Rec Sports

Hail Mary

Published

8 months ago

April 14, 2025

Richmond may have cycled through a half-dozen arena football teams since the turn of the century and saw the Washington Commanders NFL training camp come and go, but one gridiron sport has remained constant in the river city for nearly a decade: women’s tackle football.

The region’s first team was the Richmond Black Widows, founded in 2015. The River City Sting are marking a half-decade of play this year, and the RVA Lady Tomahawks were launched in 2023. The three teams are in different leagues with varying rules, but they all offer satisfying gameplay for fans eager to keep up with football during professional and college teams’ offseasons. And, like other local teams, these organizations work just as hard off the field at building a following for their sport.

“[Women’s football] definitely has a presence here,” says Keisha Pleasants, a defensive tackle for the Tomahawks. “Richmond has a lot of women’s teams, period. The teams that we’ll be playing this year are experienced, so it’s going to be some good competition.”

The Lineups

The Richmond Black Widows were formed in 2015 by Sarah Schkeeper, a New Jersey native who played with the New York Sharks from 2009 to 2013. After leaving the Sharks, Schkeeper relocated to Richmond and, discovering the city didn’t have a women’s football team, started one. The team hit the field in 2016 as part of the Women’s Football Alliance. Schkeeper has since moved away, and her mother, Liane Schkeeper, now owns the Black Widows.

“We were the first [women’s football] team here in Richmond, and it’s really exciting to see how the sport has grown in the area and in the state in general,” says Jessica Harris, the team’s chief operating officer and a former player. “Year 10 is huge for us, because a lot of teams don’t make it to year 10. It’s a milestone moment.”

Harris joined the Black Widows in the team’s first season when an acquaintance suggested she try out. “I was doing it simply to get in shape [at first],” she says. “I found out the same way most of our players and recruits do, by word of mouth, and I’ve been here ever since. It gets into your blood. You can’t help it.”

For CJ James, who owns the River City Sting, football was an outlet. “In 2013, I unfortunately lost my mother to her third bout of breast cancer,” James says. “Just like anyone dealing with grief, I had a lot of trials and tribulations along the way. I actually started playing football in 2016 and fell in love with it. I was a bit shocked that I decided to do it, but in a way, it was just a great positive outlet for me to cope with everything.

“As women, we aren’t always given the opportunity to be aggressive, and as a Black woman, it’s even more so,” she adds. “So, for football to come along, that was the perfect opportunity.”

A lifelong athlete, Shebeney Jackson was one of the founding owners of the RVA Tomahawks men’s semipro team in 2017. After getting some firsthand experience playing for a women’s team in Newport News in 2022, Jackson left the gridiron and launched the Lady Tomahawks in 2023. Her husband, Jerome, is the team’s defensive coordinator and another Tomahawks owner. He and the Lady Tomahawks’ general manager and line coach, Jason Niles, played together in the past; both men were on numerous championship semipro teams and are Minor League Football Hall of Fame and Amateur Football Hall of Fame inductees.

“Football, to me, has always been an experience … where a group of people can come together, no matter of ethnicity, religious background or anything,” Niles says. “Everybody’s out there for football, and it brings people together.”

The sentiment extends across all three teams.

“I have always valued our team as a family,” James says of the Sting. “Just being able to have that camaraderie is huge, because there are a lot of women, and just people in general, who don’t have that at home or who just need additional support. We’re here for more than just football.”

Rules and Regs

Women’s tackle football games are largely similar to the matches men’s college and pro teams play on TV every fall: Teams field squads of 11 with familiar offensive and defensive line structure and plays. However, because Richmond’s three teams all play for different leagues, fans who go out to games will notice differences in the details when the women’s seasons kick off this month.

The Black Widows are a WFA Division 3 team. They’ll play teams from North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Tennessee, among others, during their six-game season. The WFA, which has nearly 60 teams, largely follows NCAA rules.

The Lady Tomahawks and Sting have both switched leagues — and rulebooks — several times.

Year 10 is huge for us, because a lot of teams don’t make it to year 10. It’s a milestone moment.

—Jessica Harris, COO of the Richmond Black Widows

According to Niles, the Lady Tomahawks first played with NFL rules before switching to modified high school protocols. After joining the American Women’s Football League for the 2025 season, the team will follow NCAA rules with a dash of XFL-like extra-point procedures. The Lady Tomahawks will compete against teams from Georgia, Michigan and Tennessee.

