Faculty and Staff Share Their Highlights of the Year
We asked Fordham faculty and staff to reflect on their most memorable, meaningful moments from the past year. Their highlights remind us why our work matters, and why the Fordham community continues to inspire. Forging Friendships That Will Last for Years to Come “Students fuel us and inspire us,” said psychology professor and Associate Dean […]
We asked Fordham faculty and staff to reflect on their most memorable, meaningful moments from the past year. Their highlights remind us why our work matters, and why the Fordham community continues to inspire.
Forging Friendships That Will Last for Years to Come
“Students fuel us and inspire us,” said psychology professor and Associate Dean for Strategic Initiatives Rachel Annunziato, Ph.D. This year, one student, Steven Laureano, reminded her of this. Annunziato met him as a first-year when she was tapped to be a summer faculty advisor for this year’s graduating class, and “he stood out quickly as embodying what I love about our students; he was so kind, excited, grateful, and hard-working,” she said. Annunziato focused on creating a schedule that would fit his commute and his work in sales, and “I have watched him soar ever since,” she said.
“He is now a well-known leader in the Commuter Student Association, a superstar psychology major, the recipient of our Davidson Scholarship, and a few weeks ago he called to tell me that he was accepted into Fordham’s Graduate School of Social Work, where his mom is also a student.” They may even graduate from GSS together. “Students like Stephen are symbolic of the close connections that faculty form here—he’s one of those students that I know I’ll get to be in touch with for so many years to come,” she said. “It’s a gift to be at a place like this where those kinds of relationships are possible. I’ve been at Fordham for almost 15 years and you always get this joy, each and every year.”
Creating a Sense of Home in the Classroom
Leo Guardado, Ph.D., accepting the Humanities award at the Arts and Sciences Faculty Day. Photo: Joseph Buscaro
Theology professor Leo Guardado, Ph.D., began his undergraduate Christian Mystical Texts class one morning in April by asking his students how they felt in this current moment. Students cried, he said; they shared what it’s like to feel unwanted by society. “What I thought would be a brief discussion turned into a class-length holy time and holy space for sharing our vulnerabilities, anxieties, and fears,” said Guardado, who received two Faculty of Arts and Science awards this year, the Humanities award and the James C. McGroddy award, in recognition of his excellence in teaching.
“It became clear to me as I listened to my students that one of the most critical tasks facing us is the communal and ongoing re-creation of a sense of home even amidst the ongoing threats and persecution that is tearing apart communities,” Guardado said. Inviting students to share their stories was a simple gesture, he said, that created a time for healing.
They tabled their discussion on the 16th century Spanish mystic, Teresa of Avila, for the next class, but “the conversation about the reality we are living through made spirituality even more relevant as a source of resistance to violence. We heal together, not alone.”
CCEL in Action in Albany
Each year for the past three years, the Center for Community Engaged Learning [CCEL] has participated in Albany’s annual SOMOS Conference, a statewide gathering of community leaders, elected officials, and changemakers dedicated to promoting justice, public service, and cultural celebration. This year Travis Proulx, vice president of external affairs, joined to participate in a panel discussion on the future of DEI in higher education.
The students who took part in the event made it truly memorable for Keisha Shay, Ph.D., director of academic development and administration in CCEL. They helped design a participatory installation called “Clima,” a handmade tree where visitors could hang their personal pledges and visions for a better climate future.
“Seeing our students engage with communities beyond the Bronx and Manhattan was truly meaningful,” said Shay. “It was a powerful reminder of what’s possible when education uplifts and empowers.”
A Defining Moment in Water Polo’s Winning Season
Fordham fans packed the stands at the Sept. 27 game. Photo by Vincent Dusovic
Before the Fordham men’s water polo team finished its greatest season ever, 32-1, and went further than any other Fordham team in the NCAA Championship, they had to defeat a rival they had only beaten once in the program’s history: Princeton.
“They’ve just been our thorn in our side that we’ve never been able to get past,” said Head Coach Brian Bacharach. But their Sept. 27 game—one of the highlights of Bacharach’s year—was different. “It was the first time in five years that we got them to come to our place to play, so we got a home game against them, and the night was just magical. We played amazing and the stands were packed. We never had so many people in our place before, so we had to open up seating down on the pool deck. We brought all the parents down, because there was not any room up in the stands.” After the win, hundreds of alumni were there to celebrate. “They knew how long it’s taken for us to finally get over the top against those guys. That was our first marquee win.”
