player Development in 2022-23 and later assistant coach for the organization’s summer league team. Prior to the 2023-24 season, Villarreal was named the Head Video Coordinator for the Wizards. In that role he coordinated all video room responsibilities for five video/player development assistants, managed the scouting process and workflows for players and coaching and assisted with on-court player development workouts and practices.

A proven winner, Villarreal helped the Mystics first advance to the 2018 WNBA Finals before coming back the next year and securing the 2019 WNBA Championship after posting a league-best 26-8 regular season mark. He coached Elena Delle Donne, the league’s MVP that year, and later became the primary development coach for Myisha Hines-Allen, who finished runner-up for the 2020 WNBA Most Improved Player Award.

“I could not be more pleased to add someone of Daniel’s caliber to our program and the Naval Academy,” remarked Taylor. “As I stated with Sam Brunelle’s hiring, it was paramount for us to find positive professionals with high-level basketball experiences either playing or coaching who have a passion for teaching and developing players as well as committed to creating staff and program synergy. We were also looking for candidates with different skill sets that we could integrate with our staff. I feel we hit a home run with Daniel. 

“Daniel is a respected professional within the highest levels of basketball. He has worked with some of my close friends in the business during his nine years at the NBA and WNBA level. When you are receiving calls from the likes of John Thompson III, Mike Thibault, David Adkins and Sue Semrau raving about his work ethic, professionalism, character and teaching ability, you take notice. These are people I trust and once I met Daniel, it was obvious why they felt that way. His authenticity, humility and care for others was so evident.

“In his role in the WNBA and NBA, he spent a tremendous amount of time with on and off the court player development. I was impressed with his work with Anthony Gill and Myisha Hines-Allen and their trust in him. His commitment to being in the gym and putting in sweat equity with his players through high level workouts as well as mentoring them off the court was a constant focus of our conversations. You could see he is a teacher first in his workouts with our coaches. Plus, he has been a part of very successful programs and has helped build championship teams. But most importantly, throughout the process, Daniel had a “no job is beneath me mentality” which I feel is an important trait for the continued success and elevation of our program. 

“Daniel has a unique skill set that we have not had in my time at Navy. He will improve our scouting and use of technology as well as bringing new and fresh basketball ideas to our program. You could see the attention to detail and knowledge in his scouts he presented to our staff. His commitment to creating staff cohesiveness and commitment to learning and growing every day was refreshing.”

“I am thrilled to be joining Coach Taylor’s staff,” Villarreal said. “His commitment to the Naval Academy, the staff, and the athletes is rooted in a deep love for people and a genuine care for their development. He values relationships and is both a family man and a servant leader. It is a joy and honor to have the opportunity to support Coach Taylor’s vision and to help build upon the great work that he and his team have already done. I couldn’t be prouder to serve our athletes who have chosen to serve our nation while preparing to become its future leaders. Go Navy!”

A 2012 graduate, Villarreal holds a bachelor of arts degree in economics from the University of Southern California, as well as a master of arts in sports industry management from Georgetown University, that he attained in 2017.
 

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Chanticleers Continue Academic Excellence in Fall 2025

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CONWAY — Coastal Carolina Athletics continued its strong academic performance during the Fall 2025 semester, the department announced.

The Chanticleers posted a 3.37 departmental GPA for the fall semester, marking the department’s 23rd consecutive semester with a GPA above 3.0. Overall, 18 of 19 teams earned a team GPA of 3.0 or higher.

“The academic success of our student-athletes during the Fall 2025 semester reflects their commitment to excellence in the classroom and the strong support structure we have in place at Coastal Carolina,” said Chance Miller, Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics and University Recreation. “With 23 consecutive semesters above a 3.0 departmental GPA and multiple programs achieving record-setting results, this performance is a testament to the dedication of our student-athletes, coaches, and academic support staff in developing well-rounded individuals prepared for success beyond athletics.”

A total of 360 student-athletes earned Chauncey’s Honor Roll recognition by posting a semester GPA of 3.0 or better, while 90 student-athletes were named Elite Chants with perfect 4.0 GPAs. Additionally, 146 student-athletes earned Dean’s List honors, an increase of 10 from Spring 2025, and 78 student-athletes were named to the President’s List, three more than the previous semester.

Several programs achieved historic academic milestones during the fall semester. Men’s basketball recorded its highest GPA on record with a 3.51, while men’s cross country posted a program-best 3.59, the highest GPA among all men’s teams. Men’s golf earned its highest GPA outside of the Spring 2020 COVID semester with a 3.55.

On the women’s side, women’s basketball earned its highest GPA on record with a 3.40. Indoor track and field (3.66), women’s track and field (3.67), and softball (3.85) each posted program-best GPAs, while lacrosse recorded its second-highest GPA on record at 3.65. Women’s tennis led all women’s teams with a 3.89 GPA, the highest women’s team GPA this semester.


A DEEPER DIVE

  • 146 student-athletes earned Dean’s List honors.
  • 78 student-athletes earned President’s List recognition.
  • 360 student-athletes earned Chauncey’s Honor Roll recognition (3.0+ semester GPA).
  • 90 student-athletes were named Elite Chants (4.0 semester GPA).
  • 23 consecutive semesters with a departmental GPA above 3.0.
  • 18 of 19 teams earned a team GPA of 3.0 or higher.
  • Men’s cross country posted the highest men’s team GPA (3.59).
  • Women’s tennis earned the highest women’s team GPA (3.89).



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Four From Women’s Volleyball Named to College Sports Communicators Academic All-District Team

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Springfield, Mass. – December 18, 2025 – Four student-athletes from the Springfield College women’s volleyball program were recently named to the 2025 College Sports Communicators Academic All-District Team for their efforts on the field and in the classroom.