The River City Sting won the United States Women’s Football League championship in their inaugural 2021 season, going undefeated. As part of the Women’s Tackle Football League, they made the championship game again in 2022 and 2024. James says they aim to do the same after joining the United States Premier Women’s Football League in 2025. A developmental league that follows a mixture of rules, the USPWFL will allow the Sting to pay players and staff as they face off against teams from Ohio, Tennessee, Georgia and Alabama this year.

Fielding a Team

One of the biggest challenges for all three teams is finding a place to play.

“Getting a venue is very, very hard,” the Black Widows’ Harris says. “We start that process early. Sports are geared towards the kids first, rightfully so, and sometimes that leaves us on the back burner. That’s probably been the biggest struggle, finding somewhere to practice and play.”

James says the Sting’s venue is determined by a lottery system, with youth sports taking precedence, and that the team won’t know its home field until closer to the start of the season this month.

“It’s essentially wherever we can get a field,” she says. “It varies from year to year — we’ve played at Godwin High School, Dinwiddie Sports Complex and Varina High School.”

The Lady Tomahawks currently practice at Varina, Niles says, while two of the team’s three 2025 home games will take place at Highland Springs High School. Highland Springs was also the Tomahawks’ home field last year.

Paths to the Gridiron

Players have followed all kinds of routes to the rosters of the Black Widows, Sting and Lady Tomahawks. Rian Moses-Hedrick, a visual artist who also co-founded the music platform HearRVA and Richmond Music Week, came across the Sting by way of a newsletter and signed on in 2024.

“I couldn’t believe how badass they were,” Moses-Hedrick says. “I brought in a lot of my friends, just to the games. It’s crazy that I picked up a part-time job playing tackle football. I hope that we can get into more spaces. We try to do a lot of community outreach, and I’m hoping to get more younger girls into flag football and then transition into tackle football.”

Chandler Simms, who played for the Black Widows and has officiated in the area, says, “[Football] really opened up a whole new world for me. I traveled with the WFA international team, so I’ve gone around the world to help teach football and participate in clinics.”

Our players are the best advertising possible, because any female you talk to who plays — they eat, sleep and breathe this sport.

—CJ James, owner of the River City Sting

Simms played most positions during her time on the field and has remained an avid fan of the team since retiring from play. Dubbing herself the “president of the Black Widow retirees,” she helps with fundraising, getting the word out and even announcing games. “[Football] has also brought people to Richmond,” she says. “We have players who didn’t live in Richmond, and they would travel here to play. It still brings more people to the city, and they support local businesses while they’re here.”

All of the teams pride themselves on their openness and inclusiveness.

“We have so many players that have so many reasons why they’re playing,” Niles says. “We are very diverse. We have straight women, we have gay women and we have trans women. Our youngest player, because our insurance allows it, is 15 years old. Last year, our oldest player was 53. We have a diverse range of people with [diverse] experiences, and we’re very welcoming.”

Depending on the team, tryouts take place at various times of the year and are typically open to the public; anyone who identifies as a woman is welcome. The teams welcome inexperienced players, saying they learn, develop and evolve in their positions over the course of the season.

“The best part is that we’re seeing women who have never played before turning into amazing players by the end of the season,” James says. “It’s a cool thing to see the growth, investment, and to see them excited at practice, making great plays and having that support.”

The mix of experience levels from rookies to veterans contributes to well-rounded rosters. Several members of the Black Widows have been with the team for all 10 years, including Harris and three others who still play. Even the Tomahawks, who are beginning their third season, have some experienced players on the roster.

“I was able to get a lot of sacks my first game, become MVP during the season and be rookie of the year as well,” Aliyah Porter says. She’s a Tomahawks defensive end and tackle who is also learning to play tight end. “Playing football is very therapeutic, so I get to release a lot when I’m out there. … I enjoy playing with the ladies, like a big family. I go out there, I laugh, I smile and we have a good time.”

‘Taking Off’

One of the teams’ shared challenges is simply getting the word out about women’s tackle football. All three rely primarily on word of mouth to promote themselves. The teams attend community events such as 804 Day in August, parades, and the Flying Squirrels’ Women and Girls in Sports Day; participate in social media; stream their games online; and are available for personal appearances.

