Sports

Hare Family Contribution Help Turn Dickinson Park Complex Into Region’s Best

Story Links CARLISLE, Pa. – Thanks to the generosity of Tom ’78 and Judianne Hare P’22, P’25, Dickinson will unveil the Hare Family Sports Performance & Training Center this fall as well as several new professional-grade field surfaces enhancing Dickinson athletics for today’s and tomorrow’s student-athletes. The state-of-the-art training facility and new […]

Published

3 weeks ago

June 10, 2025

Your Sports Nation

CARLISLE, Pa. – Thanks to the generosity of Tom ’78 and Judianne Hare P’22, P’25, Dickinson will unveil the Hare Family Sports Performance & Training Center this fall as well as several new professional-grade field surfaces enhancing Dickinson athletics for today’s and tomorrow’s student-athletes. The state-of-the-art training facility and new fields for men’s and women’s soccer add to the Hares’ transformational philanthropic impact for Dickinson athletics, which includes endowed funds supporting baseball, softball and soccer as well as many improvements to Dickinson Park.

“Dickinson is a great school, and the student-athletes here are some of the best,” says Tom, a former All-American Red Devil student-athlete himself. “I truly believe if we can help the college raise the level of its athletics facilities and resources to match its academics, there’s no limit to what Dickinson can accomplish.”

Professional-Grade Playing Surfaces

In addition to the training center, the Hares’ gifts have enabled Dickinson to resurface the soccer stadium field as well as two grass practice fields with what Head Women’s Soccer Coach Ted Zingman calls “pristine, professional-grade playing surfaces.” “Our game field will be Bermuda grass, the Cadillac of grass playing surfaces, making us the lone stadium in this region of Pennsylvania with this type of field,” he adds. “We now have one of the premier grass stadium and training facilities in the country.”

Head Men’s Soccer Coach Jorge Chapoy also sees the new fields having a transformational impact for the men’s team. One practice field, he notes, was already completed for this season, and being able to practice on the high-quality grass made a huge difference for the team. Now, with the new Bermuda grass surface recently installed at the stadium, the Hares’ gift will pay even larger dividends next season and beyond.

“This is just transformational for us,” he says. “Not many Division I programs in this region have a field of this quality, let alone Division III programs. We’re already seeing results because it’s making a huge impact as far as recruitment, but I can’t wait for us to start playing on it. And then with the brand new locker room and training facility, Tom and Judianne have been life-changing for the trajectory of this program.”

Permanent Support

Most powerfully, because of the permanently endowed funds the Hares have created to support future maintenance of the fields, their giving not only has an immediate impact, but it also will bolster Red Devils student-athletes well into the future.

“Tom and Judianne’s support will be a vital part of the men’s and women’s soccer programs’ future success and will greatly enhance the players’ experiences moving forward,” says Zingman. “The Hare Family Soccer Field Maintenance Fund will ensure that the fields are forever maintained so that future generations of Dickinson soccer players can excel on these beautiful surfaces.”

This long-lasting impact, however, didn’t just come from the Hares’ belief in the excellence of Dickinson athletics—it also came from their desire to push Dickinson athletics to the next level. They were already giving to Dickinson because of the positive experience their son, Cole ’22, had on the baseball team. But when their daughter, Charlotte ’25, suffered a season-ending soccer injury because of the uneven playing surface at the time, the Hares could have soured on supporting athletics at the college.

“That was a hard time,” recalls Judianne. “Just seeing her go through that injury and then not being able to play. We knew that the field just wasn’t good enough for the team, but we also knew Dickinson needed our support to fix that.”

So rather than turning away, the Hares leaned in. They made gifts to support field improvements as well as new locker rooms and facilities enhancements at Dickinson Park.

“Tom and Judianne are a great example of how powerful it can be when families partner with the college to enhance athletics,” says Director of Athletics Celine Cunningham. “Parents can see firsthand the power of their student-athlete’s experience, and they can also see firsthand the program’s needs. The Hares stepped up to push our programs to the next level, and we’re all truly grateful for their philanthropy.”

