Tyler Mathews is in the best shape of his life. Trips to the World Championships — maybe even the Olympics— are not out of the question for the Mesa Red Mountain alum. 

Yet Mathews, the Arizona high school state record holder in the 800 meters, who just wrapped up a wildly successful freshman season at Brigham Young University, is about to hit pause on his burgeoning track and field career for two years. 

Mathews is serving a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints mission in Africa.

“Putting God first and my faith first will lead to me becoming a better athlete and a better person, a more disciplined athlete,” Mathews said.

Mathews is just one of many young athletes across the country, and the world, who put their athletic ambitions on hold to pursue their faith and work with the LDS Church. More than 80,000 missionaries are serving LDS missions at any one time, according to the Church.

For these athletes, while the decision to step aside from their sports at such a critical point in their development can be difficult, strengthening their faith is a vital component of their journeys, on and off the track. 

The Arizona Republic spoke with three local track and field athletes at different points in their missionary work – two about to serve and one currently serving – about balancing their faith while being elite runners.

‘I see people doing the same thing’

Mathews is one of the best distance runners to come from Arizona. He was the first Arizona prep to run under 1:50 in the 800 when he did so in 2023, finishing the season top 10 in the country and earning a scholarship to BYU. He is a three-time AIA state champion in the 800.

At BYU, Mathews wasted little time establishing himself. In his second-ever race, Mathews broke the indoor school record for the 800 with a 1:46.62. He finished runner-up at the Big 12 Indoor Championships.

Mathews built on his strong indoor season by running 1:46.19 at the Big 12 Outdoor Championships, second all-time in BYU school history. He was named Big 12 Outstanding Freshman of the Year. 

In other words, Mathews has never been faster. The possibility of making a future national team for a World Championship is on the table for Mathews. The Olympics are a goal of his.

The decision for Mathews was tough. Mathews already waited to start his mission by one year (most tend to serve right after graduating high school) to see what he could as a freshman on the track and field team. But with an age limit to serve the mission, Mathews filed his paperwork and waited to see where he was called.

Mathews believes that his missionary work will ultimately serve him on the track.

“One of the most important things for me to do, while I’m also focusing on training, is everything on the spiritual side,” Mathews said. “Go to church, do everything that I’m supposed to, and then also just try to keep a strong relationship with God. I try to do all those things first, and I see the benefits afterwards in terms of my support.”

Mathews isn’t worried about losing his fitness or speed while on the mission. While he has a daily set of scheduled activities with a companion who must be by his side, Mathews is allowed some time in the morning to train. And, in what Mathews called a “blessing in disguise,” the country that Mathews was called to serve also happens to be filled with distance runners: Uganda.

In an act of coincidence, this is the same mission that BYU star Kenneth Rooks served. Rooks just made the 2024 Paris Olympics in the 3,000-meter steeplechase. Mathews looks to the path of Rooks as a source of hope.

“I see people doing the same thing, and they’re coming back and becoming Olympians,” Mathews said. “That was a big confidence booster.”

Coupled with the fact that it is an English-speaking mission for Mathews, lessening the load of learning he would have to, he’s confident he’ll return to form in 2027. Mathews will have his true sophomore season at BYU, about 11 months in total, in the lead-up to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

“I think that will be enough time to at least give myself a shot,” Mathews said. “I think all of those things came together to put away those worries of whether or not I’d be able to return as a good athlete. I’m super excited for my mission and super excited for that opportunity.”

‘I love the gospel’

Mesa Mountain View alum Daniel Judd became the 12th boy from Arizona this past season to run under 9:00 in the 3,200 this past season to win the AIA state title, also pulling off the sweep and winning the title in the 1,600.

Like Mathews, Judd is also waiting a year to do his mission. 

The plan is to do a semester at Salt Lake Community College, where he will run cross-country in the fall. If his cross-country times are competitive enough, he will look to compete in the track and field season with the hopes of attracting the attention of a four-year college, like nearby Utah State University, before heading off on his mission.