“Our players are the best advertising possible, because any female you talk to who plays — they eat, sleep and breathe this sport,” Harris says. “It’s kind of hard not to. It gets into your veins.”

The Black Widows have been playing long enough for some of their efforts to come full circle. While DJ Thompson was playing for her elementary school team, she did a coin toss for the Black Widows; years later, she plays for the team. Harris says the Widows will celebrate those connections at the team’s last home game of the season on June 7. “We’re going to invite all of our OG players and fans,” she says. “That’s going to be a game that we play for them, and we’re going to honor them. We’ve got some awesome things in the works for that game, and this season, to pay homage to year 10 … and looking forward to the future.”

When I say I’m coaching women’s football, some people’s first question is if it’s a lingerie league. No. These women will probably take your head off.

—Jason Niles, Lady Tomahawks’ general manager and line coach

James says making sure people know about the team is its own reward. “I think it’s nice when we actually meet people in the streets and they’re like, ‘Hey, I know about you guys,’” she says. “That makes us feel great. That’s a proud moment.”

Niles notes that publicity is useful for recruiting new players — the Lady Tomahawks encourage the parents of younger players to get involved, too — as well as dispelling preconceived notions about the leagues. “When I say I’m coaching women’s football, some people’s first question is if it’s a lingerie league,” he says, alluding to the Lingerie Football League, which existed from 2009 to 2012 and has since rebranded. “No. These women will probably take your head off. It’s becoming a bigger brand.”

James agrees that women’s football is growing, pointing to the Sting’s expanding local fan base. “We’ve had our ups and downs, just like any other team, but overall, we’ve had our faithful core, and it’s nice to bring more folks into our fan base.”

Niles says the Lady Tomahawks are seeing growth as well. “Last year, we had a decent amount of fans come out to watch our games. It takes a lot of background work to try to get the word out. Our players spread the word as much as they can, and a lot of people back those players up. Women’s football is taking off.”

Richmond Black Widows 2025 Schedule

April 26: Harrisburg Havoc (away)
May 10: Music City Mizfits (home)
May 17: Carolina Phoenix (home)
May 31: Virginia Panthers (away)
June 7: Raleigh Express (home)
June 14: Music City Mizfits (away)

RVA Lady Tomahawks 2025 Schedule

April 5: Tennessee Enforcers (away)
April 12: Atlanta Phoenix (home)
April 26: Lansing Legacy (home)
May 3: Carolina Tigers (away)
May 10: DMV Queens (home)
May 17: Kalamazoo Bears (away)
May 31: Playoffs, Wild Card Round
June 14: Playoffs, Division Round
June 28: Conference Championship
July 12: Emerald Bowl

River City Sting 2025 Schedule

April 19: Cincinnati Sizzle (away)
April 26: Bye
May 3: Ardmore Tigers (away)
May 10: Gulf Coast Mystery (home)
May 17: Cincinnati Sizzle (home)
May 24: Bye
May 31: Ardmore Tigers (home)
June 7: Gulf Coast Mystery (away)

Capture Some Fun

Flag football is a low-contact alternative

Local women who want to hit the gridiron but don’t necessarily want to try a tackle team have another option: flag football.

Shà Maclin founded the 804 Mafia Women’s Flag Football Team in 2022. She was looking to move from playing tackle football to an all-women’s flag team but didn’t find one in the area. She started her own, giving the group a “Godfather”-esque logo and an orange-and-black color scheme.

“I think, with the popularity [of women’s football], people have been looking for flag, and I think flag helps feed into tackle,” Maclin says. “Flag gives them an opportunity to see how they want to play, see if they know football, and then they can decide which kind of team they want to play on.”

Part of the Coastal Women’s Flag League, 804 Mafia is an eight-person contact team that currently plays at Varina High School. The positions and play are similar to standard football, but each player wears a belt with two streamer-like flags that are pulled off in lieu of tackling; players can also be downed with a two-hand touch. The league offers spring and fall seasons as well as tournaments.

Maclin says the team has grown threefold since its founding, from fewer than 10 players to the current roster of about 30. “We’ve grown quite a bit, and there’s been more and more interest as the years have come,” she adds. Flag football will be included in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, fueling interest in the sport.

