BLOOMINGTON, Minn. — The Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) announced its Athlete of the Week award winners for golf and outdoor track & field on Tuesday. Student-athletes from Bethel, Carleton, Concordia, Gustavus, Saint John’s, and St. Schoalstica claimed the Conference’s weekly honors.

The MIAC Athlete of the Week awards are nominated by the Conference’s sports information directors and selected by MIAC staff. Throughout the spring season, team sports (baseball, softball, and tennis) Athletes of the Week will be recognized on Monday afternoons, with individual sports (golf and outdoor track & field) announced on Tuesday afternoons. The winners of the latest Athlete of the Week awards are listed below, along with details on their outstanding performances.

The MIAC Athlete of the Week archive has complete details on each week’s selections and winners.

MIAC Men’s Golf Athlete of the Week
Tim Fultz
Saint John’s University
Jr.
Stillwater, Minn.

Tim Fultz recorded his second consecutive medalist honor with a 1-under par 71 to lead the Johnnies to a dual victory over Carleton on 5/3. The below-par round was the sixth at par or better this season for Fultz, who finished second on the team with a 74.0 average in 24 rounds, including a 73.0 average in eight rounds this spring.

MIAC Women’s Golf Athlete of the Week
Carter Sichol
Carleton College
Jr.
Winnetka, Ill. New Trier

Carter Sichol closed out the regular season with medalist honors at the St. Kate’s/Carleton Final Fling on 5/3-4. Carter finished at a career-best 2-under par (74-70=144) for a one-shot victory. This was her first victory of the season and the ninth first-place finish of her career.

MIAC Men’s Outdoor Track Athlete of the Week
Calvin Boone
The College of St. Scholastica
Gr.
St. Paul, Minn. | Highland Park

Calvin Boone ran the top 1500 time in the MIAC this season, clocking in at 3:49.84 at the Meet of the UnSaintly on 4/30. Boone’s time ranks 15th in NCAA Division III this season.

MIAC Men’s Outdoor Field Athlete of the Week
Cooper Folkestad
Concordia College
Sr.
Wadena, Minn. | Wadena-Deer Park

Cooper Folkestad broke his own program record in the shot put at the Cobber Open on 5/3, posting a distance of 18.62 meters (61′ 1.25″). The throw leads all of NCAA Division III this season. Folkestad is the first MIAC athlete in at least three decades to record a shot put distance greater than 61 feet. 

MIAC Women’s Outdoor Track Athlete of the Week
Shalom Sulungaine
Bethel University
So.
Blaine, Minn.

Shalom Sulungaine broke her own program record in the 400-meter dash at the Meet of the UnSaintly on 4/30 with a time of 55.03. Sulungaine finished just 0.02 out of first place, giving her the sixth-fastest time in Division III this spring.

MIAC Women’s Outdoor Field Athlete of the Week
Megan Geraets
Gustavus Adolphus College
Sr.
Mankato, Minn. | East

Megan Geraets set program records in both the 200-meter and long jump at the Ole Open on 5/3. Geraets won the 200-meter with a lifetime best 23.96, which ranks first in the MIAC, second in the region, and sixth in Division III this season. Geraets also won the long jump with a wind-legal lifetime best mark of 5.82 meters (19′ 1.25″), which ranks first in the MIAC, second in the region, and 18th in the country.

CITY SECTION BOYS VOLLEYBALL PLAYOFFS

MONDAY’S RESULTS

DIVISION I

First Round

#1 Taft, bye

#8 Cleveland d. #9 Verdugo Hills, 31-29, 25-18, 26-24

#5 Marquez d. #12 Birmingham, 25-20, 25-18, 26-28, 25-22

#4 South East d. #13 Narbonne, 25-17, 25-14, 25-17

#3 Marshall, bye

#6 Kennedy d. #11 South Gate, 25-15, 23-25, 31-29, 25-21

#7 Van Nuys d. #10 Fremont, 25-19, 23-25, 31-29, 25-21

#2 Carson, bye

DIVISION II

First Round

#17 LACES d. #16 Math & Science College, 3-1

#13 Reseda d. #20 Rancho Dominguez, 25-13, 25-22, 25-18

#14 San Pedro d. #19 Jordan, 3-2

#18 Bravo d. #15 Los Angeles, 25-21, 17-25, 15-25, 25-21, 15-13

DIVISION III

First Round

#17 Annenberg at #16 Animo Robinson, 4 p.m.

