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Kansas City CPKC stadium will showcase Ilona Maher, women's rugby

Published

9 months ago

April 10, 2025

Kansas City CPKC stadium will showcase Ilona Maher, women's rugby

CPKC Stadium will be the stage for another women’s sports event next month. Video above: Kansas City eyes 2031 Women’s World Cup, Rugby World CupThe USA Women’s national rugby team, known as the Women’s Eagles, will face off against Canada on Friday, May 2, at CPKC Stadium. The women’s team will certainly be looking for a win after losing its past three matches against Ireland, France and England. It won’t be easy, though; the last time the Women’s Eagles faced Canada on April 28, 2024, they lost 50-7. But the Women’s Eagles have several strong players: Alev Kelter, who scored 21 points in her six matches at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris; Kristi Kirsche, who also helped lead the Olympic rugby team with 20 points; Alex Sedrick, who scored 17 points during the women’s journey to their bronze medal. But one player has caught the attention of millions online: Ilona Maher, who proved she’s not just skilled on the field but also in the ballroom, coming in second place on “Dancing with the Stars.”She’s amassed nearly 5 million followers on Instagram and 3.5 million on TikTok, went viral last year during the Olympics and has held onto the internet stardom. Fans love her sense of humor, her athletic prowess and her message about breaking stereotypes about women and athletes. Maher will join the Women’s Eagles in Kansas City at the home of KC Current. The match begins at 7:30 p.m. CPKC Stadium is the first stadium in the world built for a professional women’s sports team.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. —

CPKC Stadium will be the stage for another women’s sports event next month.

Video above: Kansas City eyes 2031 Women’s World Cup, Rugby World Cup

The USA Women’s national rugby team, known as the Women’s Eagles, will face off against Canada on Friday, May 2, at CPKC Stadium.

The women’s team will certainly be looking for a win after losing its past three matches against Ireland, France and England. It won’t be easy, though; the last time the Women’s Eagles faced Canada on April 28, 2024, they lost 50-7.

But the Women’s Eagles have several strong players: Alev Kelter, who scored 21 points in her six matches at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris; Kristi Kirsche, who also helped lead the Olympic rugby team with 20 points; Alex Sedrick, who scored 17 points during the women’s journey to their bronze medal.

But one player has caught the attention of millions online: Ilona Maher, who proved she’s not just skilled on the field but also in the ballroom, coming in second place on “Dancing with the Stars.”

Dan Mullan

She’s amassed nearly 5 million followers on Instagram and 3.5 million on TikTok, went viral last year during the Olympics and has held onto the internet stardom.

Fans love her sense of humor, her athletic prowess and her message about breaking stereotypes about women and athletes.

Maher will join the Women’s Eagles in Kansas City at the home of KC Current. The match begins at 7:30 p.m.

CPKC Stadium is the first stadium in the world built for a professional women’s sports team.

Related Topics:athletic event Olympics rugby sports team usa video

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This Week in Dartmouth Sports: 1.6 – 1.12

Published

5 minutes ago

January 6, 2026

Your Sports Nation

HANOVER, N.H. – Check out all the Big Green teams in action this week!

Men’s Hockey — Friday, January 9
No. 11/10 Dartmouth men’s hockey returns to Thompson Arena for one game this weekend. The Big Green host No. 20 Harvard at 7 PM on Friday, Jan. 9. The Big Green come off a pair of losses to now No. 20/19 Princeton and now No. 8 Quinnipiac. The Big Green are currently second in the ECAC with 18 points with a 6-2-0 record. Hayden Stavroff leads Dartmouth with 23 points while Hank Cleaves is second on the team with 18 points. The duo of Stavroff and Cleaves combined for 19 points in December, Stavroff led the NCAA with 10 points while Cleaves was second with nine. The Dartmouth netminders have split the cage all season with a combined 1.99 goals against average and a .905 save percentage. Emmett Croteau is second in the country in goals against average while leading the country with a .939 save percentage.