Like the tackle teams, 804 Mafia gets the word out through social media and community events. “We’ve done a lot of social events,” Maclin says. “We’ve also been involved with the youth flag leagues. A lot of our players are coaches [there], and we get to meet a lot of the parents. Some of the parents are even interested in playing.”

“If you love football, it’s just a place for you to get started,” Maclin says. “Flag is fast-paced, and it’s a lot of fun. We’ve grown so much.” —AC

804 Mafia

Interested in joining the 804 Mafia or catching a game?

Open workouts and tryouts start in early June, and the team will participate in two tournaments over the summer: the Virginia Beach Invitational on June 21 and Clash at the Carolinas on Aug. 9. The season will start after Labor Day, and the 804 Mafia will play at least four home games at Varina, plus nationals in Florida in January 2026.

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Robert ‘Bob’ Eggert – The Citizen

Published

7 minutes ago

December 8, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Mr. Robert “Bob” Eggert, age 81, passed away on December 5, 2025, in Ortonville, Michigan. Born on September 16, 1944, in Wyandotte, Michigan, Bob lived a life marked by dedication to his family, his work, and his community.

A devoted father and grandfather, Bob was the loving father of Stacey Eggert, Benjamin Eggert, Jon (Shana) Eggert, and William (Tessa Nemzek) Eggert. He was the proud Papa of Ellie, Aria, Lilah, and Alexandria. His presence at every game, concert, recital, or special event was a testament to how deeply he valued family. Whether cheering from the sidelines or offering a high five after a performance or match, Bob showed up-always.

Bob built a successful career as an orthodontic instruments and supplies salesman, covering the states of Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio. He thrived during an era when personal relationships were the cornerstone of business. Through countless miles traveled and face-to-face meetings with clients and colleagues, Bob earned a reputation for reliability and warmth. His hard work not only provided well for his family but also allowed him to enjoy the lake life he loved so much.

Bob’s commitment to community service was unwavering. When his children were young, he could often be found coaching their baseball, softball, or soccer teams. As they grew older, he became known as the voice of Ortonville sports-announcing baseball games, junior football games, and varsity football games for Brandon High School with enthusiasm and heart.

His involvement extended beyond youth sports. Bob played an integral role in American Legion Baseball and was especially dedicated to the Chief Pontiac baseball team. He took pride in maintaining its field with care and precision and helped organize tournaments that brought people together from across the region. He also presented scholarships and awards to young athletes-an act that reflected his belief in supporting future generations.

Bob’s civic engagement included active membership in both the Lions Club and the VFW. Bob was especially proud of providing a man with a wheelchair while he was involved in the Lions Club. At Septemberfest in Ortonville each year, you could find Bob volunteering in the beer tent with a smile on his face. As a veteran of the U.S. Army who served in the Vietnam War, Bob marched proudly in the Memorial Day parade for many years and most recently delivered patriotic speeches at the cemetery honoring those who served with dignity and respect.

He also contributed to local development through his work with the Blackhawk Community Trails Committee. Around town, Bob was a familiar face at beloved local establishments like Escamilla Amigos, Bullfrogs Bar, China Fare, Village Pub, and O’Malleys—places where he supported small businesses while connecting with anyone and everyone.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents Harold and Madelyn Eggert and his brother Bill.

Those who knew Bob will remember him as disciplined, funny, goofy, full of energy, kindhearted—and above all else-present. His legacy is his strong voice echoing from ballfields; his cheers from bleachers; his amazing dance moves; his quiet acts of service that strengthened the community; and unwavering support for those he loved most.

May his memory bring comfort to all who knew him and continue to inspire acts of kindness and dedication in others’ lives.

The family will receive friends on Thursday from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at Village Funeral Home; 135 South Street Ortonville. Funeral service with military honors will be held on Friday, December 12, 2025, 11:00 AM at the Funeral Home

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the American Legion-Chief Pontiac in Clarkston, the Ortonville Lions Club, or the VFW Post 582. You can also donate to the Michigan American Legion Foundation. supportmilegion.org/

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Marblehead Basketball to host 4th annual Tip-Off Nights

Published

15 minutes ago

December 8, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Friends of Marblehead Basketball is proud to announce the 4th annual Tip-Off Nights, taking place on Tuesday, Dec. 16 for the girls program and Thursday, Dec. 18 for the boys program. Both events begin at 7 p.m. in the Marblehead High School Field House and will mark the first home game of the season for each team.

