The history of sports in Northern Kentucky goes back a long way. A very long way. Decades. Centuries. 

We know you’ve seen these lists before, but this is a different and unique way of presenting our “50 sports icons in Northern Kentucky” as we’ll provide you one per day over the next 50 days. 

Hall of Fames are everywhere in NKY, the Northern Kentucky Sports Hall of Fame, High School Athletic Directors Hall of Fame, NKU, Thomas More and local high schools all have something to recognize their past.

We’ll preface this series by saying this, some of you may disagree with who should or shouldn’t be in the top 50 and that’s fine. Plenty are in the Hall of Very Good, but we feel these 50 are the one’s who stuck out to us.

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Sports Editor Evan Dennison spoke and conferred with several local NKY sports history buffs to get their opinions and lists of their own and who should be “locks” for the 50 sports icons. We compiled each list and came up with the 50 of our own (maybe cheated a little by putting families in as one) to present over the next 50 days.

Hope you enjoy as summer time rolls on!

The 19th of the 50 sports icons is Donna Murphy, the first-ever Miss Kentucky Basketball winner in the state.

DONNA MURPHY

Donna Murphy was a Miss Kentucky Basketball winner at Newport. Photo provided

Donna Murphy’s basketball journey is both trailblazing and transformative. A Newport native, Murphy became the state’s first-ever Miss Basketball in 1976 after averaging 35 points and 20 rebounds per game for Newport High School. That same year, she was one of just two high school players invited to the U.S. Olympic Trials. A year earlier, she had earned MVP honors at the 1975 Girls’ Sweet Sixteen after posting 67 points and 50 rebounds, despite her team’s narrow quarterfinal loss.

Murphy went on to dominate at Morehead State University from 1976–1980, finishing her career as the program’s all-time leader in points (2,059) and rebounds (1,442), setting 13 school records. A two-time OVC Player of the Year and the conference’s first-ever Female Athlete of the Year, she was also a two-time Kodak regional All-American and led the Eagles to a tournament title in 1978–79. She remains the only player in program history to lead the team in points, rebounds, and assists in the same season.

After graduating magna cum laude, Murphy played professionally for the WPBL’s St. Louis Streak before transitioning to coaching. Her college coaching résumé includes Kentucky, Florida, Memphis, Cincinnati, Morehead State, and Asbury University—where she started the women’s program. She also coached at the high school and AAU levels and now works in higher education and youth basketball development.

Murphy’s No. 44 jersey was retired by Morehead State in 1999, and she’s enshrined in 11 Hall of Fames. Today, her legacy lives on through the Donna Murphy Award, given to Kentucky’s top senior student-athlete.

See the 50 sports icons on a day-to-day basis over the next 50 days

— Day 1: Dave Cowens

— Day 2: Shaun Alexander

— Day 3: Homer Rice

— Day 4: Dicky Beal

— Day 5: Jared Lorenzen

— Day 6: Jim Bunning

— Day 7: Tom Ellis

— Day 8: Nate Dusing

— Day 9: Jim Connor

— Day 10: Steve Cauthen

— Day 11: Irv Goode

— Day 12: Stan Steidel

— Day 13: Kenney Shields

— Day 14: David Justice

— Day 15: Morgan Hentz

— Day 16: Eddie Arcaro

Already one of the pound-for-pound best in the game, UFC flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja continued to prove on Saturday that he’s somehow getting better with age. 

Pantoja (30-5), the 35-year-old from Brazil, dominated Kai Kara-France on the ground before submitting him in Round 3 via rear-naked choke in the co-main event of a UFC 317 pay-per-view card from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

The victory, which marked Pantoja’s fourth defense of his 125-pound title, also further established his name in the UFC flyweight record books as he moved into first place for the most victories (14), finishes (8) and submissions (6) in the division’s history. 

Just like in the opening round, Pantoja opened Round 3 by rushing Kara-France (25-12, 1 NC) with a flurry of strikes in order to back him up into the cage, From there, Pantoja took his opponent down and instantly took his back with a body triangle before slowing working his way into the choke. 