Music Meets Mission
As Director of Ignatian Mission Initiatives, Rob Parmach, Ph.D., organizes many opportunities to connect Fordham faculty, staff and students to the local communities around Lincoln Center and Rose Hill. Looking back on them all, a visit by the all-male a capella group, The Fordham Ramblers, to a local middle school, was the most memorable.
“This was for me a great example of seeing God in all things—you have 13 college adults who are talented musicians, but also college students who want to mentor and give a good life lesson to these middle school kids who are in sixth, seventh, and eighth grade. They teach them not only about how they put music together, identifying that it’s hard work and it requires a lot of patience and collaboration and teamwork, but also to recognize that through their music and through their soft skills, they’re becoming lifelong friends.”
Getting Everyone in the Room—and on the Field
University Secretary Dorothy Marinucci had a hard time picking just one standout moment from the past year. “January’s Mental Health and Crime Symposium was extremely well received, and I was very proud to have worked on it with my colleagues,” she said. She also spearheads the yearlong commencement planning that brings everyone from the Ram Van crew to facilities to public safety to faculty together for meetings.. “It’s a wonderful opportunity where we’re all in the room together and we go over every crazy thing and we all get to see each other. It’s not that often that we can do that.”
The return of Fordham’s Dagger John Day, which Marinucci and Kathy Law, office coordinator and event specialist in the Office of the University Secretary, helped bring back last June after the pandemic put it on hold, was another highlight of the past year. “We wanted to bring it back in a more engaging, fun way, and so we created a cornhole tournament and other games, and we opened up the football field snack bars to serve hamburgers and hot dogs. It was fun.”
This year, the celebration will move indoors to the air-conditioned Rose Hill Gym on Monday, June 2.
With Oregon now in the Big Ten, was there any doubt where the conference Track and Field Championships would be held? Where else but the mecca of the nation, Hayward Field! And the Ducks didn’t disappoint the hometown fans as the Men claimed the Big Ten title while the women finished as the runner-ups. The […]
With Oregon now in the Big Ten, was there any doubt where the conference Track and Field Championships would be held?
Where else but the mecca of the nation, Hayward Field!
And the Ducks didn’t disappoint the hometown fans as the Men claimed the Big Ten title while the women finished as the runner-ups.
The men claimed the title Sunday, scoring in 13 of 21 events on its way to 110 points. With the weekend result, the men completed a sweep of the conference indoor and outdoor championships. Simeon Birnbaum capped the weekend with an individual victory at 5,000 meters.
On the women’s side, the Ducks won four titles Sunday and finished as the conference runner-up by just eight points behind top-ranked USC. Klaudia Kazimierska won the 800 meters, Silan Ayyildiz and Aaliyah McCormick completed their indoor-outdoor double at 5,000 meters and in the 100 hurdles, respectively, and Ryann Porter took the top spot in the triple jump, with Cassie Atkins finishing second.
The Track and Field National Championships, now less than a month away, will be held at, you guessed it, Hayward Field.
BOULDER – The Colorado volleyball team announced its nonconference schedule consisting of 11 matches on Tuesday, May 20. The Buffs will play 10 before their second season back in the Big 12 and one during conference play in October. As with conference games, CU opens nonconference play on the road against Cleveland State at […]
BOULDER – The Colorado volleyball team announced its nonconference schedule consisting of 11 matches on Tuesday, May 20. The Buffs will play 10 before their second season back in the Big 12 and one during conference play in October.
As with conference games, CU opens nonconference play on the road against Cleveland State at the Rumble in the Rockies tournament in Laramie, Wyo., on Aug. 29. The Buffs are 27-12 (.692) in season openers and 661-552 (.545) in matches all-time.
Before the season begins, the Buffs will host the annual Black & Gold Scrimmage on Aug. 23. Along with Cleveland State, Colorado will face Tulsa and host school Wyoming in the Rumble in the Rockies on Aug. 30 and 31, respectively. The following week, the Buffs will venture to Irvine, Calif., for the UCI/adidas Invitational to take on Fresno State (Sept. 4), Pennsylvania (Sept. 5) and host school UC Irvine (Sept. 6).
CU will return to Boulder to host a home tournament in Buffs Invitational the following week. The Buffs will compete against Arkansas (Sept. 12), Toledo (Sept. 13), and Denver (Sept. 14) to round out the preseason tournaments. CU will also host neutral matches in this tournament — Denver vs. Toledo (Sept. 12), Denver vs. Arkansas (Sept. 13) and Toledo vs. Arkansas (Sept. 14).
