Sports
Eagles add 31 newcomers for 2025-26 season
CHENEY, Wash. — With eyes already on the future, Eastern Washington University’s track and field and cross country programs have announced a major boost to their rosters. EWU Director of Track and Field, Erin Tucker, officially unveiled the signing of 31 student-athletes set to join the Eagles for the 2025–26 season.
“This is our third recruiting class, and we believe each class has been stronger than the last,” said Tucker. “When you consistently bring in athletes who elevate your team, you put yourself in a great position to improve within the conference. I’m excited about this new group—they’ll grow alongside the athletes we signed in years one and two. We’re coming!”
The incoming athletes will compete for the cross country team starting this fall, with the track and field season kicking off in the winter.
Women
Josie Alselmo
Shadle Park High School / Spokane, Washington
Pole Vault
From Coach Clark: Josie has some raw talent; within the next few years I anticipate her making quite the name for herself. I’m excited to see what the future holds for her.
Kirsten Anderson
Walla Walla High School / Walla Walla, Washington
Pole Vault
From Coach Clark: Kirsten was the last one to commit but I’m super happy she did. There is so much potential in her and she is going to be such a fun and bubbly vibe to join the vault squad.
Madison Bond
Moses Lake High School / Moses Lake, Washington
Long Jump and Triple Jump
From Coach Jo: Super excited for Madi to Join Flight Crew, she has a lot of talent and room to grow. I see her contributing Big Points in the Jumps, and getting into the EWU Top 10. Stay Tune for her progression!
Samarra Davis
Auburn Mountainview High School / Auburn, Washington
Long Jump
From Coach Jo: Excited to work with Samarra and see where her speed takes her on the runway! Flight Crew is excited to have her and see her progressions.
Jenae Francis
West Humber Collegiate Institute / Etobicoke, Ontario
Hammer Throw and Shot Put
From Coach Maj: Talent is an understatement of what Jenae Francis has. Theres an X factor in this young lady that you just have to see for yourself! She will do great things for Eagle nation… Its inevitable!
Ashley Fuller
Colonial Forge High School / Stafford, Virginia
Discus and Hammer Throw
From Coach Maj: Ashley is a fierce competitor and a consistent hard worker. She’s amazing to watch in action and I cannot wait to put her in an Eagles uniform! I feel blessed to have my name connected with hers in her journey to NCAA greatness.
Shai Gray
Sumner High School. / Summer, Washington
Long Jump and Triple Jump
From Coach Jo: Shai has raw talent and power, having Women Wrestling in her back pocket, adapting and learning technique will come quick and we should see her on the Big Sky Podium soon.
Brooke Henkin
Arlington High School / Everett, Washington
Events: 1600m, 3200m, and Cross Country
From Coach Sam: I think Brooke is going to take off once she gets with our group of women who are going to consistently be pushing her to another level. Her ceiling is so high and she has the mentality to go with it.
Alivia Hernandez
Sehome High School / Bellingham, Washington
1600m and Cross Country
From Coach Sam: I’m expecting her to bring some fire and have a breakout year for us. Liv understands what being part of this team means, and I can’t wait to add her. I’m expecting her to bring some fire and have a breakout year for us.
Judith Koumedzina
Iowa Western Community College / Lome, Togo
60m, 100m, 200m
From Coach Tuck: Judith is going to be a force in the Big Sky. She has competed at multiple National Championship meets at the Jr College level, that valuable experience and talent will be welcomed in the Women’s Sprint Corp. We are targeting records immediately.
Abigal “Abby” MacDonald
Great Falls High School / Great Falls, Montana
200m and 400m
From Coach Tuck: Abby is a great pick-up for us. She huge potential and has only scratched the surface, I look forward to her growing and become who she is supposed to be become.
Lenah Martin
Richland High School / Richland, Washington
Long Jump, Triple Jump, and High Jump
From Coach Jo: Lenah brings versatility to Flight Crew; Her determination and can-do attitude was one thing that stood out in her recruiting process. Super excited to see where we land and excel.
