Massive changes are coming to the NCAA this year.

On Friday, June 6, Judge Claudia Wilken approved the House vs. NCAA legal settlement that will fundamentally change Division I college athletics for the imminent future. Some track and field and cross-country rosters could be significantly reduced as a result of the decision, which goes into effect for the 2025-2026 school year.

The class-action settlement has three major parts. It will allow universities to share revenue with athletes for the first time—expected to be $20.5 million in the first year—and will provide $2.8 billion in back payments to former NCAA athletes who were not eligible to receive NIL money from 2016-2024.

A third part of the settlement has already been affecting many track and field and cross-country athletes. The settlement will set roster limits on each sport. For cross-country, schools will be capped at 17 roster spots, and track and field will be limited to 45. Only schools that opt into revenue sharing will be bound to these numbers.

Previously, there was no limit on roster numbers and schools instead had to adhere to scholarship limits: 18 total for women and 12.6 for men. Now, institutions can provide as many scholarships as they have roster spots. But few schools are expected to have the financial resources to use all 45 or 17 potential scholarships.

Many schools that opt into the settlement have rosters that are larger than the new limits.

Over the past year, some schools that are members of the Power 4 conferences (ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, and SEC) have begun preparing their rosters for the new numbers. The University of Florida, for example, had 56 men listed on their track team this year and 19 on the cross-country roster, and athletes like Alec Miller were faced with the possibility of not having a spot next year. And some athletes, like Jake Rimmel at Virginia Tech, were already cut in anticipation of the settlement.

The SEC, additionally, will limit rosters even further than the settlement’s numbers. Men’s programs will be limited to 35 athletes for track and just 10 for cross-country.

Originally, the settlement mandated that teams must adhere to new roster limits for the 2025–2026 school year—and no athletes would be grandfathered in. At that time, Yahoo Sports estimated that over 15,000 athletes across all Division I members could be cut, depending on how many schools opt in to the settlement.

But after significant pushback from athletes, the settlement was amended to allow—but not mandate—schools to grandfather in athletes who would have otherwise lost their spot.

The schools are instructed to use “good-faith efforts” to identify athletes who “were removed or would have been removed from the roster for 2025-26 due to the implementation of the roster limits.” Those individuals will not count toward roster limits for the rest of their eligibility. This applies to current athletes and those who were recruited to be on a team for the 2025-2026 school year (e.g., incoming freshmen). Schools have until July 6 to identify these athletes.

On May 8, Notre Dame became the first school to commit to grandfathering in all athletes.

While the settlement was preliminarily approved in October by Judge Wilken, many athletes, parents, and coaches voiced concerns about roster limits—a part of the agreement that was originally not as widely discussed as back payments and revenue sharing. This pushback delayed the approval for nearly two months after the April 7 final hearing.

Track and field was one of the sports that was at the center of the debate around roster cuts. At the final approval hearing, Gracelyn Laudermilch, a senior distance runner at Northeast Bradford High School in Pennsylvania, gave a powerful speech about declining opportunities for athletes.

Last fall, she was prepared to commit to an unnamed school but was advised by the school’s coach to go elsewhere because the coach had learned they would have to cut at least 15 women from the team to adhere to roster limits. Laudermilch argued to Judge Wilken that roster limits would reduce chances for her and “thousands of athletes” and encouraged her to deny the settlement.

Laudermilch also discussed how smaller roster sizes could discourage schools from taking chances on less-developed runners. She cited Olympian Emily Mackay, who was a walk-on in college, as an example of someone who thrived with a long-term approach.

NCAA coaches have also expressed concerns with budgets cuts (or complete team eliminations) that could occur due to new expenses from revenue sharing. In March, some of the most prominent coaches in the sport—including Vin Lananna, Ed Eyestone, and Maurica Powell—expressed displeasure with the settlement in a “call-to-action” email, where they mentioned that although scholarship limits will technically increase, “collegiate track and field programs won’t likely see funding across institutions.”

Revenue sharing could strain athletic department budgets. Yahoo Sports has reported that most Power-4 schools plan to allocate 90 percent of revenue sharing to football and men’s basketball—the two sports that have the highest chance at generating athletic department revenue. Cross-country and track and field programs generally do not bring in much revenue, if any.

On June 7, the U.S. Track & Field and Cross-Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) issued a joint statement, along with coaching associations for wrestling, volleyball, and swimming and diving. The organizations voiced worries that funding for Olympic sports could shrink, and they urged Congress to intervene.

“We are concerned that the new financial obligations placed on schools will force administrators to divert attention and resources away from non-football and non-basketball sports—the very programs in which the majority of NCAA student-athletes participate,” the statement read. “This is no hypothetical. Budget cuts and program eliminations have already occurred in anticipation of [the settlement’s approval], and more are likely to follow.”

Theo Kahler is the news editor at Runner’s World. He’s a former all-conference collegiate runner at Winthrop University, and he received his master’s degree in liberal arts studies from Wake Forest University, where he was a member of one of the top distance-running teams in the NCAA. Kahler has reported on the ground at major events such as the Paris Olympics, U.S. Olympic Trials, New York City Marathon, and Boston Marathon. He’s run 14:20 in the 5K, 1:05:36 in the half marathon, and enjoys spotting tracks from the sky on airplanes. (Look for colorful ovals around football fields.)

AGAWAM – It’s not often two teams from Western Massachusetts are scheduled to compete against each other in their respective state tournament bracket.

But when they do, it’s meaningful.

Friday night was another prime example, as the No. 1 Agawam boys volleyball team defeated No. 8 East Longmeadow in the Division II state quarterfinals by a final score of 3-0 (25-13, 25-17, 25-16) inside Clifford P. Kibbe Gymnasium.