Pantoja, who has never been stopped in his 35-bout pro career, recorded his 12th career submission overall and his ninth via rear-naked choke.

“I am always training for this position but I still am evolving,” Pantoja said. “I come from American Top Team, which is the best team in the world. That’s my fourth title defense, I think I deserve a better ranking in the pound-for-pound.”

Pantoja hasn’t just evolved his fitness into world-class shape since winning the title, he has become far more efficient and confident in his attack. The champion visibly took his foot off the gas in a close Round 2 but still rallied to back Kara-France up in the final minute with kicks to the body, including one that left a bright red blotch on his opponent’s midsection. 

Kara-France, a 32-year-old from New Zealand, was fighting for just the third time since 2022 but secured the title shot based on his first-round knockout of former title challenger Steve Erceg last August. Kara-France, who lost for the third time in his last four fights, benefitted from the fact that Panotja entered 2025 with a 9-0 record against flyweights ranked in the top 10. 

After the win, Pantoja squared off with 23-year-old upstart Joshua Van, who scored the most impressive win of his young career earlier in the night when he outpointed No. 1 contender Brandon Royval in a fight of the year contender. Van (15-2), who stopped Bruno Silva just three weeks ago at UFC 316, filled in on late notice for an injured Manel Kape to secure a shot at Pantoja’s title.   

“[Van] is a humble guy, he deserves a shot at the title next,” Pantoja said. 

“[Pantoja] is a great champion but he ain’t never fought Joshua Van,” Van said.

July on Disney+ is where franchise finales, monster makeovers, and nostalgic throwbacks collide. Marvel closes out Phase 5 with the last three episodes of “Ironheart,” Nat Geo kicks off an expanded SharkFest anchored by the 90-minute documentary “Jaws @ 50,” and Disney Channel’s cult musical series dives into vampire lore with “ZOMBIES 4: Dawn of the Vampires.”

For families, the month is bursting with animation: a brand-new season of “Phineas and Ferb,” eight fresh episodes of “Miraculous Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir,” and the preschool revival “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse+” (introducing Duffy the Disney Bear to U.S. audiences) all arrive before July is out. Meanwhile, the heist-rom-thriller “Suspicious Minds” adds summer-night intrigue, and foodie viewers can sink their teeth into the first “Summer Baking Championship.”

Behind the headlines, Disney+’s Hulu hub quietly drops one of its largest movie libraries to date. Day-one arrivals range from “Alita: Battle Angel” and “Bridesmaids” to “Home Alone,” “I, Robot,” and “Prometheus,” making July 1 a binge-watch bonanza. Sports fans also get a tech-tour of the Bernabéu with “Megastructures: Real Madrid Super Stadium,” while nostalgic viewers can relive three full seasons of “America’s Funniest Home Videos.”

Disney+ in July 2025: Marvel Finales, SharkFest Spectacles, and a Flood of Fan-Favorite Films

Below is the complete, U.S. schedule of confirmed releases for July 2025. (Titles marked Hulu on Disney+ stream inside the Disney+ app’s Hulu tile.)

Full July 2025 Release Schedule

Tuesday, July 1

• Ironheart — Episodes 4-6 (series finale)
• Critter Fixers: Country Vets S6 (12 eps)
• Lost Treasures of Egypt S5 (10 eps)
• Phineas and Ferb — Revival season premiere
• Library movie wave (Hulu on Disney+): Alita: Battle Angel, Bridesmaids, Bride Wars, Country Strong, The Day After Tomorrow, Dirty Dancing 1-2, Easy A, Ford v Ferrari, Home Alone 1-3, I, Robot, Prometheus, Real Steel, Ted 1-2, Wrath of Man, and dozens more

Wednesday, July 2

• Miraculous Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir S6 (8 eps)
• ZOMBIES, ZOMBIES 2, ZOMBIES 3 — Sing-Along Editions