#20 King/Drew at #13 Stern, 4 p.m.

#19 San Fernando d. #14 Animo De La Hoya, 25-23, 25-15, 25-27, 25-21

#18 Smidt Tech at #15 Animo Bunche, Tuesday at 4 p.m.

DIVISION IV

First Round

#17 Sotomayor d. #16 Jefferson, 3-0

#20 Belmont d. #13 USC Hybrid, 25-21, 24-26, 25-21, 25-18

#19 Animo Watts at #14 Neuwirth Leadership, 25-19, 25-19, 17-25, 25-22

#15 West Adams d. #18 Alliance Bloomfield, 25-12, 25-9, 25-14

DIVISION V

First Round

#17 USC-MAE d. #16 Teach Tech Charter, 25-17, 25-6, 26-24

#13 Community Charter d. #20 Aspire Ollin, 24-26, 25-19, 32-30, 25-13

#14 New West at #19 Alliance Marine-Innovation, 25-17, 25-17, 25-21

#18 Alliance Health Services at #15 Academia Avance, 4 p.m.

Wednesday, May 7

OPEN DVISION

QUARTERFINALS

#8 Grant at #1 Venice, 7 p.m.

#5 Palisades at #4 Granada Hills, 7 p.m.

#6 Eagle Rock at #3 El Camino Real, 7 p.m.

#7 University at #2 Chatsworth, 7 p.m.

Note: Second Round in Divisions II-V, May 8 at 4 p.m. at higher seeds; Quarterfinals in Division I, May 8 at 7 p.m. at higher seeds; Quarterfinals in Divisions II-V, May 12 at 7 p.m. at higher seeds; Semifinals in Open and Division I, May 13 at 7 p.m. at higher seeds; Semifinals in Division DII-V, May 14 at 7 p.m. at higher seeds; Finals in all divisions May 16-17 (sites and times TBD).

People come to Florida for the sunshine and wide beaches, and they are often surprised by the vast differences from town to town. From pastel-painted bungalows in the Keys to Italian-inspired downtowns and laid-back islands in the Gulf where dolphins outnumber chain restaurants, every destination in the Sunshine State has a personality all its own. To help you narrow down your options, here are 12 of Florida’s best beach towns.

1. New Smyrna Beach

Best for catching a wave

Island time rules New Smyrna Beach, an adorably funky town with a deep-rooted surf scene. No high rises here, but NSB is home to 175-foot Ponce Inlet Lighthouse, the state’s tallest. Flagler Avenue, lined with indie surf shops and seafood joints, leads straight to the sand. Find the best waves in the inlet and near the jetty, but be aware that you can drive on the beach in Volusia County. For a more idyllic atmosphere – and wildlife galore, including manatees and leatherback sea turtles – bring your board to the undeveloped Canaveral National Seashore. 

Vibes: A funky, small-town surf haven where no shirt, no shoes is no problem.

Best thing to do: Take surf lessons – consistently calm waves make the Space Coast one of the best places to learn in Florida. 

Where to stay: The Salty Mermaid Hotel puts you steps from both the beach and Flagler Avenue. Across the causeway, Black Dolphin Inn feels exclusive, with balconies overlooking the Indian River.

Where to eat: Make brunch reservations at The Baker’s Table specifically to try the conch fritters.

Planning tip: The best swells roll in during fall (especially during hurricane season) and winter. 

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2. Venice

Best for shelling and beachcombing

Featuring pink Mediterranean Revival buildings and a downtown lined with mom-and-pop shops, Venice blends the natural beauty of the Gulf Coast with Italian charm. The real draw, though, lies beneath your feet. Area beaches include Venice Beach, certified a Blue Wave Beach by Clean Beaches Coalition; Brohard Paw Park, the county’s only dog beach; and Caspersen Beach, aka Shark Tooth Beach.

