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For Fitness Brands, Authentic Events Are the Next Growth Channel

Athletech News caught up with Events.com co-founders Stephen Partridge and Mitch Thrower to learn what events are resonating with consumers and how fitness operates can capitalize on the experience economy The growing interest in health and fitness—paired with Gen Z’s desire for in-person connection—has opened the door for brands to collaborate on high-energy experiences like […]

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For Fitness Brands, Authentic Events Are the Next Growth Channel

Athletech News caught up with Events.com co-founders Stephen Partridge and Mitch Thrower to learn what events are resonating with consumers and how fitness operates can capitalize on the experience economy

The growing interest in health and fitness—paired with Gen Z’s desire for in-person connection—has opened the door for brands to collaborate on high-energy experiences like fitness raves, competitive races like Hyrax (and the training that leads up to them) and even experiential retail events hosted by Nike and Gymshark.

One company at the forefront of this movement is Events.com, a marketplace connecting event organizers with eventgoers, co-founded by Stephen Partridge, president and Mitch Thrower, CEO. Fittingly, both entrepreneurs are avid athletes themselves—Partridge a waterman, surfer, windsurfer and former Olympic hopeful for Barcelona ’92, while Thrower is a 22-time Ironman triathlete and the prior co-founder of Active.com.

As Thrower describes it, we’re living in a rapidly expanding experience economy—one where consumers are prioritizing meaningful activities over material possessions. One sector is especially well-positioned to benefit from the shift: the fitness industry. 

A group of runners.
credit: Photo by Mārtiņš Zemlickis on Unsplash

“The rise of community-driven events, from running clubs to fitness gatherings with a festival-like atmosphere, capitalizes on the desire for connection, amplified by the isolation of the pandemic and a renewed awareness of health and mortality,” he tells Athletech News. “Organizers are tapping into this trend by leveraging accessible technology to create and promote these events, meeting the demand for social, sensory-rich experiences that blend physical challenge with human interaction.”  

Events.com has seen considerable growth in fitness events prioritizing social engagement, with the global running club phenomenon standing out as a prime example, Thrower confirms. Overall, though, the marketplace’s data suggests that shared connection is just as important as the challenge of a heart-pounding fitness event.

“These modern iterations draw diverse participants seeking both exercise and camaraderie, often in outdoor settings that enhance the experience,” he says. “Accessible events like group runs or yoga gatherings are gaining serious traction, appealing to wider demographics and naturally aligning with products or services. They tap into a growing desire for fitness experiences that feel like shared, uplifting journeys.” 

It’s a space where even traditional fitness operators—like gym owners—can compete and connect with Gen Z experience-seekers, Partridge adds, by launching their own events that focus on current trends (such as high-intensity circuits or group runs) while integrating their signature offerings. 

people work out at Hyrox event
Centr x Hyrox equipment | credit: Centr/Hyrox

“Alternatively, operators might consider partnering with established event producers, giving them access to proven frameworks without having to build everything from the ground up,” Partridge says.

Still, it takes more than a flashy event and social-ready branding—authenticity is what truly resonates with consumers, Partridge says, highlighting two major brands that are wildly successful in this area.

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“Experiential fitness marketing for this new breed of participatory events and communities is still in its early stages, but brands that succeed are those building authentic connections with consumers during moments of physical and social empowerment,” he says. “Effective campaigns foster loyalty by linking the brand to the event or local fitness communities that drive attendance, creating a sense of belonging. Companies like Lululemon excel with their community-focused yoga sessions and running groups, blending their apparel with a lifestyle ethos. On the other hand, Red Bull’s high-octane fitness challenges align their energy brand with peak performance. Both examples show the power of showing up where customers feel most alive.”

Although 2025 has a highly engaged base of consumers focused on health, wellness, fitness and connection, competition is fierce—and with some signs of tightening discretionary spending, brands may need to get more creative.

F45 Training, Now With Wiiings/image of Red Bull can
credit: F45

“To succeed in the thriving fitness event market this year, organizers need a strong technological foundation,” Thrower advises, adding that Events.com is equipped with all the tools needed for ticketing, marketing, analytics and sponsorship management for maximized impact. 

