How Taylor Averillʻs second chance at UH led to an Olympic podium
Reading time: 2 minutes In 2024, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa alumnus Taylor Averill played volleyball for Team USA in the Paris Olympics. He helped to secure a bronze medal and was named Best Middle Blocker. However, according to Averill, nothing compares to Hawaiʻi volleyball. “There were more people at this year’s [UH game vs. […]
In 2024, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa alumnus Taylor Averill played volleyball for Team USA in the Paris Olympics. He helped to secure a bronze medal and was named Best Middle Blocker. However, according to Averill, nothing compares to Hawaiʻi volleyball.
“There were more people at this year’s [UH game vs. Long Beach State] than were in the stands at the Olympics,” Averill said. “There’s nothing like all the love and support you get in Hawaiʻi.”
Averill #13, Hawaiʻi vs. Penn State Game 2015
Rough start
The California native’s collegiate volleyball journey did not begin in Mānoa. In 2012, after one semester at UC Irvine, Averill was cut from the volleyball team. Determined to keep playing, he reached out to UH Mānoa Head Coach Charlie Wade.
“At that time, [Wade] just said, ‘Hey, we all make mistakes,’ and I just felt like I resonated with his message,” Averill recalled. “It just felt like a good fit.”
He joined the Rainbow Warriors as a setter/opposite hitter but was soon cut again at the end of his freshman year.
“When I first came to UH, it’s almost like I didn’t learn my lesson at UC Irvine,” Averill said, admitting his priorities at the time were partying and playing volleyball.
Averill (right) with Max Holt at the 2024 Paris Olympics
Another second chance
Realizing he needed to change, Averill transformed himself—dropping 20 pounds, adding 11 inches to his vertical, and earning a 4.0 GPA. After he pleaded with Wade, the coach gave him one more chance, but made it clear the only open position was middle blocker.
“I went to the Olympics because I’m a middle blocker. I went to the Olympics because in those six months, I realized what real hard work looked like,” said Averill. “I owe so much of my career professionally, with the national team to what happened to me here in Hawaiʻi.”
Averill became a two-time AVCA First Team All-American and earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology from UH Mānoa in 2015.
Averill at the 2024 Paris Olympics
Pushing through
After graduating, Averill went on to play professionally in Italy, France and Poland. While playing overseas, he dealt with injuries, self-doubt and mental health challenges. The excitement he once had for volleyball began to fade, and injuries kept him from training with the national team.
He considered stepping away from volleyball entirely, but eventually came to a place of clarity: “I know I’m an Olympian no matter what. I love myself whether I go or not.”
By summer 2023, he was able to train with Team USA. In May 2024, the Olympic team was announced, and Averill made the cut.
Averill said, “I just kept pushing through, and I’m so happy I did because the experience of the Olympics was, without a doubt, like the coolest experience of my entire life.”
Good morning everyone. We’ve got a lot to get to as we inch closer to the start of football season so let’s get right to it! Dots The Seattle Times’ Scott Hanson has a review of the offseason for UW women’s volleyball, as Leslie Gabriel’s squad has added some talent through the transfer portal, after […]
Good morning everyone. We’ve got a lot to get to as we inch closer to the start of football season so let’s get right to it!
Dots
The Seattle Times’ Scott Hanson has a review of the offseason for UW women’s volleyball, as Leslie Gabriel’s squad has added some talent through the transfer portal, after coach Gabriel’s contract was extended in February.
Some sad news as former UW running back Dr. Charles Mitchell has passed away at 85. Andy Yamashita has more here.
Christian Caple has his list of 8 players who could raise UW’s ceiling in 2025 at On Montlake ($).
And Christian and Danny have a new episode of Say Who, Say Pod out.