“Giving up those two years, I feel like I will be more blessed when I get back,” Judd said. “And I love the gospel, what I believe in. So the sacrifice for me is big, but I want it.”

Complicating Judd’s decision is the fact that SLCC decided to cut track and field on June 20. Now, the future is in flux.

For Judd, running goes deeper than just putting on a pair of shoes and lacing them up.

“I feel that it is given to me with a purpose from God,” Judd said. “And I feel in return (running) is to show my gratitude and my thankfulness. Whenever I go out there to run, it’s like I’m running for my faith, in a way. And that really helps me find a balance with running. It’s like I’m doing something fulfilling, something that I feel is my calling.”

Life on a mission: Jesus and jump-ups

Zach Ripperdan, a Queen Creek alum who graduated in 2024, was in the same race that Mathews set his state record in 2023. Ripperdan ended up running 1:51.23 for the 800 as a senior and is No. 6 all-time in state history for the event.

He earned a track and field scholarship to Utah State, but deferred that for two years as he opted to serve a mission. Ripperdan is currently in Quito, Ecuador and is 10 months into his mission.

Ripperdan, despite not having stepped foot competitively on a track since July 28, 2024, feels “100%” that he has improved as a runner by strengthening his relationship with God.

“When I’m serving other people, I feel like I have more energy,” Ripperdan said. “I’m less worried about the little stresses of life that can affect your performance sometimes. For me, it’s easier to be consistent in the little things with training. That consistency and that discipline go hand in hand.”

Ripperdan is usually able to get a short run done in the morning before planning the day with his companion. With Quito at 9,000 feet of elevation, where the air is thinner, it doesn’t take long for Ripperdan to work up a sweat. Jump-ups have become a go-to for Ripperdan.

He has about 14 months left of his mission before returning to the United States and beginning his track and field career at Utah State.

“I’m just going to come back and be consistent and not try to cheat the grind,” Ripperdan said. “I am excited because I think some of that will be cool when I get back from my mission. Of course, it’ll be an adjustment in the first few months getting back into legit collegiate shape. I think I’ll be more appreciative of what it takes and the consistency to be at your best. And obviously carry over the things in my mission, my connection with God.”

Logan Stanley is a sports reporter with The Arizona Republic who primarily focuses on high school, college and Olympic sports. To suggest ideas for human-interest stories and other news, reach out to Stanley at logan.stanley@gannett.com or 707-293-7650. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter: @LSscribe.

Kyle A. Pillar – Sports Editor

GREENEVILLE, TENN. — Looking to fine-tune its skillset ahead of the quickly approaching season, the Richmond Senior High School volleyball program saw immediate results last week. 

Making a trip west, the Lady Raiders and head coach Ashleigh Larsen attended a three-day team development camp at Tusculum University between July 7-9. 

Attending the camp for the Lady Raiders were rising seniors Carleigh Gibson, J’Nasia Neal and Ka’mora Watkins, along with rising juniors Lillian Hill, Madisen Jackson, Kalynn McCormick, Riley McDonald, Kaylan Parsons and Kenley Smith.

All the players were members of Richmond’s varsity or junior varsity teams last season. 

The camp was the first development venture for the Lady Raider program in several years. Tusculum was scheduled to do a satellite camp last summer at Richmond, but inclement weather canceled the event.

Larsen explained that the camp primarily focused on position drills and team play. As a team with many returning varsity contributors from last season, Richmond had its own objectives in mind, too.

“We were the only school from North Carolina,” Larsen explained. “Tennessee schools hold tryouts before the school year lets out so every other program there had their teams already situated and used it to grow. 

“For us, team bonding, communication and growth in particular positions were the main goals. We also got a little insight into what (Tusculum’s) training looks like, which was helpful.”

Each day of camp was broken into multiple sessions, starting with a three-hour position training in the mornings. Pins and littles were often paired together, while middle hitters and setters made up another work group. 