“Beyond that, two elements are critical: first, access to a target audience, whether through local networks or broader channels, to ensure visibility and participation,” he says. “Second, a standout venue or inspiring location can elevate the event into a memorable experience, attracting people who are looking for something worth sharing—something Instagram-worthy. Together, these components create a winning formula for 2025 and beyond.” 

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Top Savannah area athlete to watch

The Richmond Hill track and field team enters GHSA Class 6A State Track and Field Meet in Carrollton on Friday and Saturday, May 9-10, with some serious star power in the lineup. On the girls side, the Wildcats are led by senior Mmekom Inyang, who is coming off sectional titles in the 100 and 300- […]

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The Richmond Hill track and field team enters GHSA Class 6A State Track and Field Meet in Carrollton on Friday and Saturday, May 9-10, with some serious star power in the lineup.

On the girls side, the Wildcats are led by senior Mmekom Inyang, who is coming off sectional titles in the 100 and 300- meter hurdles, with a second place finish in the shot put behind her teammate and close friend, Jada Brown.

Inyang’s range of skills is set to carry on in college as she has signed as a heptathlete at Howard University in Washington D.C.

One of the most versatile overall athletes in the South, Inyang was also a star on the Wildcat basketball team as she was named region Defensive Player of the Year the last two years. She grew up playing soccer until entering high school, and was also a standout volleyball player for her first three seasons at Richmond Hill.

“Mmekom is very much into her craft,” said Richmond Hill track and field coach Levi Sybert. “She is so focused on whatever event she is competing in — there is no playing around, she’s all business. I think she has the maturity level of an elite college athlete and that’s what makes her so successful.”

Inyang is looking forward to competing in college in the heptathlon — an event that combines the 100 meter hurdles, the high jump, shot put, 200 meters, long jump, javelin and 800 meters. She said the hurdles are her favorite event.

“I love a good challenge, and I wasn’t very good at the hurdles when I started as a freshman. But there wasn’t anybody doing the hurdles, so I thought it was my best chance to make the varsity and I went after it.

“The hurdles are so technical, and there are so many aspects to the event — that’s what intrigues me,” she said.

Inyang holds top five times in Class 6A in the state in the 100 and 300 hurdles and her best throw in the shot put of 44-6.5 is the tops in the state across all classifications. She has went back and forth — trading the top state throw with Brown, who was second in the state meet in the event last year and fourth in the discus.

Inyang said she is shooting for top three finishes in each event.

On the boys side, the Wildcats are led by another top-notch hurdler in junior Kendrick Joshua. He holds the top times in the Georgia, across all classifications, in the 110 hurdles, where his best time of 14.01 is matched by classmate Timothy Alston Jr. Joshua’s personal best time of 36.55 in the 300 hurdles is the best in Georgia across all classifications and ranks seventh nationally,

“Kendrick is just a freak athlete,” Sybert said. “When it comes time to run, he is 100% focused and very confident. He can be aggressive sometimes in the 300 hurdles and get off his step count, but he has the athleticism to adjust on the fly and have a great race.”

Joshua has Alston Jr., whose best event is the 110-hurdles, pushing him every day in practice. A false start in the 110 at sectionals took away Alston’s chance to medal at state in the event, but he came back to run a personal best in the 300 hurdles of 38.37 to finish fifth and qualify for state.

Joshua is pumped about competing at state because a Georgia track and field coach is set to be on hand to watch his races as he is drawing national recruiting interest.

“I definitely like the 300 hurdles the best because it tests my skill level more, and I can use my flat speed in that event,” Joshua said. “My goal is to double and win both events at state and I think I can do it.”

Stafford looking to repeat

Jenkins senior Coray Stafford, who won the Class 5A state crown in the 100 meters last year, is looking to repeat in Class 3A Saturday in the meet held in Albany.