Sunday, July 6 – SharkFest Launch

• Sharks Up Close with Bertie Gregory (special)
• Investigation Shark Attack S1 (6 eps)
• Shark Quest: Hunt for the Apex Predator S1
• Sharks of the North (special)
• Super Shark Highway (special)

Wednesday, July 9

• Ancient Aliens: Origins S1 (12 eps)
• People & Places: Shorts (series debut)

Thursday, July 10

• Summer Baking Championship S1 (8 eps)
• Suspicious Minds S1 (all eps; heist-romance)

Friday, July 11

• ZOMBIES 4: Dawn of the Vampires (original movie)
• Jaws @ 50: The Definitive Inside Story (Nat Geo doc)

Thursday, July 17

• America’s Funniest Home Videos S13-15 (67 eps)
• Disneyland Resort P.O.V. Walkthroughs (ride-along series)

Friday, July 18

• Megastructures: Real Madrid Super Stadium (Nat Geo special)

Tuesday, July 22

• Mickey Mouse Clubhouse+ — First 10 episodes

Wednesday, July 23

• Kiff S2 (animated series)

Saturday, July 26

• BBQ Brawl S1-2 (14 eps)
• Theme Song Takeover S4 (6 eps)
• Ultimate Summer Cook-Off S1 (4 eps)

Monday, July 28

• Hurricane Katrina: Race Against Time S1 (5 eps)

Wednesday, July 30

• StuGo S1 (full season)
• StuGo: Shorts S1 (6 eps)
• Big City Greens S4 (10 eps)

Thursday, July 31

• Project Runway S21 — Two-episode premiere
• Project Runway Library (S1-4, 51 eps)

Coming in August
Keep an eye out for the MCU animated anthology “Eyes of Wakanda” on August 6, plus more Hulu film drops every Friday.

Key Takeaways

• July brings major Disney+ originals including new “Ironheart” episodes, “ZOMBIES 4,” and the revival of “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse+.”
• The streaming service adds popular films like “Alita: Battle Angel” and “Bridesmaids” alongside new reality and animated content.
• National Geographic offerings expand with “Hurricane Katrina: Race Against Time” and sports documentary “Megastructures: Real Madrid Super Stadium.”

Major Original Series Premiering in July 2025

Disney+ is bringing a strong lineup of original content to subscribers this July, featuring Marvel superheroes, musical zombies, and beloved animated characters returning to screens big and small.

Highly Anticipated Series

Marvel’s Ironheart continues its first season run with episodes 4-6 dropping on July 1st. The series follows Riri Williams, a genius inventor who creates the most advanced suit of armor since Iron Man. Fans who enjoyed her introduction in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever can now see her full story unfold.

ZOMBIES 4: Dawn of the Vampires premieres on July 11th, bringing a fresh supernatural twist to the popular musical franchise. Disney is building anticipation by releasing sing-along versions of the previous three ZOMBIES films starting July 2nd.

High Potential, a new drama series about gifted teenagers navigating extraordinary abilities while dealing with ordinary high school problems, debuts mid-month with a three-episode premiere package.

Returning Fan Favorites

Project Runway Season 21 makes its streaming debut this month, bringing high fashion competition to Disney+. This season features guest judges from Marvel films and Disney animated features.

The Academy returns for its sophomore season, continuing the story of performing arts students competing for prestigious scholarships. The show has gained popularity for its realistic portrayal of the pressures young performers face.

Big City Greens drops new episodes weekly throughout July, following the continuing adventures of Cricket Green and his family as they adjust to city life with their country sensibilities.

Animated and Kids Shows

Mickey Mouse Clubhouse+ premieres on July 22nd, reviving the beloved preschool series with new adventures. Mickey, Minnie, and their friends return with updated animation and interactive elements for a new generation of viewers.

Kiff Season 2 debuts this month, continuing the adventures of the optimistic squirrel and her bunny best friend. The second season introduces new characters and locations in Table Town.

Miraculous Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir adds Season 6 episodes on July 2nd. The popular superhero series continues to expand its universe with new miraculous powers and villains for Marinette and Adrien to face.