This year’s Springfield College women’s volleyball recipients included Ahunna James (Plainville, Mass.)Tori Colosimo (Fairport, N.Y.)Alexa Bonato (Orange, Conn.) and Olivia Nealy (Athens, Ga.). This marks the second straight year that James has earned the award, while Colosimo, Bonato and Nealy are all first-time recipients.

The 2025 Academic All-District® Women’s Volleyball Teams, selected by College Sports Communicators, recognize the nation’s top student-athletes for their combined performances on the field and in the classroom. The CSC Academic All-America® program separately recognizes honorees in four divisions — NCAA Division I, NCAA Division II, NCAA Division III and NAIA.

In order to be eligible, a student-athlete must have a grade point average of 3.50 or higher, compete in 90-percent of the team’s games played OR start in at least 66-percent of the team’s games over the course of the season.

Colosimo, an occupational therapy major with a 3.57 grade point average, started in all 31 matches as a junior and recorded 927 total assists (8.83 per set) to go along with 81 kills, 57 aces, 41 blocks and 249 digs. She was named the Most Valuable Player and to the All-Tournament Team at the season opening Joel B. Dearing ’79 Volleyball Classic after recording over 100 assists, 13 kills, nine digs, and six blocks over three matches and became the ninth student-athlete in Springfield women’s volleyball history to eclipse 2,000 career assists. Colosimo was also recognized with New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) All-League Second Team honors, a spot on the AVCA All-Region I Team and was named an AVCA Honorable Mention All-American.

James, a public health major with a 3.72 grade point average, started in 30 matches as a junior, recorded 217 kills (2.13 per set) and hit .206 on the season. James also tallied 31 aces, 72 blocks and 235 digs (2.30 per set). Bonato, a public health major with a 3.89 grade point average, started in all 31 matches as a sophomore and registered 150 kills on the year. Bonato also notched 17 aces, 94 digs and 29 blocks to wrap up her second season on the court with the Pride.

Nealy, a physical therapy major with a 3.70 grade point average, started in all 31 matches as Springfield’s libero during her junior season. Nealy registered 377 digs (3.59 per set) and 66 assists as well as four aces on the year to guide the Pride defensively.

Under the direction of head coach Moira Long Springfield went 23-8 this season and once again earned an at-large berth to the NCAA Division III Championship Tournament. This marked the third straight season, Springfield was represented in the national tournament among the 64 best teams in the country.

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For the latest on Springfield College Athletics, follow the Pride on social media on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Be sure to tune into all Springfield College Athletic events





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Watch Wisconsin volleyball vs Kentucky in Final Four tonight; time, TV

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Updated Dec. 18, 2025, 2:03 p.m. CT



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Aggie Volleyball Signs Gianna Bogan Ahead of 2026 Season

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DAVIS, Calif. — As UC Davis volleyball prepares for their first season in the Mountain West Conference, head coach Dan Conners has signed his first recruit for the new season, with Gianna Bogan joining the Aggies in the 2026 winter quarter.

“We are very excited about Gianna joining the program. She has excellent ball control skills and a fast arm.” Said Coach Conners.  

“Most importantly, she embodies the cultural characteristics that fit Aggie Volleyball with a hardworking, resilient, and team-first attitude.  We anticipate that Gianna will take advantage of the opportunity to have an immediate impact.”

A 6’0 outside hitter for Rocklin High School, Bogan had a decorated career for the Thunder, collecting over 1,000 career kills during her junior season while being named a First-Team All-Sierra Foothill League player as a sophomore, junior, and senior.

As a senior, Bogan also served as the on-court leader for a team that became the first public school in the California San Joaquin Section to make a run at the CIF volleyball open state final, the high school state championship of volleyball. She was also given the “Pursuing Victory With Honor” award at the competition, which recognizes student-athletes for exceptional sportsmanship, ethics, and character. 

Her 326 kills also led Bogan to be named to the Optimist All-Star Game, an annual Sacramento area charity event, where she was named MVP of the volleyball competition. 

By joining the team in January, Bogan will have the opportunity to practice with the Aggies ahead of the rest of the 2026 signing class, which will be announced in the spring.

ABOUT UC DAVIS ATHLETICS: 

UC Davis, the No. 2 ranked public university by the Wall Street Journal, is home to 40,000 undergraduate students and 12,000 employees. Ranked #1 in Agriculture and Forestry as well as #1 in Veterinary Medicine, UC Davis is located in a true California college town nestled between world-class destinations such as the San Francisco Bay Area, Napa Valley and Lake Tahoe. Over 650 Aggie student-athletes compete in 25 Division I varsity sports, with 16 sports transitioning to the Mountain West Conference beginning in 2026–27. 

For more information, visit https://ucdavisaggies.com/. 

 



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Kentucky volleyball game time today, Wisconsin vs UK Final 4 channel

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Updated Dec. 18, 2025, 1:07 p.m. ET



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Johansson Earns Big Ten Weekly Honors – University of Nebraska

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Nebraska’s track and field’s Axelina Johansson earned Big Ten Field Athlete of the Week, announced by the conference office on Wednesday. After her record setting performance, Johansson also earned USTFCCCA National Athlete of the Week. 

With a mark of 19.72m (64-8 ½), the senior from Hok, Sweden set a Husker school record, Swedish record and NCAA indoor record in the shot put en route to winning the event title at the Husker Holiday Open. Johansson is the first Husker to win Big Ten weekly honors since Henry Zimmerman won Field Athlete of the Week on Feb. 26, 2025. 

Nebraska is back in action on Friday, Jan. 16 and Saturday, Jan. 17 at the Graduate Classic at the Devaney Center Indoor Track.

 



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