Stafford, who has signed to run track and play football at Dodge City Community College in Kansas, won sectional crowns in the 100 meters and 200 meters (with a personal best time of 21.22) last week. His sizzling personal best time of 10.30 in the 100 from April 16 in the Region 3-3A meet is tied for third this year across all classifications in the state.

Benedictine’s Frazier peaking at right time

Benedictine junior Chris “Bubba” Frazier, who recently announced his commitment as a receiver to play football at Notre Dame, ran a personal best 100-meter time of 10.54 to win a Class 4A sectional crown last week and was third in the 200 meters in 21.78.

He enters the state meet with the fourth best 100 meter time in 4A. Benedictine’s 4×100 meter relay team — featuring Frazier, Stanley Smart Jr., Eron Mallard and Stephen Cannon, is also expected to contend for a gold medal, along with the 4×200 relay squad.

Wesley leads Bethesda to SCISA State crown

Bethesda Academy junior Raleigh Wesley led the Blazers to a SCISA state title last week as he was the high-point winner in the Class 2A meet.

He ran a personal best time of 10.65 to win the 100 meters and took the 200 meter crown in 21.57, while also running legs on two relay teams that won gold medals.

Dennis Knight covers sports for the Savannah Morning News. Contact him at Dknight@savannahnow.com. Twitter: @DennisKnightSMN



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Brag House Holdings, Inc. Files Form 10-K and Reaffirms Strategic Vision for Gen Z Engagement Through Gaming — TradingView News

NEW YORK, May 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Brag House Holdings, Inc. TBH (“Brag House” or the “Company”), a media-tech company at the intersection of gaming, college sports, and digital brand engagement, today announced the filing of its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024. The Company reaffirmed its confidence in […]

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NEW YORK, May 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Brag House Holdings, Inc. TBH (“Brag House” or the “Company”), a media-tech company at the intersection of gaming, college sports, and digital brand engagement, today announced the filing of its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024.

The Company reaffirmed its confidence in the execution of its strategic plan to redefine digital engagement for casual college gamers and brands seeking to connect with the Gen Z demographic. As outlined in the Management’s Discussion and Analysis of its Annual Report on Form 10-K, Brag House continues to develop a first-of-its-kind digital platform where casual college gamers can compete, support their schools, engage in spirited banter, and win prizes in a safe, inclusive environment.

“We are creating more than a platform—we are building a new sports medium,” said Lavell Juan Malloy II, CEO and Co-Founder of Brag House. “By merging gameplay with school spirit, our student-led tournaments, proprietary Bragging Functionality, and interactive experiences offer Gen Z an entirely new way to engage with college rivalries.”

The Company highlighted its landmark strategic partnership with Learfield, which launched in April 2025 in collaboration with Florida Gators Athletics. The partnership represents a significant revenue-generating opportunity and marks the first step in a nationwide rollout designed to scale across Learfield’s network of over 200 collegiate institutions.

The Company reaffirmed its strategic focus by highlighting the launch of a landmark initiative with Florida Gators Athletics and Learfield’s Florida Gators Sports Properties, as announced in its April 28, 2025 press release titled “Brag House, Florida Gators Athletics, and Learfield Announce Strategic Partnership to Create New Digital Sports Medium for Gen Z.” This innovative collaboration introduces a new digital sports medium for Gen Z—merging school spirit, gaming, and live sports into immersive experiences, as detailed below.

The debut activation, known as the Brag Gator Gauntlet, kicks off in May 2025 at the University of Florida. This flagship series introduces:

  • Live and digital gaming activations aligned with real-world sporting events;
  • NIL-integrated content featuring student-athletes to amplify authenticity and school pride;
  • Branded loyalty tokens and cross-channel sponsorship opportunities across digital and on-campus platforms.

By uniting Brag House’s gamified platform with Learfield’s nationwide network of collegiate institutions, this initiative redefines how fans and students engage with college sports. It also opens up high-impact, measurable opportunities for brands to reach Gen Z through student-led tournaments, influencer-driven campaigns, and serialized content. The Company believes this model will generate high-ROI advertising opportunities and serve as a foundation for future data-driven insights, enabling brands to engage Gen Z with greater precision, authenticity, and scale.