Theme Song Takeover returns with musical shorts featuring supporting characters from Disney animated shows performing their own versions of their shows’ theme songs.

Exclusive Movies and Special Premieres

Disney+ is rolling out an impressive lineup of exclusive films and special presentations this July. Subscribers can look forward to major theatrical releases, unique sing-along experiences, and compelling documentaries that offer behind-the-scenes insights.

Blockbuster Movie Releases

July brings several high-profile movies to the streaming platform. The highly anticipated ZOMBIES 4: Dawn of the Vampires premieres on Friday, July 11th, continuing the popular musical franchise with a vampire-themed twist.

Sci-fi fans will be thrilled by the addition of “Alien: Romulus,” the latest entry in the legendary space horror series. This prequel explores the terrifying xenomorph origins with a fresh cast of characters.

“Ford v. Ferrari,” the acclaimed racing drama starring Matt Damon and Christian Bale, joins the platform mid-month. The film chronicles the rivalry between automotive giants during the 1966 Le Mans race.

Action movie enthusiasts can enjoy “Independence Day” and “28 Weeks Later” as part of the platform’s summer blockbuster collection. These additions provide perfect viewing options for those hot July evenings.

Special Features and Sing-Along Versions

Disney+ is enhancing its musical offerings with special sing-along versions of fan favorites. All three previous ZOMBIES films will be available in sing-along format ahead of the new sequel’s release, allowing fans to prepare for the newest installment.

The platform will also feature “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” with enhanced viewing options, including director commentary and behind-the-scenes features. These extras provide deeper insights into the filmmaking process.

Several classic Disney animated features receive the sing-along treatment this month as well. These interactive versions display lyrics on screen, making them perfect for family movie nights.

A special collection of “Desperate Housewives” episodes with creator commentary arrives, giving fans new perspectives on the beloved series. This marks the first time such special features have been available for the show on streaming.

Documentaries and Biographical Films

Jaws @ 50: The Definitive Inside Story premieres this month, exploring Steven Spielberg’s groundbreaking 1975 thriller on its 50th anniversary. The documentary features interviews with cast members and film historians discussing the movie’s lasting impact.

“Sophie and the Baron” offers an intimate look at the unique friendship between photographer Baron Wolman and artist Sophie Kipner, showcasing their creative collaboration across generations.

The powerful five-part series Hurricane Katrina: Race Against Time debuts on July 28th. This documentary examines the devastating 2005 natural disaster through previously unseen footage and survivor testimonies.

“Ancient Aliens: Origins” arrives mid-month, investigating theories about extraterrestrial influences on early human civilizations. The documentary features expert interviews and examinations of archaeological mysteries around the world.

Disneyland Resort and Theme Park Celebrations

Disney+ will showcase Disneyland’s historic 70th anniversary with special content in July 2025. The streaming service will offer fans unique ways to experience the magic from home through virtual walkthroughs, celebration highlights, and exclusive behind-the-scenes footage.

70th Anniversary Events

The Disneyland Resort 70th Celebration will be prominently featured on Disney+ this July. Subscribers can look forward to streaming the “70th Celebration Nighttime Spectaculars” starting July 18th, which captures the special evening shows created specifically for this milestone anniversary.

These spectaculars include enhanced fireworks, projection mapping, and drone shows that honor seven decades of Disney storytelling and innovation. The nighttime events feature music and visuals spanning Disneyland’s rich history.

Special programming will also include footage from the celebration’s opening ceremony, celebrity appearances, and exclusive interviews with Disney Imagineers who helped shape the park’s legacy from its beginning to today’s modern attractions.

Attractions and Experiences Featured

Disney+ will highlight iconic attractions across Disneyland Resort in their anniversary celebrations. Beloved rides receiving special attention include Haunted Mansion, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, and Jungle Cruise – all with enhanced features for the 70th celebration.