Vibes: Easygoing Gulf Coast charm with a hint of Mediterranean elegance.

Best thing to do: Hunt for fossilized shark teeth in the sand at Caspersen Beach, especially at low tide or after a storm. Stroll down past the crowds to find lots of unbroken, perfectly triangular teeth. 

Where to stay: Inn at the Beach puts you directly across the street from Venice Beach and offers guests complimentary beach chairs and umbrellas. 

Where to eat: Don’t be put off by the fact that Belki’s Cuban Deli is inside a gas station; the pressed Cubano sandwich is as authentic as it gets. 

3. St Augustine

Best for getting a taste of Europe – without the jet lag

St Augustine is the oldest continuously occupied European settlement in the United States, founded by Spanish settlers in 1565. Cobblestone streets, Spanish colonial architecture and centuries-old landmarks like the Castillo de San Marcos define its historic core. After wandering the narrow streets, luxuriate on wide, pristine beaches. Spend a day at St Augustine Beach, with sand volleyball, a fishing pier and splash pad. Hang ten at quiet Vilano Beach or dive into a book at secluded Crescent Beach. 

Vibes: Old World Europe meets classic Florida beach vacation.

Best thing to do: Stroll pedestrian-only St. George Street. Visit the Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse, explore the Pirate & Treasure Museum, and try unexpected popsicle flavors at The Hyppo (my personal favorite: Datil Pepper Cheesecake, using native spicy-sweet Datil peppers). 

Where to stay: Nine historic homes and a number of elaborate fountains and gardens make up The Collector Inn. You can walk almost everywhere, but the inn also offers complimentary bicycles. 

Where to eat: The five-course Chef’s Pairing Menu at La Cocina is worth the spend. It’s at The Cellar Upstairs on the rooftop of San Sebastian Winery. 

Planning tip: St Augustine really shines at Christmas. Book early – like, a year early – to witness the magic of 20 city blocks plus boats and even the lighthouse decked out in millions of lights. 

4. Islamorada

Best for a tropical island getaway without leaving the US

This Upper Florida Keys village encompassing six keys tempts sun worshippers with crystal-clear water, palm-fringed beaches and arguably the best snorkeling and fishing in Florida. Beachgoers should hit Anne’s Beach and Founders Park Beach, two of the nicest beaches in the Keys. 

Vibes: Feels like slipping away to the Bahamas – no passport required.

Best thing to do: Book a combo jet ski and snorkeling tour to experience Islamorada’s incredible coral reefs and marine life. Sportfishing enthusiasts should also book a fishing charter, either deep sea or to the shallow “flats.”

Where to stay: Amara Cay offers amenities galore, from a private beach and water taxi to paddleboard rentals, snorkeling excursions and Ocean Golf, an experience that allows you to hit biodegradable, fish food-filled golf balls into the ocean.

Where to eat: See which key lime pie reigns supreme by trying it at several places: Midway Cafe, Marker 88 and Green Turtle Inn all have borderline transformative versions. Make a quick detour at Blond Giraffe Key Lime Pie Factory in Tavernier (Key Largo), too. For research, of course.

5. Grayton Beach

Best for a laid-back 30A escape

Taking the creative free spirit of the Florida Panhandle to heart, Grayton Beach is a 1-mile stretch of bohemian paradise between Destin and Panama City Beach. It’s a tranquil base for exploring Highway 30A, surrounded by rare coastal dune lakes (they exist only in five places worldwide) and filled with unpretentious cafes and art galleries – including the Grayt Wall of Art, an outdoor gallery on a fence. 

Vibes: Eclectic and artsy.

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Best thing to do: Rent kayaks in Grayton Beach State Park and paddle the glassy coastal dune lakes. 

Where to stay: Beach access is a contentious topic along Highway 30A; choose a vacation rental with a deeded private beach (not just beach access). If you’re OK with jockeying for space on the public beaches, Hibiscus Coffee & Guesthouse is an adorable, affordable B&B. 

