PHOTO: Tunnel to Towers Foundation

This blog contains links from which we may earn a commission.

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation announced the expansion of its T2T Student-Athlete Advocate Program, adding two new students to the growing initiative designed to connect current student-athletes to the foundation’s mission and ensure young Americans “Never Forget” the sacrifices made by first responders and military members.

The two students, Caitlin Collins, a freshman lacrosse player at Rutgers University, and Jack Holl, a senior water polo player at Pennsylvania State University-Behrend, stand alongside an elite roster of student-athletes from across the country representing the Foundation. 

The program, launched in September 2021, is designed to help current student-athletes expand their personal brands while promoting the organization’s mission to honor first responders, military veterans, and their families.

To date, 18 student-athletes and young professionals have collaborated with the foundation to participate in the initiative.

“We are excited to expand the Tunnel to Towers Foundation Student-Athlete Advocate Program and have Jack and Caitlin join the ranks of other incredible student-athletes across the nation to raise awareness of the Foundation’s mission to do good,” said Tunnel to Towers CEO and Chairman Frank Siller.

“Not only are they champions in their respective sports, but they are becoming champions for America’s military and first responder families. Their commitment inspires hope and ensures the legacy of our fallen heroes lives on.” 

On July 1, 2021, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) announced that all student-athletes would have the opportunity to benefit from their name, image, and likeness. Student-athletes can now engage in Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) activities consistent with the state’s law where the school is located.

Chosen Tunnel to Towers Foundation Student-Athlete Advocates are expected to familiarize themselves with the organization’s mission and talking points, participate in T2T events across the country, and engage with T2T followers through content creation on the Foundation’s website and social media channels.

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation is dedicated to honoring the sacrifice of FDNY Firefighter Stephen Siller, who laid down his life to save others on September 11, 2001. For over 20 years, the Foundation has supported our nation’s first responders, veterans, and their families by providing these heroes and the families they leave behind with mortgage-free homes.

To date, Tunnel to Towers has delivered over 1,500 mortgage-free homes to our nation’s heroes and committed over $1 billion across all of our programs.  

This year, the Foundation is delivering over 200 mortgage-free homes to catastrophically injured veterans and first responders, Gold Star families, and families of first responders who leave behind young children. Tunnel to Towers is also committed to eradicating veteran homelessness, providing over 10,000 of America’s homeless veterans with housing assistance and services to date.

Caitlin Collins

Caitlin Collins is a freshman at Rutgers University in New Jersey and a first-year student-athlete on the Women’s Lacrosse team this spring. She hails from Morristown, New Jersey, and comes from a long line of firefighters in her family.

She is the daughter of a firefighter captain, granddaughter of a retired firefighter, and great-granddaughter of a former battalion chief.

Caitlin’s personal experience growing up with first responders inspired her to become a T2T Student-Athlete Advocate and demonstrate to young Americans what it means to do good.

“I am very passionate about Tunnel to Towers and how they help the families of fallen military and first responders, especially because I grew up visiting my father’s fire station and have seen firsthand how much of an impact the organization makes on families and their communities. I am honored to represent the Tunnel to Towers Foundation as a member of its Student-Athlete Advocate Program, and I am thrilled by the opportunity to continue spreading its mission of doing good among my Gen Z peers.” – Caitlin Collins, Rutgers University Women’s Lacrosse.

Jack Holl

Jack Holl is a senior at Pennsylvania State University-Behrend, where he is positioned in the two-meter and captain of the Men’s Water Polo team.

Jack is originally from Greenwich, Connecticut, and comes from a large family with deep roots in the New York Police Department (NYPD) and the Fire Department of New York (FDNY).

His father tragically lost his best friend, FDNY firefighter John Daniel Marshall, on 9/11, and raised Jack to understand the sacrifice of our heroes who gave their lives that day.

“From a young age, my father instilled in me a profound respect for all first responders and members of our armed forces and emphasized the importance of supporting those who protect us. I am proud to join the Tunnel to Towers Student-Athlete Advocate Program to honor and Never Forget the memory of my best friend, John Daniel Marshall, and all of the heroes who make sacrifices each and every day to keep our country and communities safe.”– Jack Holl, Pennsylvania State University Men’s Water Polo

PHOTO: Tunnel to Towers Foundation

FOR RELEASE: Wednesday, May 21, 2025

The Huntington University track and field program is set to make a strong showing at the 2025 NAIA Outdoor Track & Field National Championships, taking place May 21–23 at Indiana Wesleyan’s Wildcat Track & Field Complex in Marion, Indiana.