Ifechi Okoye
Puyallup High School / Puyallup, Washington
800m, 1600m, and Cross Country
From Coach Sam: Ifechi adds another weapon to our Mid-D crew for next year. While she’s especially strong in middle-distances, the range she has to move up and down in distances might be even more impressive.
Hannah Petrillo
Sandy High School / Sandy, Oregon
Hammer Throw and Discus
From Coach Maj: Hannah will be a great addition to the Eagle family and a hammer thrower to watch in the Big Sky. The potential for greatness is unlimited as this young woman seems to already be someone who accomplishes what she sets her mind too!
Men
Hunter Allen
Hermiston High School / Hermiston, Oregon
Hammer Throw and Weight Throw
From Coach Maj: Hunter is a talented hammer thrower who we are excited to bring to the eagle nation! His dedication and drive to be great are sure to put him amongst the best eagles to compete at EWU. We haven’t started yet, but I’m already excited to be part of his legacy.
Alex Blecha
Pinnacle High School / Phoenix, Arizona
Pole Vault
From Coach Clark: Coming from AZ with having already jumped 16’6″, Alex is a very knowledgeable and skilled vaulter. He will definitely be someone who will make a name for himself here at EWU.
Tristan Breier
Chiawana High School / Pasco, Washington
200m and 400m
From Coach Tuck: Tristan is going to fill a few holes for us in the men’s sprints. I can see him fighting to get on both relays, scoring in the 60m all the way up to the 400m. Pay attention to this young man, the sky is the limit.
Bryson Chase
Eisenhower High School / Moxee, Washington
Shot put, Discus, and Hammer Throw
From Coach Maj: Bryson is a very talented, multifaceted thrower who is soon to be a great contributor to the ever-growing success here at Eastern. I am excited to work with this exceptional young thrower!
Mason Davis
Monroe High School / Snohomish, Washington
60m, 100m, and 200m
From Coach Tuck: Mason is a wired for sound and he will be great fit for our men’s short sprint group. He will have one year to learn from KP and Enoch and then they hand the reigns to him and AJ. I cannot wait to get him in the blocks. Beware Big Sky, he is coming.
Grady Fournier
Arlington High School / Arlington, Washington
800m, 1600m, 3200m, and Cross Country
From Coach Sam: Grady has been on a tear to prove that he is one of the best runners in the state running big PRs in the 800 up to the 3200. Grady has been on a tear to prove that he is one of the best runners in the state running big PRs in the 800 up to the 3200. He has the ability to raise the ceiling of our program!
Andrew Garcia
Sunnyside High School / Sunnyside, Washington
1600m, 3200m, and Cross Country
From Coach Sam: I’m certain that no challenge will be too big, hard, or fast for Andrew to want to take head on. He will be someone we can slot right into our team without skipping a beat.
Toren Garcia
Issaquah High School / Issaquah, Washington
60HH, 110HH, 400m, and 400IH
From Coach Tuck: Toren is going to assault our 400IH records books. He will be a factor in the Big Sky 400IH right away and I am excited to finally have my male 400IH guy. He will run some High Hurdles races as well and I see some easy points for him there. We are going to do some big things!
Ian Lash
Walla Walla High School / Walla Walla, Washington
3200m and Cross Country
From Coach Sam: Ian was our first distance guy to commit. He saw the vision right away and got the ball rolling on what is a great incoming freshman class. He has the potential to be a leader on and off the track.
Santana Luna
Royal Knights High School / Royal City, Washington
Long Jump and Triple Jump
From Coach Jo: Santana has so much potential in Jumps, being a multi-sport athlete, the phases of triple Jump will grow, and he will definitely contribute points to the Men side.
Pry’nce Millman
Higley High School / Gilbert, Arizona
Decathlon
From Coach Jo: having Multiple years of experience in the Decathlon, I see Pry’nce on the podium year 1 and doubling back in a few events. His attitude it contagious and will impact Flight Crew in a strong way. This young man has a bright future!
