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Four Sandy Mocs Receive CSC Academic All-District Recognition

Story Links CHATTANOOGA — Chattanooga beach volleyball was well-represented once again on Tuesday, when Neva Clark, McKenna Faychak, Maddie Lecik and Corina Vale each received spots on the CSC Academic All-District Team, as announced by the College Sports Communicators. This marks the second consecutive year in which the Sandy Mocs brought in […]

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CHATTANOOGA — Chattanooga beach volleyball was well-represented once again on Tuesday, when Neva Clark, McKenna Faychak, Maddie Lecik and Corina Vale each received spots on the CSC Academic All-District Team, as announced by the College Sports Communicators.

This marks the second consecutive year in which the Sandy Mocs brought in a program record of four honorees in the same year. For Clark, Faychak and Lecik, they each become the first-ever two-time CSC Academic All-District honorees in program history.

To receive CSC Academic All-District distinction, student-athletes that are nominated must possess a 3.5 cumulative GPA as well as have been in the lineup for a minimum of 70 percent of matches which were team scoring events.

The quartet of Mocs representing UTC’s beach volleyball program this year were nominated through the CSC Academic All-District At-Large pool, which includes NCAA sponsored sports such as: beach volleyball, bowling, rowing, fencing, field hockey, golf, gymnastics, ice hockey, lacrosse, rifle, skiing, water polo and wrestling.

Neva Clark solidified herself as one of Chattanooga’s and one of the Ohio Valley Conference’s all-time greats in 2025, receiving OVC Player of the Year and OVC Pair of the Year honors for the third time of her career after posting a 23-7 record on the year including a perfect 10-0 record in OVC play. Clark raked in countless other honors including becoming an AVCA Top Flight honoree for the first time of her career, and she leaves Chattanooga as the program’s all-time winningest player with 76 career victories.

Away from the beach courts, Clark was a standout for the Mocs in the classroom after raking in Dean’s List and AD Honor Roll distinctions to close out her time at UTC. Finishing with a 3.772 cumulative GPA, Clark walked the stage in 2024 to receive her degree in Exercise & Health Science and has spent the past year working towards her MS in Management.

McKenna Faychak put together yet another impressive outing for the Sandy Mocs in 2025, ending her year with a 23-6 record (9-1 OVC) marking a new single-season high for her for total wins. The Delray Beach, Florida, native brought in All-Conference accolades for the third-straight season to punctuate her season while also being named as an AVCA Top Flight honoree.

Faychak has been an equally impressive force for the Sandy Mocs when it comes to her academic pursuits, as the Exercise & Health Science major raked in Dean’s List and AD Honor Roll honors once again after posting back-to-back 4.0 semesters for the 2024-25 academic school year. Faychak currently holds a 3.937 cumulative GPA.

Maddie Lecik, playing alongside Faychak in UTC’s Court 2 pairing, also wrapped up her junior campaign with a 23-6 record and First Team All-OVC honors. She, too, became an AVCA Top Flight honoree for the first time in her career after posting the second 20+ win season of her collegiate career.

Lecik wraps up her junior year holding a 3.941 cumulative GPA as she pursues her degree in Criminal Justice from UTC. Much like her aforementioned teammates, Lecik is a regular on UTC’s Dean’s List and AD Honor Roll and posted a perfect 4.0 GPA for the 2024-25 school year.

Corina Vale continued to etch her name into UTC’s and the OVC’ record books in 2025 after becoming one-half of the OVC Pair of the Year for the second consecutive season. With a record of 23-7 (10-0 OVC), Vale finished with her first-ever 20+ win season as a Moc alongside earning AVCA Top Flight status for the first time of her career.

Vale receives her spot on the CSC Academic All-District Team for the first time in her young career, as the Wilmington, North Carolina, native currently holds a 3.577 GPA as her sophomore year comes to a close. A multi-time Dean’s List and AD Honor Roll honoree, Vale is pursuing her degree in Exercise & Health Science from UTC and is on pace to graduate early.