The Forester women will compete in five running events and two field events, while the HU men are entered in six individual running events along with two relays.

Leading the charge is the men’s 4×100 relay team, which enters the national meet as the No. 2 seed. The quartet of Sam Handerson, Zach Collins, Nathan Farinha, and Jonathan Farinha posted a time of 39.73 earlier this month, a new school record and the fourth-fastest mark in NAIA history, positioning them as Huntington’s top contender for a national title.

WOMEN’S SUMMARY:
Abbey Gentz – 10,000 meters (21st seed | 36:56.54)
Trysta Hilton – 400 meter hurdles (12th seed | 1:02.35)
Olivia Howell – 800 meters (27th seed | 2:13.74)
Josey Reineman – High Jump (22nd seed | 1.66m)
Emily Tedder – 1500 meters (11th | 4:35.55); 5000 meters (19th | 17:23.39)
Erica Xayarath – Long Jump (19th | 5.76m)

MEN’S SUMMARY: 
Jan Busam – 400 meters (11th seed | 47.06)
Zach Collins – 200 meters (21st | 21.03)
Jonathan Farinha – 100 meters (5th | 10.23); 200 meters (9th | 20.76)
Reece Gibson – 3000 meter steeplechase (18th | 9:21.25)
Celestin Trambloy – 400 meter hurdles (3rd | 51.53)
Jayden Williams – 800 meters (22nd | 1:51.88)
4x100m – Jan Busam, Zach Collins, Jonathan Farinha, Nathan Farinha, Sam Handerson, Isaac Lee, Celestin Trambloy, Jayden Williams (2nd | 39.73)
4x400m – Jan Busam, Zach Collins, Jonathan Farinha, Nathan Farinha, Wyatt Harrington, Hawkins Marihugh, Celestin Trambloy, Jayden Williams(10th | 3:12.87)

Below is the schedule of events for the Foresters. For a complete schedule, click here.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 21
3:30 p.m. – M 4×100 relay
3:50 p.m. – W 1500 – Emily Tedder
4:30 p.m. – W 400m hurdles – Trysta Hilton
4:55 p.m. – M 400m hurdles – Celestin Trambloy
5:35 p.m. – M 200 – Jonathan Farinha, Zach Collins
6:00 p.m. – W Long Jump – Erica Xayarath
7:55 p.m. – M Steeplechase – Reece Gibson
8:20 p.m. – W 10,000 – Abbey Gentz

THURSDAY, MAY 22
2:30 p.m. – W 800 – Olivia Howell
2:50 p.m. – M 800 – Jayden Williams
3:40 p.m. – M 100 – Jonathan Farinha
4:20 p.m. – M 400 – Jan Busam
6:45 p.m. – W 5000 – Emily Tedder
8:45 p.m. – M 4×400 relay

FRIDAY, MAY 23
1:20 p.m. – M Steeplechase FINALS
1:50 p.m. – M 4×100 relay FINALS
2:00 p.m. – W High Jump – Josey Reineman
2:00 p.m. – W 1500 FINALS
3:00 p.m. – M 100 FINALS
3:10 p.m. – W 400 hurdles FINALS
3:20 p.m. – M 400 hurdles FINALS
3:40 p.m. – M 400 FINALS
3:50 p.m. – W 800 FINALS
4:00 p.m. – M 800 FINALS
4:20 p.m. – M 200 FINALS
4:30 p.m. – W 5000 FINALS
5:25 p.m. – M 4×400 relay FINALS

Additionally, sprints coach Coby Bailey has been named the Great Lakes Region Men’s Assistant Coach of the Year, as announced by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA).

In just his third year on staff, Bailey has transformed the Foresters’ sprint and hurdle program into a national contender. His athletes accounted for 64 points at the Crossroads League Outdoor Championships this spring, and they set six program records during the season. 

Under his leadership, multiple Foresters qualified for the NAIA national championships in seven events, including the 4×100 relay team, which posted the fourth-fastest time in NAIA history at 39.73.

“Coby is very deserving of this award,” said HU head coach Austin Roark. “In just three years, he’s built the Huntington men’s sprints program into one of the best in the NAIA. I’m excited to see Coby continue his great work and be rewarded by winning this award.”

The Huntington University Foresters compete in 18 intercollegiate sports for men and women. In the past decade, Huntington has produced 160 NAIA All-America honors and 567 All-America Scholar Athlete honors. Huntington University is a comprehensive Christian college of the liberal arts offering graduate and undergraduate programs in more than 70 academic concentrations. U.S. News & World Report ranks Huntington among the best colleges in the Midwest.