Litani MoiMoi
Foster Senior High School / Federal Way, Washington
Discus and Hammer Throw
From Coach Maj: Litani is a fast-improving discus thrower who has potential to build and leave a legacy here at Eastern that will not soon be forgotten. I look forward to having this determined young man as he continues his throwing career!
Henry Nelson
Aberdeen High School / Aberdeen, Washington
800m and Cross Country
From Coach Sam: Henry is an 800 metronome. He has the consistency of a veteran runner and that will translate right away to the next level. I’m very excited to get him rolling with our Mid-D crew.
Erick Simpson
Reno High School / Reno, Nevada
200m and 400m
From Coach Tuck: Reno High is taking over, Erick is our 2nd Reno sprinter in the last two years, and we love it. Erick has amazing range and will be fighting to get on both relays and should be an immediate point scorer in the Big Sky. His training group just got better.
Lucas Spurling
Arlington High School / Arlington, Washington
1600m and Cross Country
From Coach Sam: I predict Lucas to be the runner that when we need a piece to step up and fill a role, big or small, he is someone that we will be able to count on. So excited to have him joining the squad.
Andrew Strawn
Cheney High School / Spokane Valley, Washington
Pole Vault
From Coach Clark: One of the most eager and determined to improve, Andrew is a young and up in coming vaulter who you will want to keep an eye out for.
Trajn Swalstad
Worland High School / Worland, Wyoming
1600m, 3200m, and Cross Country
From Coach Sam: 5-time Wyoming State champ, Trajn is an aerobic machine. Most freshmen struggle making the jump up in distance to the 8k for XC; I think it will play right to Trajn strengths. I can see him being a key runner for us right away
Join the Eagle Athletic Fund for as low as $50 per year! Support Eagle student-athletes on and off the field while enjoying exclusive EAF perks such as season ticket and tailgating priority, invitations to special events, exclusive access and more. Visit goeags.com/eaf for more information.
ABOUT EASTERN WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS
Eastern Washington University Athletics sponsors 14 intercollegiate sports, six for men and eight for women, both as learning opportunities for its most athletically talented students and as an enhancement to student and community life. Eastern is affiliated with Division I of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and is a member of the Big Sky Conference, an association of 10 regional schools with comparable enrollments and academic goals.
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Details
Posted: 27-Dec-25
Location: New Orleans, Louisiana
Type: Full-time
Categories:
Operations
Sector:
Collegiate Sports
Required Education:
Masters
Internal Number: IRC34061
Position Summary: The Assistant Director of Behavioral Health & Performance Specialist provides clinical leadership, direct services, and program oversight within Tulane University’s Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. Reporting to the Assistant Athletic Director, Behavioral Health & Performance, this position is responsible for managing the delivery of comprehensive mental health services to student-athletes. The Assistant Director of Behavioral Health & Performance ensures high-quality, evidence-based care while collaborating with internal and external partners to promote student-athlete wellbeing, resilience, and performance.
Essential Functions of the Job:
1. Function: Clinical Services – Provides psychotherapy (individual, crisis, and group) to Tulane student-athletes, with emphasis on performance-related and sport-specific concerns; conducts intake evaluations, diagnostic assessments, treatment planning, and referrals for student-athletes, including coordination with athletic and medical partners as needed; oversee clinical caseload management for the Behavioral Health & Performance unit to ensure timely access for new student-athlete clients; serves as a primary point of contact, with student-athlete consent, for communication with collateral parties including parents, coaches, medical staff, faculty, and administrators; ensures the Behavioral Health & Performance unit’s adherence to university, NCAA, and professional standards, updating and implementing policies and procedures as needed; provides leadership in case formulation, clinical decision-making, and team consultation to support effective care delivery; oversee and ensure that treatment approaches are tailored to the unique needs of student-athletes, while maintaining professional standards of care; directs case disposition decisions, coordinating referrals internally and externally to ensure comprehensive support for student-athletes; carries an appropriate treatment caseload, including individual therapy cases and leading and/or co-leading groups and workshops when appropriate, and takes responsibility for ongoing monitoring and management of case assignments; provides leadership and oversight during complex cases, crisis consultations, and hospitalizations, serving as the clinical point of escalation; documents patient records in EHR in a timely manner and ensures that the records are accurate; maintains professional standards of mental health care delivery, including ethical and legal issues; provides consultation and supervision to Clinical Case Manager; and promotes professional development for the Behavioral Health & Performance team, including ongoing training, supervision, and performance feedback. (65%)