FOLLOW CHATTANOOGA BEACH VOLLEYBALL

For the most up-to-date information regarding Chattanooga Beach Volleyball, please follow us on Twitter (@GoMocsBeachVB), Instagram (@GoMocsBeachVB) & Facebook (Chattanooga Athletics Department) or visit GoMocs.com.

GoMocs.com is the official website of the Chattanooga Mocs. Buy officially licensed gear in our online store. The Mocs can also be followed on their official Facebook page or on Twitter. Find out how to join the Mocs Club and support more than 300 student-athletes by clicking here.





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Area athletes advance to National Junior Olympics

By Bob Sutton Special to The Alamance News Several Burlington-area track and field athletes qualified for the National Junior Olympics later this month in Savannah, Georgia. Athletes placing eighth or better in the Region 3 championships last month at Reid Ross Classical School in Fayetteville move on to nationals. – Advertisement – D’Anna Cotton was […]

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July 7, 2025

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By Bob Sutton

Special to The Alamance News

Several Burlington-area track and field athletes qualified for the National Junior Olympics later this month in Savannah, Georgia.

Athletes placing eighth or better in the Region 3 championships last month at Reid Ross Classical School in Fayetteville move on to nationals.

– Advertisement –

D’Anna Cotton was first in the girls’ triple jump in the 17-18-year-old division and advanced in two other events.

Cotton’s triple jump was 38 feet, 5½ inches. She was fifth in the long jump at 17-9¾ and captured sixth in the 100-meter hurdles in 15.08 seconds.

Also in the 17-18 division, long jumper Diamond Moore was fourth at 17-10¼ and Ge’Kayla Goins was sixth at 17-8. Goins was fourth in the 400 hurdles in 1:06.02, while Kari Parker was seventh in the high jump at 4-5½.

Kailie Payne (15-16) was the champion in the 100 hurdles in 14.58 and placed third in the 400 hurdles in 1:04.11.

Janay Pegram (15-16) was third in the 200 in 24.34 and in the 400 in 57.21 and fourth in the 100 in 12.07.

Dallas Brooks (13-14) won the 100 hurdles in 16.48 and the long jump at 16-11½ and was the runner-up in the 200 hurdles in 30.02 and the high jump at 4-9.

Also in the 13-14 division for the 200 hurdles, Cyria McKoy was fifth in 32.17 and Kennedy Fuller was eighth at 32.70.

Payton Mcgahee (11-12) was sixth in the long jump at 14-1.

In boys’ divisions, Lacy Flintall III (8-and-under) was first in the long jump at 11-11½. Antonio Trollinger (9-10) was second in the javelin at 65-2, while Josiah McGinnis (11-12) was seventh in the javelin at 72-11.

The National Junior Olympics are set for July 18-30.



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Young Maui volleyball team brings home first national title

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – A Maui club volleyball team took home a national title. The Hawaiian Style boys 15 and under team came out on top of 2025 USA Volleyball Open Division National Championship, hosted at the Minneapolis Convention Center. They downed the Diablo volleyball club in two sets to take it all. In the tournament, […]

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July 7, 2025

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HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – A Maui club volleyball team took home a national title.

The Hawaiian Style boys 15 and under team came out on top of 2025 USA Volleyball Open Division National Championship, hosted at the Minneapolis Convention Center.

They downed the Diablo volleyball club in two sets to take it all.

In the tournament, the team from Kahului, was dominant going undefeated at 7-0.

And they only dropped a single set in their entire run.

It’s also believed to be the first club team from Maui Island to take home a National title.

The Hawaiian Style 15 and under boys head coach, Kalae Tanaka said, “Every island prides themselves, but to be from an outer island and bring home such a big, tournament trophy, like such a big accomplishment means a lot to the island for sure.”

From the other islands, the Big Island volleyball club won the 18 under American and Oahu team 808 Athletic Club won the 16 under American Division.

Copyright 2025 Hawaii News Now. All rights reserved.



