Salvador, Brazil – August 12 – The USA Junior Women defeated Italy 14-6 today at the World Aquatics U20 World Championship. Julia Bonaguidi was named player of the match after she scored six goals while Christine Carpenter and Lauren Steele combined for eight saves in the cage. Team USA advances straight into the quarterfinals on Thursday at 3pm et/12pm pt with the opponent TBD. Live streaming of all matches is available through the World Aquatics YouTube page by clicking here. Live stats of all matches are provided from Microplus by clicking here.

Team USA got the first goal of the game half a minute in courtesy of Kamryn Barone. Shortly after, the Americans earned a penalty and cashed in when Bonaguidi rang the register from five meters. Italy would halve the deficit with a great bar down goal before Bonaguidi put home back-to-back goals to push the lead to three with an early hat trick. The Italian side would strike back with consecutive goals of its own to leave the score at 4-3 in favor of the United States after one.

Bonaguidi remained aggressive to start the second quarter, scoring first to add to her total. Emily Ausmus got involved from there when she buried a penalty attempt followed by a fadeaway shot that beat the goalkeeper. Carpenter and the Team USA defense held strong all quarter long to send the game into halftime with a 7-3 American lead.

The Italians earned a penalty and converted on the attempt to begin the third period but Bonaguidi had an immediate answer on the other end. Next, Steele dropped a perfect pass to Ausmus who put it away on the counter attack and Lucy Haaland-Ford scored to give the United States double digits on the day. Late in the period, Ausmus rose up from deep to beat the shot clock buzzer as Team USA took an 11-4 advantage into the final frame.

In the fourth, it was Haaland-Ford who had the first word. She followed it up with another score to notch a second half hat trick. Midway through the quarter, Bonaguidi chimed in again to run the American lead to ten. From there, the Italians scored again for the first time since the opening moments of the half but it was too little, too late as Team USA claimed the 14-6 win.

Team USA went 1/2 on power plays and 1/1 on penalties while Italy went 0/3 on power plays with no penalties attempted.

Scoring – Stats

USA 14 (4, 3, 4, 3) J. Bonaguidi 6, E. Ausmus 4, L. Haaland-Ford 3, K. Barone 1

ITA 6 (3, 0, 1, 2) E. Bianco 2, E. De March 1, B. Rosta 1, B. Cassara 1, C. Malluzzo 1

Saves – USA – C. Carpenter 6, L. Steele 2 – ITA – O. Sesena 4

6×5 – USA – 1/2 – ITA – 0/3

Penalties – USA – 1/1 – ITA – 0/0

 

Warwick Volleyball Camp, the final Wildcats sports camp of the summer, opened on Monday morning with varsity coach Shawn Thomas and nine incoming seventh- and eighth-grader athletes.

The morning started with a getting to know you session. Coach Thomas introduced himself and his volleyball background, and the girls then did the same. He then went over some volleyball basics such as positions, lines on the court and terminology such as “touches” and “attack”.

The players then ran laps around the court and learned some stretching drills before coach Thomas demonstrated the correct volleyball stance.

The camp runs through Wednesday. Then on Monday, Aug. 18, volleyball and the rest of the varsity and junior varsity fall sports start their practices. Modified practices start on Sept. 3, the second day of school.

The newly upgraded Kawana Aquatic Centre is set to delight swimmers on the Sunshine Coast, with a modernised facility and expanded car parking now open.

With more than 200,000 visitors using the centre annually, the upgrade is a welcome boost for the region.

Supported by $938,000 from the Albanese Government, the improvements are part of Sunshine Coast Council’s $14 million investment to enhance the centre’s capacity as a significant sporting and wellness facility.

A new 20-metre, five-lane enclosed pool and new changerooms were delivered in the first stage in 2024.

New public amenities, offices, a cafe, expanded picnic area and additional car parking to support the growing number of users have now been completed in stage two.

This includes a Changing Places facility to provide safe, hygienic and dignified changing options for people with high support needs and their carers.

The Kawana Aquatic Centre is part of the broader Kawana Sports Precinct, which includes Sunshine Coast Stadium and Lake Kawana, which regularly host local, national and international sporting events.

These facilities are operated by Council contract partners who provide the day-to-day site operation, programming and access for the community.

Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli said the project reflected Council’s commitment to building a connected, liveable and thriving region.

“This is an investment in our future, supporting local families and athletes and also strengthening our reputation as a premier destination for sport and recreation,” Mayor Natoli said.

“Facilities like the Kawana Aquatic Centre are vital to our community’s wellbeing and economic vitality, attracting events, creating jobs and encouraging active lifestyles.

“Plus, the centre provides the perfect spaces for families to connect, and to play.