2. Function: Leadership & Supervision – Provides consultative assistance to the Tulane community and Campus Partners regarding mental health as needed; represents the Tulane Athletics at campus events, including weekend parent and student orientation sessions, off-hours outreach and workshop opportunities, etc.; forms positive working relationships with Campus Partners and others within Student Affairs and throughout the University Community; demonstrates willingness to be a Tulane Athletics representative and campus presence at a variety of events as needed; 0versee daily operations of the Behavioral Health & Performance case management team; provide supervision, mentorship, and consultation to case management, and interns as appropriate; and assist in hiring, training, and evaluating team members to support departmental goals. (10%)
3. Function: Program Development & Collaboration – Partner with the Assistant Athletic Director, Behavioral Health & Performance to design and implement innovative mental health and performance initiatives; develop workshops, team training, and outreach programming to enhance student-athlete wellbeing and reduce stigma around mental health; serve as a key liaison between Athletics, the Tulane Center for Sport, Tulane Institute of Sports Medicine, and other campus and community resources; and contribute to the development of policies, procedures, and best practices for student-athlete care. (10%)
4. Function: Administrative & Compliance – Collect and analyze data to evaluate program effectiveness and identify opportunities for improvement; ensure departmental practices align with NCAA, institutional, and professional ethical guidelines; and uphold strict confidentiality standards and safeguard student-athlete records. (5%)
5. Function: Emergency Preparation and Response – Serves as a member of the department and/or divisional crisis response teams and/or the University’s Essential Personnel, as needed; carries out activities detailed in the All-Hazards Plan; participates/contributes to annual review of emergency processes and procedures; maintains departmental emergency equipment and supplies; assists with coordination/support of department operations during emergencies; attends training to maintain knowledge of emergency response protocols; adheres to federal, state, and local regulatory requirements to maintain safety and emergency protocols; and participates in regularly scheduled drills to maintain safety procedures and university protocols. (5%)
6. Function: Other Duties – Performs other duties as requested or required, whether or not specifically mentioned in this job description. (5%)
Required Education and Experience:
- Master’s Degree in Counseling, Social Work, or Psychology
- Current Licensed Professional Counselor, PLPC, LCSW or other mental health therapist license recognized by the State of Louisiana (or the ability to obtain within 30 days of the start date)
- Experience working with athletic population
- One year of clinical experience
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities/Competencies:
- Ability to protect confidentiality and meet all ethical standards associated with the practice of psychology within a university counseling center context
- Strong clinical expertise in the assessment and treatment of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, trauma, eating disorders, and sport-performance concerns.
- Outstanding oral and written communication skills, able to dialogue effectively with a wide range of students, faculty and staff
- Ability to effectively utilize an electronic medical records system
- Demonstrated leadership, supervisory, and team-building skills.
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills with diverse stakeholders, including students, families, coaches, administrators, and healthcare providers.
- Knowledge of developmental trends and concerns of undergraduates, as well as graduate and professional students
- Ability to engage in an ongoing pursuit of self-knowledge and understanding of own personal factors affecting clinical work
Preferred Qualifications:
- Training and interest in working with multicultural issues and students with diverse identities
- Experience in developing and delivering case management to high profile athletes and their families.
- Prior experience working with NCAA Division I student-athletes or high-performance/elite athlete populations.
- Certification or advanced training in sport psychology, trauma-informed care, or performance enhancement strategies.
- Experience in administrative leadership, program development, or interdepartmental collaboration.