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Two Austin Athletes to Represent USA at Deaflympics in Tokyo

Leila Sicoli and CJ Upchurch, two Austin natives and graduates of the Texas School for the Deaf, are headed to Tokyo this November to compete at the Deaflympics as members of the USA Deaf Women’s and Men’s Volleyball National Teams. The pair is chasing gold—while also building up the next generation of Deaf volleyball players. […]

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July 7, 2025

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Leila Sicoli and CJ Upchurch, two Austin natives and graduates of the Texas School for the Deaf, are headed to Tokyo this November to compete at the Deaflympics as members of the USA Deaf Women’s and Men’s Volleyball National Teams. The pair is chasing gold—while also building up the next generation of Deaf volleyball players.

At the Texas School for the Deaf, both were introduced to a range of sports, but volleyball quickly became their shared passion.

“I have a passion for volleyball it just feels good to me. Playing gives me a special kind of feeling,” said Sicoli.

“It started when I was a kid. I had a lot of concussions, so football wasn’t an option—and my mom was a volleyball coach,” said Upchurch.

Through hard work and dedication, both earned spots on the national teams.

“It’s meant a lot—I’ve always wanted to be part of the team. I’ve met so many deaf people it’s been really, really nice,” Upchurch said.

Last summer, the athletes competed for Team USA at the World Deaf Championships, gaining experience on the global stage.

“Getting to meet the players we had a lot of competitive games. It was bittersweet, but intense,” Sicoli said.

As they prepare to return to international competition, they’re also giving back. Leila and CJ are hosting youth camps in partnership with USA Deaf Volleyball to mentor the next wave of athletes.

“Being a role model for the youth means a lot. I remember idolizing players—now being one of them really hits home,” Sicoli shared.

“My coach was someone I always admired. Seeing how he moved, how he led—I wanted to be like that. That’s what motivates me to give back,” said Upchurch.

Unlike most Olympic-bound athletes, Deaflympics competitors must self-fund their journeys—covering travel, lodging, and training expenses out of pocket.

“Going to Japan and competing for a medal—it means so much. But yeah, we’re paying out of pocket, so we have to give it everything,” said Sicoli.

For Leila and CJ, this trip is about more than competition. It’s a celebration of community, culture, and connection through sport.



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Offaly athletes selected for European U23 Track and Field Championships

TWO Offaly athletes have been selected for the forthcoming European U23 Track and Field Championships. Heather Murphy will race in the 10,000 metres in the championships which take place in Bergen, Norway from July 17 to 20. Murphy is from Offaly side of Portarlington, in the Gracefield area in GAA terms. A member of St […]

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July 7, 2025

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TWO Offaly athletes have been selected for the forthcoming European U23 Track and Field Championships.

Heather Murphy will race in the 10,000 metres in the championships which take place in Bergen, Norway from July 17 to 20. Murphy is from Offaly side of Portarlington, in the Gracefield area in GAA terms. A member of St Michael’s Athletics Club in Portarlington, she is is the daughter of PJ and Patricia Murphy and is on an athletics scholarship at Montreat College in North Carolina.

Murphy has competed very successfully on the Offaly road racing circuit in recent years, winning the Jack Cox 10k in Kilcormac recently and is a very talented emerging athlete.

Tullamore Harriers’ member Ava O’Connor will compete in both the 3,000 metres steeplechase and the 1,500 metres. From Emo in Laois, O’Connor is a graduate of the phenomenally successful juvenile section in Offaly’s biggest club. On scholarship in Adams State University in Colorado, she has been in sensational form on the colleges circuit in the USA recently and her dual selection is no surprise.

SEE NEXT: Harte commits to Offaly for second year as senior football management to be reappointedY

O’Connor (pictured below) recently won her first national title in the USA when she raced to a very impressive victory in the 3000 metres steeplechase at the NCAA Division 2 Outdoor Track and Field Championships – she also lowered her own Irish U23 3,000 metre steeplechase record recently to 9.45.