“Our development and marketing strategy is laser-focused on high-impact, revenue-producing milestones,” added Malloy. “We are investing strategically in infrastructure while maintaining disciplined cost controls expected of a public company.”

The Company’s near-term strategic goals include:

  • Scaling Learfield-based activations across multiple universities;
  • Deploying digital rewards through Loyalty Tokens and Bragging Functionality;
  • Advancing key platform technology modules to operational beta;
  • Leveraging proprietary data for brand-focused SaaS revenue generation.

Brag House remains confident in its long-term growth trajectory and will continue providing shareholders with updates as key milestones are reached.

About Brag House

Brag House is a leading media technology gaming platform dedicated to transforming casual college gaming into a vibrant, community-driven experience. By seamlessly merging gaming, social interaction, and cutting-edge technology, the Company provides an inclusive and engaging environment for casual gamers while enabling brands to authentically connect with the influential Gen Z demographic. The platform offers live-streaming capabilities, gamification features, and custom tournament services, fostering meaningful engagement between users and brands. For more information, please visit www.braghouse.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements as defined within Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements in this press release, include, but are not limited to statements relating to the ability to generate revenue from strategic partnership with Learfield; the ability to generate any revenue, return on investment, or any specific outcomes related to scheduled or unscheduled activations or immersive experiences; the ability to deliver anticipated platform growth, including through anticipated development roadmap or scalable model; the timeliness of any anticipated beta versions; the ability to generate revenue from anonymized behavioral insights or other proprietary data; the effectiveness of marketing strategies and strategic investments on revenue; the availability or value of any digital rewards and functionality; the feasibility of near-term strategic goals; or the impact on growth of near or long-term trajectories. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements because they contain words such as “may,” “will,” “would,” “should,” “expects,” “plans,” “could,” “intends,” “target,” “projects,” “forecasts,” “believes,” “estimates,” “anticipates,” “potential,” “continue,” “assumption” or “judgment” or the negative of these words or other similar terms or expressions that concern our expectations, strategy, plans or intentions. These statements relate to future events or our future financial performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause our actual results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements to be materially different from any future results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements.

Although the Company believes the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable when made, the Company cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements. There are a number of important factors that could cause the Company’s actual results to differ materially from the results anticipated by the Company’s forward-looking statements, which include, but are not limited to: the Company’s history of recurring losses and anticipated expenditures raises substantial doubts about its ability to continue as a going concern; the Company’s loss of or a substantial reduction in activity by one or more of its largest clients, vendors and/or sponsors could materially and adversely affect its business, financial condition and results of operations; the Company’s revenue model may not remain effective, and the Company cannot guarantee that its future monetization strategies will be successfully implemented or generate sustainable revenues and profit; technology changes rapidly in the Company’s business and if it fails to anticipate or successfully implement new technologies or adopt new business strategies, technologies or methods, the quality, timeliness and competitiveness of the Company’s amateur tournaments or competitions may suffer; the Company relies on information technology and other systems and platforms, and any failures, errors, defects or disruptions in the Company’s systems or platforms could diminish its brand and reputation, subject it to liability, disrupt its business, affect its ability to scale its technical infrastructure and adversely affect its operating results and growth prospects..

Additional factors include those described in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, including under the captions “Risk Factors,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” and “Business,” in the Company’s subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, including under the captions “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” and in our subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

A forward-looking statement is neither a prediction nor a guarantee of future events or circumstances. You should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements. Unless required by federal securities laws, the Company assumes no obligation to update any of these forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons actual results could differ materially from those anticipated, to reflect circumstances or events that occur after the statements are made.

Investor Relations Contact:

Adele Carey

VP, Investor Relations

ir@thebraghouse.com

Media Contact:

Fatema Bhabrawala

Director of Media Relations

fbhabrawala@allianceadvisors.com



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Mid-Penn track and field Chambersburg area top performances

The track and field postseason is here. First up is the Mid-Penn Conference championships on May 10 at Chambersburg. The District 3 championships will be held May 16-17 at Seth Grove Stadium at Shippensburg University. A week later, athletes from across the state converge back at Ship U. for the two-day PIAA championships. Here’s a […]

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The track and field postseason is here.