NCAA Related:
Ensures that all Department of Athletics and University related activities operate in full compliance with university, conference, and NCAA rules and regulations. Attends and participates in scheduled compliance seminars and complies with all the Athletic Department’s efforts to monitor compliance with NCAA regulations. Seeks interpretations from the compliance staff before acting when necessary. Reports potential rules violations immediately. Completes required compliance paperwork in a timely and efficient manner. Monitors all of their areas and/or programs activities closely to maintain compliance with applicable rules and regulations.
In order to be considered for this position, applicants are required to apply for IRC34061 via the Tulane University employment website (https://jobs.tulane.edu/position/IRC34061). The position is OPEN UNTIL FILLED.
Please Note: Tulane University has officially adopted a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy, which includes the requirement of a booster when eligible. All employees and visiting faculty must be fully vaccinated with a COVID-19 vaccination or obtain approval for a medical or religious exemption prior to beginning employment.
Tulane University is an EOE/M/F/Vet/Disabled employer with a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion. Applications by members of all underrepresented groups are encouraged.
About Tulane University
Founded in 1834, Tulane is one of the most highly regarded and selective independent research universities in the United States. A member of the prestigious Association of American Universities, we take pride in being a part of this select group of 62 universities with “pre-eminent programs of graduate and professional education and scholarly research.” Our schools and colleges offer undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees in the liberal arts, science and engineering, architecture, business, law, social work, medicine and public health and tropical medicine. With a seventeen-sport program that competes in the American Athletic Conference, Tulane Athletics is on the rise, boasting one of the oldest and most storied athletics programs in the Southeast, and indeed the nation.Tulane University is an EOE/M/F/Vet/Disabled employer with a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion. Applications by members of all underrepresented groups are encouraged.
Connections working at Tulane University
TEXARKANA, Texas — Texas High was well-represented in the District 10-5A all-district volleyball selections, with two players earning superlative honors and several more recognized across the first and second teams.
Senior Kyleigh Perkins was named Co-Utility Player of the Year, sharing the award with Lufkin’s Akira Smallwood. Taryne Stiger, also a senior, earned Co-Blocker of the Year alongside Hallsville sophomore Kylee Fernandez.
Eva Treadway and Sydney Woods were selected to the first team, while Kenley Dewberry and Cruz Hopkins were named to the second team.
Four players earned honorable mention: Karasha Hayes, Zanasia Nelson, Deja Aubrey and Lexie Burton.
Texas High also had 12 players named to the Academic All-District team: Aubrey, Burton, Madelyn Carroll, Dewberry, Hopkins, Phoenix Jones, Acasia Nelson, Zanasia Nelson, Perkins, Stiger, Treadway and Woods.
Hallsville’s Kaycin Farrell was named Most Valuable Player, and Hallsville head coach Tara Wager and her staff earned Coaching Staff of the Year.
——
2025 District 10-5A All-District Honors
Most Valuable Player: Kaycin Farrell – Hallsville – JR. No. 25
Most Valuable Hitter: Chesney McCullough – Lufkin – SR. No. 4
Most Valuable Setter: Lilly Fry – Hallsville – SR. No. 3
Co-Utility Player of the Year: Kyleigh Perkins – Texas High – SR. No. 2 and Akira Smallwood – Lufkin – SR. No. 12
Libero of the Year: Danika Cantu – Marshall – JR. No. 13
Co-Blocker of the Year: Taryne Stiger – Texas High – SR. No. 6 and Kylee Fernandez – Hallsville – SO. No. 12
Server of the Year: Ava Wise – Whitehouse – SR. No. 2
Newcomer of the Year: Ja’Lee Flores – Tyler – SR. No. 9/17.