Where to eat: The Red Bar’s floor-to-ceiling decor, live music and simple but ultra-fresh Gulf Coast cuisine embody the exact vibe of Grayton Beach. 

Planning tip: Unfortunately, several beaches section off small public-access areas, cramming people into rectangles. Avoid this by visiting a 100% public beach – but arrive early or late (before 8am or after 4pm). Walton County Tourism created a helpful interactive beach access map; the best public accesses include Grayton Beach State Park, Topsail, Deer Lake State Park and Inlet Beach. 

6. Fernandina Beach

Best for foodies

On Amelia Island in far northeastern Florida, Fernandina Beach oozes coastal charm and Southern hospitality. Its riverside historic district is filled with Victorian-style boutiques, chef-driven restaurants and Florida’s oldest bar. Aside from the annual Shrimp Festival in early May, everything, including beaches, is typically blissfully uncrowded. Main Beach and Seaside offer classic beach experiences with concessions and sand volleyball, while Fort Clinch State Park is wild and secluded. 

Vibes: A Deep South beach town reminiscent of Charleston, South Carolina. 

Best thing to do: Explore Boneyard Beach, strewn with hauntingly beautiful sun-bleached driftwood. No swimming, though; due to submerged trees, it’s not safe. 

Where to stay: With its wraparound porch, direct beach access and daily chef-prepared breakfast, Elizabeth Pointe Lodge embodies Fernandina Beach culture. 

Where to eat: Head to T-Ray’s Burger Station, in a former gas station off the well-beaten tourist path, for juicy burgers and fluffy breakfast biscuit sandwiches. 

7. Pensacola Beach

Best for an active beach trip

If it can be done on (or in) the water or a beach, you’re sure to find it in Pensacola. Take your pick: surfing, fishing, diving, paddling, jet skiing, hiking, parasailing, snorkeling, biking, boating or simply soaking up the sun. Though often lumped in with Pensacola proper, PB has a distinct tropical vibe, with a powder-sugar shoreline and Caribbean-esque turquoise water. For an even quieter escape, head 15 minutes west to Fort Pickens’ pristine Langdon Beach, part of Gulf Islands National Seashore.

Vibes: An easygoing island town with big adventure energy.

Best thing to do: Catch the US Navy’s Blue Angels, famed for their aerobatic flying skills, during a public practice. 

Where to stay: The Pensacola Beach Resort complements your adventures with perks like on-site beach gear rentals, easy-to-book excursions, an outdoor heated pool and a low-key beach bar. 

Where to eat: Order the fried red snapper collar at Pearl & Horn in Pensacola. The complex, 38-ingredient dish incorporates Adjika, a condiment so significant to Georgian culture it’s UNESCO-designated as “Intangible Cultural Heritage.”

8. Anna Maria Island

Best for a mini taste of the Bahamas 

Strict building rules prevent high-rises, helping Anna Maria Island maintain its castaway charm. The barrier island stretches just 7 miles but offers a full dose of life in the tropics, with shallow, clear-as-gin turquoise water, soft sand and beach bungalows in a rainbow of colors. Explore AMI’s three laid-back towns – Anna Maria, Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach – all linked by a free trolley. Hop between Coquina, Manatee and Bean Point beaches, all equally stunning.

Vibes: A Caribbean getaway, minus the strain on your wallet.

Best thing to do: Grab an ice cream cone from Two Scoops and catch the sunset on the pier. 

Where to stay: Choose from candy-colored cottages or resort-style condos – both with private beach access – at sister properties Tradewinds Beach Resort and Tortuga Beach Resort. 

Where to eat: Have lunch (or dinner or drinks) at Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe, a true toes-in-the-sand establishment in Holmes Beach. And whether for breakfast or a midday treat, stop into The Donut Experiment for customizable, made-in-front-of-you donuts. 

Planning tip: Snag free parking in centrally-located Holmes Beach and rent bicycles (or beach gear, fishing rods, kayaks, even strollers) from AMI Beach Fun Rentals, then explore on two wheels. 