WASHINGTON – Georgetown University’s volleyball team welcomed five incoming freshmen to the class of 2029, as announced by Head Coach AJ Bonetti on Wednesday. The high school seniors signed their athletic scholarship agreements this week to officially declare their intention of attending and playing volleyball for the Hoyas in 2025.

“This class is one we’re incredibly proud of; each of these players brings something unique to the table, and together, they represent the look of who we will be years down the road. We can’t wait to get them in the gym.” – Head Coach AJ Bonetti

Fiona Turnbull

Hometown: Geneva, Illinois

High School: Geneva Community High School

Position: Middle Blocker

Club Team: Club Fusion (2019-2025)

Accolades:

• Varsity MVP 2024… All-Conference 2024… Four-time Academic All-Conference honoree (2021–2024)… Daily Herald All-Area Team… Holds the school record for most kills by a middle—530 total… Led the conference in hitting percentage her senior year with a .378 average… JVA Watch List (2021–2025)… Selected for the Great Lakes Region High Performance Team in 2023… NTDP Invitee 2023… Named to the AVCA Phenom List.

Why Georgetown?

“I chose Georgetown because of the outstanding academics and the hope it provides for my future through an elaborate and distinguished alumni network. I am also drawn to the welcoming culture and the intriguing environment surrounding both academic rigor and athletic growth. The girls and coaching staff make Georgetown feel like home.”

Coach on Fiona: “Fiona’s physicality and work ethic will make an immediate impact, she’s a force in the middle with the upside to be truly special.”

Jessica Lee

Hometown: Ypsilanti, Michigan

High School: Skyline High School

Position: DS/L

Club Team: Legacy (played 6 years at 12-16 and 18s) … L2 (played 1 year at 17s)

Accolades:

• MIVCA All-Region First Team 2024… SEC Red All-Conference First Team 2024… SEC Red Honorable Mention 2022 and 2023… Skyline Varsity Defensive Player of the Year 2022, 2023, and 2024… First player in Skyline High School history to reach 1,000 digs… JVA Volleyball Watchlist (2023, 2024, and 2025)… AVCA Phenom 2022 and 2023… MHSAA Division 1 State Runner-Up 2021… Regional Champion 2021… District Champion in 2021, 2022, and 2024.

Why Georgetown?

“I chose Georgetown not only for its strong academics but also for its incredible volleyball program. From my first call to my official visit, I immediately felt welcomed by the coaches and players—you can truly tell they care about their athletes and our well-being. I fell in love with the stunning campus, the vibrant student body, and the perfect balance between athletics and schoolwork. “

Coach on Jessica: “Jessica is relentless in the back row, she’s vocal, fearless, and has the kind of mentality we love in our libero position.”

Katherin McGregor 

Hometown: Evanston, Illinois

High School: New Trier Township High School

Position: Outside Hitter

Club Team: Adversity Volleyball Club 2021-2025

Accolades:

• Central-Suburban League All Conference Team Player (2022, 2023 and 2024) 

Why Goergetown?

“I was really attracted to the great source of education that I will be exposed to, I felt very welcomed by the coaches and teammates and felt comfortable around them and could see my future with the program very positively. I enjoy being close to such an amazing city, and also getting to enjoy the amazing town of Georgetown.”

Coach on Katherin: “Katherine is going to be a fun player to watch. She is explosive, powerful and has abilities to be a shutdown player for years to come.”

Samantha Soderlund

Hometown: Naples, Florida

High School: Seacrest Country Day School

Position: Outside Hitter

Club Team: Gulfside – 12s-16s ; PVA – 17s-18s

Accolades:

• Named to the All-American Team… MVP at Nationals… Three-time invitee to the USA Volleyball National Team Development Program (NTDP)… AAU 17s National Champion… 2022 Most Improved Player… 2023 Offensive MVP… 2024 MVP and Midseason Player of the Year… 2021 District, Regional, and State Champion… 2022 District, Regional, and State Champion; Team of the Year… 2023 District, Regional, and State Champion; Team of the Year Finalist… 2024 District, Regional, and State Champion; Nominated for Team of the Year.

Coach on Samantha: “Samantha is a true competitor who has the ability to go all the way around and impact the game for the entire six-rotations.”