A two-hour afternoon session mixed in team components and allowed the different programs to compete against one another in a variety of drills and skill games. 

Each day of camp ended with two hours of competitive team play, allowing teams to live scrimmage against each other. Tuesday’s team matches were used to determine seeding for Wednesday’s camp tournament. 

A highlight for Richmond during the week was going undefeated during both pool and bracket play and winning the whole championship  tournament as a No. 1 seed, Larsen shared. 

“I was so impressed at the girls’ willingness to absorb everything,” Larsen commented. “Many had never been to anything like this and there was a lot to take in. The other programs there had girls who play year round and had more knowledge of certain aspects of the game. The girls came together and stepped up to play to whatever was presented to them. 

“They worked together and learned so much about one another. Walking out I felt so confident knowing the season was around the corner. Our girls grew so much in those few days and looked like a cohesive unit. Collectively, every girl learned a lot and camp definitely helped us as a program.”

Larsen noted that Watkins “had a good bounce back” at camp after missing the majority of her junior season due to injury. She added that Jackson showed toughness after getting hurt the first day of camp, but that it “did not let that stop her from making sure her team was doing all they could to get better.”

Neal, a rising senior outside hitter, shared that the camp was beneficial to the Lady Raiders both in the team’s development as well as its confidence.

“The one-on-one coaching from the college players themselves was the best part of the camp,” Neal said. “I feel like hearing opinions and being instructed by someone other than our coaches helped us a lot. 

“Winning the bracket championship felt great,” she added. “It was a really big confidence booster. It really helped us realize our potential as a team and hopefully we can carry that into the upcoming season.”

A three-year starter and Richmond’s rising junior libero, Smith echoed Neal’s sentiments about the camp. She added that while individual drills improved players’ skill sets, the most beneficial aspect was the team’s ability to spend time together.

“One of the biggest takeaways was learning how to communicate better and trust each other more,” Smith said. “As a libero, I really had to stay loud and focused on defense. My favorite drill was the fast-paced defensive one where we had to cover a lot of ground. It was challenging but fun.

“Camp helped us bond a lot,” she continued. “We spent so much time together, not just playing but also hanging out after. It made us more comfortable with each other, which helped our teamwork. 

“That’s important because when we’re close, we play better and support each other more. Our relationship off the court is just as important as one on the court.”

With the start of the 2025 season just a few weeks away, Larsen is feeling that the Lady Raiders are trending in the right direction. Richmond will move to the 7A classification and compete in the newly-formed Mid-South Conference.

“Reflecting back, the most proud I was with the team was its ability to come together and not give up,” Larsen closed. 

“We had times where we were not playing our best. We were down, but despite that they stepped up, all nine of them and they dug deep. They found that grit. That ‘you can’t outwork us’ mentality is really what led them to win the tournament for the camp.”

The first official day of fall sports is July 30. Richmond will begin its season at home Aug. 12 against non-conference Lee County High School. 

The Lady Raiders will also be hosting a two-day volleyball camp for elementary-aged players in early August. 

Good morning! 

  

It may be summer, but there’s no slowing down for all of those in The Big West doing incredible work for our student-athletes. The opportunities they create, the stories they tell, and the memories they help shape will stay with our student-athletes for a lifetime.  Thank you for continuing to lead with heart, purpose, and passion. 

Song of the day is “Living in the Moment” by Jason Mraz. Enjoy this Monday in the summer, and let’s get to The Bold Type. 