Matches before conference will wrap up with back-to-back games against Colorado’s nonconference in-state rival, Colorado State (Sept. 18 & 19). The first match will take place in Fort Collins, Colo., and both teams will return to the CU Events Center the following day for the Battle for the Golden Spike. The Buffs have one final nonconference match at the end of October at Northern Colorado (Oct. 28). CU will follow up later that week with a Big 12 match at home on Halloween against Baylor.
Fans can view the full nonconference schedule here and below. All times are in Mountain and matches in bold will take place at CU Events Center.
August 8/23Black and Gold 3 p.m.
Rumble in the Rockies
8/29 vs. Cleveland State 1 p.m.
8/30 vs. Tulsa 1 p.m.
8/31 at Wyoming 1 p.m.
September UCI/adidas Invitational
9/4 vs. Fresno State 4:30 p.m.
9/5 vs. UPenn 5 p.m.
9/6 at UC Irvine 6 p.m.
Under ninth-year head coach Jesse Mahoney, Colorado finished the 2024 season 13-17 and went 6-12 against Big 12 opponents. After the conclusion of the regular season, sophomore OH Ana Burilovic was selected to the All-Big 12 Second Team, and sophomores DS/L Avery Bolles and OH Sydney Jordan were both named to the CSC Academic All-District Team. The Buffs registered five dominant sweeps in the 2024 season, including victories over Cincinnati (Nov. 9) and Kansas State on senior night (Nov. 27). CU also played in nine five-set matches in 2024, seeing victories over six teams and three five-set victories in a row in October – against Texas Tech on Oct. 5, at UCF on Oct. 13 and at Arizona on Oct. 16.
For more information on the Colorado volleyball team, please visit cubuffs.com/vb. Fans of the Buffs can follow @cubuffsvb on Instagram, X, and Facebook.
York Beach Maine summer 2025: New eateries, shops, events
YORK, Maine — With summer just around the corner, York Beach is gearing up for a season packed with exciting changes, fresh attractions, and beloved traditions. The Purple Palace, one of York’s longtime institutions, has changed hands, introducing a new menu featuring Mexican breakfast and burritos. Meanwhile, Short Sands Beach will see major upgrades, including […]
YORK, Maine — With summer just around the corner, York Beach is gearing up for a season packed with exciting changes, fresh attractions, and beloved traditions.
The Purple Palace, one of York’s longtime institutions, has changed hands, introducing a new menu featuring Mexican breakfast and burritos. Meanwhile, Short Sands Beach will see major upgrades, including new volleyball courts and enhancements to Ellis Park’s pavilion.
For the first time, the Nevada Hotel is offering surf lessons, while the ViewPoint Hotel’s luxury spa—overlooking the iconic Nubble Lighthouse — welcomes guests for its first full summer.
On Route 1, music fans can catch Jakob Nowell, son of Sublime’s Bradley Nowell, headlining the town’s annual craft beer festival, Oddity by the Ocean.
York’s Wild Kingdom welcomes new critters, while the Parks and Recreation Department gears up for its annual road races and artisan market.
Here’s a look at what’s coming to York this summer.
York Beach’s ‘Love, Lois’ says goodbye: ‘I’m so glad that we have you as friends’
Mexican food coming to ex-Purple Palace spot
The Purple Palace on Railroad Avenue, a longtime breakfast staple known for its $3.95 specials, has sat empty for the past two summers due to a family dispute. Now, new owner Bill Shaheen is set to breathe new life into the space in 2025.
The paint on the building will no longer be purple, and the 17 seats inside will be replaced with an area for food prep for a new Mexican breakfast and burrito spot.
“It’s kind of a work in process,” Shaheen said.
While the new restaurant has yet to be named, it will operate as an extension of Molly O’s, featuring matching awnings and siding when it opens this summer.
Shaheen said he hopes the new eatery can also serve fried dough, as well as Mexican breakfast sandwiches in the morning and burritos in the afternoon.
“Do some fried dough and some muffins in the morning. Hopefully, we do some doughnuts,” Shaheen said. “Then break into some Mexican food, which is all takeout.”
Shaheen, husband of U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen, purchased the building earlier this year for $500,000, expanding his real estate holdings to four adjacent properties, including Molly O’s, Bill and Bob’s Jewelry, and a former ice cream shop.