First up is the Mid-Penn Conference championships on May 10 at Chambersburg.

The District 3 championships will be held May 16-17 at Seth Grove Stadium at Shippensburg University. A week later, athletes from across the state converge back at Ship U. for the two-day PIAA championships.

Here’s a look at the top track and field performances from the area as of April 29, as provided by former Chambersburg coach Bob Walker.

Girls top track and field performances

Name School Event Time
Cheyenne Eby James Buchanan 100 12.83
Cheyenne Eby James Buchanan 200 26.32
Skylen Renshaw Shippensburg 400 1:01.12
Anne Sehon Mercersburg Aca. 800 2:22.70
Gabby Cechini Mercersburg Aca. 1,600 5:18.87
Gabby Cechini Mercersburg Aca. 3,200 11:05.21
Marisa Kyner Shippensburg 100 hurdles 16.3
Macy Ritter Shippensburg 300 hurdles 47.9
Jaxin FrazerAddie ZimmermanMikaela SistrunkAddy Brubaker Chambersburg 4×100 relay 50.8
Addy BrubakerMady KoonsOlivia CoyMaggie Holtry Chambersburg 4×400 relay 4:17.43
BlancoKillingerSehonNyarko Mercersburg Aca. 4×800 relay 10:02.98
Jaylynn Schmuck Greencastle Long jump 17-0
Jaylynn Schmuck Greencastle Triple jump 36-0.25
Jaeda Dockman Waynesboro High jump 5-4
Alaina Morris Chambersburg Pole vault 10-6
Ainsley Green James Buchanan Shot put 33-11
Alessandra Luffy Shippensburg Discus 125-4
Cameron Bender Chambersburg Javelin 106-9

Boys top track and field performances

Name School Event Time
Blake Mallast Chambersburg 100 10.6
Blake Mallast Chambersburg 200 21.29
Daniel Casagrandi Chambersburg 400 50.87
Noah Parks Greencastle 800 1:59.47
Rylan Asper Shippensburg 1,600 4:29.67
Liam Kirkpatrick Chambersburg 3,200 9:30.55
Jonathan Dawe Chambersburg 110 hurdles 15.8
Jonathan Dawe Chambersburg 300 hurdles 40.5
Kason BeseckerImari WatsonBlake MallastAntonio Harrison II Chambersburg 4×100 relay 41.57
Ryan DuPlessisIman ZhakanArnav RawGustavo Lisboa Ferriera Mercersburg Aca. 4×400 relay 3:27.82
Kaden RifeLiam KirkpatrickBoston VincentiAiden Alleman Chambersburg 4×800 relay 8:06.3
Aydan Keetch Shippensburg Long jump 21-4
Deran Shippy Mercersburg Aca. Triple jump 40-11.50
Josiah Wright Mercersburg Aca. High jump 6-3
Luke Mertz Chambersburg Pole vault 13-3
Drake Wagner Shippensburg Shot put 52-2.5
Derek Lynch Shippensburg Discus 176-11
Ben Williams Waynesboro Javelin 166-2



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Four hurt after ‘very serious’ crash involving gas, logging trucks on Highway 27 in Taylor County

TAYLOR COUNTY, Fla. (WCTV) – Four people were hurt after a “very serious” crash Wednesday afternoon in Taylor County, according to FHP Master Cpl. Patricia Jefferson-Shaw. The collision unfolded around 2 p.m. on Highway 27 near James Bethea Road between a gas truck, a logging truck, a sedan and a pickup truck, according to a […]

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TAYLOR COUNTY, Fla. (WCTV) – Four people were hurt after a “very serious” crash Wednesday afternoon in Taylor County, according to FHP Master Cpl. Patricia Jefferson-Shaw.

The collision unfolded around 2 p.m. on Highway 27 near James Bethea Road between a gas truck, a logging truck, a sedan and a pickup truck, according to a FHP press release.