 

   UC SANTA BARBARA’S TYLER BREMNER DRAFTED 2ND OVERALL IN MLB DRAFT   

UC Santa Barbara junior right-handed pitcher Tyler Bremner was selected with the second overall pick by the Los Angeles Angels in the 2025 MLB Draft on Sunday afternoon.  The FIRST collegiate player taken in the draft!  Bremner is the highest Big West alum to get selected since Cal State Fullerton’s Adam Johnson also went second overall in the 2000 iteration of the draft. Read more >>> 

 

   CONGRATULATIONS   

• To the 2,741 Big West Student-Athletes Named to 2024-25 Commissioner’s Honor Roll!  Read more >>> 
• To the 14 Former Big West men’s basketball players who are participating in the NBA Summer League! Read more >>> 
• To the 13 current and former Big West student-athletes and coaches that will participate in the 2025 World Aquatics Championship! Read more >>> 
• To Long Beach State’s Skyler Varga and ‘Eleu Choy of Hawai’i Named CSC Academic All-Americans! Read more >>> 

   STRATEGIC RESTRUCTURE OF THE BIG WEST STAFF   

As the saying goes, with great change comes great opportunity. Last week, I shared several important updates on the realignment of The Big West staff—changes made to ensure we are well-positioned for the evolving landscape of Division I athletics. 

Over the past year, and as Division I undergoes significant change, I’ve engaged in thoughtful conversations with leadership within the membership, sponsors, vendors and amongst The Big West staff. In collaboration with Deputy Commission Kristi Giddings, I’ve reviewed the structure and responsibilities within our office and we are implementing a realignment that strengthens The Big West across several core areas: governance, branding, revenue generation, communications, and broadcasting—especially as we prepare for the many changes in DI in 2025-26 and our expanded membership in 2026–27.

This team is amazing, and our collective work leads to the success of The Big West, our championships and managing the changes in NCAA Division I and western realignment. These changes are made to better balance responsibilities, provide needed backup and efficiency, plus better align with the new NCAA Division I. Read more >>> 

 

   MEDIA ARTICLES OF INTEREST   

• FloSports Co-Founder/CEO Mark Floreani tells SBJ this is the “golden age of streaming” and notes he is keeping an eye on ESPN’s DTC launch this fall. (link) 
• Cal State Fullerton will opt into the House settlement and AD Jim Donovan lays out some specifics for the Titans. Fullerton will target a “handful of high-profile sports” for full or increased scholarships as the total cost for all sports would exceed $6M per year. Donovan on how CSUF will approach NIL: “Actually, I envision NIL being handled more effectively by a team. Our ticket sales, corporate sponsorship sales, licensing, and donations all may be utilized for NIL. Our Advancement team would work on soliciting donations and operating fundraisers. Our Senior Associate A.D. and three of our Assistant A.D.’s, with their direct reports, will be working on increasing self-generated revenue, to increase our Distributed NIL paid to student-athletes.” On his feelings about the settlement as a whole: “I don’t know if I would describe it as relief. More as informed. I wish I could say excited, but the truth of the matter is that I’m a bit concerned for the future of intercollegiate athletics as we’ve known it for decades. The House settlement just seems to increase the cost of being a Division I athletics program, although I’m grateful that student-athletes can now receive NIL compensation directly from the institution.” (link) 
• Yahoo’s Ross Dellenger has details on an amended college sports bill that could be introduced Thursday in the U.S. House of Representatives and “is on track to progress further than any all-encompassing athlete compensation legislation.” The SCORE Act could still face major revision via markups, and if passed through the House, it would need bipartisan support to pass in the Senate. Among the many provisions that would impact the current NCAA revenue-sharing model, the bill would codify the House settlement, preempt state NIL laws and… 

  • Would require all NIL deals to hold a “valid business purpose” and fall within NIL Go’s fair market value compensation range and anti-circumvention rules 
  • Would allow schools to restrict athlete NIL deals that violate school code of conduct or present a conflict with an existing school agreement (like an athlete having a shoe deal with a different brand than the school). (link) 
  • It would require all schools to maintain 16 varsity sports teams (also the FBS minimum) 
  • Would require schools to provide athletes with academic support and out-of-pocket healthcare within three years of leaving school 
  • Would keep schools from cutting scholarships for injury or performance 
  • Would allow the establishment of a one-time transfer rule and eligibility standards 
  • Would limit agent compensation to 5 percent of an athlete’s compensation (Yahoo was told by coaches that some agents are charging 10 to 20 percent on some deals)  
  • Would stipulate that schools earning at least $50M annually in media rights could not use student fees to support their athletic programs (impacting SEC and Big Ten schools) 
  • Would allow the NCAA to require athletes to disclose NIL deals so collected data could be anonymized, aggregated and shared 

 

   QUOTE OF THE DAY   

To our student-athletes: “Memories are the key to unlocking the future.”– Unknown 

  

Thank you, once again, for continuing to live in the moment—and lead in a time of transformation. Have a great week! 