That vacant ice cream shop will also see new life — it’s set to become a sub shop, leased by the owners of Moe’s Italian Subs. Though Shaheen has no involvement in the business, he expects it will not retain the Moe’s name, adhering to York’s local ordinances, which prohibit national chain openings.
More: York Beach’s Nevada named one of the ‘Best New Hotels in the World’ by Esquire
York hoteliers unveil new surf lessons and luxury spa
The ViewPoint Hotel and the Nevada Hotel, operated by Joe Lipton and Michelle Friar, have earned spots in TIME and Esquire for their luxury appeal— hosting high-profile events like Lady Gaga’s sister’s wedding.
Now, both properties are rolling out exciting new amenities for the summer season.
The ViewPoint Hotel, which overlooks the historic Nubble Lighthouse, will have its new spa open for its first summer in 2025. The spa is located in its own separate building, offering guests scrubs, massages, facials, waxing, and other services.
Meanwhile, at the Nevada, Lipton is introducing surf lessons through Long Sands Surf School, led by Luis and Jessi Gattgens, veteran instructors with over 20 years of experience teaching in Costa Rica.
York has long been known for surfing, with local shops like Liquid Dreams offering lessons.
The lessons at the Nevada will cost $125 and be for a half-day, or 3.5 hours, designed to get beginners standing up and riding within the same session. Each lesson includes real-time video and photo feedback to build confidence and improve technique.
“These classes mix surf theory, hard work and, obviously, fun,” Jessi Gattgens said.
Other hoteliers in York are continuing to upgrade their facilities. At the Grand View Hotel, owner Jimmy Asprogiannis’ work on building eight new units is in the works, though those will not be open until 2026.
At the Anchorage Inn, several upgrades have been implemented since last season, including a brand new sun deck at their office building for guests to enjoy this season.
Leavitt Theatre at 100: From silent films to drag shows, still thriving in Ogunquit
York’s Wild Kingdom unveils new reptile house for 2025 season
York’s Wild Kingdom is gearing up for its summer season, opening May 24 with a new reptile house replacing the former gift shop. The exhibit will feature snakes, a tegu lizard, and a resident arachnid — a tarantula.
Located at Short Sands Beach, the zoo and amusement park span 82 acres, with a main entrance off Route 1 and an exit leading guests onto Railroad Avenue, just a short walk from the shoreline.
York’s Wild Kingdom also features a variety of animals ranging from pregnant goats set to give birth in the coming weeks to Moxy the tiger and the park’s two lions. Fennec foxes, gibbons and other animals are on display in the zoo area, which is adjacent to its amusement park with rides and food.
“We look forward to a summer where families can enjoy the Maine outdoors, our animals and time together,” said Samantha Sauls, general manager of the park.
Ellis Park sees new volleyball courts, return of concerts
Each summer, visitors to Short Sands Beach find themselves drawn to Ellis Park, where its gazebo, pavilion, and parking lot serve as familiar landmarks along the shore. This year, the Ellis Park board of directors is adding to the experience, overseeing the construction of brand-new volleyball courts near the basketball court.
“Hoping they’ll be up by the end of the month,” said David Bridges, Ellis Park board of directors chairman.
While the volleyball courts were announced last year, construction is only now underway. The park also saw the addition of a new children’s playground last season, and further upgrades are continuing. Park Superintendent Corey Hawthorne said that work is being completed this year on the pavilion, which doubles as a wedding venue.
Ellis Park’s summer concert series will once again bring live entertainment to the gazebo every Thursday through Sunday from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., featuring a variety of acts, including an Elvis Presley impersonator on July 11 and Aug. 22, as well as the Beatles tribute band All Together Now on Aug. 29.
“Ellis Park is such a nice place for the town to enjoy,” Hawthorne said. “It’s really such a treasure of the town.”
Brewers bring music festival, ‘best in show’ dog competition
Jakob Nowell, the son of the late Sublime singer Bradley Nowell, will be headlining the fourth annual Oddity by the Ocean craft beer festival on Route 1 in Cape Neddick on June 7. Nowell has taken over for his father as the lead singer and guitarist of Sublime, having performed with them at shows like Coachella.
Nowell will be performing at the festival in York with his other group Jakobs Castle. Other acts slated to perform include Spray Allen, featuring the bassist for Sublime, Eric Wilson, and the Roots of Creation’s Grateful Dead project, Grateful Dub.
The festival is hosted by Cape Neddick’s Odd by Nature Brewing and features four hours of live music and unlimited craft beer. Brewers from around the world, from as far as Japan, come to the festival as vendors to share their beer.