A 52-year-old Perry man was headed westbound on the highway when he “side-swiped” a logging truck traveling in the opposite direction, driven by a 67-year-old Greenville man, according to authorities.

WCTV latest video:

Troopers say the impact caused the gas truck to roll over, eventually coming to a halt on its side in the middle of the roadway. Meanwhile, the logging truck kept going, side-swiping a sedan and a pickup truck. The logging truck also overturned, blocking part of the highway, FHP said.

The sedan and pickup truck drivers pulled off on the north side of the highway. Both drivers suffered minor injuries, according to law enforcement.

The gas and logging truck drivers sustained serious injuries from the collision and were medically evacuated by helicopter to the hospital.

Troopers redirected traffic following the crash, and Cpl. Jefferson-Shaw said logs from the logging truck were scattered across the roadway.

Editor’s Note: Florida Highway Patrol initially reported that one driver was in critical condition and the other in serious condition. However, a subsequent FHP press release clarified that both drivers are in serious condition.

To keep up with the latest news as it develops, follow WCTV on Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky and X (Twitter).

Have a news tip or see an error that needs attention? Write to us here. Please include the article’s headline in your message.

Be the first to see all the biggest headlines by downloading the WCTV News app. Click here to get started.

Copyright 2025 WCTV. All rights reserved.





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WorldPride Will Host The Inaugural 5-Day Capital Cup Sports Festival During Pride Month

WorldPride will be hosting a HUGE sports festival with over 7,000 participants, and we couldn’t be more excited. Credit: Shutterstock Let’s face it, DC is a sports city, and for good reason! DC has one of the most extensive local networks of LGBTQ+ sports teams and leagues in the world. That’s why WorldPride will be […]

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WorldPride will be hosting a HUGE sports festival with over 7,000 participants, and we couldn’t be more excited.

Let’s face it, DC is a sports city, and for good reason! DC has one of the most extensive local networks of LGBTQ+ sports teams and leagues in the world. That’s why WorldPride will be hosting the inaugural Capital Cup Sports Festival that is taking place from May 30th to June 4th! Over 7,000 people from athletes to organizers will be participating to make this huge event happen.

There are many different sports taking place from kickball and pickleball to basketball and water polo. We’ve got the tentative schedule below:

Basketball 3v3 NGBL National Gay Basketball League May 30-31
Bocce Stonewall Bocce May 31, June 2
Cornhole Rogue May 31
Climbing (Bouldering & TBD Top Rope) Stonewall June 2-4
Swimming, Water Polo, Diving, Artistic Swimming,
Open Water Swimming
DSeahorses and DC Aquatics Club
(IGLA+ 2025 DC)
May 31 – June 5
Darts Rogue May 31
DCFR Pride Run (5k) DC Front Runners June 1
Dodgeball Stonewall Dodgeball May 31
Flag Football National Gay Flag Football League and DC chapter May 30 – June 1
Kickball Stonewall Kickball June 4-5
Golf Lambda Links May 31 – June 2
Pickleball DC Queer Pickleball May 30 – June 1
Regatta DC Strokes June 1
Roller Derby DC Roller Derby June 1-2
Rugby 7’s DC Furies May 30-31
Soccer Federal Triangles Soccer Club June 1-2
Tennis Capital Tennis Association June 2-4
Volleyball (Indoor & Sand) DCPVL- DC Pride Volleyball League May 30-31 & June 2-3
Wrestling District Wrestling May 30-31

WorldPride itself will be taking place between May 17th to June 8th, with different events scheduled. There’s Latinx Pride, API Pride, Trans Pride, the WorldPride Film Festival, the 17th Street Block Party, and the Fabric of Freedom nighttime event on June 7th and 8th.

For more information about the full schedule for WorldPride, check out the website.