Vice President for College Advancement Carlo Robustelli agrees. “We’re so thankful for the Hares’ vision and their willingness to collaborate with Dickinson to truly push our athletics program forward,” he says. “These are exactly the kind of partnerships we seek with our donors, where we can match their vision with the college’s priorities.”

A Ripple Effect

The Hares’ giving has had a ripple effect, inspiring numerous other parents and alumni to join them over the last few years. More than a dozen donors were inspired by their leadership-level giving to also support the facilities at Dickinson Park, which provide dedicated locker rooms and training resources for the men’s soccer, women’s soccer, baseball and softball teams as well as a year-round space to house their equipment.

The facility has made a significant difference for the baseball team, enabling the players to train around the clock, which has helped the team make it to back-to-back Centennial Conference Championship games in 2023 and 2024.

“The support from the Hare family has been an absolute game changer for our baseball program,” says Head Baseball Coach Craig Hanson. “Through their generosity, we have built one of the best indoor training facilities in all of Division III baseball. Not only does the facility help with overall player development, but it also has been a deciding factor for many of our incoming recruits. Taking a potential recruit through the new locker room, training room and indoor facility sets our program apart and has allowed us to bring in a higher caliber of player. We are so fortunate to have the support of the Hare family, and I will forever be grateful for their support of our program.”

Head Softball Coach Matt Richwine agrees. “The Hare family’s support has greatly transformed our training and practice capabilities,” he says. “The training center gives us far more options to be productive in the preseason and during the season. The endowment is going to make a lasting change to the benefits of our current and future athletes.”

Building Momentum

The momentum created by the Hares’ giving has also reached well beyond Dickinson Park. Donors this year have given more than $2.6 million to the McAndrews Fund for Athletics, supporting all 25 varsity teams as well as a new state-of-the-art video scoreboard at Biddle Field.

Seeing the ripple effect of their giving makes the Hares feel even better about their decision to lean in to supporting Dickinson athletics. They were recently back on campus to cheer on Charlotte as she graduated, after returning to the field this year for a successful conclusion to her soccer career at Dickinson. And the family will be returning this fall to celebrate the official naming of their training center in October.

“It’s been so gratifying to see this community come together,” says Tom. “It really shows that when the college, the coaches, the student-athletes and families work together, we can truly accomplish great things.”

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Sports

Croatia star Bojan Bogdanovic announces retirement

The official Women’s EuroBasket app Download Now ZAGREB (Croatia) – Bojan Bogdanovic has announced his retirement from basketball at the age of 36. Having made his senior team debut in 2010, he represented Croatia on the international level at two FIBA Basketball World Cups and five FIBA EuroBasket tournaments, as well as playing at the […]

Published

40 minutes ago

June 30, 2025

Your Sports Nation

The official Women’s EuroBasket app

ZAGREB (Croatia) – Bojan Bogdanovic has announced his retirement from basketball at the age of 36.

Having made his senior team debut in 2010, he represented Croatia on the international level at two FIBA Basketball World Cups and five FIBA EuroBasket tournaments, as well as playing at the Men’s Olympic Basketball Tournament in 2016.

“

Above all, I had the honor of wearing the Croatian crest on my chest.

Bojan Bogdanovic

He was named to the FIBA EuroBasket 2013 All-Star Five, having led Croatia to the Semi-Finals of the competition.

During his NBA career, he played for the Brooklyn Nets, Washington Wizards, Indiana Pacers, Utah Jazz, Detroit Pistons and, most recently, New York Knicks.

Bojan Bogdanovic shared the following message on his social media channels:

Sometimes in life, you don’t choose the moment. The moment chooses you.

After 14 months of battling a foot injury, two surgeries, and countless efforts to get back on the court, the time has come to close a chapter.

After more than two decades in the game, the moment has arrived to say goodbye to basketball. Not just as a sport, but as a part of who I am.

It’s hard to put into words everything this game has given me. It shaped me as an athlete, but even more as a person.

From my childhood in Mostar and my early steps in football and water polo, this journey has been anything but ordinary.

I’ve had the privilege of playing for clubs that left their mark on both European and NBA basketball.

From Mostar and Zrinjski, to Real Madrid and Murcia, then to Cibona and Fenerbahçe, I wore every jersey with pride.