Men’s and Women’s Swimming and Diving – Friday, January 9 and Saturday, January 10
Dartmouth returns to action after the holiday break when the Big Green compete against Yale and Penn in Philadelphia this weekend. Both teams return to the pool after strong efforts at the Golden Grizzly Classic, which saw the women win the event and men finish in second. This will mark both teams’ first Ivy League meet away from home this season.

Women’s Hockey – Friday, January 9 and Saturday, January 10
The Big Green will kick off the final stretch of the 2025-26 season this weekend, welcoming Yale and Brown to Hanover for the final regular season meeting with the Bulldogs and Bears. The Big Green are 71-23-3 all time against Yale and 49-36-13 all time against the Bears. Dartmouth is coming off its most cohesive weekend of hockey according to Head Coach Maura Crowell, despite dropping two one-goal games to Vermont. Puck drop on both Friday and Saturday is set for 3 p.m. You can watch the Friday’s game on NESN, Saturday’s game on ESPN+, follow the live stats on DartmouthSports.com, or purchase tickets here.

Men’s Basketball – Saturday, January 10
The Dartmouth men’s basketball team will continue its Ivy League road stretch, traveling to Ithaca, New York to face Cornell at 2 p.m. on Saturday. The Big Green are coming off a 76-68 win on the road at Harvard Monday to open conference play. You can watch Saturday’s game on ESPN+ or follow the live stats at DartmouthSports.com.

Men’s and Women’s Track and Field – Saturday, January 10
The men’s and women’s track and field teams will host the Ivy vs. America East Challenge on Friday, marking their first meet of 2026 at the Leverone Field House. You can follow live results here.

Women’s Basketball – Saturday, January 10
The Big Green look to bounce back from an Ivy League opening loss to Harvard when they remain home to host Cornell on Saturday. Opening tipoff is set for 1 p.m., with a postgame shootaround for fans. Against the Crimson, Dartmouth was led by Cate MacDonald, who scored a career-high 17 points. The Big Green will look to avenge two competitive losses to the Big Red last season.

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Meet the TSWA 2025 Tennessee high school volleyball all-state teams

Published

7 minutes ago

January 6, 2026

Your Sports Nation

The Tennessee Sports Writers Association has released its all-state teams for the 2025 TSSAA volleyball season.

Class A

Outside hitters: Derionna Bell, Gordonsville, Sr.; Amanda Gardner, Chattanooga School for the Arts & Sciences, Sr.; Sydney Heisig, Chattanooga School for the Liberal Arts, So.; Campbell Leathers, Eagleville, So.; Savanna Moore, Chattanooga School for the Arts & Sciences, Sr.; Morgan Ryan, East Robertson, Jr.; Gracie Sims, Union City, Sr.; Jena Wright, Merrol Hyde Magnet, Jr..

Middle hitter: Millie Emerson, Summertown, Sr.

More: Meet the Tennessean’s All-Midstate volleyball team for the 2025 TSSAA season

More: Summit captures first ever TSSAA volleyball state championship with Class AAA win over Brentwood

Setters: Brooke Briggs, Gordonsville, Sr.; Preslee Campbell, Eagleville, Sr.; Gentry Hansen, Merrol Hyde, So..

Liberos: Jalyn Hammons, Sale Creek, Jr.; Presley Knowles, Eagleville, Jr.; Breleigh Winters, Loretto, Sr..

Class AA

Outside hitters: Anarela Mejias Ayala, Valor Prep, Jr.; Abby Baker, Creek Wood, Sr.; Stella Huber, Lexington, Sr.; Jentelle McNairl, Valor Prep, So.; Makayla Moore, Sullivan East, Fr.; Abigail Prado, Seymour, Jr.; Becca Rogers, Signal Mountain, Sr.; Jacey Taylor, Chuckey-Doak, So.

Middle hitters: Rylee Key, Dyer County, Jr.; Wesley Thornton, Crockett County, So..

Setters: Raylie Gray, Volunteer, Jr.; Emery Huddleston, Upperman, Jr.; Kierstyn Ray, Dyer County, Jr..

