Sports

Igiede Named to U.S. Roster for VNL’s Opening Week

Story Links USA Volleyball Press Release COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — Former University of Hawai’i women’s volleyball All-American Amber Igiede was among the 14 players named to the U.S. Women’s National Team roster for the opening week of the 2025 Volleyball Nations League. USA Volleyball […]

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4 weeks ago

May 31, 2025

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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — Former University of Hawai’i women’s volleyball All-American Amber Igiede was among the 14 players named to the U.S. Women’s National Team roster for the opening week of the 2025 Volleyball Nations League.

USA Volleyball announced on Friday the roster that will compete in the VNL’s first week of preliminary-round matches set for June 4-8 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The U.S. will open against Italy on June 4 and faces Brazil on June 5, Czechia on June 6 and Korea on June 8. Matches will be shown live and on demand on VBTV.

Igiede is making her debut in the VNL, which features the world’s top 18 teams, and is among four middle blockers on the U.S. roster for opening week. Earlier in May, USA Volleyball announced a roster of 30 players, including eight middles, for the VNL and the coaching staff led by Erik Sullivan will select 14 for each week of the preliminary round.

The tournament opens with three weeks of preliminary play with each team competing in four matches per week. The second week is set for June 18-22 in Belgrade, Serbia and the third week will be played July 9-13 in Arlington, Texas. The top eight teams advance to the final round set for July 23-27 in Łódź, Poland.

Igiede was an AVCA All-America third-team selection in 2022 and 2023 and was an All-Big West first-team pick each of her four seasons with the Rainbow Wahine. She was part of the USA Volleyball Women’s Collegiate Team in 2022 and helped the U.S. claim silver in the NORCECA Pan American Cup in Mexico in 2024. She also played for LOVB Houston in League One Volleyball this season and was voted to the 2025 LOVB Icons first team.

#HawaiiWVB

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Sports

10 Named to CSC Cross Country/Track & Field Academic All-District Team

FORT WAYNE, Ind. – 10 Purdue Fort Wayne Mastodons have been named to the 2025 College Sports Communicators Academic All-District® Track & Field/Cross Country Teams. The teams, selected by College Sports Communicators, recognize the nation’s top student-athletes for their combined performances in the athletic realm and in the classroom. To qualify, honorees must have […]

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20 seconds ago

June 24, 2025

Your Sports Nation

FORT WAYNE, Ind. – 10 Purdue Fort Wayne Mastodons have been named to the 2025 College Sports Communicators Academic All-District® Track & Field/Cross Country Teams.

The teams, selected by College Sports Communicators, recognize the nation’s top student-athletes for their combined performances in the athletic realm and in the classroom. To qualify, honorees must have a cumulative GPA of 3.50 or higher. In track and field, honorees must also have a top 50 performance in the region per Track & Field Results Reporting System (TFRRS).

Women:

Riley Tate (Columbus, Ohio / Worthington Kilbourne HS) | 3.95 GPA

– Second career CSC Academic All-District nod

Ellie Zagel (West Bend, Wis. / Slinger HS) | 4.00 GPA

– First career CSC Academic All-District Award

Ali Sparks (Fort Wayne, Ind. / Carroll HS) | 3.54 GPA

– First career CSC Academic All-District Award

Marissa Van De Weg (Decatur, Ind. / Adams Central HS) | 3.95 GPA

– Second career CSC Academic All-District nod

Haylee Hile (Goshen, Ind. / Northridge HS) | 3.81 GPA

– First career CSC Academic All-District Award

Men:

Harrison Niswander (Huntington, Ind. / Huntington North HS) | 3.68 GPA

– Second career CSC Academic All-District Award

Jarred Neff (Fort Wayne, Ind. / Homestead HS) | 3.67 GPA

– Second career CSC Academic All-District pick

Colten Gasson (Fort Loramie, Ohio / Fort Loramie HS) | 3.82 GPA

– Second career CSC Academic All-District Award

Cody Loshe (Decatur, Ind. / Bellmont HS) | 4.00 GPA

– First career CSC Academic All-District Award

Owen Kaufman (Mentor, Ohio / Lake Catholic) | 3.67 GPA

– First career CSC Academic All-District Award

~ Feel The Rumble ~

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Sports

Two Incoming Freshman Make Canada U19 Roster

Story Links KINGSTON, ON, Canada – The High Point University Volleyball program had two players selected to the U19 NORCECA Girls’ Pan American Cup and FIVB Volleyball Girls’ U19 World Championship teams. Remy Catojo, a 6’4″ setter from Winnipeg, Manitoba and Maya Bukovcan, a 6’3″ middle blocker from Ottawa, Ontario – both incoming […]