Dan 

BOCA RATON, Fla. – Florida Atlantic volleyball is building up for a big season in 2025, bolstering its roster for the upcoming season with new talent, bringing in four experienced transfers and four talented freshmen.
 
“We’re excited to welcome this wonderful group to our FAU Volleyball family,” expressed Head Coach Fernanda Nelson. “Not only are they talented, but they’re also high-character individuals who are passionate about being here. They’re going to make an immediate impact and raise the level of our gym on day one. With the strong foundation we already have, this class brings added depth, talent, and intensity. They’re ready to contribute to our success right away.”

 

𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐞, 𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐚!

» Anna Hartman

» RS

» Murfreesboro, TN

» Rutgers#WinningInParadise pic.twitter.com/RRlnfOnm2b

— Florida Atlantic Volleyball (@FAUVolleyball) December 20, 2024

Anna Hartman
RS | Jr. | 6-3 | Murfreesboro, Tenn. | Rutgers
Hartman, a native of Murfreesboro, Tenn., joins the Owls after playing her first two seasons at Rutgers. In two years, Hartman competed in all 57 matches, playing in 178 sets and making 19 starts for the Scarlet Knights. In 2024, Hartman tallied 165 kills, averaging 1.77 per set, and recorded 45 blocks. She recorded a season-high 12 kills against North Texas and tallied a career-high six blocks twice vs. Little Rock and at Maryland. As a freshman, Hartman averaged 1.55 kills per set, posting a career-best 17 kills in a five-set win at Iowa. She also hit a season-best .407 with 12 kills in a top 25 win over No. 16 Minnesota.
 
Prior to arriving in New Brunswick, Hartman was a four-year letterwinner at Providence Christian Academy. Throughout her high school career, she earned numerous awards, including AAU National All-Star, First Team All-District, All-Region Tournament Team, and All-District Tournament Team. In addition to her high school career, Hartman played club volleyball with Tennessee Performance Volleyball. She earned a third-place finish with TPV at AAU Nationals.

 

𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐞, 𝐊𝐢𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧!

» Kierstin Bevelle

» OH/RS

» Orlando, FL

» Lake Highland Preparatory#WinningInParadise pic.twitter.com/McNx0VfCzB

— Florida Atlantic Volleyball (@FAUVolleyball) November 14, 2024

Kierstin Bevelle
OH/RS | Fr. | 5-11 | Orlando, Fla. | Lake Highland Prep
Bevelle, from Orlando, Florida, arrives in Paradise after playing her freshman season at Apopka High School and spending three years with Lake Highland Prep. Bevelle earned numerous honors during her prep career, including FACA District 1-3A Player of the Year, FACA All-State, AVCA All-Region, Orlando Sentinel All-Area First Team, and being named twice to the AVCA Phenom Watch List. With the Highlanders, Bevelle won a state title, made three state semifinal appearances, and won three region and district titles. She recorded 797 kills and 794 digs in her career with the Highlanders, including a career-best 289 digs and 266 kills during her senior season.
 
In addition to her high school career, Bevelle also competed at the club level with Otva Volleyball.

 

𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐞, 𝐄𝐦𝐬𝐥𝐞𝐲!

» @emsley_venard

» S

» Cincinnati, Ohio

» Saint Ursula Academy#WinningInParadise pic.twitter.com/3XuUGiTIjp

— Florida Atlantic Volleyball (@FAUVolleyball) November 13, 2024

Emsley Venard
S | Fr. | 6-0 | Cincinnati, Ohio | Saint Ursula Academy
Venard, a native of Cincinnati, Ohio, joins the Owls following her high school career at Saint Ursula Academy.
 