Liberos: Ella Burd, Lakeland Prep, Sr.; Evie Rogers, Dyer County, Jr..

Class AAA

Outside hitters: Gunny Brock, Cleveland, Sr.; Elia Dinsmore, Independence, Sr.; Addie Harris, Arlington, Jr.; Eliza Hicks, William Blount, Sr.; Maggie Kalisz, Summit, Sr.; Mia McGrath, Siegel, Sr.; Daisy Oatsvall, Brentwood, Sr.; Molly Teague, Blackman, Sr.; Sydni Vice, Germantown Houston, Sr..

Middle hitters: Keira Garinger, Clarksville, Sr.; Eliza McKnight, Brentwood, Sr..

Setters: Mela Brice, Dobyns-Bennett, Sr.; Lauren Duncan, Brentwood, Sr.; Lucy O’Daniel, Science Hill, So.; Amanda Shanahan, Summit, Sr..

Libero: Isa Dau, Science Hill, Jr..

Eagleville’s Campbell Leathers (12) become emotional after winning the TSSAA Class A volleyball state championship game against Gordonsville at Middle Tennessee State University’s Murphy Center Friday, Oct. 24, 2025, in Murfreesboro, Tenn.

Division II-A

Outside hitters: Jada Burns, Middle Tennessee Christian, Sr.; Darby Felts, Lakeway Christian, Sr.; Sadie Kroeger, Providence Christian, Sr.; Camryn Neal, Silverdale Baptist, Sr.; Anna Ofenheusle, Friendship Christian, Sr.; Anna Clay Shirley, Middle Tennessee Christian, Sr..

Middle hitters: Kayte Madison Bjornstad, Providence Christian, Sr.; Sophie Easterday, Silverdale Baptist, Jr.; Kendall Stansbury, Grace Christian Academy-Knoxville, Sr..

Setters: Addison Addair, Lakeway Christian, Sr.; Bailee Culpepper, Middle Tennessee Christian, Sr.; Caroline Hilton, Silverdale Baptist, Sr.; Sarah Johnson, Northpoint Christian, So..

Liberos: Addison Burks, Middle Tennessee Christian, Sr.; Annie Harney, Battle Ground Academy, Sr..

Division II-AA

Outside hitters: Tallulah Carney, Knox Webb, Sr.; Heidi Green, Father Ryan, Jr.; Mia Kinney, Knox Catholic, Jr.; Emma Mulvaney, Baylor School, Sr.; Camille Northcross, Briarcrest Christian, Jr.; Raegan Reeves, Christ Presbyterian Academy, Sr..

Middle hitters: Lucy Haywood, Christ Presbyterian Academy, Sr.; Haylee Munsey, Knox Catholic, Sr.; Nancy Ward, Briarcrest Christian, Jr..

Setters: Maddie Hobbs, Pope John Paul II, Jr.; Elise Jensen, Lipscomb Academy, Sr.; Sarah O’Connor, Briarcrest Christian, Sr..

Liberos: Ella Fisher, Pope John Paul II, So.; Cat Nygaard, Girls Preparatory School, Jr.; Rory Oleksik, Baylor School, Jr..

Tyler Palmateer covers high school sports for The Tennessean. Have a story idea for Tyler? Reach him at tpalmateer@tennessean.com and on the X platform, @tpalmateer83.

He also contributes to The Tennessean’s high school sports newsletter, The Bootleg. Subscribe to The Bootleg here.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Here are the 2025 TSWA high school all-state TSSAA volleyball teams

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East Fairmont’s Kyah Stump excels on volleyball court and in classroom | West Virginia High School Sports

Published

23 minutes ago

January 6, 2026

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Perkins Inks Professional Contract with MLV’s San Diego Mojo – Texas A&M Athletics

Published

38 minutes ago

January 6, 2026

Your Sports Nation

BRYAN-COLLEGE STATION – Texas A&M volleyball’s Morgan Perkins signed her first professional contract with Major League Volleyball’s (MLV) San Diego Mojo, the organization announced Tuesday.