York’s other local breweries, SoMe Brewing Company and York Beach Beer Co., are also ramping up for a summer of live music and events. Both are owned by the Rowland family, with SoMe located on Route 1 and York Beach Beer Co. at Short Sands Beach.
SoMe will host its third annual “York’s Best in Show” dog show on June 8. The brewery’s parking lot will be shut down for the afternoon to make room for the show, which will include categories like “senior dog,” “mutt,” “doodle,” “trick” and “costume.”
“At the end of the day, it’s just being able to raise money for local rescues,” Dave Rowland said, “And being able to get together and drink beer and watch a bunch of dogs do fun stuff.”
Both breweries host regular live music at both locations. York Beach Beer Co. will also host makers’ popups on selected weekends.
Rowland said his team is eager to bring back a special beer they created last year with the help of the University of New Hampshire’s Sustainable Seafood Systems. It is a gose-style beer that features dried kelp harvested from the UNH program’s farm.
‘Number one priority is safety’: York’s new lifeguard captain ready for summer
Parks and Rec brings movies, York Days, races and bonfire
York’s Parks and Recreation Department is gearing up for a vibrant summer season, packed with community events, celebrations, and outdoor fun.
The highlight is York Days, a week-long festival kicking off July 25 with the Lighting of the Nubble and running through the following weekend. The festivities include the return of the York Days Wellness Fest on Aug. 2, featuring yoga, meditation, reiki, and martial arts at York High School. Parks and Recreation Events Coordinator Nick Darby said that the department is partnering with Welcome Haven and Rise Wellness Collective to organize the event.
That same day, the York Days Craft Fair begins at the York Beach Ball Field, featuring food vendors, photographers, pottery makers, and artisans selling their goods from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Aug. 2 and 3. The American Legion Post 56 will provide food, and the festival will wrap up with fireworks at Short Sands Beach at 9 p.m.
Parks and Recreation will also host three movie nights this summer at the York Beach Ball Field. The department plans to post an online survey allowing residents to vote on which films will be shown.
For runners, the department will hold two road races— Four on the 4th, scheduled for July 4, and the York Days Road Race on Aug. 3. Proceeds will support the Old York Historical Society and the York Youth Cheerleading program, respectively. The Four on the 4th will be preceded by a bib pickup party at York High School on July 3 from 3 to 5 p.m., featuring live music and food.
Closing out the season, the department will host its annual Beach Bonfire Benefit at Long Sands Beach, where guests can enjoy the bonfire between 9 and 10 p.m.
“A summer sendoff,” Darby said.
Darby also encouraged residents and visitors to look forward to events honoring York’s first responders.
On Aug. 5, National Night Out will take place at Bog Road Field, where York police officers will engage with the community. Kids will get the chance to explore police vehicles, enjoy food, play games, and bounce in an inflatable house.
Later in the month, the York Village Fire Department will host its 109th parade and muster, with the parade traveling from Woodbridge and York Street to the York Public Library. The muster, a firefighter competition featuring tactical challenges, will be held at Moulton Park.
“I’m just really excited to see people out, getting into the community, and enjoying the nice weather,” Darby said. “York, Maine, in the summer is the best place on earth.”
Wells, Maine summer beach preview 2025: Food trucks, festivals, concerts and more
Historic Nubble Lighthouse to be lit for summer
Tourists flock each summer to the Nubble Lighthouse located across from Sohier Park. The lighthouse will be lit up as a part of York Days, from July 25 until Aug. 3, allowing people to see it lit up as it would be during the winter holidays.
Brenda Knapp, chair of the Sohier Park Committee, said York is lucky to have the lighthouse still well intact. It was last rebuilt in 1879, and she said the town is fortunate it has not seen significant damage from storms.
Knapp said the Sohier Park Committee works closely with Parks and Recreation on plans to protect the Nubble and improve Sohier Park. A major project is in the works to fix damage to the park from major storms in 2024 that will eventually go before voters. The project, as presented to the Selectboard in January, would include changes to parking, benches greenery and walking paths.
This summer, guests can enjoy a scavenger hunt at the Nubble’s gift shop, according to Knapp. The game leads guests to investigate items that allow them to learn about the Nubble, like why the lighthouse has two bells.
“We have an opportunity to serve our guests and residents who come,” Knapp said. “They can sit by the ocean, they can look at the gorgeous lighthouse and just breathe and take it in.”