The content will also showcase newer areas such as:

• Cars Land with Radiator Springs Racers
• Avengers Campus and its superhero experiences
• Mickey’s ToonTown fresh from its recent renovation
• Pixar Pier featuring the Incredicoaster and Pixar Pal-A-Round

A special two-hour guided tour called “A Story of Celebration” will be available as documentary content, walking viewers through Disneyland’s evolution from opening day attractions to recent additions. The tour explores Main Street, U.S.A., and other lands that have become central to the Disney experience.

Disneyland Resort P.O.V. Walkthroughs and Shorts

The highly anticipated Disneyland Resort P.O.V. Walkthroughs will premiere on July 17th. These immersive first-person experiences transport viewers directly into cinematic ride-alongs of Disneyland’s most iconic attractions.

The walkthroughs use state-of-the-art filming techniques to create an incredibly realistic virtual experience of riding attractions like Indiana Jones Adventure and Soarin’ Around the World. Each video includes ambient park sounds and music to enhance the immersion.

Additionally, a new collection called “People and Places: Shorts” will debut, featuring behind-the-scenes looks at how Cast Members create magic daily. These shorts explore lesser-known areas of the park and highlight special details that casual visitors might miss.

Disney+ will also include special Hollywood Land shorts focusing on the connection between Disney films and their theme park adaptations, showing how movie magic transforms into physical experiences.

Events, Specials, and National Geographic Content

July 2025 brings an exciting lineup of seasonal competitions, nature documentaries, live sports, and special events to Disney+. Subscribers can look forward to summer-themed cooking shows, shark week programming, and exclusive sports coverage throughout the month.

Seasonal Specials and Competitions

The summer heat brings hot competition to Disney+ this July with several cooking and reality shows. BBQ Brawl Seasons 1-2 (14 episodes) arrives on July 26th, bringing grill masters together for smoky showdowns. Food Network’s Ultimate Summer Cook-Off (Season 1, 4 episodes) also drops the same day, featuring chefs creating perfect warm-weather dishes.

Fans of fashion will be thrilled as a brand new season of Project Runway premieres this month. The competitive design show continues to showcase emerging fashion talents creating runway-ready looks under tight deadlines.

For dessert lovers, Summer Baking Championship and I Scream, You Scream bring sweet treats to the platform, challenging bakers to create refreshing summer confections that beat the heat while impressing discerning judges.

National Geographic Premieres

National Geographic delivers impressive documentary content this July. Lost Treasures of Egypt (Season 5, 10 episodes) arrives July 1st, exploring ancient archaeological discoveries and historical mysteries along the Nile.

Shark enthusiasts will enjoy a full lineup including Sharks Up Close with Bertie Gregory, Shark Attack, Super Shark Highway, and Sharks of the North. The comprehensive Shark Quest: Hunt for the Apex Predator follows researchers tracking the ocean’s most formidable hunters.

Megastructures: Real Madrid Super Stadium examines the engineering marvel behind one of soccer’s most iconic venues. Animal lovers can enjoy Critter Fixers: Country Vets (Season 6, 12 episodes) starting July 1st, following veterinarians as they treat animals in rural Georgia.

Live Sports and Event Coverage

Disney+ expands its sports offerings this July with several live events. The WNBA All-Star Game and WNBA Skills Competition showcase the best in women’s basketball, while specific team coverage highlights matchups between the Indiana Fever and New York Liberty.

Golf fans can tune into PGA Tour Live for tournament coverage, while MMA enthusiasts get access to UFC 318 Prelims. The NFL Flag Championships brings youth football excitement to the platform.

These sporting events will be available through the ESPN integration within Disney+, giving subscribers more live content options than ever before. Many events will include pre-show coverage and expert analysis.

Additional New Episodes and Series

July brings several episodic releases and new series to Disney+. Stu-Go premieres this month, along with documentary series People and Places which explores diverse communities around the world.

Paradise, English Teacher, and Suspicious Minds will release new episodes weekly, while Camp Alec provides family-friendly summer-themed content. Hurricane Katrina: Race Against Time (Season 1, 5 episodes) arrives July 28th, examining the devastating 2005 natural disaster.