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Exciting Digital Transformation Coming to Extra Inning Softball

Extra Inning Softball is drastically transforming its content delivery, shifting focus to a digital-first approach that resonates with today’s fast-paced audience. Moving away from traditional written articles, the platform will introduce engaging formats such as video interviews and podcasts to better connect with athletes and their families. Upcoming segments like Madness Mondays, Wisdom Wednesdays, and […]

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July 7, 2025

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Extra Inning Softball is drastically transforming its content delivery, shifting focus to a digital-first approach that resonates with today’s fast-paced audience. Moving away from traditional written articles, the platform will introduce engaging formats such as video interviews and podcasts to better connect with athletes and their families. Upcoming segments like Madness Mondays, Wisdom Wednesdays, and Faith Fridays will emphasize timely discussions, growth-oriented insights, and character-building narratives relevant to the sport. This evolution represents a commitment to both modern engagement and supporting female athletes across the nation.

By the Numbers

  • Madness Mondays to launch July 14, focusing on current hot topics in softball.
  • Wisdom Wednesdays launch on July 16, offering practical advice and insights from top figures in the sport.
  • Faith Fridays to begin July 18, emphasizing the role of belief in character development.

State of Play

  • Leader Bonnie Holland emphasizes content modernization to fit audience consumption patterns.
  • Digital offerings will include a revamped YouTube channel featuring athlete interviews and behind-the-scenes content.
  • Voices From the Field podcast already available for engaging discussions in the softball community.

What’s Next

The digital transformation will roll out additional convenience-focused content over the coming months, ensuring accessibility and engagement for athletes and families. As the shift progresses, expect even more audio and video formats coupled with real-time content that reflects the evolving nature of the sport.

Bottom Line

This shift to a digital-first model not only addresses the reality of athletes’ busy schedules but also enhances the engagement of fans and families through multimedia content that informs, inspires, and connects, ensuring that Extra Inning Softball stays at the forefront of the fastpitch landscape.





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Texas athlete Osawese Agbonkonkon excels in high jump and novel writing

University of Texas athlete Osawese Agbonkonkon pursues high jumping and has published a science fiction novel, using his precision skills in both fields. HOUSTON — In track and field, the high jump is all about speed, timing, and technique — something University of Texas rising junior Osawese Agbonkonkon knows well. “You run the curve properly and […]

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July 7, 2025

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University of Texas athlete Osawese Agbonkonkon pursues high jumping and has published a science fiction novel, using his precision skills in both fields.

HOUSTON — In track and field, the high jump is all about speed, timing, and technique — something University of Texas rising junior Osawese Agbonkonkon knows well.

“You run the curve properly and hit a very stiff takeoff,” Agbonkonkon said. “Finding whatever time I can to write. I love to do it.

The Texas native was always an athlete, participating in swimming, ice skating and soccer. But it wasn’t until a 5th-grade writing prompt piqued his interest and opened the door to a new passion.

“I like the idea of just, you know, opening up a page and starting to create something that’s completely my own,” he said.

He didn’t begin high jumping until his junior year of high school. But once he did, the same focus he brought to writing helped him excel.

“You have to bring a lot of speed into the jump, and then hit the takeoff very stiff,” he said. “The idea is you want to use rotational speed to propel yourself over the bar.”

That precision and attention to detail carried into his creative life as well.

“Just the idea of wanting to have things planned out, wanted to make sure that I know all the steps I need to take,” Agbonkonkon said.

Around 2015, Agbonkonkon began developing the concept for his novel, Psychic Suit, a science fiction story that explores the narrative of power and mental health. 

“One of my childhood best friends, who lived in my neighborhood, we’d routinely go out to the trampoline in my backyard and, you know, we’d kind of just act out our own versions of like stories and, and it hit me one day, maybe I could write down some of these,” he recalled.

Not only did Agbonkonkon write Psychic Suit, he published it himself — a major feat for a full-time student and athlete. Putting his story out into the world, he said, wasn’t unlike stepping onto the track.

“It’s kind of like blocking out the outside noise and understanding that if you believe in what you’re doing, that’s good enough,” he said.

Agbonkonkon already has sequels in mind and hopes to expand the Psychic Suit universe and break into film and television.

At the same time, he’s focused on taking his jumping career to the next level.

“Going pro is definitely one of my big goals,” he said.

But if his journey proves anything, it’s that success doesn’t have to come at the cost of choosing just one path. 




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