The NBA brought a whole new level of challenge and experience. I had the honor of wearing the jerseys of the Brooklyn Nets, Washington Wizards, Indiana Pacers, Utah Jazz, Detroit Pistons and finally the New York Knicks.

Every stop left a mark. Every jersey carried its own weight.

Above all, I had the honor of wearing the Croatian crest on my chest.

Playing for the national team was never just a responsibility. It was pride, emotion and identity.

Representing my country from youth levels all the way to the senior team was the greatest honor of my career.

Thank you to all the coaches, teammates, medical staff, fans and clubs who were part of this journey in any way.

A special thank you to my family. You were the foundation through every high and every doubt.

I’m closing this chapter, but my love for the game remains.

I didn’t reach the end. I’ve reached the other side of the beginning…

FIBA

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Sports

Vermillion County-based volleyball team wins national championship in Florida

A Vermillion County volleyball team is national champions. Stateline Pride, an AAU 17 program, traveled down to Florida, and took home first place. “Those girls are a tremendous group of girls that made history for Vermillion County and really just themselves,” said head coach Emily Franklin. Despite being in Orlando, Florida, this was a business […]

Published

52 minutes ago

June 30, 2025

Your Sports Nation

A Vermillion County volleyball team is national champions.

Stateline Pride, an AAU 17 program, traveled down to Florida, and took home first place.

“Those girls are a tremendous group of girls that made history for Vermillion County and really just themselves,” said head coach Emily Franklin.

Despite being in Orlando, Florida, this was a business trip for the volleyball program.

“The girls do long hours in the gym, even if they’re in the afternoon wave, they will only probably get a little bit of time out in the sun before they got to come in and they got to get rest and get acclimated to the gym and preparing,” said Franklin.

The team was loaded with talent.

Franklin said, “We had three all Americans named which is a big accomplishment for nationals in your volleyball career, and those would be Gwendolyn Bennett, she’s from Westville, Illinois. Madeline Doggett, she’s from Westville, Illinois, and Reese McFarland was the tournament MVP.”

But the talent isn’t top heavy — it’s loaded top to bottom.

And they could be even better next season if there’s retention.

“I hope all of them return. They’re all 17 or younger. We have a couple 16 year olds on the team,” said Franklin. “

“You know, when an NFL team wins a Super Bowl, they say, ‘We’re going to Disney World!” I said. “Is that going to happen for your volleyball team?”

Coach said, “I think maybe some families are doing it, but I think some of the other families are deciding to either travel back or just relax, because it is a lot to commit to, and so I appreciate all the family’s commitment as well.”

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Sports

Agadir Police Arrest Two Interpol-Flagged British Men for Homicide, Parole Violations

Police in Agadir, in coordination with the Territorial Surveillance Agency (DGST), arrested two British nationals, on Saturday in the city’s Anza district on international arrest warrants issued by UK authorities, a security source reported. After verifying the Interpol database, police found that one of the men was wanted for suspected involvement in a homicide. The […]

Published

56 minutes ago

June 30, 2025

Your Sports Nation

After verifying the Interpol database, police found that one of the men was wanted for suspected involvement in a homicide.

The second suspect was the subject of an Interpol Red Notice for allegedly failing to appear in court and violating parole conditions.

The Interpol Bureau in Rabat notified the relevant UK authorities of their detention before initiating extradition procedures.

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Collage-Volleyball.jpeg | APG State News

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1 hour ago

June 30, 2025

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Sports

Grace Ann represented Mississippi grandly at the Distinguished Young Women National Finals in Mobile, Alabama.

MERIDIAN, Miss. (WTOK) -Grace Ann represented Mississippi grandly at the Distinguished Young Women National Finals in Mobile, Alabama. She was named a Top 8 finalist and won preliminary awards in Self-Expression and Interview. The entire state of Mississippi is incredibly proud of Grace Ann, as she continues to accomplish great things representing the state. Click […]

Published

1 hour ago

June 30, 2025

Your Sports Nation

MERIDIAN, Miss. (WTOK) -Grace Ann represented Mississippi grandly at the Distinguished Young Women National Finals in Mobile, Alabama.