Venard was a four-year letterwinner at Saint Ursula Academy. During her senior season, she helped lead the Bulldogs to a 2024 State Championship, while also winning their conference, district, and region championships. She dished out 918 assists, while also recording 229 digs, 53 kills, 46 service aces, and 23 blocks. As a junior, Venard helped Saint Ursula win the 2023 District Championship and finished the season as the 2023 Region Runner-up. She recorded 940 assists, 243 digs, 39 kills, 32 service aces, and 29 blocks. Venard also captured a District Championship in 2022 during her sophomore campaign.
 
In addition to her high school career, Venard also competed in club volleyball with Northern Kentucky Youth Volleyball Club (NKYVC).

 

𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐞, 𝐀𝐧𝐚!

» Ana Paula Cruz

» MB

» Cafelandia, Brazil

» Colegio Estadual Doutor Gastao Vidigal#WinningInParadise pic.twitter.com/4BAroFS6jk

— Florida Atlantic Volleyball (@FAUVolleyball) November 29, 2024

Ana Brasil
MB | Fr. | 6-3 | Cafelandia, Brazil | Colegio Estadual Doutor Gastao Vidigal
Brasil, a native of Cafelandia, Brazil, joins the Owls after playing with Colegio Estadual Doutor Gastao Vidigal. Brasil joined the team this spring and competed with the Owls during their spring schedule.
 

𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐞, 𝐁𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐞!

» @BrookeMcCallUVC

» OH/RS

» Charlotte, NC

» Charlotte Country Day School#WinningInParadise pic.twitter.com/XwRoZFEE7z

— Florida Atlantic Volleyball (@FAUVolleyball) November 14, 2024

Brooke McCall
OH | Fr. | 6-1 | Charlotte, N.C. | Charlotte Country Day School
McCall, from Charlotte, N.C., joins the Owls from Charlotte Country Day School. With the Buccaneers, McCall earned numerous accolades, including two-time All-State and All-Conference honoree, in addition to being named an AVCA Phenom twice, and being named twice to the Prep Volleyball watchlist, Junior Volleyball Association watchlist, and twice being named an Under Armour UA Next Invite Athlete. McCall was also named to the Prep Dig Big South Tournament 17 Open Dream Team, awarded PrepVolleyball Beast of the Southeast Tournament Player of the Week, and was a member of the CUVC 17 Open team that ranked as the 11th best team in the nation at nationals in Las Vegas. During her junior season, McCall broke the school record for most kills and highest hitting percentage. She recorded 724 kills over her high school career, including a season-high 250 kills during her senior season.
 
In addition to her high school career, McCall also played club volleyball with Carolina Union Volleyball Club and Carolina Juniors Volleyball.

 

𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐞, 𝐄𝐫𝐢𝐧!

» @_erinmorrissey

» Tampa, FL

» Maryland#WIP pic.twitter.com/w2AK54ILmJ

— Florida Atlantic Volleyball (@FAUVolleyball) March 24, 2025

Erin Morrissey
OH | Gr. | 6-3 | Tampa, Fla. | Maryland
Morrissey, from Tampa, Florida, joins the Owls after playing the last five seasons with Maryland. Morrissey competed in 62 sets over 25 matches and made nine starts for the Terrapins. In 2023, Morrissey competed in a career-best 45 sets over 18 matches and made eight starts. She set numerous single-season records, including kills (79), kills per set (1.76), digs (45), total blocks (14), and service aces (4). Morrissey recorded a career-high 12 kills and tied a career-best two blocks in a win over Ohio State. During her redshirt sophomore season, Morrissey tallied a career-best 14 digs against Purdue and posted a season-high eight kills at Wisconsin. She also registered a career-best two service aces against Ohio State.
 