Following an NCAA national title winning run, Perkins heads to the golden state to join the Mojo’s roster before the start of the 2026 MLV season. The middle blocker was a model of efficiency for the Aggies during the 2025 campaign, hitting at .422 percent throughout the season which ranks second in the program’s record books for a single season.

“I’m extremely excited for Morgan [Perkins] to start her pro career,” head coach Jamie Morrison said. “It’s been incredible watching her journey, and I’m so glad to see another one of our athletes take the next step to the professional level. I know she will continue to excel in the MLV.”

The Rosharon, Texas, native logged 168 kills on the year on 339 swings with only 25 errors. Her performance stood out even further during the SEC slate, as she hit at .474 percent which was No. 1 in the conference. On the defensive end she recorded 98 blocks which ranked third on the team, while also tacking on a single-season high 44 digs.

Perkins concluded her collegiate career with a plethora of honors, including most recently being named AVCA All-Southwest Honorable Mention. She was also tabbed as SEC Defensive Player of the Week last season, and All-Big 12 Second Team, All-Big 12 Freshman Team and two-time Big-12 Rookie of the Week during her time at Oklahoma.

FOLLOW THE AGGIES
Visit 12thMan.com for more information on Texas A&M volleyball. Fans can keep up to date with the A&M volleyball team on Facebook, Instagram and on Twitter/X by following @AggieVolleyball.

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Men’s Volleyball Selected To Tie First In NEC Preseason Poll

Published

55 minutes ago

January 6, 2026

Your Sports Nation

Men’s Volleyball | 1/6/2026 12:10:00 PM

Saint Francis Men’s Volleyball has been picked to tie first in the NEC Preseason Coaches Poll, the conference announced on Tuesday.

The Red Flash claimed two first place votes after repeating as NEC regular season champions in 2023, 2024, and 2025. This also marks the third time in the last four years that Saint Francis has been tabbed the preseason favorite.

The poll results are:

1. (tie) Daemen (3)

Saint Francis (2)

3. LIU (1)

4. FDU (1)

5. Manhattan

6. UMES

7. D’Youville

Manhattan and Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) will join the conference as both teams are newly formed men’s Division I volleyball programs. Both the Jaspers and the Hawks are immediately eligible for the NEC Championship during the 2026 season.

Saint Francis will begin its season in Utah against #8 BYU on Jan. 9 and 10.

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OHSAA girls volleyball, Greater Akron’s best from the 2025 season

Published

1 hour ago

January 6, 2026

Your Sports Nation

Jan. 6, 2026, 5:55 a.m. ET

The Akron Beacon Journal high school girls volleyball all-star team features multiple players from Archbishop Hoban and Wadsworth
Rowan Kelly of Wadsworth and Emerson Spiesz of Aurora are among the players named Player of the Year in their respective conferences.
Several recognized athletes, including players from Wadsworth, Highland, Copley and Nordonia, have committed to play volleyball at the collegiate level.
The list highlights top performers from various divisions, including seniors Rowan Kelly, Lauren Decker of Wadsworth, and the Mintz twins (Macie and Madison) of Hoban.

The 2025 high school girls volleyball season concluded with one Greater Akron team — Archbishop Hoban — reaching the state tournament. The Knights lost to eventual state champion Tipp City Tippecanoe (29-0) in Division III.

Wadsworth also made a Division II regional final appearance, losing to eventual state champion Avon (27-1).

So it is not a surprise the Beacon Journal girls volleyball team includes multiple Hoban and Wadsworth players.

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Here are the best of the best from the fall on the court in Greater Akron:

Rowan Kelly, Wadsworth, sr.

Kelly helped lead Wadsworth to Suburban League National Conference and Division II sectional and district championships. She was named the SLNC Player of the Year, and earned first-team honors on the All-Ohio, all-district and All-SLNC squads. Kelly finished this season with 671 assists (9.2 per set), 180 digs, 121 kills, 56 blocks and 35 aces. She has committed to play volleyball at Ohio University.