Published

1 minute ago

June 24, 2025

Your Sports Nation

KINGSTON, ON, Canada – The High Point University Volleyball program had two players selected to the U19 NORCECA Girls’ Pan American Cup and FIVB Volleyball Girls’ U19 World Championship teams. Remy Catojo, a 6’4″ setter from Winnipeg, Manitoba and Maya Bukovcan, a 6’3″ middle blocker from Ottawa, Ontario – both incoming freshman in the fall – will represent HPU on team Canada this summer.

TOURNAMENT INFORMATION | LIVESTREAM | TICKETS

The tournament will take place at Queen’s University Athletics & Recreation Centre, June 24 to June 28, 2025 in Kingston, Ontario, Canada. The teams participating include Canada, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Puerto Rico, United States and Venezuela. The first game is set for June 24 at 6:30 p.m.

The teams are divided into two groups: Group A includes Mexico, Puerto Rico, the United States, and Venezuela; Group B features host Canada, Costa Rica, and the Dominican Republic.

Team Canada

Ashlyn Gent (AB)

Sofia Zabjek (ON)

Lydia-Jayne Wigston (AB)

Brooke Fermaniuk (AB)

Maya Bukovcan (ON)

Sol Henson (ON)

Emerson Matthews (SK)

Sydney Bell (ON)

Ana Nastase (ON)

Abby Wasutyk (SK)

Remy Catojo (MB)

Ana Stojanovic (ON)

Preliminary Round Schedule (EST Military Time)

June 24

14:30 Puerto Rico vs Mexico

16:30 USA vs Venezuela

18:30 Canada vs Costa Rica

June 25

14:30 Puerto Rico vs Venezuela

16:30 USA vs Mexico

18:30 Canada vs Dominican Republic

June 26

14:30 Mexico vs Venezuela

16:30 USA vs Puerto Rico

18:30 Costa Rica vs Dominican Republic

Semi-finals and medal rounds – June 27 – 28

#GoHPU

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EIU XC/T&F With Five Academic All-District Selections

Story Links Eastern Illinois women’s cross country / track & field had five student-athletes earn Academic All-District honors as released by College Sports Communicators (formerly CoSIDA) this week. EIU’s selections were Mackenzie Aldridge, Gracie Cox, Isabella Fabrizio, Taryn Tarquin and Hallee Thomas. Student-athletes must meet the following criteria to be considered for Academic All-District. […]

Published

16 minutes ago

June 24, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Eastern Illinois women’s cross country / track & field had five student-athletes earn Academic All-District honors as released by College Sports Communicators (formerly CoSIDA) this week.

EIU’s selections were Mackenzie Aldridge, Gracie Cox, Isabella Fabrizio, Taryn Tarquin and Hallee Thomas.

Student-athletes must meet the following criteria to be considered for Academic All-District. From an academic standpoint they must hold a cumulative 3.5 or higher grade point average, if they are a graduate student, a 3.5 or higher must have been maintained for both undergraduate and graduate work. For the sports of cross country and track & field, they must be a top 50 finisher in a single individual event at their NCAA cross country regional competition or in a single indoor or outdoor track & field event within their region. A maximum of five student-athletes per school that meet these criteria are selected.

Aldridge had a 4.00 GPA in Human Services. Cox had a 3.75 GPA in Criminology/Criminal Justice. Fabrizio had a 4.00 GPA in Exercise Physiology. Tarquin had a 3.97 GPA in Biological Sciences. Thomas had a 4.00 GPA in CI Curriculum Development.

The 2025 Academic All-District® Cross Country / Track & Field Teams, selected by College Sports Communicators, recognize the nation’s top student-athletes for their combined performances on the field and in the classroom. The CSC Academic All-America® program separately recognizes cross country/track & field honorees in four divisions — NCAA Division I, NCAA Division II, NCAA Division III and NAIA.

Academic All-District® honorees are considered for advancement to the CSC Academic All-America® ballot. First-, second- and third-team Academic All-America® honorees will be announced in the coming weeks.