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USA Volleyball Announces 2025 Women’s VNL Roster

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (May 8, 2025) – A dynamic mix of athletes, including three Olympians, comprise the 30-player long-list roster for the U.S. Women’s National Team as it prepares for the 2025 Volleyball Nations League (VNL), the world’s premier annual international tournament. The VNL brings together the world’s top 18 teams for three action-packed weeks of […]

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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (May 8, 2025) – A dynamic mix of athletes, including three Olympians, comprise the 30-player long-list roster for the U.S. Women’s National Team as it prepares for the 2025 Volleyball Nations League (VNL), the world’s premier annual international tournament.

The VNL brings together the world’s top 18 teams for three action-packed weeks of preliminary play, with each team competing in four matches per week. Only the top eight teams will earn a spot in the Final Round, where a VNL title will be on the line.

From the long list, U.S. coaches will select 14 athletes to compete at each of the three preliminary round stops: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (June 4-8), Belgrade, Serbia (June 18-22), and a highly anticipated home appearance in Arlington, Texas (July 9-13). The Final Round is set for July 23-27 in Łódź, Poland.

GET TICKETS TO WATCH THE U.S. WOMEN COMPETE JULY 9-13 IN ARLINGTON, TEXAS!

“We’ve had an incredible group of athletes in the gym so far — they’re bringing great energy, a strong work ethic, and a real commitment to getting better every day,” U.S. Women’s National Team Head Coach Erik Sullivan said. “This roster brings together a lot of exciting skill sets, and it’s been fun to see how quickly they’re connecting and pushing each other. Our more experienced athletes have done a great job setting the tone and sharing their experience, which has been huge for our younger athletes. As we head into VNL, I’m looking forward to seeing this group grow and take on the challenge of international competition together.”

Three players return from the 2024 team that won silver at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games: setter Jordyn Poulter, who also won gold with the team in 2020; outside hitter Avery Skinner and middle blocker Dana Rettke.

Ten athletes on the roster have competed in previous VNLs including setter Jenna Gray, liberos Morgan Hentz and Zoe Jarvis (previously Zoe Fleck), outside hitters Ali Frantti, Roni Jones-Perry and Khalia Lanier, middles Brionne Butler and Asjia O’Neal, and opposites Danielle Cuttino and Madisen Skinner.

Several athletes have competed for the senior U.S. National Team in NORCECA events, including libero Lexi Rodriguez, opposites Olivia Babcock, Taylor Mims and Stephanie Samedy, setter Ella Powell, outside hitters Logan Eggleston and Sarah Franklin, and middle blockers Serena Gray, Amber Igiede, Molly McCage and Tia Jimerson.

Six athletes have yet to compete for the senior U.S. National Team: setters Rachel Fairbanks and Saige Ka’aha’aina-Torres, middle blocker Anna Dodson, outside hitter McKenzie Adams, opposite Logan Lednicky and libero Lauren Briseño.

Sullivan, who is in his first year coaching the U.S. Women’s National Team, is assisted by Tayyiba Haneef-Park, Brandon Taliaferro and Mike Wall.

The U.S. Women are the reigning Olympic silver medalists and ranked No. 3 in the world. They have won the VNL three times (2018, ’19, ’21) since its inception in 2018. In 2024, they lost in the quarterfinals to eventual Olympic champion Italy.