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DAVIS, Calif. – Recruited from warmer, tropical climates, Chelsea Johnson and Georgia Daly have brought with them elite skills in the pool while representing their home countries on the highest levels of international competition. That experience and level of knowledge has carried over to Schaal Aquatics Center and flirted […]
DAVIS, Calif. – Recruited from warmer, tropical climates, Chelsea Johnson and Georgia Daly have brought with them elite skills in the pool while representing their home countries on the highest levels of international competition.
That experience and level of knowledge has carried over to Schaal Aquatics Center and flirted through the ranks of their UC Davis women’s water polo teammates.
Johnson hails from Brisbane, Australia, while Daly calls Auckland, New Zealand home and the two Aggies have goals of playing for their respective countries under global lights this coming August at the 2025’s edition of the World Aquatics U20 Women’s Water Polo Championships, located in Salvador, Brazil.
It’s no surprise this pair have been called to action for their homeland teams. This season alone, these international athletes have numbered up some impressive stat lines. Johnson, the Aggies’ starting defender, has registered 26 goals, 32 assists, 42 steals, and drawn 35 exclusions across the in-season games. Daly, putting up big numbers as a freshman, has logged 24 goals, 32 drawn exclusions, and has made seven steals.
Johnson has been a part of great success in her home country of Australia, being crowned Queensland State Champion, Australian National Club Champion, a U18 and U20 Brisbane Championship winner, and she has competed in the Australian Youth Championships for multiple years.
In summer of 2024, she traveled with a U20 squad for a European tour in preparation for this year’s world championships with the Australian team.
“Even though it wasn’t the official world champs we played in, it was nice to travel with the girls I’ve been playing with my whole life” says Johnson. “It was nice to play against other teams and experiencing the European style of water polo.”
Known for a rougher, quicker sort of game where calls will not always go the way you want them to, “we had to adjust to fact you can’t play to the whistle; but to just get the ball in the back of the net.’
“Because the U19 at the time will be the U20 this year, the coaches thought it’d be good to start scouting the teams we’d play at champs, so it was good exposure to play the teams we could face this year” notes Johnson.
Daly was selected for the 2023 U20 traveling team with the Tūīs, named after a bird native only to the island of New Zealand. For years, Daly had been competing and moving up the ladder and just a mere eight months before the Portugal championships, she was called up to play in the U20 squad.
“When I had gotten that email, I was so grateful and excited to be going. Months before, I didn’t even think that I would be training with the group at all” says Daly. However, Daly was called to action after the main center drew out of the roster due to injury, making Georgia the official 15th member of the national team.
“That all happened within three days, it was a weird getting all these emails with massive news. It was also my first time representing New Zealand, so it was nerve-wracking, but I was mainly excited for the opportunity to play.”
She still recalls the electric game against Canada, where the New Zealand team crossed the threshold to become part of the top eight competitors in the tournament.
It’s undeniable that they have brought their foreign expertise to the small California town, eager to share their knowledge and elite experience to the pool deck every day. “In Australia, we had a chat about what it meant to be a Stinger and legacy we want to leave.
“Showing leadership, emphasizing nutrition, leading by example, and leaning into different styles of play is important. Even though we all play the same game, it ultimately differs from country to country and there’s so much to learn.”
Making the Aggies and the Stingers proud, Johnson filled big shoes and started at defender for the Aggies all season in just her second year.
Daly credits the national team for teaching her resiliency. “It showed me how much hard work pays off, and I don’t think I would have been pulled up to the squad if I didn’t stay motivated and chose to go extra mile every day.
“It also made me really appreciate my coaches and family and showed me how much I love this sport and how great it is to represent my country.”
Johnson looks forward to the final selection camp in June, where the Stingers will solidify their final team for the U20 tournament in Brazil. Meanwhile, Daly will head back to New Zealand in May for her final selection camp to be part of the recently rebranded New Zealand White Caps, paying homage to the peaks of the waves surrounding their country.
The pair of internationally experienced Aggies have also gained priceless experience from what Davis has offered them for them to carry into this summer’s stretch of competition and on to the international stage.
This story is an example of UC Davis Athletics’ commitment to the Ignite Strategic Plan Pillar of “Competitive Excellence” by recruiting and developing high performing student-athletes on the international stage. Read more about our strategic plan here; IGNITE.