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Paw Paw’s Holly Palmer named WVSACA Class A Volleyball Coach of the Year

by Jamie Harris Holly Palmer, head coach of the Paw Paw Lady Pirates volleyball team, has been named the West Virginia Schools Athletic Coaches Association (WVSACA) Class A Volleyball Coach of the Year for the 2024-25 season. With nearly two decades of coaching under her belt 19 years as a head coach and seven as […]

Published

17 minutes ago

June 24, 2025

Your Sports Nation

by Jamie Harris

Holly Palmer, head coach of the Paw Paw Lady Pirates volleyball team, has been named the West Virginia Schools Athletic Coaches Association (WVSACA) Class A Volleyball Coach of the Year for the 2024-25 season.

With nearly two decades of coaching under her belt 19 years as a head coach and seven as the middle school coach, Palmer’ s recognition is a testament to her dedication, leadership and passion for the game.

Palmer received an unexpected email from Wes Eddy (Executive Director of the West Virginia Coaches Association and Berkeley Springs High School Head Football Coach) about a month ago notifying her of the nomination. Though initially unsure if she would be selected, Palmer was later surprised when Eddy personally informed her that she had been chosen.

Wes Eddy standing with Holly Palmer, Volleyball Coach of the Year.

“It is a great honor to be recognized,” she said, reflecting on a season that saw her team compete with heart despite an early exit in the sectional tournament.

This season’ s success was built on a foundation laid years ago when the school finally allowed the formation of a middle school volleyball team. That opportunity enabled Palmer to start developing talent in grades six through eight, creating a stronger, more prepared high school team in the long run.

“By doing this we had better records, had better talent to play more than three sets a night,” Palmer explained.

Palmer credits much of her success to the support of her coaching staff and the strong bond among the players. Assistant coaches Hana Hendrickson and Karynn Kerns were instrumental, especially after Palmer had to step away for two weeks. The young assistants stepped in and continued the high standard expected in practice and games.

“Even though I returned to coaching, my state of mind and emotions were a mess but the love and support from everyone will never be forgotten,” she shared.

Despite facing a tough season with only eight players (six returning and two new), Palmer’s team rose to the occasion. She praised their determination and effort, noting that while no single match stood out above the rest, what mattered most was how each player showed up ready to fight.

Known for her philosophy of treating the team like family, Palmer believes strongly in building players up both on and off the court.

“We are not just a team inside the gym, we’re a family. Family means we have each other’s backs,” she said.

She emphasizes recognizing each player’s strengths and weaknesses, setting achievable goals and celebrating growth, not just wins.

Her team’ s practices often include creative team-building activities, including volleyball-style competitions without actual volleyballs.

“They love using balloons and beach towels to work together,” she laughed, noting that it’s all part of fostering team spirit.

Palmer also credits the close-knit Paw Paw community for being an incredible support system. “They go above and beyond,” she said. With community backing, she’s been able to schedule overnight team trips across West Virginia, exposing her players to competition and camaraderie in places like Riverside, Calhoun County, Paden City and more.

As Coach of the Year, Holly Palmer’s legacy continues to grow, not just through wins and accolades, but in the way she molds student-athletes into strong, confident individuals who are part of something greater than themselves.

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Famed Louisiana Tech, minor league baseball broadcaster Dave Nitz dies at 82

RUSTON – The news broke Tuesday morning. And with it, the hearts of Louisiana Tech fans everywhere. Dave Nitz – the legendary “Voice of the Bulldogs” for half a century – passed away at the age of 82. “For 50 years Dave saw it all – the great plays, the wins, the championships, the dynasties. […]

Published

37 minutes ago

June 24, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Famed Louisiana Tech, minor league baseball broadcaster Dave Nitz dies at 82

RUSTON – The news broke Tuesday morning. And with it, the hearts of Louisiana Tech fans everywhere.

Dave Nitz – the legendary “Voice of the Bulldogs” for half a century – passed away at the age of 82.

“For 50 years Dave saw it all – the great plays, the wins, the championships, the dynasties. His iconic voice allowed Tech fans to experience the game no matter their distance from Ruston or wherever the Bulldogs and Techsters were competing,” President Jim Henderson said. “The Voice of the Bulldogs has left an indelible mark on this University, and his influence remains in every broadcast. Our heartfelt condolences go out to Marlene, Jamie, Jeff, Jay, and the entire Bulldog fanbase.”