She was named a Top 8 finalist and won preliminary awards in Self-Expression and Interview.

The entire state of Mississippi is incredibly proud of Grace Ann, as she continues to accomplish great things representing the state.

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Sports

Changing the Minor Leagues

Major League Baseball clubs cumulatively sign around 1,000 international amateur players each year, mainly from the Dominican Republic and Venezuela. Most of them face significant economic challenges during their Minor League careers, except for those who receive larger signing bonuses — a very small percentage. That’s why many players turn to hedge funds or similar […]

Published

1 hour ago

June 30, 2025

Your Sports Nation

That’s why many players turn to hedge funds or similar companies to secure funding that helps them invest in building their careers and pursuing their dreams. It’s not a loan — if the player doesn’t make it to the majors, they don’t owe anything. But in some cases, the outcome can be problematic, which is why Fernando Tatis Jr. recently sued one of these companies. That controversy also inspired Rob Connolly to launch Finlete.

«T«This is something that can help every minor league baseball player,» said Connolly to El Emergente during an interview last week in Boston. «And it generates more interest in the minor leagues.»

Jhostynxon Garcia two-run home run.

The Boston Red Sox prospect has a .991 OPS with nine home runs and 23 RBI since being promoted to Triple-A. pic.twitter.com/IxrQu10jdV

— Hunter Noll (@Hunter_Noll) June 27, 2025

Finlete is an online platform where fans can invest in the careers of Minor League players. It works like GoFundMe, where you can contribute money — but in this case, fans receive a percentage of the players’ future earnings, if they make it to the majors.

«It’s a platform that we built that allows athletes to raise capital from fans in exchange for a percentage of future earnings,» Connolly added. «It’s incredible that fans have accepted this, that they want to participate. The athletes are really excited about our platform.»

Before founding Finlete, Connolly tried to create a platform where fans could meet their favorite baseball players, but that idea didn’t succeed. One day, he was reading an article about the challenges Minor League players face with hedge funds, and he decided to create a platform that could help them.

underrated prospect alert

Leonardo Bernal is red hot, hitting his 10th home run of the year! @StatlineScout tipped me off to him last season, allowing me to snag him in my 900+ prospect league. It’s looking like a pretty savvy pickup now!
pic.twitter.com/yqzokwyMGJ

— Ross Jensen (@RossJensen12) June 12, 2025

He flew to the Dominican Republic to visit several baseball academies and to better understand the market and the challenges players face.

«This will really help you instead of having to work valet or struggle during the offseason, or help your mom or dad with their situation back at home,» said Connolly. «This will alleviate stress for you.»

Connolly has already recruited five players, led by Boston Red Sox prospect Jhostynxon García, along with Padres prospect Tirso Ornelas, Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase, Cardinals prospect Leonardo Bernal, and Marlins prospect Echedry Vargas.

How Finlete is changing the game for Minor League players and their fans

Some things have changed in the Minor Leagues in recent years. The MLBPA was approved by the players to represent them, and they now receive free housing and several other benefits through a new collective bargaining agreement — but being a Minor Leaguer is still challenging.

Fans who want to get involved with Finlete receive additional benefits. They get calls or videos from the players they support, and depending on the investment, there are meet-and-greet opportunities.

«One good thing about us is that we are just the platform,» said Connolly to El Emergente. «If the athlete breaches the contract, it’s not just Finlete that suffers – it’s all the fans that invested in his career. That would just be PR suicide. He would be a villain forever. That’s a major advantage we have over the hedge funds.»

Finlete explains everything through their website, where you can understand how much the investor will get in every scenario, depending on the investment and the player’s future earnings.

«We wanted to find a way to make it so that somebody could invest as much as they would spend on a premium baseball card,» said Connolly. «The investment goes to help him while he is in the minors, and if he makes it to the majors, the fan-investor will share in the success.»

But the investors could get a little bit more as they can meet the players. Emmanuel Clase recently went on a fishing trip with some of his fans that helped him.

«It just creates a deeper connection between the player and the fan,» said Connolly. «Just having the opportunity to follow them and be a real part of their journey.»