9. Delray Beach

Best for strolling from galleries to the beach without needing a car

Walkable, vibrant Delray Beach has a fantastic cultural scene. There’s a sprawling arts district, a dedicated art trail, over 40 murals throughout town and scores of unique museums. Highlights include the Morikami Japanese Gardens, Silverball Pinball Museum and Spady Cultural Heritage Museum, dedicated to Black history in Palm Beach County. Atlantic Avenue is the hub for local dining and nightlife, and it also conveniently leads straight to Delray Municipal Beach. 

Vibes: A walkable, artsy beach town buzzing with culture and creativity.

Best thing to do: Catch a Twilight Tribute Series concert at Old School Square Amphitheatre on the third Thursday of every month. Tribute bands cover artists ranging from Zac Brown Band to Bon Jovi and No Doubt. 

Where to stay: Crane’s Beach House feels like a posh hideaway tucked in the jungle, but it’s just one block off Atlantic Avenue and a five-minute walk to the beach.

Where to eat: Grab $3 tacos, $5 quesadillas and $6 margaritas during happy hour (4pm to 7pm and 12am to 2am daily) at El Camino. 

Planning tip: When you just don’t feel like walking, take advantage of Freebee, a free, on-demand shuttle service operating downtown. 

10. St George Island

Best for getting proper R&R on the beach (with your dog)

Tucked along Florida’s spectacularly quiet “Forgotten Coast,” St George Island is the place to go when you want to do, well, nothing. The 22-mile-long barrier island is home to just one stop sign and St George Island State Park, consistently ranked one of Dr. Beach’s top US beaches – and the 2023 winner. Outside the state park, the island’s other beaches welcome dogs, along with many restaurants and vacation rentals. Stop in Apalachicola on your way, famous for oysters and candy-colored homes.

Vibes: The type of small, dreamy coastal town Nicholas Sparks would choose for a book setting.

Best thing to do: Climb 92 wooden steps and a ladder to the top of Cape St George Light, a reconstructed 19th-century lighthouse overlooking the Gulf and Apalachicola Bay.

Where to stay: Walk to everything in under five minutes from St George Inn, with vintage vibes and a huge wraparound deck. If you have a full week, rent a home in the exclusive St George Plantation. 

Where to eat: Load up on fresh oysters, grouper tacos and signature Sandblaster frozen cocktails at dog-friendly Blue Parrot. Right next door, you can also rent jet skis. 

11. Cocoa Beach

Best for families

Cocoa Beach strikes an unusual balance: It’s a laid-back surf town (even nicknamed the “East Coast surf capital”), yet also has loads of family-friendly attractions. Enjoy free beach access at Lori Wilson Park, watch a rocket launch, grab soft serve on the 800-foot-long Cocoa Beach Pier, and browse Ron Jon, the world’s largest surf shop. With Orlando theme parks just an hour away and proximity to the Kennedy Space Center, this makes a flexible basecamp.

Vibes: A classic surf town where rockets regularly launch and kids learn to ride their first wave.

Best thing to do: Dedicate at least half a day to the Kennedy Space Center, and in the summer, book a nighttime kayaking tour to see rare bioluminescence. 

Where to stay: The Hilton Garden Inn Cocoa Beach Oceanfront caters to families, with an arcade, tremendous pool deck and two private paths directly to the beach. 

Where to eat: Try Caribbean fusion like the Cheesesteak Caribe on Puerto Rican Sobao bread at The Tiny Turtle. 

Planning tip: Cocoa Beach hotels spike in demand around rocket launch and cruise ship schedules. 

12. Marco Island

Best for exploring the Everglades in a bougie way

Marco Island is like a tale of two cities, but in one. A plethora of mansions and exclusive resorts call it home, plus it serves as the gateway to the Ten Thousand Islands and Everglades National Park, the largest subtropical wilderness in the US and one of the world’s biggest wetlands. Adding to its allure, Marco Island offers unspoiled beaches and excellent fishing (especially for snook, tarpon and grouper).

Vibes: A little bit Everglades, a little bit extravagance.

Best thing to do: Take a day trip to Everglades City, about 40 minutes away. Hop on an airboat tour through a mangrove jungle or cruise through the Ten Thousand Islands, inside the national park.