Lauren Decker, Wadsworth, sr.

Decker helped guide Wadsworth to Suburban League National Conference and Division II sectional and district titles. She was named the Division II District Player of the Year, earned first-team honors on the all-district and All-SLNC squads and was a second-team All-Ohio selection. Decker finished the season with 442 kills, 261 digs, 45 aces, 27 blocks and 22 assists. She has committed to play volleyball at Robert Morris University.

Macie Mintz, Hoban, sr.

One half of the Mintz twins who helped propel Hoban to Division III sectional, district and regional championships, Macie was a first-team selection on the All-Ohio and all-district teams. Mintz totaled 546 digs, 142 assists, 56 aces and two kills this season.

Madison Mintz, Hoban, sr.

The other half of the Mintz twins who helped lead Hoban to Division III sectional, district and regional titles, Madison was an All-Ohio second-team selection and an all-district first-team pick. Mintz totaled 892 assists, 291 digs, 91 kills, 49 aces and 30 blocks this season.

Samantha Dehrmann, Hoban, sr.

Dehrmann earned All-Ohio third-team and all-district first-team accolades after helping Hoban win Division III sectional, district and regional titles. She contributed 406 kills, 265 digs, 50 aces, 24 blocks and 12 assists in 2025.

Kamryn Heldreth, Highland, sr.

Heldreth led Higland to Divison III sectional and district championships, and a share of the Suburban League American Conference title. She was All-Ohio honorable mention, and was first-team all-district and All-SLAC. She finished the season with 271 kills, 78 digs, 78 blocks, 42 aces and eight assists. Heldreth has committed to play volleyball at Ashland University.

Emerson Spiesz, Aurora, sr.

Spiez led Aurora to Division III sectional and district titles, and a share of the Suburban League American Conference championship. She was named the Division III District Player of the Year, the SLAC Player of the Year, an All-Ohio honorable mention and earned first-team all-district and All-SLAC honors. Spiez totaled 328 digs, 305 service receptions, 97 assists and 43 aces. She has committed to play volleyball at University of South Carolina Upstate.

Kalynn Stoner, Copley, sr.

Stoner was named the Division I District Player of the Year and received first-team all-district and Suburban League American Conference honors. She finished the season with 303 digs, 294 kills, 48 blocks, 48 aces and 14 assists. Stoner has committed to play volleyball at Cedarville University.

Taylor Pucky, Twinsburg, sr.

Pucky received first-team Division II all-district and Suburban League National Conference accolades. She helped the Tigers win sectional and district crowns, and finished 2025 with 396 kills, 191 digs, 55 assists, 29 blocks and 22 aces.

Addison Lefeld, Nordonia, jr.

Lefeld earned first-team Division II all-district and Suburban League National Conference accolades. She completed the season with 328 kills, 137 digs, 70 aces, 33 blocks and seven assists. Lefeld is committed to play volleyball at University of Maryland, Baltimore County.

Tessa Milicia, Revere, sr.

Milicia received first-team all-district and Suburban League American Conference honors. She totaled 549 assists, 279 digs, 176 kills, 61 aces and 27 blocks in 2025.

Annie Quinlan, Copley, sr.

Quinlan received all-district first-team honors in Division I and finished the season with 714 assists, 228 digs, 58 kills, 33 blocks and 30 aces. She has committed to play volleyball at Ursuline College.

Lily Flohr, Norton, jr.

Flohr was named a Division IV District Player of the Year, the Metro Athletic Conference Player of the Year and received first-team all-district and All-MAC honors. She finished 2025 with 474 assists, 212 digs, 144 kills, 40 blocks and 33 aces.

Emma Butler, Mogadore, soph.

Butler recorded all-district first-team honors in Division VI-VII. She totaled 354 assists, 233 digs, 230 kills, 69 aces and seven blocks.

Rylee Kinnell, Nordonia, sr.

Kinnell earned all-district first-team honors in Division II and finished the season with 232 kills, 50 digs, 30 blocks, five aces and three assists. She has committed to play volleyball at George Mason University.