Coaching Staff of the Year: Tara Wager – Hallsville
——
1st Team All-District
Lyla Evans – Hallsville
Madi Farrell – Hallsville
Tailor Benson – Hallsville
Eva Treadway – Texas
Sydney Woods – Texas
Ellie Cooley – Whitehouse
Vaida Hocker – Whitehouse
Lily Holzbauer – Whitehouse
Kaylee Garner – Whitehouse
Savannah Bergman – Lufkin
Aleciera Smallwood – Lufkin
Kinlee Smith – Marshall
Jazlyn Duran – Tyler
Kaelyn McLean – Tyler
Emmy Finnerude – Nacogdoches
——
2nd Team All-District
Livi Vineyard – Hallsville
Miller Goswick – Hallsville
Caroline Slaten -Hallsville
Kendall Bostik – Whitehouse
Ava Reese – Whitehouse
Jazlynn ONeal – Lufkin
ZaNyia Johnson – Lufkin
Kenley Dewberry- Texas High
Cruz Hopkins – Texas High
Ella Kate Runnels – Marshall
Addi Watkins – Marshall
Ruby Hulen – Mount Pleasant
Miyah Amador-Farrier – Mount Pleasant
Zarriya Swindle – Nacogdoches
Kinsley Fields – Nacogdoches
Elaine McCown – Jacksonville
Gretchen Ault – Jacksonville
Ryan Vega – Tyler
Marilyn Cardenas – Tyler
——
Honorable Mention
Karasha Hayes – Texas High
Zanasia Nelson – Texas High
Deja Aubrey – Texas High
Lexie Burton – Texas High
——
Academic All-District
Texas High: Deja Aubrey, Alexeia Burton, Madelyn Carroll, Kenley Dewberry, Cruz Hopkins, Phoenix Jones, Acasia Nelson, Zanasia Nelson, Kyleigh Perkins, Taryne Stiger, Eva Treadway, Sydney Woods
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Dec 27, 2025) – USA Volleyball is deeply saddened by the passing of longtime volleyball leader Glen Lietzke, a respected and influential figure whose dedication to the sport touched athletes, families, and organizations nationwide.
A true champion and pioneer of the game, Lietzke’s service spanned decades and encompassed numerous initiatives to grow and strengthen the volleyball community. He was a cornerstone of the sport, the founder of Austin Juniors Volleyball, and an AVCA Hall of Fame inductee.
In 1998, he was inducted into the USA Volleyball Hall of Fame as a recipient of the USA Volleyball George J. Fisher Leadership Award. His impact was felt profoundly at the national level through his work with First Point Volleyball, now an arm of USA Volleyball, and his service on the USA Volleyball Foundation Board, where his vision helped expand opportunities for countless young athletes.
He was a longtime coach, including collegiate stints at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, Southwest Missouri State University, and the University of Texas. He also coached many teams at Austin Juniors and coached with the U.S. junior and youth national teams.
“Glen Lietzke always amazed me with the depth of his innovation and the lasting influence he had on our sport, shared John Speraw, President and CEO of USA Volleyball. “But what impressed me most in recent years was his generosity and the quiet way he made an impact. I always knew I could call Glen for honest insight and thoughtful perspective. He worked behind the scenes, never seeking attention, always focused on making things better for others. That is what our sport has lost, a humble icon and we have lost a good friend.”
Lietzke was a tireless advocate for the growth of boys and men’s volleyball, investing resources and leadership to help programs thrive in regions where few opportunities previously existed. At the time of his passing, he was actively leading preparations for January’s Southwest Boys Classic, one of the premier events on the national calendar.
Beyond his professional achievements, Glen was a trusted friend to the First Point Volleyball and a visionary leader whose belief in what was possible strengthened the sport. His legacy is one of generational impact; a volleyball community made better, more inclusive, and more vibrant through his lifelong commitment.
USA Volleyball extends its heartfelt condolences to his wife, Kathy, his children, Nathan and Lauren, the Austin Juniors community, and the many athletes, coaches and colleagues inspired by his life and work.
Dec. 27, 2025, 1:22 p.m. ET
Just a few days ago, coach Craig Skinner and the Kentucky Wildcats volleyball team got a huge lift by landing All-ACC outside hitter Morgan Gaerte from the transfer portal. However, they will also be losing Brooke Bultema. The sophomore middle blocker announced she was transferring, and very quickly found a home with the Louisville Cardinals.
Bultema didn’t see a lot of action down the stretch of the season, but she played well when she was on the court. In 57 sets played, she recorded 92 kills and 55 blocks. Her .264 hit percentage was top five on the team among regular players, and her 1.61 kills per set was fourth. She was second on the team, behind only Lizzie Carr, with .96 blocks per set.