Where to stay: The JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort is a bit spendy, but worth it. On an expansive private beach, the JW has a whopping 12 restaurants, two golf courses, a wonderful spa, four pools and 10K Alley, an arcade and bowling alley with an impressive taproom. 

Where to eat: Sample the extensive fresh oyster and raw bar selections at The Oyster Society. A rotating selection of about a dozen oysters changes daily, and there’s a sushi bar in the dining room. Save room for the real star: the spiced carrot cake. 

Curtis Hale from the men’s soccer team and Healy Bledsoe from the women’s basketball and lacrosse teams were named recipients of the annual Van Diest and Laura Golden awards, respectively, as Colorado College’s top male and female student-athletes among the 2025 graduating class.
    
The awards, given to the outstanding male and female student-athletes who demonstrate excellence in athletics, academics, leadership and college contribution, were presented on Tuesday, May 6, during the school’s honors convocation.
    
Hale earned his first All-America selection last fall and is the first player in Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference history to win the league’s Defensive Player of the Year award three times.
 
The Richmond, Va., native also earned All-Region First Team honors for three consecutive seasons. Last fall, he started all 22 matches in 2024, racked up a career-high eight points (2g, 4a) and directed the CC defense that finished second in the nation in goals-against average (1.83).
 
Hale has a 3.81 grade-point average and is majoring in mathematical economics. He was named a CSC Academic All-American each of his last two seasons at Colorado College.

Bledsoe, meanwhile, helped the women’s basketball team to a program-record 23 victories and first appearance in the NCAA Division III Tournament since 1990 this season. She was the SCAC Defensive Player of the Year as a junior.

 

The senior from Bend, Ore., was also a vital part of guiding the women’s lacrosse team to the NCAA Tournament each of the last two years, including a run to the Sweet 16 as a junior. Bledsoe was a first-team all-region selection in 2024 and a preseason All-America honorable mention heading into her senior campaign.

Bledsoe has a 3.87 grade-point average with a major in education and is a four-time selection to the CSC Academic All-District teams.

 

The Van Diest Award, named after former Colorado College trustee and local civic leader Edmond C. Van Diest, has been presented annually since 1936. The Laura Golden Award originated in 1981 in honor of the late women’s basketball coach and 1995 CC Athletics Hall of Fame inductee and has been awarded every year thereafter except for 1982 and 1995. 

Several other Colorado College student-athletes received an all-campus award on Tuesday:

 

Will Bavier (men’s soccer) – Japanese Language Award

 

Veronica Bianco (women’s soccer) – E.K. Gaylord Award for Journalism

 

Erin Capell (women’s track & field) – Robert William Kaye Prize for Economics & Business

 

Kaelin Enga (women’s soccer) – Mary Alice Hamilton Award in Organismal Biology and Ecology

 

Sean Lam (men’s track & field) – ACS Analytical Chemistry Award

Julien Lee (men’s cross country / track and field) – Award in Excellence in French

 

Alison Mueller-Hickler (women’s cross country / track and field) – Crown-Goodman Presidential Scholarship

 

Lola Muntiu (women’s swimming) – ACS Analytical Chemistry Award

 

Kelsey Shankle (women’s lacrosse) – Robert William Kaye Prize for Economics & Business

 

Ashley Stewart (women’s soccer) – Robert William Kaye Prize for Economics & Business

 

VERMILLION, S.D. — South Dakota volleyball and the Summit League announced the 2025 fall schedule Tuesday afternoon. The Coyotes will play 28 matches with 12 nonconference opponents and 16 Summit League regular season games.
 
Prior to the regular season, the Coyotes will host Northern Iowa for an exhibition at the Sanford Coyote Sports Center at 2 p.m. on August 23.
 

The nonconference schedule features four tournaments, including two in Vermillion at the SCSC. The Yotes head to Bozeman, Montana to kick off the season for a three-day tournament hosted by Montana State. In addition to facing the Bobcats, the Yotes will also take on Oregon and Prairie View A&M from August 29-31. The following weekend, South Dakota heads east to Storrs, Connecticut for a tournament including Colgate, Ball State and host team UCONN.