The goal of Tip-Off Night is to bring the Marblehead basketball community together and officially kick off a new season. In keeping with tradition, the evening will feature special performances and community involvement, including the national anthem sung by Anya Kane, a 2025 MHS graduate and current American University student.

At halftime, Girls and Boys Youth Basketball players, as well as members of the Unified Basketball team, are invited to participate on the court — highlighting Marblehead’s commitment to inclusivity, youth development and community connection within the sport.

Fans can look forward to a lively atmosphere with concessions and shirt and spirit wear give-aways throughout the night. Families, alumni and basketball supporters across town are encouraged to come out and help launch what is anticipated to be an exciting and competitive season for both the girls and boys teams.

Editor Leigh Blander is an experienced TV, radio and print journalist.

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NFL Veteran Anthony Newman Partners with US Sports Camps to Launch Nike Multi-Sport and Recreation Camps

Published

23 minutes ago

December 8, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Transformative Multi-Sport Experience Led by one of Oregon’s Most Respected Athletes Launches Summer 2026

Partnering with US Sports Camps allows us to create an environment where every kid feels supported, challenged, and inspired.”

— Anthony Newman

SAN RAFAEL, CA, UNITED STATES, December 8, 2025 /EINPresswire.com/ — US Sports Camps (USSC), the nation’s largest youth sports camp network and official provider of Nike Sports Camps, is excited to announce a new partnership with Anthony Newman to introduce an expanded lineup of Nike Multi-Sport & Recreation Camps to the Portland area, launching summer 2026. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in USSC’s mission to grow high-quality multi-sport programming nationwide and to partner with athletes who embody the values of mentorship, character, and long-term athletic development.

Anthony Newman, a University of Oregon Athletic Hall of Famer, respected Portland community leader, and former NFL defensive back, is one of the most accomplished athletes in Oregon history. After earning national recognition as a star baseball and football prospect at Beaverton High School, Newman chose to play football for the Oregon Ducks, was named First-team All-Pac-10, and helped elevate the program to national prominence. His 12-year NFL career as a safety with the Los Angeles Rams, New Orleans Saints, and Oakland Raiders further established his reputation as a leader and role model for young athletes.

“For me, giving back through sports has always been about opening doors for kids and showing them how much joy and confidence come from trying new things,” said Anthony Newman. “Partnering with US Sports Camps allows us to create an environment where every kid feels supported, challenged, and inspired. I am proud to help bring a true multi-sport experience to Portland.”

The partnership reflects USSC’s core belief in the power of multi-sport development. By exposing young athletes to a diverse range of experiences, USSC aims to support long-term athletic growth, creativity, and physical confidence. Teaming up with a respected and deeply rooted local figure like Newman strengthens that mission and expands access to best-in-class youth programming for families throughout the Pacific Northwest and beyond.

“Anthony reflects everything we believe multi-sport experiences can offer young athletes,” said Dr. Nora Osei, Senior Director of US Sports Camps. “He is a teacher, a mentor, and a builder of community. Partnering with him allows us to deliver a premium multi-sport environment that builds confidence, helps kids explore new skills, and shows them what is possible through movement and play.”

Hosted on the Catlin Gabel School campus, Nike Multi-Sport and Recreation Camps with Anthony Newman will offer an immersive, high-energy experience for all genders, ages 6 to 13, starting July 6, 2026. Campers will engage in a wide variety of sports and recreational activities designed to strengthen fundamental athletic skills, encourage curiosity, and inspire a lifelong love of physical activity.

As US Sports Camps celebrates more than 50 years of shaping young athletes through high-quality instruction and transformational camp experiences, its partnership with Anthony Newman cements the organization’s ongoing commitment to innovation in youth sports development. By combining USSC’s decades-long leadership in sports education with Newman’s deep influence and passion for mentoring the next generation, the Nike Multi-Sport and Recreation Camps will provide families with a trusted, inspiring space for kids to learn, grow, and thrive. This collaboration reinforces USSC’s belief in the power of multi-sport experiences and sets the stage for meaningful impact across the nation.