“It’s a proud moment for the Sunshine Coast and a great example of how we’re planning for a healthy future.”

Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories, Kristy McBain MP said it was wonderful to see these improvements made to the hugely popular Kawana Aquatic Centre.

“This investment means there are three heated swimming pools for lessons, fitness and leisure and new aquatic facilities for people of all ages and abilities on the Sunshine Coast,” Ms McBain said.

“The Albanese Government will continue to partner with local governments to deliver projects like this for communities across the country.”

Senator for Queensland, Corinne Mulholland said the Albanese Government had supported another great project for the Sunshine Coast.

“The aquatic centre features a 50-metre outdoor pool and 25-metre pool catering for diving and water polo,” Ms Mulholland said.

“There’s also a new dedicated five-lane 20-metre enclosed learn-to-swim facility with aquatic wheelchair and hoist access.”

Sunshine Coast Council Division 3 Councillor Tim Burns said the completed works marked a significant milestone for the region.

“This upgrade is about more than just bricks and mortar, it’s about creating a space where people of all ages and abilities can come together to swim, train and connect,” Cr Burns said.

“The Kawana Aquatic Centre is a cornerstone of this regional sporting precinct and these improvements ensure it continues to meet the needs of our growing community.

“We’re proud to deliver a facility that supports healthy lifestyles, elite training and everyday fun.

“I’m excited to see our athletes, families and recreational swimmers embracing the upgraded facilities.”

Kawana Aquatic Centre is operated by lessee, City Venue Management (CVM), providing the day-to-day site operation, programming and access for the community.

CVM Chief Executive Officer Jay Clarke said as one of the region’s most popular aquatic facilities, the centre played a vital role in promoting swim safety, health, and wellbeing.

“We’re excited to see the recent upgrades complete and to welcome even more patrons back to Kawana Aquatic Centre – now an even better experience for the Sunshine Coast community,” Mr Clarke said.

“With brand new amenities and expanded spaces, we’re able to grow our learn-to-swim programs through Rackley Swimming, expand our squad and fitness offerings, and continue providing a welcoming hub for both locals and visitors.

“It’s a fantastic outcome for the community, and we’re proud to be part of it.” 

To celebrate the completion, the community is invited to a Community Open Day on Saturday, September 13, 2025 from 10am to 4pm at the Kawana Aquatic Centre.

The event will feature live broadcasts, free entry, face painting, pool games, giveaways and activities for all ages.

The hugely popular Council-owned aquatic centre has three heated swimming pools all built to cater for lessons, fitness or leisure. It offers a range of facilities and programs for all ages and abilities.

It features a 50-metre outdoor pool, 25-metre pool which can cater for diving and water polo, and a new dedicated five-lane 20-metre enclosed learn-to-swim facility with aquatic wheelchair and hoist access.

The Kawana Aquatic Centre is one of nine Council-owned aquatic centres across our region. The other aquatic centres are located at Beerwah, Caloundra, Buderim, Cotton Tree, Coolum, Palmwoods, Nambour, and Eumundi.

All facilities are operated by Council contract partners who provide the day-to-day site operation, programming and access for the community.

Catching up with the Champs: West Linn’s Hayden Williams-Downing

Published 4:17 pm Tuesday, August 12, 2025

They were the best and the brightest.

They were the strongest and the fastest.

They jumped the highest and the farthest and they scored the most.

“They” were the champions of the 2025 spring season and the West Linn Tidings is taking a moment to look back on their successes and check in on their summers.

Name: Hayden Williams-Downing

School: West Linn High School, University of Oregon

Age: 18

Sport: Track and field

Accomplishments: Williams-Downing, an Oregon commit, capped her stellar high school career with a near-perfect senior season as a javelin thrower. A four-time Three Rivers League champion, she went unbeaten in the javelin for a second straight year and won her second straight Class 6A title, ending the competition with a winning mark of 152 feet.Summer Stuff: Williams-Downing competed in USATF U-20 National Championships at Hayward Field on June 19, placing third with a throw of 148-2. After that, she took seventh in the Nike Outdoor Nationals with a throw of 144-7 at Hayward Field on June 22.

Fun Stuff: “I had the most fun at Nike Outdoor Nationals with West Linn Track Club. We brought a ton of athletes and had some amazing relay teams. We made memories that I will never forget.” – Hayden Williams-Downing

Future Stuff: “I am so excited to become friends with my soon-to-be teammates (at Oregon). I am also excited to get on a structured lifting plan; I think that will be one of the main things that makes me a better athlete. I’ve never had an actual day-to-day strength training plan.” – Hayden Williams-Downing

By: Contact: Tom Krychkowski; Assistant Athletic Director for Communications & Marketing

JERSEY CITY, N.J. | The 2025 campaign is officially set for the New Jersey City University men’s soccer team, as the Gothic Knights announced their full schedule Tuesday afternoon. The slate includes 19 regular season contests, highlighted by a competitive non-conference lineup and a tough New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) schedule that kicks off in late September.