Sydney Mercado

Hometown: Long Beach, California

High School: Long Beach Polytechnic High School

Position: DS/L

Club Team: Long Beach Volleyball Club (2017 -2018) and Mizuno Long Beach (2019-2025)

Accolades:

• Defensive Player of the Year 2024… Press-Telegram Dream Team… All-Moore League First Team… 2023 and 2024 Moore League Champion… 2024 Division III Southern California Champion… Two-time reigning Moore League Champion (2022 and 2023)… First LOVB Team 2024–2025.

Why Georgetown?

“Its atmosphere had an at home ease for me, feeling comfortable and seeing myself attending the school and prospering with no doubt in mind. “

Coach on Sydney: “Sydney carries a very high skill set into a position that requires just that. We are excited for her to forge her own path at Georgetown with the sky as her limit.”

Foundation Academy has announced Devin Bennett as its new track-and-field head coach. Bennett, a native of New York, set multiple school records in his running days. He placed fifth in the 2010 New York Indoor State Track-and-Field Championships. 

Bennett went on to run cross country at the Division I level for Siena College and then at the D-II level at New Hampshire University. 

Most recently, Bennett served as both the boys and girls track-and-field and cross country coach at Windermere Prep, where he coached various state championship qualifiers and led the boys track-and-field team to its first district championships this season. 

Arizona volleyball was relatively quiet during the first portal period in December, but head coach Rita Stubbs has added some of her best players during the late portal period. Two years ago, it was former No. 2 recruit Jordan Wilson. She has to hope to get something similar from the latest, former UCF and Washington State pin hitter Britt Carlson.

Carlson announced her commitment on social media this week.

Carlson is listed as an outside hitter on the UCF roster, but her height of 6-foot-4 suggests she might be a good option at opposite. The Wildcats are looking for someone to play the position after losing Jaelyn Hodge to graduation following the 2024 season.

Carlson will come in as a redshirt junior, but she has already completed her degree at UCF. She started her college career at Washington State in 2022. She enrolled a semester early with the Cougars to take part in spring practice but redshirted that fall. She transferred to UCF the following year.

Carlson has appeared in 39 matches over two seasons with the Knights. She played in all 27 matches last season, appearing in 96 of the team’s 101 sets.

She was fifth on the team with 2.10 kills and 2.40 points per set last year. Her .216 hitting percentage was also fifth on the team.

Calson was fourth on the Knights’ team with 0.51 blocks per set. Seven of her 49 blocks were solo.

The addition of Carlson gives Arizona 15 on the roster. Although opposite An den Hamer is still listed on the 2025 roster, she has already announced that she is transferring. She did not play much for the Wildcats during her only season in Tucson.

In addition ot Carlson, Arizona has senior OH Wilson, sophomore OH Carlie Cisneros, junior OH/OPP Sydnie Vanek, freshman OPP Renee Jones, and freshman OH Paige Thies at the pins. Wilson and Cisneros started on the left side last year, while Vanek was a reserve on both the right and left sides. All except Thies were on campus for spring tournaments.

The Wildcats have junior Journey Tucker, sophomore Adrianna Bridges, and freshman Maya Flemister at middle blocker. All three were in Tucson for spring practice, but Arizona likely needs at least one addition in the middle. The Wildcats had four middles last season.

The setters are sophomore Avery Scoggins, senior Ana Heath, and freshman Chloe Giehtbrock. Heath will likely see some time at opposite and as a serving specialist, as well. Giehtbrock arrived for spring practice, but she will redshirt this season.

The Wildcats have four littles. Redshirt senior Haven Wray and sophomore Brenna Ginder shared duties as the starting liberos last year. Junior returner Giorgia Mandotti and freshman Brookelyn Hatton will fight for time at defensive specialist and libero this season.

HOF5/21/2025 9:13 AM | By: Cal Athletics

Class Of 2025 Features 2 Coaches, 6 Extraordinary Student-Athletes

BERKELEY – Eight accomplished Golden Bears have been elected into the Cal Athletics Hall of Fame.

The Class of 2025 features:

• Layshia Clarendon (women’s basketball, 2009-13) – Pac-12 Scholar-Athlete of the Year led the Bears to the only Final Four appearance in program history
• Hana Cutura (volleyball, 2006-09) – Pac-12 Player of the Year is the program’s all-time kills leader
• Damir Dugonjic (men’s swimming & diving, 2007-11) – Seven-time NCAA champion swam in three Olympic Games for Slovenia
• Donna Fong (field hockey head coach, 1976-94) – Program’s first-ever head coach was a three-time conference Coach of the Year
• Alex Mack (football, 2005-08) – All-American center went on to 13-year NFL career
• Ivan Rackov (men’s water polo, 2008-11) – National player of the year and three-time All-American led Cal to the NCAA title match in 2010
• Jeff Tedford (football head coach, 2002-12) – Program’s all-time wins leader led the Bears to seven straight bowl games
• Michael Weaver (men’s golf, 2009-14) – All-American was Cal’s first men’s golfer to play in The Masters

The Class of 2024 and 2025 will be formally inducted together during the Cal Athletics Hall of Fame weekend Oct. 17-18. The classes will be honored during the Bears’ home football game against North Carolina on Oct. 17 followed by the Hall of Fame Gala the following evening on Oct. 18. Tables for the gala can be reserved here. Single tickets go on sale Aug. 1.