“We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Dave Nitz,” Director of Athletics Ryan Ivey said. “For 50 years, Dave was the conduit of Louisiana Tech athletics to our passionate fan base. He created sensational story-telling narratives for some of the greatest moments in Louisiana Tech athletics history. We are forever grateful for his service, energy and passion for Louisiana Tech. Dave and Louisiana Tech will be intertwined as a terrific broadcast and story-telling match. Our thoughts and prayers are with Dave’s family and all of those who loved and cared for Dave. Rest in peace, Dave, and know that Louisiana Tech athletics is better because of your work.”

A proud native of Milton, West Virginia, Dave’s journey to Ruston was paved with a passion for the microphone. From early broadcasting days at Arkansas Tech, William & Mary, and Georgia Southern, he was a storyteller long before he ever set foot on LA Tech’s campus.

Dave could also be heard on the airwaves covering minor league baseball in the Baltimore Orioles farm system. Then came the spring of 1974 – the NCAA District Tournament at old Arlington Stadium – when he first called LA Tech baseball, the sport he loved above all others.

That marked the beginning of something special.

Later that fall, Dave officially joined the Louisiana Tech Football Network. And over the next half century, he became the voice of Bulldog athletics behind the mic for football, basketball, and baseball. His calls weren’t just descriptions of the action – they were memories etched in time. Nitz was also the voice of the Shreveport Captains.

By best estimates, Dave called more than 4,500 Louisiana Tech games. That’s thousands of moments, plays, and stories told by someone who truly loved telling them.

Whether it was his trademark phrase – “You Gotta Love It!” – or the legendary call of Sean Cangelosi’s touchdown grab against Alabama, repeated with pure Bulldog joy:

“Touchdown Bulldogs! Touchdown Bulldogs! Touchdown Bulldogs!”

Dave made moments last forever.

His postgame sign-off still rings softly in the minds of LA Tech fans everywhere:

“So long, everybody.”

Now, it echoes with heartfelt goodbye.

A beloved figure both behind the mic and in the community, Dave was inducted into the LA Tech Athletics Hall of Fame in 2011, and the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame in 2019. He was named the Louisiana Sportscaster of the Year in 2009 and was honored numerous times as the state’s top college broadcaster by the Louisiana Sports Writers Association.

Beyond the press box, Dave was a husband, a father, and a friend. He is survived by his wife Marlene, of Barboursville, West Virginia, and their three children – Jamie, Jeff, and Jay.

Fifty years. One voice. Countless memories.

Sports

Kent State Lands Nine Track and Field Student-Athletes on CSC Academic All-District® Team

Story Links KENT, Ohio – Nine members of the Kent State track and field program were named to the 2025 Academic All-District® Team, the College Sports Communicators announced on Tuesday. Keeli Dunaway, Charles Pawlosky, Aliesha Shaw and Karsyn Spears were recognized for the second time in their careers, while Connor […]

Published

40 minutes ago

June 24, 2025

Your Sports Nation

KENT, Ohio – Nine members of the Kent State track and field program were named to the 2025 Academic All-District® Team, the College Sports Communicators announced on Tuesday.

Keeli Dunaway, Charles Pawlosky, Aliesha Shaw and Karsyn Spears were recognized for the second time in their careers, while Connor Boland, Svenia De Coninck, Shelby Grover, Owen Miller and Layne Studer are first-time honorees.

The CSC Academic All-District® team recognizes the nation’s top student-athletes for their combined performances athletically and in the classroom. In order to be eligible for the award, a student-athlete must have reached sophomore athletic status and be starter or key reserve while maintaining at least a 3.50 cumulative grade point average.

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2025 CSC Academic All-District Team (Kent State honorees)

Connor Boland, Sophomore, Environmental Science

Svenia De Coninck, Junior, Biology

Keeli Dunaway, Junior, Actuarial Mathematics

Shelby Grover, Sophomore, Health Education and Promotion

Owen Miller, Sophomore, Accounting

Charles Pawlosky, R- Sophomore, Business Management

Aliesha Shaw, Graduate Student, Exercise Science

Karsyn Spears, Junior, Finance

Layne Studer, Sophomore, Business Management