Disney’s documentary series Banana Ball explores the wild variant of baseball gaining popularity across America. These shows join the continuing rollout of Marvel’s Ironheart, which drops episodes 4-6 on July 1st at 6pm PT.

Frequently Asked Questions

Disney+ has an exciting lineup for July 2025 with new movies, series premieres, and returning favorites. Here are answers to common questions about what’s coming to the streaming platform next month.

What new Disney movies can we expect on Disney Plus in July 2025?

The highlight movie release for July 2025 is ZOMBIES 4: Dawn of the Vampires, which continues the popular musical franchise with a vampire twist. This new installment will likely bring back favorite characters while introducing new supernatural elements.

Several catalog movies will also be added on July 1st including Alita: Battle Angel, Bridesmaids, and Country Strong. Fans of musical content can enjoy sing-along versions of the original ZOMBIES and ZOMBIES 2 starting July 2nd.

Are there any new Disney Plus original series debuting in July 2025?

Yes, July brings several exciting new series premieres. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse+ will premiere on July 22nd, reviving the beloved children’s series with new adventures. The first season of StuGo will also debut, though the exact date hasn’t been specified.

Season 2 of Kiff premieres on July 23rd, continuing the animated adventures of the energetic squirrel and her bunny best friend.

Can you provide a list of the new content arriving on Disney Plus for July 2025 in the United States?

The July 2025 lineup includes a mix of original content, returning series, and library additions. Major titles include ZOMBIES 4: Dawn of the Vampires, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse+, and Kiff Season 2.

Library additions include Critter Fixers: Country Vets (Season 6), Lost Treasures of Egypt (Season 5), and BBQ Brawl (Seasons 1-2). Reality TV fans can enjoy a new season of Project Runway and The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives: Season 2 Reunion.

When are the release dates for July 2025 content on Disney Plus?

Content releases are spread throughout July 2025. The month begins with several additions on July 1st including Ironheart Episodes 4-6 releasing at 6 PM PT.

Mickey Mouse Clubhouse+ premieres on July 22nd, followed by Kiff Season 2 on July 23rd. Additional content arrives on July 26th and 28th, with Hurricane Katrina: Race Against Time (Season 1) releasing on the 28th.

Will there be any exclusive anime series released on Disney Plus in July 2025?

Yes, anime fans can look forward to RWBY: Complete Series arriving on July 1st, available in both subbed and dubbed versions. This represents Disney+’s continued expansion into anime content.

There’s also Miraculous Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir (Season 6, 8 episodes) releasing on July 2nd, which while not strictly anime, features an anime-inspired animation style popular with similar audiences.

What are the major Disney Plus releases scheduled for summer 2025?

The summer 2025 lineup is headlined by ZOMBIES 4: Dawn of the Vampires and the finale of Marvel Television’s Ironheart, with episodes 4-6 releasing in early July.

Mickey Mouse Clubhouse+ marks a significant revival of the classic children’s series. The continuation of popular series like Kiff with its second season premiere also represents an important part of Disney+’s summer programming strategy.

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If Egypt is the new powerhouse of the HaBaWaBa movement, as demonstrated last Saturday by Sodic Sports Club’s double in the U9 and U11 categories, the Hungarian school is a timeless certainty: the U13 finals day of the HaBaWaBa International Festival PLUS 2025 turned into a stage of excellence for Magyar waterpolo. In both the women’s U13 tournament and the mixed team competition, in fact, the final challenges were entirely “made in Hungary”.

Szentes player celebrating the U13 Girls HaBaWaBa PLUS win (ph. Giacomello).

The final of the U13 girls’ tournament (11 teams participating) starring Szentes Starfish and OSC Girls from Budapest was exciting and balanced. The game, played point to point, ended in a draw (7-7) before being decided in an electrifying final chapter on shootouts. Thanks to saves by number 1 Emma Meszaros, it was Szentes Starfish who won the gold medal, ending the match on 11-10 score: it’s the first HaBaWaBa title for the club coming from South Hungary.