South Dakota’s home opener will be on day one of the Coyote Invitational on September 11 against Green Bay at 7 p.m. The Yotes face Florida Gulf Coast on September 12 at 7 p.m. and matchup with Kansas on September 13 at 5 p.m.

 

The Coyotes are back in Vermillion for the second weekend in a row when they welcome Villanova, Wichita State and Drake to the SCSC for the South Dakota Classic from September 18-20.

 

Of the 12 nonconference opponents, nine ended the 2024 season ranked inside the top-100 RPI and two were ranked inside the top-25 RPI (Kansas and Oregon). Five nonconference foes were NCAA Tournament Teams in 2024. Oregon was a Sweet 16 team and would fall in five to eventual National Champion Pittsburgh. Kansas advanced to the Round of 32, while Colgate, FGCU and Wichita State all fell in the first round.

The Yotes play four of the first six conference matches on the road against North Dakota (Sept 25), at Denver (Oct. 4), at Omaha (Oct. 11) and at Kansas City (Oct. 16). The conference home opener is that Saturday, September 27 when Oral Roberts visits the SCSC.

 

USD plays three of the last five matches in October in Vermillion starting with South Dakota State on Saturday, October 18 for a 6 p.m. match. The Yotes make a quick trip up to Fargo to face North Dakota State on Tuesday, October 21 before returning home for two straight home matches against Denver on Thursday, October 23 and North Dakota on Saturday, October 25. The Coyotes hit the road the following week for matches at St. Thomas (Oct. 30) and at South Dakota State (Nov. 1).

 

The final two weeks of the regular season has the Yotes in Vermillion in three of the final four matches starting on November 6 with USD hosting Omaha and on November 8 against Kansas City in the SCSC. South Dakota in on the road on November 15 at Oral Roberts, before returning home for the regular season finale against North Dakota State on November 18.

The top six teams of the Summit League standings will compete in the Summit League Tournament November 23-25 in Brookings. The Yotes won their fifth tournament championship in the last seven years last fall with a 3-2 win over SDSU. The winner of the tournament earns an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.

 

BATON ROUGE – LSU student-athletes continue to combine their success in competition with that of accomplishment in the classroom as 12 teams recorded a 990 or better, including eight with a perfect 1,000, as the NCAA released the Academic Progress Rate for institutions on Tuesday.

The APR provides a real-time look at a team’s academic success each semester by tracking the academic progress of each student-athlete on scholarship. The APR accounts for eligibility, retention and graduation and provides a measure of each team’s academic performance.

LSU’s SEC Champion gymnastics teams led the way with a multi-year score of 1,000. Other teams recording a perfect multi-year score of 1,000 include men’s cross country, men’s tennis, women’s golf, women’s tennis, softball, beach volleyball and volleyball.

LSU’s sports with a multi-year score of 990 or better include baseball (993), men’s golf (993), women’s cross country (993), and women’s soccer (990).

The multi-year APR score takes into account classroom results for each team for the 2020-21, 2021-22, 2022-23, and 2023-24 academic years.

Overall, all of LSU’s sports teams achieved the NCAA minimum score of 930 in both the single and multi-year rate. Rounding out the multi-year APR scores for LSU were men’s basketball (938), football (952), men’s swimming and diving (969), men’s track and field (965), women’s basketball (978), women’s swimming and diving (984) and women’s track and field (977).

For the APR single-year rate, which is based on academic results from 2023-24, 14 LSU teams scored a perfect 1,000 with football leading the way with an all-time high for the program. Football’s APR accomplishment comes after the program recorded the highest grade point average for a semester on record during the fall with a 3.059 average.

Other teams tallying a perfect 1,000 in the single-year rate include: baseball, men’s cross country, men’s and women’s golf, gymnastics, softball, soccer, beach volleyball, men’s and women’s tennis and volleyball.

LSU’s APR scores come after the university’s sports teams combined to score an 89 in the NCAA’s Graduation Success Rate last fall. The 89 GSR mark extended LSU’s streak of consecutive years of scoring at least an 89 to eight.