The coaching carousel got amped up in CFB 26 with the addition of real coaches, so who’s ready for UW Football coach Bret Bielema:
Area volleyball teams recognized for academics | Gcdailyworld
Three area volleyball teams earned the prestigious Team Academic Award presented by the Indiana High School Volleyball Coaches Association. Eastern Greene, Linton-Stockton and Shakamak were three out of 60 schools in the state presented with the award. Teams with an average weighted GPA of 3.5 and higher for the entire school year are eligible to […]
Three area volleyball teams earned the prestigious Team Academic Award presented by the Indiana High School Volleyball Coaches Association.
Eastern Greene, Linton-Stockton and Shakamak were three out of 60 schools in the state presented with the award.
Teams with an average weighted GPA of 3.5 and higher for the entire school year are eligible to receive the award. This award emphasizes the importance of being a student first when it comes to being a student-athlete.
Rays Prospect Brody Hopkins, Fueled by Family, Talks 'Surreal' Futures Game Nod
Montgomery Biscuits right-hander and Tampa Bay Rays No. 6 prospect Brody Hopkins is one of the best pitchers in Double-A, and now he’s being rewarded for it. On Saturday, Hopkins will represent the Rays in the MLB All-Star Futures Game at Truist Park in Atlanta. Recently, the Southern League’s strikeout leader revealed how he learned […]
Montgomery Biscuits right-hander and Tampa Bay Rays No. 6 prospect Brody Hopkins is one of the best pitchers in Double-A, and now he’s being rewarded for it.
On Saturday, Hopkins will represent the Rays in the MLB All-Star Futures Game at Truist Park in Atlanta. Recently, the Southern League’s strikeout leader revealed how he learned about his selection and his emotions surrounding it.
“Before I knew I was going, I knew it was in Atlanta, and I kind of gave my mom and dad one of those calls where I was like, imagine if I get picked for the Futures Game and it’s right there in Atlanta,” the South Carolina native told ABC 4. “It actually happened.”
Hopkins learned he was going to the Futures Game from Montgomery Biscuits manager Kevin Boles.
“It was kind of overwhelming, but my manager called me in, and he tried to play a little trick on me, saying that I did something at the golf course and got in trouble,” Hopkins told WSFA 12 in a separate interview.
Hopkins said Boles revealed he was kidding before letting him in on the good news.
“It was pretty sick, it was pretty cool, I was freaking out for a second internally because he was looking at me with a straight face. If you’ve ever met him, he’s very serious and stern. But it was cool, it was a great moment.”
“Three years ago, this would have been a dream that was on the moon – you can’t reach it,” Hopkins told ABC 4. “Now it’s right in front of me, so it’s pretty surreal.”
He earned the selection based on a 4-5 record and 3.35 ERA in 17 games, including a complete game. He has struck out 98 batters in 80.2 innings.
He is the Rays’ lone representative to the Futures Game. The 23-year-old initially was selected by the Seattle Mariners in the third round of the 2023 MLB Draft. He is one of the prospects acquired by the Rays last summer in the trade that sent outfielder Randy Arozarena to Seattle.
Hopkins’ older brother, TJ, drives his work ethic. The Cincinnati Reds selected TJ Hopkins with their ninth-round pick in the 2019 MLB Draft. In 2023, Hopkins made the 40-man roster and had his MLB debut on June 3.
The 27-year-old center fielder made 25 appearances with the Reds before being designated for assignment on Dec. 14, 2023. Five days later, the Reds traded Hopkins to the San Fransico Giants, and he hasn’t made it back to the majors, due in part to a season-ending labrum tear in his right shoulder in May 2024.
Currently, the elder Hopkins is on the roster of the Chicago Dogs of the American Association of Professional Baseball.
After watching his older brother’s struggles, Hopkins knows firsthand how unforgiving the sport is.
“Baseball’s tough, it’s business, it’s politics,” Hopkins said in the ABC 4 interview. “Seeing my brother get released, and knowing how hard he worked, it was kind of crazy to me because it’s like, damn, he’s working that hard and he’s falling short.
“I was like, I have to go 10 times harder because he got the short end of the stick, so that whole thing happening kind of like made me want to work harder for both of us in a way.”