The U13 mixed-teams tournament had as many as 58 squads at the start, a marked increase from 51 teams registered in 2024. PSN Sharks – club from the city of Pecsi that won the U11 title at HaBaWaBa in 2019 – and Balaton VK from Balatonfuzfo were face to face in the final game. The two teams put on a superb technical and competitive match, leading the score by turns: a goal by the Sharks with 35’’ to go set the score at 6-6, sending the game to shootouts. At penalties phase, kids from Pecsi handled the tension better, winning overall 9-7 and clinching the second ever HaBaWaBa title for their club.  

PSN Sharks’ joy after winning the U13 mixed teams tournament at HaBaWaBa PLUS 2025 (ph. Giacomello).

SEMIFINALS AND THIRD PLACE. In the morning semifinals of the U13 girls’ tournament, Starfish Szentes overcame the Swiss RZO U13D team 12-4, while OSC Girls won 8-3 over Entente 95 Filles from France. In the final for 3^rd place RZO U13D defeated 7-3 Entente 95 Filles and took the lowest step on the podium. 

In the U13 mixed teams’ tournament, the semifinals ended with Balaton’s narrow victory over Vasas (7-6) and PSN Sharks’ success over Rapallo Gialli (9-4). The final for 3rd place ended with Vasas’ victory over the Italian team (13-11).

PSN celebration… (ph. Giacomello).

FAIR PLAY. During the closing ceremony, the winning teams of the Fair Play Trophy will also be awarded: the trophy is assigned to the most correct teams in the two tournaments based on the scores given by the juries. In this edition, it was lifted by Universo Silvi – at its first ever participation in the U13 girls’ tournament – and Pescara Nuoto e Pallanuoto, in the mixed team competition.

SEE YOU IN 2026. HaBaWaBa 2025 has thus come to an end, in the last two weeksthe “game of the ball in water” brought together at the Bella Italia & EFA Village in Lignano Sabbiadoro 147 teams from 5 continents and 15 countries: Australia, Croatia, Egypt, France, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Montenegro, Palestine, Monaco, Singapore, Slovakia, Switzerland, Turkey, United States. 

The event – supported by World Aquatics, European Aquatics, FIN, CONI and realised thanks to the help of sponsors Turbo, Compact Goals, Ossidabile and All Risks Consulenze Assicurative – proved once again to be a huge success, a true festival capable to create unforgettable memories in little athletes, coaches and fans, transforming waterpolo into a means of spreading the noblest values of sport. 

HaBaWaBa will return to Lignano Sabbiadoro in the summer of 2026, but the HaBaWaBa movement will continue to gather in the coming months in the various stages of the HaBaWaBa International Circuit scattered around the world, from Brazil to Egypt, from Spain to South East Asia.

PSN Sharks on the podium of HaBaWaBa PLUS 2025 awarded by Olympic champions Zoltan Szecsi e Branislav Mitrovic (ph. Giacomello).

Szentes Starfish, HaBaWaBa International Festival PLUS 2025 U13 Girls tournament champions: Emma Meszaros, Lea Szolfi Ludescher, Boglar Toth, Petra Boldizsar, Eszter Tyukasz, Ajsa Jenei, Emma Kata Hekedi, Lena Kecskes, Kata Szabo, Lilla Galfi, Kiara Vanda Nagy, Liliana Berkes, Laura Somogyi, Luca Meszaros. Coach: Fruzsina Bravik.

PSN Sharks, HaBaWaBa International Festival PLUS 2025 U13 mixed teams tournament champions: Balazs Marcz, Zalan Tibor Kovacs, Peter Lubiczki,  Bence Daniel Chvojka, Manolo De Blasio, Adam Zalan Becsei, Zsigmond Labossa, Sebestyen Wagner, Otman Taya, Donat Horvath, Adam Kindl, Balint Jozsef Kovacs, Goran Predacs, Miroszlav Poszovacs, Dominik Kovacs. Coach: Tamas Voros.

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