Morrissey played her prep career at Plant High School. The four-time district and regional champion helped lead the Panthers to a state runner-up finish in 2018 and a state semifinal appearance in 2020. As a dual-sport athlete, Morrissey was also a two-year letterwinner and won a district championship on the tennis team.

 

𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐞, 𝐙𝐨𝐞!

» @zoewinford6

» DS/L

» Nevada, TX

» Georgia Tech#WIP pic.twitter.com/IcAtLD0Mj7

— Florida Atlantic Volleyball (@FAUVolleyball) May 8, 2025

Zoe Winford
L/DS | Jr. | 5-9 | Nevada, Texas | Georgia Tech
Winford, a native of Nevada, Texas, joins the Owls after playing the last two seasons at Georgia Tech.
 
In two seasons with the Yellowjackets, Winford competed in six sets over five matches. She has averaged 0.67 digs per set through two seasons in Atlanta.
 
Prior to Georgia Tech, Zoe was a four-year varsity player at Highland Park High School. She was an academic all-state honoree and won two club volleyball national championships during her prep career.

 

𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐞, 𝐋𝐢𝐛𝐛𝐲!

» Libby Ashline

» MB

» Melbourne, FL

» Eastern Florida State#WIP pic.twitter.com/VxjTPTaBZI

— Florida Atlantic Volleyball (@FAUVolleyball) May 9, 2025

Libby Ashline
MB | Jr. | 6-1 | Melbourne, Fla. | Eastern Florida State College
Ashline, a native of Melbourne, Florida, joins the Owls after playing the last two seasons at Eastern Florida State College.
 
Ashline played in 98 sets over 35 matches during her two seasons with the Titans. With the Titans, Ashline averaged 1.74 kills per set with a .319 hitting clip, to go along with 0.87 blocks per set, 0.77 digs per set, and 0.37 service aces per set. She was named First Team All-Conference during the 2024 season.
 
Prior to Eastern Florida, Ashline was a four-year letterwinner at Melbourne High School and was a two-time MVP with the Bulldogs. As a senior, Ashline played in 53 sets, recording 142 kills and hitting .300, in addition to adding 63 blocks and 25 assists. During her junior season, she competed in a career-high 64 sets, tallying 141 kills, 131 blocks, including a career-best 68 solo blocks, 42 digs, and 12 assists. As a sophomore, she played in 29 sets, recording 84 kills on a .360 hitting clip, while also adding 51 blocks and 11 assists.
 
In addition to her high school career, Ashline also played at the club level with Spirit, VolleyTech, and Countdown.
 
FOLLOW THE OWLS
For updates, follow @FAUVolleyball on X and Instagram, or like FAU Volleyball on Facebook.
 

KEARNEY, Neb. —The Ellinwood Eagles varsity volleyball team closed out the summer in championship style, taking home the Nebraska-Kearney A Division team camp title.

Ellinwood survived elite competition from Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, South Dakota and Nebraska.

Competing in the A Division against some of the Midwest’s toughest varsity squads, the Eagles soared to a 14-2 pool play record, earning the No. 1 seed heading into the prestigious Gold Bracket.

Ellinwood defeated perennial contender Kearney Catholic and Hays in two sets each to cap off an impressive summer run.

“The girls built more intensity and focus with each match,” said Ellinwood volleyball coach Greg Maxwell. “This group has grown tremendously. To come away as UNK camp champions is a huge accomplishment and confidence boost heading into the fall.”

Maxwell said Ellinwood’s seniors have stepped up.

“Our seniors have been excellent on-and-off the court this summer,” he said. “With improvements each year, the girls achieved their 4-year goal to win this camp championship. We’re very proud of them.”

Maxwell believes with the leadership, depth, and determination on full display throughout camp, the Eagles have solidified themselves for a 2A state volleyball run in the fall.

Ellinwood (42-5) placed fourth in 2A after losing 25-22, 25-17 to state champion Shawnee Maranatha and 25-21, 16-25, 25-18 to Inman for third place.