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Sedgefield Water Polo Club’s U16 squad triumphed in Leeds
Sedgefield Water Polo Club’s U16 squad faced Morley in Leeds on Thursday, June 26, marking their first competitive outing of the year after the GCSE exam period. The match kicked off with a rapid goal from Charlie, followed by another from Finley just 15 seconds later. Morley managed to score one goal, but Sedgefield quickly […]
Sedgefield Water Polo Club’s U16 squad faced Morley in Leeds on Thursday, June 26, marking their first competitive outing of the year after the GCSE exam period.
The match kicked off with a rapid goal from Charlie, followed by another from Finley just 15 seconds later.
Morley managed to score one goal, but Sedgefield quickly took control, adding six more by the end of the first quarter, including a hat-trick from Thomas.
By half-time, Sedgefield had scored another seven goals, setting the tone for an upbeat team talk and a concerted effort to ensure all players made it onto the match sheet.
The third quarter began with Sedgefield leading 15-4, scoring again within a minute of the restart.
The game saw a display of skills and techniques honed during club training, as Morley scored four goals, but Sedgefield remained undeterred, entering the final quarter with an impressive 22-8 lead.
The final quarter was particularly remarkable, with Sedgefield netting ten goals, including one from goalkeeper Bram, ensuring every player in the team scored.
Thomas was the top scorer with ten goals, followed by Finley with six, Charlie with five, Fynn and Harry with four each, and Arwen and Leo with one apiece.
The final score read 32-8, a testament to the team’s exceptional performance and strong team spirit.
The club expressed gratitude to coaches Paul and Pete, and team manager Imelda, emphasising the crucial role volunteers play in providing competitive play opportunities for children in the region.
The club also announced the availability of player sponsorships at £30 per player for the season, offering regular advertising and promotion on their social media pages in return.
All proceeds will be used to help members develop their skills and provide necessary equipment.
Sedgefield Water Polo Club also offers beginner sessions at Newton Aycliffe Leisure Centre on Saturday afternoons for those interested in trying the sport.
In addition to junior and senior sessions, these beginner sessions offer an opportunity for anyone to experience the excitement of water polo.
All sessions need to be booked in advance via the club’s app.
For more information and joining instructions, please visit the club’s website, email sedgefieldwp@hotmail.com, or contact 07579 030598.
The Big West Reorganizes Staff to Support Continued Growth and Innovation
The Big West is implementing a strategic reorganization of its staff structure and titles to accelerate the league’s growth and better serve its member institutions amid a rapidly evolving NCAA Division I landscape.
“With significant change occurring across Division I athletics, The Big West must continue to be innovative in our approach and agile […]
The Big West is implementing a strategic reorganization of its staff structure and titles to accelerate the league’s growth and better serve its member institutions amid a rapidly evolving NCAA Division I landscape.
“With significant change occurring across Division I athletics, The Big West must continue to be innovative in our approach and agile in our operations,” said Commissioner Dan Butterly. “This reorganization realigns our staff to seize new opportunities while reinforcing The Big West’s Pacific spirit, fearless innovation, enduring integrity, and bold activism.”
Leadership and Operational Enhancements
Kevin Rorke has been elevated to Chief Financial Officer. Rorke is responsible for managing the conference’s budget, serving as the primary financial contact, and leading all external financial audits. Having independently overseen financial operations over the past year, Rorke will now be supported by Dominic Drury, who will assist with daily operations and financial systems.
Drury has been promoted to Assistant Commissioner – Basketball Operations and Finance. Now entering a third year with the league, Drury will continue to lead men’s and women’s basketball initiatives while expanding his role to include business operations and officiating. Drury will also remain tournament director for the Big West Basketball Championships.
Tom Davis assumes the role of Chief Marketing Officer, shifting focus toward revenue generation, branding, and long-term growth initiatives. A Big West staff member since 2020, Davis brings decades of experience with national brands including DIRECTV, EA Sports, Qualcomm, and UCLA, and as founder of the Los Angeles-based marketing firm Caught Looking, Inc.