The season begins with a two-day trip to western New York as NJCU opens against Buffalo State under the lights on Thursday, August 29 at 7:00 p.m., followed by a neutral-site clash against Fredonia on Friday, August 30 at 4:30 p.m.

The Gothic Knights return home on Tuesday, September 3 to host Manhattanville at 2:00 p.m. at Robert L. McNulty Memorial Soccer Field, the first of five home matches in the month. NJCU will then hit the road for four straight contests, taking on St. Elizabeth (Sept. 6), Hunter (Sept. 8), St. Joseph’s Long Island (Sept. 10), and Lehman (Sept. 18).

“This season we’ve put the right pieces in place to return to the NJAC postseason,” said head coach Brendan Guzman. “We’re going to trust our upperclassmen to set the tone while leaning on some of the newcomers to boost the roster and bring some electricity to the pitch.”

City match ups continue with a trio of home games in mid-September as the Knights welcome CCNY (Sept. 13), John Jay (Sept. 15), and Medgar Evers (Sept. 20). A non-conference road trip to Penn State Abington on Sept. 24 wraps up the out-of-league schedule.

“Kevin Alves (Rutherford, N.J./Rutherford) and Jona Caballero (Union City, N.J./Jose Marti STEM Academy) will look to lead the team from experience as well as former NJAC All-Conference award winners, while our well-rounded freshman class continues to raise the bar set by the seniors,” said Guzman.

The NJAC gauntlet begins Saturday, September 27 when NJCU hosts perennial contender Montclair State. From there, the Knights will face a full slate of conference rivals, including road matches at Rowan (Oct. 1), Stockton (Oct. 4), Rutgers-Camden (Oct. 18), Rutgers-Newark (Oct. 25), and William Paterson (Oct. 29). Key home matchups include Kean (Oct. 11), Ramapo (Oct. 15), and TCNJ (Oct. 22).

For the latest news, updates, and information on New Jersey City University sports, visit njcugothicknights.com. Fans can also stay up-to-date on the latest Gothic Knights news by following NJCU Athletics on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

 

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – Drake University athletics finished as the runner-up in the race for the 2024-25 Missouri Valley Conference All-Academic Award, thanks to the efforts of over 250 student-athletes, the league announced this morning.
 
The Bulldogs were behind only Belmont in the final All-Academic Award standings and were one of four institutions in The Valley to post a collective grade point average of 3.500 or higher. The top four finishers are listed below.
 

 
 
With this placement, Drake became the only school in the Missouri Valley Conference to place inside the top three of the final standings for the MVC All-Academic Award and MVC All-Sports Championship.
 
“Bulldogs everywhere should take immense pride in these accomplishments by our student-athletes,” Drake Athletics Director Brian Hardin said. “Drake University is a truly special place where you can not only obtain a world-class education, but also experience premier athletics, both as a participant and a spectator. We are incredibly proud of the continued effort by our entire student and staff populations in their pursuit of sustained excellence in competition and the classroom.”
 

All Drake teams held grade point averages greater than 3.22. Among the women’s teams, basketball posted the top mark with a collective GPA of 3.75. Women’s golf (3.63) and women’s soccer (3.62) followed. On the men’s side, soccer boasted a 3.49 team GPA, just ahead of cross country/track & field (3.35) and tennis (3.30).
 
Four teams (men’s basketball, women’s basketball, women’s golf, and women’s XC/TF) earned their best semester GPA in Drake’s recorded history while rowing, and both men’s and women’s soccer posted their second-best team GPA marks on record.
 
Belmont University’s first-place finish marked its third top placement in as many years.
 
Individual student-athletes were recognized on individual lists by the Missouri Valley Conference. 188 Bulldogs were named to the 2024-25 MVC Honor Roll while 81 earned the prestigious Commissioner’s Academic Excellence Award and 15 standouts received the Board of Directors Academic Excellence Award.
 
For the MVC Honor Roll, a student-athlete must have recorded a minimum 3.2 grade point average for a specified term, been a member of an athletics team, and been enrolled full time during the term in which they earned the honor. The Commissioner’s Academic Excellence Award requires a minimum grade point average of 3.5 for each of the previous two semesters, a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.2, and participation in athletics for a minimum of two years. Finally, the more exclusive Board of Directors Academic Excellence Award requires a minimum 3.8 cumulative GPA, participation in athletics for a minimum of two years, and the student-athlete must be within 18 hours of graduation by the end of the spring semester.