Triton’s Connerty hurdles to history with NJCAA DIII title
Ava Connerty Credit: Triton College athletics In just over a year, Triton College sophomore Ava Connerty of Riverside has seen her track and field fortunes change drastically. They did so the same way for the finals of the women’s 100-meter high hurdles at the National Junior College Athletic Association Division III Championships May 10 in […]
In just over a year, Triton College sophomore Ava Connerty of Riverside has seen her track and field fortunes change drastically. They did so the same way for the finals of the women’s 100-meter high hurdles at the National Junior College Athletic Association Division III Championships May 10 in Utica, N.Y. after a disappointing fourth-place preliminary finish in cold and gloomy conditions May 8.
“(Finals) was such a nice day. It was warm. It was sunny. I just had a different mindset,” Connerty said. “I was so confident, just in the right headspace that day. I knew I would do good and I did.”
Connerty captured the national title with a huge lifetime-best of 15.24 seconds to become the first women’s track and field national champion in Triton history. In 2024, Connerty was second at nationals after joining the team mid-season.
Special Olympics Nebraska serves up volleyball on opening day
Special Olympics Nebraska serves up volleyball on opening day Opening ceremonies are jam-packed with entertainment, and a banquet is the winner at closing ceremonies Updated: 3:53 PM CDT May 20, 2025 WELCOME BACK. THANKS FOR STICKING WITH US. THE SUMMER OLYMPICS ARE RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER. AND HERE TO TELL US MORE IS PRESIDENT AND […]
Special Olympics Nebraska serves up volleyball on opening day
Opening ceremonies are jam-packed with entertainment, and a banquet is the winner at closing ceremonies
Updated: 3:53 PM CDT May 20, 2025
WELCOME BACK. THANKS FOR STICKING WITH US. THE SUMMER OLYMPICS ARE RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER. AND HERE TO TELL US MORE IS PRESIDENT AND CEO OF SPECIAL OLYMPICS NEBRASKA, CAROLYN CHAMBERLAIN. CAROLYN, THANK YOU FOR JOINING US AT NOON. WELL, THIS IS EXCITING. YOU JUST MADE ME AWARE THAT SPECIAL OLYMPICS START WEDNESDAY HERE IN THE METRO. YES. OUR ANNUAL SUMMER GAMES KICK OFF ON WEDNESDAY AND WILL BE COMPETING THROUGH SATURDAY. OVER 700 ATHLETES. FOUR DAY EVENT. TAKE US THROUGH SOME OF THE EVENTS THAT WILL BE STARTING WEDNESDAY. YEAH, WE HAVE ATHLETES AND PARTICIPANTS COMING FROM ALL OVER THE STATE AND THEY WILL ARRIVE AT CREIGHTON ON WEDNESDAY, AND THEY’LL BE WELCOMED WITH A BARBECUE. AND THEN WE WASTE NO TIME. VOLLEYBALL STARTS THAT NIGHT. NICE. AND THE NEXT MORNING, SWIMMING ALL DAY. AND THURSDAY EVENING OUR OPENING CEREMONIES, WHICH IS A NIGHT OF ENTERTAINMENT FOR OUR ATHLETES IN THE COMMUNITY. OH I BET. YEAH. AND THEN FRIDAY. OTHER FIELD EVENTS. WE HAVE A HEALTH SCREENING ALL DAY FRIDAY AND THEN SATURDAY TRACK ALL DAY. WE CLOSE WITH A FORMAL SIT DOWN BANQUET AND CLOSING CEREMONIES AND A DANCE, AND THEN EVERYBODY GOES BACK HOME ON SUNDAY. CAN YOU TAKE US THROUGH THE THE EMOTIONS YOU SEE FROM THE ATHLETES BEING ABLE TO COMPETE, JUST LIKE AT THE WORLD STAGE, ALL THE ENERGY AROUND WHAT IT MEANS TO THEM? YEAH. OUR ATHLETES TRAIN HARD ALL YEAR. A LOT OF THE SPORTS THAT YOU’LL SEE IN THE NEXT FEW DAYS, THEY HAVE TO QUALIFY FOR, SO THEY COMPETE ON THE LOCAL LEVEL AND THEN QUALIFY TO COME TO STATE. THIS WOULD BE CONSIDERED A STATE COMPETITION. BUT IT’S IT’S REALLY POWERFUL TO SEE OUR ATHLETES BE CELEBRATED FOR WHO THEY ARE AND EARNING THEIR