For more information, dates, and to register, visit ussportscamps.com/welcome/anthony-newman/

###

About US Sports Camps
US Sports Camps (USSC), headquartered in San Rafael, Calif., is America’s largest sports camp network and the licensed provider of Nike Sports Camps for the past 30 years. The company has offered sports camps since 1975 with the same mission that defines it today: to shape a lifelong enjoyment of athletics through high-quality sports education and skills enhancement. USSC is part of the Youth Enrichment Brands (YEB) network, which aims to enrich, empower, and inspire kids by delivering best-in-class sports, academic, and creative experiences. Other brands in the YEB network include i9 Sports, the nation’s largest multi-sport provider of youth sports leagues, SafeSplash Swim School, the world’s largest operator and franchisor of swim schools, and School of Rock, the leader in performance-based music education.

Brynna Powell
Proof PR
yeb@proof-pr.com

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Cavs’ Max Strus holds 2nd annual Bowl the Land event for foundation

Published

48 minutes ago

December 8, 2025

Your Sports Nation

NORTH OLMSTED — As a kid, Cavaliers small forward Max Strus used to be taken by his uncle to community events for the Chicago Bears, often involving bowling. He had such fond memories of those days that he hoped to be able to organize similar events as his career progressed.

And so the Max Strus Family Foundation Bowl the Land event was created in 2024. The second annual event was held Dec. 7 at RollHouse in North Olmsted, and it featured the entire Cavaliers team and coach Kenny Atkinson, who all showed up in support.

“When I was I younger, I grew up going to events, and it was called Bowl with the Bears. My uncle was with Blue Cross Blue Shield and he’d buy a lane and bring us,” Strus said. “So to do that, have a bunch of kids here, hopefully they’ll remember this for the rest of their lives as well.”

Max Strus and Cavaliers teammates support the Max Strus Family Foundation Bowl the Land event at RollHouse on Dec. 7, 2025.

Proceeds from the event will benefit local programs supporting education, youth sports, health care, cancer research and mental health resources. Families and organizations who want to be a part of the experience are teamed up with a Cavaliers player for a round of bowling.

“We have a pedestal that we’re put on when you’re in this environment,” Strus said. “How you use your platform is special to me, and this is how I want to do it, how I was raised to do it. So having this platform to be able to speak out, be a light in the community and create a sense of community for all is all I’m trying to do.”

Strus has yet to make his season debut with the Cavs after offseason foot surgery, which also prevented him from bowling during his family foundation’s event, but he was able to meet everyone who came. Teammates took on the responsibility of bowling on his behalf.

“It just shows you about our team. We’re all in it for the right reasons,” Strus said. “We’re all doing it the right way and trying to help each other out with our endeavors.”

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Cleveland Cavs’ Max Strus hosts 2nd annual Bowl the Land event

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Phygital School Games engage thousands of students across Latin America

Published

56 minutes ago

December 8, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Following the landmark agreement signed earlier this year by four World Phygital Community (WPC) members in Latin America, the Phygital School Games initiative has successfully launched across Guatemala, Colombia, and Brazil, engaging thousands of young participants and demonstrating the growing appetite for phygital sports in the region

Phygital School Games in Brazil

Phygital School Games in Guatemala

Phygital School Games in Colombia

WPC members in Guatemala, Colombia, and Brazil showcase successful rollout of youth sports program combining physical competition with digital gaming

BRAZIL, December 8, 2025 /EINPresswire.com/ — Following the landmark agreement signed earlier this year by four World Phygital Community (WPC) members in Latin America, the Phygital School Games initiative has successfully launched across Guatemala, Colombia, and Brazil, engaging thousands of young participants and demonstrating the growing appetite for phygital sports in the region.

The initiative, spearheaded by the Guatemalan Esports Association, is designed to empower young people through the combination of digital gaming and physical activity. Beyond competition, the program encourages healthy, active lifestyles while supporting educational goals and positive youth engagement through the values of sport, discipline, and teamwork.

In Guatemala, the Phygital School Games held on September 1, 2025, at the Swiss American School, organized by the National Electronic Sports Association of Guatemala (ADEG), brought together 30 schools and academies featuring competitions in Phygital Football, Phygital Basketball, and Phygital Dancing, along with a Phygital Inclusive category. Winners were crowned across all disciplines, with Nakahi Club winning Phygital Football, Futsal García taking Phygital Basketball, and Hada Cardona from Sinai School claiming the Phygital Dancing title.