U.S. Women’s Preliminary Roster for 2025 VNL
No. Name (Pos., Ht., Hometown, College, USAV Region)
2 Jordyn Poulter (S, 6-2, Aurora, Colo., Univ. of Illinois, Rocky Mountain)
3 Avery Skinner (OH, 6-1, Katy, Texas, Univ. of Kentucky, Lone Star)
5 Ali Frantti (OH, 6-1, Spring Grove, Ill., Penn State, Great Lakes)
6 Morgan Hentz (L, 5-9, Lakeside Park, Ky., Stanford Univ., Pioneer)
7 Lexi Rodriguez (L, 5-5, Sterling, Ill., Univ. of Nebraska Great Lakes)
8 Brionne Butler (MB, 6-4, Kendleton, Texas, Univ. of Texas, Lone Star)
9 Madisen Skinner (OH, 6-2, Katy, Texas, Univ. of Kentucky and Univ. of Texas, Lone Star)
11 Taylor Mims (Opp, 6-3, Billings, Mont., Washington State, Evergreen)
10 Jenna Gray (S, 6-1, Shawnee, Kan., Stanford Univ., Heart of America)
13 Amber Igiede (MB, 6-3, Baton Rouge, La., Univ. of Hawaii, Delta)
14 Anna Dodson (MB, 6-5, Fort Collins, Colo., UCLA, Rocky Mountain)
15 Rachel Fairbanks (S, 6-0, Tustin, Calif., Pitt, Southern California)
16 Dana Rettke (MB, 6-8, Riverside, Ill., Univ. of Wisconsin, Great Lakes)
17 Zoe Jarvis  (previously Fleck)(L, 5-6, Granada Hills, Calif., UCLA and Univ. of Texas, Southern California)
18 Asjia O’Neal (MB, 6-3, Southlake, Texas, Univ. of Texas, North Texas)
19 Khalia Lanier (OH, 6-2, Scottsdale, Ariz., Univ. of Southern California, Arizona)
20 Danielle Cuttino (Opp, 6-4, Indianapolis, Ind., Purdue, Hoosier)
21 Roni Jones-Perry (OH, 6-0, West Jordan, Utah, BYU, Intermountain)
22 Sarah Franklin (OH, 6-4, Lake Worth, Fla., Univ. of Wisconsin, Florida)
23 Lauren Briseño (L, 5-7, San Antonio, Texas, Baylor, Lone Star)
24 Olivia Babcock (Opp, 6-4, Los Angeles, Calif., Pitt, Southern California)
25 Tia Jimerson (MB, 6-3, Sugar Hill, Ga., Ohio University, Southern)
27 Ella Powell (S, 6-0, Fayetteville, Ark., Univ. of Washington, Delta)
28 Logan Lednicky (Opp, 6-3, Sugar Land, Texas, Univ. of Texas A&M, Lone Star)
29 Molly McCage (MB, 6-3, Spring, Texas, Univ. of Texas, Lone Star)
30 McKenzie Adams (OH, Schertz, Texas, Univ. of Texas at San Antonio, Lone Star)
32 Saige Ka’aha’aina-Torres (S, Honolulu, Hawaii, Univ. of Texas, Aloha)
33 Logan Eggleston (OH, 6-2, Brentwood, Tenn., Univ. of Texas, Southern)
34 Stephanie Samedy (Opp, 6-2, Clermont, Fla., Univ. of Minnesota, Florida)
43 Serena Gray (MB, 6-2, Temple City, Calif., Pitt, Southern California)

Head Coach:  Erik Sullivan
Assistant Coach: Mike Wall
Second Assistant Coach: Brandon Taliaferro
Second Assistant Coach: Tayyiba Haneef-Park
Second Assistant Coach: Joe Trinsey
Team Manager: Rob Browning
Team Doctors:  William Briner, James Suchy, Chris Lee, Andrew Gregory
Physiotherapist: Kara Kessans
Physical Trainers: Shawn Hueglin, Shannon Boone
Mental Performance Coach: Andrea Becker, Katy Stanfill
Performance Analyst: Virginia Pham

U.S. Women’s Schedule for the 2025 Volleyball Nations League
Matches will be shown live and on-demand on VBTV.
(All times PDT)

Week 1:  Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

June 4 at 10 a.m. vs. Italy
June 5 at 5 p.m. vs. Brazil
June 6 at 5 p.m. vs. Czechia
June 8 at 1 p.m. vs. Korea

Week 2: Belgrade, Serbia

June 18 at 11 a.m. vs. Serbia
June 19 at 7:30 a.m. vs. Poland
June 21 at 7:30 a.m. vs. Netherlands
June 22 at 7:30 a.m. vs. France

Week 3: Arlington, Texas
July 9 at 5:30 p.m. vs. Thailand
July 10 at 5:30 p.m. vs. Dominican Republic vs. USA
July 12 at 5:30 p.m. vs. Canada vs. USA
July 13 at 5 p.m. vs. China



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