SPOT. WE DON’T JUST GIVE THIS AWAY, THEY HAVE TO EARN IT. AND THE BEAUTIFUL PART IS THAT IT GIVES OUR ATHLETES A CHANCE TO SHINE AND TO TRAIN, TO SET GOALS, TO HIT A PERSONAL BEST RIGHT, AND TO BE CELEBRATED FOR THEIR ACCOMPLISHMENTS. I LOVE IT, AND A FOUR DAY EVENT LIKE THIS CANNOT GO ON WITHOUT ALL THE VOLUNTEERS. I’M SURE YOU HAVE AND STILL OPPORTUNITIES FOR OTHERS TO COME OUT AND VOLUNTEER. IS THAT RIGHT? YEAH, THIS EVENT TAKES A LOT OF VOLUNTEERS, AND IF YOU HAVEN’T SIGNED UP, YOU STILL CAN AT OUR WEBSITE, WHICH IS S O E DOT. THERE’S A LITTLE BUTTON THAT SAYS GET INVOLVED. IF YOU CLICK THAT, IT’LL GIVE YOU WAYS TO SIGN UP. OH THAT’S PERFECT. CAN YOU TAKE US THROUGH AS A VOLUNTEER FOR THESE VOLUNTEERS, WHAT IT MEANS TO THEM, THE REWARDS OF BEING ABLE TO HELP THESE ATHLETES COMPETE. SEE THEM TRIUMPH, AND WHAT THEY GET OUT OF IT, BECAUSE I’M SURE IT’S JUST AS REWARDING AS THE ATHLETES. YEAH, THE FEEDBACK I GET FROM OUR VOLUNTEERS IS OFTEN I THOUGHT I WAS GOING TO GO THERE AND HELP. I THOUGHT I WAS GIVING, AND WHEN I LEFT, I REALIZED I WAS FED. I REALIZED I RECEIVED FAR MORE THAN I GAVE, AND WE HAVE SO MANY RETURNING VOLUNTEERS BECAUSE IT’S SUCH A POSITIVE EXPERIENCE. ABSOLUTELY. THAT’S WHAT IT’S ALL ABOUT. HOW ELSE CAN PEOPLE GET INVOLVED? MAYBE THEY CAN’T VOLUNTEER. CAN THEY COME AND WATCH AND PARTAKE IN SOME OF THE EVENTS AND SEEING AND CELEBRATING THESE ATHLETES? YEAH, ALL OF OUR EVENTS ARE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. WE DON’T CHARGE FOR ADMISSION. SO IF YOU WANT TO JUST COME BE A FAN FOR A COUPLE HOURS, YOU ARE WELCOME TO COME DO THAT. IT’S A COME TO OPENING CEREMONIES. IT’S OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. WE HAVE. LEMON FRESH DAY, LOCAL LOCAL ARTISTS ENTERTAINING. WE HAVE ALL-STAR STUNT DOGS, WHICH WILL BE PART OF THE SHOW. SO IT’S A GREAT WAY TO CELEBRATE SOMETHING AMAZING IN THE COMMUNITY IN OMAHA TO SUCH A GREAT PART IN SUPPORTING THIS. I LOVE TO HEAR IT.
Special Olympics Nebraska serves up volleyball on opening day
Opening ceremonies are jam-packed with entertainment, and a banquet is the winner at closing ceremonies
Updated: 3:53 PM CDT May 20, 2025
Special Olympics Nebraska has served the community for over 50 years.Its annual summer games kick off with volleyball on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. More than 700 athletes from around the state will arrive at Creighton University to compete in the four-day event. After the welcome barbecue, athletes will hit the court at the Kiewit Fitness Center Wednesday night. Swimming begins Thursday at 9 a.m. in Elkhorn. The evening’s opening ceremonies will entertain the athletes and the community. Friday is the field events day. Special Olympics Nebraska president and CEO Caroyln Chamberlin sat down with KETV’s Jack Keenan to discuss the opening ceremonies and the summer games. For more information, go to sone.org.
OMAHA, Neb. —
Special Olympics Nebraska has served the community for over 50 years.
Its annual summer games kick off with volleyball on Wednesday, May 21, 2025.
More than 700 athletes from around the state will arrive at Creighton University to compete in the four-day event.
After the welcome barbecue, athletes will hit the court at the Kiewit Fitness Center Wednesday night.
Swimming begins Thursday at 9 a.m. in Elkhorn. The evening’s opening ceremonies will entertain the athletes and the community.
Friday is the field events day.
Special Olympics Nebraska president and CEO Caroyln Chamberlin sat down with KETV’s Jack Keenan to discuss the opening ceremonies and the summer games.