In Colombia, the initiative is currently in the qualifying phase, organized in partnership with the District Institute of Recreation and Sports (IDRD) under the Bogotá Mayor’s Office. The program has already reached more than 15,000 students through Phygital Dancing sessions, with over 100 under 17-year-old dancers from public schools competing ahead of finals at the Phygital Rivals tournament in January 2026.

In Brazil, Phygital Brazil and FEDEESP (São Paulo State School Sports Federation) signed a Technical Cooperation Agreement to introduce phygital schools across São Paulo and later nationwide. The partnership debuted at COB EXPO 2025 in São Paulo, organized by the Brazilian Olympic Committee, where 12 schools competed in Phygital Basketball and Phygital Football, marking the launch of Brazil’s first Phygital School Circuit and celebrating FEDEESP’s 25th anniversary.

“These events across Latin America show what’s possible when we bring phygital sports into schools and communities,” said Dan Merkley, Chairperson and Managing Director of the World Phygital Community. “From Guatemala’s inclusive competition to Colombia’s reach into public education and Brazil’s agreement with FEDEESP, we’re seeing young people respond enthusiastically to a format that reflects how they naturally experience sport today. This is exactly the kind of grassroots momentum that will shape the future of phygital competition.”

With the implementation of the Phygital School Games across these three countries, the initiative is expected to engage more students, encourage the creation of additional regional tournaments, and establish a sustainable structure for the growth of phygital sports in Latin America. The WPC, which is now active in over 115 countries, sees these developments as crucial steps in expanding access, creativity, and participation in phygital sports globally.
As phygital sport continues to gain traction worldwide, the Phygital School Games serve as a powerful model for how the fusion of physical and digital competition can be integrated into education systems, inspire youth participation, and create lasting positive impact in communities.

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

About the World Phygital Community (WPC):

The World Phygital Community (WPC) is a non-profit, international organization that aims to promote phygital sport worldwide by uniting physical and digital members globally. It is responsible for providing guardianship of the rules and regulations of phygital sport and hosting ranking tournaments for the Games of the Future: https://worldphygital.org/

For further information please contact: press@worldphygital.org

Press Team
World Phygital Community
press@worldphygital.org

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Building out of the break, Filipino Heritage Game and shot share

Published

1 hour ago

December 8, 2025

Your Sports Nation

SAN DIEGO – The San Diego State women’s basketball team survived a strong second half push from the University of the Pacific to notch a win on Sunday afternoon, earning their fifth win in non-conference play and closing out the home non-conference slate with a 4-1 mark at Viejas Arena.

With just one non-conference game remaining for the Scarlet and Black, here are some thoughts from the Aztecs’ (5-3) 70-68 win before one of their most-attended non-conference crowds of the season over the Tigers (4-5):

Toughness and Competitiveness

Though both games at the Battles 4 Atlantis showcase weren’t televised, one could hear from listening to SDSU play-by-play voice Chris Elo that the Aztecs faced a couple of tough games.

Head coach Stacie Terry-Hutson went so far as to say their first game against Maryland Eastern Shore was “ugly in a good way,” and then Naomi Panganiban said that the team was “rattled” in the second quarter against Penn State.

“I keep going back to the word ‘toughness,’” Terry Hutson said. “We really focused a lot of our time on competing… I was worried about the wind, getting tired—and they did, but I was impressed in the first half that we were able to fight through some of that.”

Coming back to play after nearly two weeks with a good Thanksgiving break included, the Aztecs hit 50% of their shots (14 of 28) for the field while making 9 of 16 from 3-point land. Then in the second half things changed, and that competitiveness needed to show.

After converting a 11-2 edge in points off turnovers with a 9-6 margin in the first half, the Tigers turned things around in the second half by generating nine SDSU giveaways and committing only four. Still, the Aztecs made the most of TOs for the game, a 16-9 point edge despite Pacific earning a plus-two edge (13-15) in turnover differential.

Terry-Hutson made sure to shout-out Nat Martinez, who scored 12 points with a team-best four helpers while also snaring five rebounds — she made a critical fourth quarter 3-pointer as part of her 5 points in the second half.

“She always gives it, I’m looking for more people to do that as well…I think we saw that in spurts from some of our other people,” Terry-Hutson said.