The Cal Athletics Hall of Fame now has 355 individuals and seven rowing teams. The school’s Hall of Fame, which is located on the west side of California Memorial Stadium, is open to all ticket holders after each home football game.

 

LAYSHIA CLARENDON – Women’s Basketball (2009-13)

Clarendon carried the combination of athletic and academic prowess that is a model of the Cal student-athlete. She earned All-American status as a senior after leading the Bears to their only Final Four appearance in program history and was also a three-time All-Pac-12 selection. She went on to become the ninth overall pick in the 2013 WNBA Draft and played 11 years in the league with one All-Star appearance. Clarendon was also the 2013 Pac-12 Scholar-Athlete of the Year and winner of the Tom Hansen Pac-12 Conference Medal.

HANA CUTURA – Volleyball (2006-09)

The only conference player of the year in program history (2009), Cutura also is the Bears’ all-time leader in career kills with 2,004. Cutura was a three-time All-American – including a pair of first-team nods – who led Cal to four consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances, including the team’s first-ever appearance in the Final Four in 2007. A three-time All-Pac-10 selection, she also ranks second on the program’s single-season kills list with 628 as a senior.

DAMIR DUGONJIC – Men’s Swimming & Diving (2007-11)

Dugonjic won seven NCAA championships, including three consecutive individual titles in the 100-yard breaststroke. His final breaststroke crown contributed to the Bears’ team championship in 2011. Dugonjic set the NCAA record in the 100 breast as a sophomore and was an eight-time All-American. He represented his native Slovenia in the Olympic Games in 2008, 2012 and 2016 and registered a pair of top-20 finishes in the 100 breaststroke.

DONNA FONG – Field Hockey Head Coach (1976-94)

Fong was the first head coach in program history who led the Bears to three straight NorPac championships from 1992-94 and was also selected as the NorPac Coach of the Year in all three of those seasons. Fong coached four conference players of the year and two Olympians. In 2020, field hockey became the first women’s sport at Cal to have its head coaching position endowed – Donna Fong Director of Field Hockey.

ALEX MACK – Football (2005-08)

Mack was a two-time First-Team All-American who went on to become the 21st overall pick by the Cleveland Browns in 2009. During his time with the Bears, Cal shared the Pac-12 championship in 2006 and went to four consecutive bowl games. A three-time All-Pac-12 First Team pick, Mack also won the prestigious Draddy Trophy that is given to the top football student-athlete in the nation. Mack went on to play 13 seasons in the NFL and was selected to seven Pro Bowls. He was voted into the College Football Hall of Fame earlier this year.

IVAN RACKOV – Men’s Water Polo  (2008-11)

Rackov was named the 2010 winner of the Peter J. Cutino Award, given annually to the top player in NCAA water polo. He was also named the 2010 ACWPC National Player of the Year. Rackov ranks fourth on the program’s all-time scoring list with 235 career goals and fifth on Cal’s single-season list with 79 goals in 20120. Rackov led the Bears to the NCAA championship game in 2010.

JEFF TEDFORD – Football Head Coach (2002-12)

Tedford is Cal’s all-time winningest football coach with 82 victories and led the Bears to a school-record seven consecutive bowl appearances. He was twice named the Pac-10 Coach of the Year and led Cal to the 2006 Pac-10 co-championship. Under Tedford, the Bears finished the season ranked in the top 25 four different times. Cal also cracked the top 10 five times at one point during the season with Tedford at the helm.

MICHAEL WEAVER – Men’s Golf (2009-14)

Weaver became Cal’s first-ever NCAA regional champion when he took co-medalist honors at the 2013 NCAA Pullman Regional. He led the Bears to the 2013 Pac-12 championship, taking individual runner-up honors in the process. Weaver was named a First-Team All-American in 2013.  He also placed eighth individually at the 2011 NCAA Championships, tied for the second-highest finish ever by a Golden Bear.