In a message to Big Blue Nation, Bultema said:
Thank you will never be enough. This place, these people, this commonwealth, will forever hold a special place in my heart. Leaving Kentucky was the hardest decision of my life. Not only because I was leaving a school I loved, but people that have forever changed my like for the better.
Bultema joins Louisville with two years of eligibility remaining. She is a very good addition for them, and a tough loss for the Wildcats. We wish her the best at her new home.
Dec. 27, 2025, 4:50 p.m. ET
The Kentucky Wildcats volleyball team had one of its most successful seasons ever in 2025, winning 27 straight games and getting to the national championship match. It didn’t end the way they would have hoped, but it was a terrific run that captured the hearts of Big Blue Nation.
Individually, Eva Hudson had a huge season that led to her being named the SEC Player of the Year. He recorded 546 kills to lead Kentucky, and was critical to their success. Her senior season was certainly a special one.
Hudson’s eligibility ended after the season, but she has quickly managed to land a professional deal, signing with LOVB Atlanta. League One Volleyball is set to begin its second season in January, and features six professional teams.
Volleyball has recently taken off in terms of popularity, with viewership rising exponentially over the past few years. Along with Pro Volleyball Federation, LOVB gives more opportunities for players like Hudson to continue their careers and stay closer to home.
Congratulations to Eva Hudson, and Big Blue Nation is certain to continue to support her at her new home.
If you wanted a quiet week to process the end of the volleyball season, you picked the wrong sport.
Just days after Kentucky’s historic 27-match winning streak was snapped in a painful 3-0 National Championship loss to Texas A&M, the program was hit with the full “joy and anguish” of the Transfer Portal era.
Craig Skinner didn’t waste time sulking. He went out and landed one of the most dangerous attackers in the country. But in true portal fashion, the news came with a price tag attached. and this one is going to annoy the fanbase.
The Joy: Morgan Gaerte is a problem
First, the massive news. Kentucky announced the signing of Morgan Gaerte, a 6-foot-5 outside hitter from Notre Dame who joins the Wildcats with two years of eligibility remaining.
This isn’t a depth piece. This is a legitimate “terminator.”
Gaerte was a First Team All-ACC selection in 2025 and an AVCA Honorable Mention All-American. Her numbers at Notre Dame were video game stuff:
- 497 kills (School record for the rally-scoring era)
- 4.64 kills per set (Mammoth production)
- 22 straight matches with 10+ kills
Skinner needs firepower to replace what is leaving, and Gaerte is exactly that. She hails from Indiana (ranked the No. 5 player in the nation coming out of high school) and brings the kind of heavy arm that can take over a fifth set, or even prevent it from going that far.
The anguish: Brooke Bultema to the enemy Cards
Now for the part that requires a deep breath.
Shortly after the Gaerte announcement, sophomore middle blocker Brooke Bultema announced she was entering the portal. Transfers happen. Players want playing time. That is part of the game.
The problem? She is transferring to Louisville.
Bultema was efficient when she played (.264 hitting percentage, 0.96 blocks per set), even though her minutes dipped down the stretch. Losing a productive sophomore hurts; losing her to the Cardinals adds a layer of rivalry bitterness that won’t go away quietly.
“Leaving Kentucky was the hardest decision of my life,” Bultema said in her statement. “Not only because I was leaving a school I loved, but people that have forever changed my life for the better.”
Craig Skinner’s message: The fire is lit
Despite the whiplash, Craig Skinner sounded like a coach who is ready to run it back.
“Man. What a ride! This team rejuvenated my fire for coaching,” Skinner said, thanking the 38,000 fans who packed Memorial Coliseum this season. “Thank you, BBN, for being with us every step of the way.”
The 2025 season ended in heartbreak, and the offseason started with a rivalry trade-off. But adding a weapon like Gaerte proves one thing: Kentucky intends to be right back in the Final Four conversation next December.
Assistant Director, Behavioral Health & Performance in New Orleans, LA for Tulane University
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