PI-LI-PI-NAS

Panganiban represented the Philippines in their successful FIBA tournament over the summer that booked their opportunity to earn Gilas Pilipinas Women’s chance to qualify for the FIBA World Cup for the first time.

So, before the game, an SDSU student sang the national anthem of the Philippines and the first 500 fans amongst the crowd of 2,365 received special Filipino Heritage Day shirts.

“It was so awesome just to be able to represent my Filipino culture, my family, and just seeing everybody there,” Panganiban said. “Hearing the national anthem for the Philippines being (sung) made me a little emotional, just to be on that stage and represent. It’s awesome.”

Filipino Heritage Game t-shirts are ready to be handed about before San Diego State's game against University of the Pacific on Sunday, Dec. 7 at Viejas Arena.

Eric Evelhoch – The Sporting Tribune

Filipino Heritage Game t-shirts ready to be handed out before San Diego State’s game against University of the Pacific on Sunday, Dec. 7 at Viejas Arena.

The sophomore La Jolla Country Day high grad was part of a Philippines team that knocked off Lebanon after taking it on the chin from eventual finalists Australia and Japan in the group stage, then battled South Korea in the qualification semi-finals. Panganiban equaled recent Duke graduate Vanessa De Jesus, averaging 13.2 points per game, with both’s 66 points ranking seventh in the tournament and their per-game average slotting eighth.

“Filipinos, we stick together, no matter the sport (and) no matter the event,” Panganiban said. “The Filipino community, we’re together — I think growing up with having those values and the value of sacrifice too,” Panganiban said.

Eric Evelhoch – The Sporting Tribune

The graphic on the front of the Filipino Heritage Game t-shirts, which were a giveaway by San Diego State on Sunday, Dec. 7 at Viejas Arena

That similar kind of sacrifice has also been a big part of SDSU’s rise over recent seasons, going 25-2 when having three or more players score in double-figures.

“It’s special, I think we have a lot of great talent, we have a lot of great people that can show up at any night, so just to have that it’s a huge relief off of each other, and just to play together it’s a great help,” Panganiban said.

To 3 or not to 3

Over the first three games, San Diego State knocked down 10 or more from beyond the arc.

On Sunday, after hitting 9 of 16 from the beyond in the opening half, it seemed like SDSU couldn’t miss. Then in the second half, where the team made just 2 of 12 and finished the game knocking down a tremendous 39.3% that proved the difference in the ball game.

Still, after having just five games last season with nine or more makes from downtown, having made 10-plus in their non-conference slate means the secret is out about SDSU for this season.

“Everyone knows that’s what we want to do,” Terry-Hutson said.

So, what did that mean against Pacific?

“They are either switching or running us off the line, and I thought we made a great adjustment to them switching everything,’ Terry-Hutson said.

“We were able to go inside more than what you’ve probably seen in the past, and that was the piece that we’ve been missing, points in the paint,” Terry-Hutson said.

Bear in mind, across the four straight possessions to end the half, all four of the buckets were either scored in low or created off the dribble drive by SDSU guards.

Coming into the game, 42.8% of the Aztecs’ shot attempts had come from beyond the arc, where they had made 29.8% of their tries — which ranked seventh in the Mountain West Conference.

Perhaps for that day it was the allure of the 56.3% (9 of 16) 3-point percentage in the first half that led the Scarlet and Black to shoot 28 of their 58 attempts (48.3%) from downtown for the game.

But it shouldn’t be a surprise then that by at least stalemating the paint battle at 26-26, the 11-8 edge in 3-point makes made the crucial difference in the game. And we mustn’t forget that it was a cutting back-post find of Alyssa Jackson by Kennedy Lee, whose paint bucket proved the winner on the day.

“We’ve got kids, we’re really, really deep. I’ve got kids who didn’t play a minute who should plate more, so I’ve got to figure out how I can get all these kids in and use our depth to our advantage,” Terry-Hutson said.

As SDSU looks to get their hackles and toughness up going into conference play, beginning against Fresno State at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 17, it’ll be a critical final non-conference test when they face Kansas State on Wednesday, Dec. 10 at 9 a.m. PT on the road, with the game to be streamed on ESPN+ and an audio only broadcast on the Aztec Radio Network.

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