Davis will continue leading Sara Perry, Director of Marketing & Digital Media, and Chloe Clark, Director of Multimedia Content, in sponsorship, marketing, ticketing, and publicity efforts. Together, the team will also drive strategic efforts to expand The Big West’s regional and national branding and broadcast presence.
Jessica Lantzhas been elevated to Chief Communications Officer. Lantz will continue to lead the league’s storytelling and media relations strategy alongside Kaiber Takamiyaand Quentin Rodriguez, Directors of Communications. Their collaborative focus includes editorial content, social media, feature stories, awards reporting and championship coverage.
Deputy Commissioner Kristi Giddings and Angie Allen, Assistant Commissioner – Compliance & Student-Athlete Engagement, will continue to manage The Big West Senior Woman Administrators (SWA) and Faculty Athletics Representatives (FAR), respectively, while directing and executing all aspects of governance, legal, compliance and student-athlete engagement.Cheryl Wong,Associate Commissioner – Championships & Sport Administration, alongside Tyler Huntley, Assistant Commissioner – Championships, will continue to lead The Big West’s championships efforts while working with the entire Big West administrative staff to manage sports and championships throughout the year.
Operational Shift to Remote Work
As of July 1, The Big West has transitioned to a remote work environment. Quarterly in-person staff meetings will be held in Irvine, Calif., during the 2025-26 academic year. This move reflects the conference’s commitment to strategic cost savings while maintaining exceptional service to member institutions.
STAFF TRANSACTIONS
Kevin Rorkepromoted from Associate Commissioner, Business and Finance to Chief Financial Officer
Jessica Lantzpromoted from Assistant Commissioner, Strategic Communications to Chief Communications Officer
Tom Davis promoted from Associate Commissioner, External Relations to Chief Marketing Officer
Dominic Drury promoted from Director, Championships & Basketball Operations to Assistant Commissioner – Basketball Operations and Finance
Kaiber Takamiya promoted from Assistant Director of Strategic Communications to Director of Communications
Quentin Rodriguez promoted from Assistant Director of Strategic Communications to Director of Communications
Plea on social media saves Nebraska high school’s football and volleyball seasons | Sports
BASSETT – It looks like they’ll be playing football and volleyball at North Central after all. The Class D school – a co-op of Rock County and Keya Paha County – found itself in a tough spot after the coaches in both sports resigned this past season. Ryan Richey stepped down as the head football […]
BASSETT – It looks like they’ll be playing football and volleyball at North Central after all.
The Class D school – a co-op of Rock County and Keya Paha County – found itself in a tough spot after the coaches in both sports resigned this past season. Ryan Richey stepped down as the head football coach and Heather Painter moved on as volleyball coach.
An inability to fill those positions led the school to turn to social media in a last-ditch effort to fill the vacancies. Administrations at both schools had been actively engaged in the recruitment of coaches with little success.
A shortage of teachers also complicated the process as coaching duties often are assigned to educators. Administrators said they didn’t want to force coaching duties on teachers who are there to do exactly that – teach.
The Knights have received good news in recent days, according to Rock County athletic director Kayla Fischer.
“We’ve gotten responses from qualified people and we’re going to start the interview process soon,” she said.
It was getting to the critical stage as practice for both sports starts in about a month. School officials had said if coaches weren’t hired by Aug. 1 that the school district might be forced to cancel both football and volleyball seasons.
Fischer said she is thankful that won’t be the case.
“We’ve had assistant coaches working with the players,” Fischer said. “I don’t think the kids have been too worried about it because they knew we’ve been working hard to fill those spots.”
A response to a Facebook post asking interested applicants to apply drew a humorous response.
“The stands are usually full of coaches on game day, just use one of them.”
The schools are located in north-central Nebraska near the South Dakota border.