“This is exciting because I love how teams from the West have represented well,” Brownies coach Kevin Pender said. “When I look at the Elite 8 teams, I’m so proud of how far volleyball has come in the West.”

David Dzhenzherukha (game-high 16) and Elijah Ramos (14) earned 30 combined assists to help Agawam improve to 22-2. Although one of those defeats came against No. 2 Westfield in the regional Class A championship last month, the Brownies have since claimed nine consecutive sets in the state postseason.

“That was a big wakeup call,” Pender said. “I think it gave us important licks and lessons. We took our licks, and we didn’t bring our best that day, so we paid for it. But thankfully, it wasn’t a scenario where we were turning in our jerseys the next day.

“And now we’ve been able to incorporate kind of some of those pieces we need to work on in practice daily. But it’s about staying hungry for the next stop because nothing is guaranteed.”

Agawam will now face No. 4 West Springfield in the D-II state semifinals on Tuesday night from Chicopee Comp at 6:30 p.m.

Despite eight assists from Christian Bui and 13 combined kills between Ben Mannheim (seven) and Tavion Rehbein (six), the Spartans completed their historic season at 18-5.

East Longmeadow won its first 15 games, 13 of which were via shutout, as it earned its best start in school history. But despite losing three of its next four games, which included a five-set loss against Sci-tech in the sectional Class B semifinals last month.

The Spartans then defeated No. 25 Minnechaug and No. 9 Boston Latin Academy to snap their two-consecutive year streak of losing in the D-II Round of 32.

East Longmeadow also bid farewell to its three seniors: Caleb Yeager, Cameron Loranger, and Mannheim. Regardless, though, Spartans coach Kyle Andolina couldn’t be more proud of his team’s accomplishment.

“If you look back historically, this was our best year,” Andolina said. “But it’s all about the hard work the guys have put in each day, so I’m proud of them. I don’t think a lot of people expected us to make it here, let alone win our last-round matchup, so just to be here was a win in our books.

“I hope we’re back here next year. The younger guys have seen what it takes to be here. Though we’re replacing three starters, what we’re really replacing is the heart. Like the captains who show up, so hopefully the younger guys can step up and show what they are made of next year.”

Moments into the first set, Loranger recorded one of his two aces to move East Longmeadow ahead by one as the crowd rose to their feet. The momentum was shortlived, though, as Dennis Nesen continued Agawam’s streak of five consecutive points with a one-handed slam to move them back on top 11-7 before the opposition called timeout.

It wasn’t enough, however, as unforced errors helped the Brownies make it a 10-0 run before Mannheim located a kill between multiple defenders along the left edge. Rehbein then followed with a teardrop along the front of the left net to cut the Spartans’ deficit to 23-13.

But none of that mattered, as the Brownies scored the final two points to take a 1-0 lead in the best-of-five series.

Agawam’s success continued in the second, as the home team took advantage of its height, strength, and experience. For example, the Brownies’ primary objective has been to locate opposing defensive holes and weaknesses.

And that’s precisely what occurred Friday, as Chase Gerani (six kills) earned a kill along the weakside before Timothy Karcha (eight kills and seven digs) earned an impressive ace in the back middle to extend the Brownies cushion to 18-3.

“Having the experience has helped us get the momentum we needed,” Karcha said. “We haven’t lost a set yet, so we’re going to be focused for our next game and push through.”

Agawam maintained a comfortable double-digit lead late in the second set. East Longmeadow said otherwise, though, as the Spartans used an impressive 11-5 run to keep it a 23-14 deficit before Benjamin and Nicholas Mannheim earned a combined block down low to keep the set alive.

Despite the valiant effort, Agawam recorded two of the following five points to claim its eighth consecutive set.

“We’re doing the best we can,” Pender said. “We try and do our homework the best we can so we can execute our strengths against their weaknesses. And sometimes, it’s about being familiar with your opponent.”

In the end, that set the stage as the Brownies claimed the opening two sets and never looked back as their 17th combined season shutout solidified their third consecutive appearance in the D-II state semifinals.

Agawam, though, will attempt to move one step closer to raising its first state crown since 2023.

“West Springfield knows us as well as we know them,” Pender said. “I got to coach some of those guys in the winter, so that gets tough because there’s no surprises that we can throw at each other.

“We have to execute our brand of volleyball at the highest level to try and get past a great team in them.”

From the pool to the beach volleyball courts, Laguna Blanca featured standout student-athletes across campus during the spring season.

As a result, several Owls found themselves on All-Tri-Valley League and All-Frontier League Teams. Here is the full list of this spring’s honorees.

Boys Volleyball (TVL)

The Owls had a strong season this spring, finishing in second place in the Tri-Valley League and reaching the CIF-SS Division 6 Semifinals.

The senior outside hitting duo of Liam Knezevic and Tyson Deveze racked up kills left and right throughout the year to earn spots on the All-League First Team.

They were joined by junior setter Baylor Wilson, sophomore middle blocker Soren Alldredge and sophomore defensive specialist Jamie Levinson, who earned All-League Second Team selections.

Meanwhile, the junior pairing of defensive specialist Brady Clifford and opposite hitter Teddy Wilson made strong impacts and graced the All-League Honorable Mention list.

Boys Swim (TVL)

Laguna Blanca shined in the pool this year, pulling in several Tri-Valley League titles and winning a pair of CIF-SS Division 3 relay championships.

Junior Bennett Sullivan led the way, pulling in four All-League First Team honors to lead the entire Tri-Valley League.

Meanwhile, freshman Matthew Sullivan and sophomore Yikai Feng collected three All-League selections. Feng also earned a Second Team nod while Matthew Sullivan picked up an Honorable Mention.

Senior Rio Valle capped off his high school career in style, swimming his way to two All-League First Team selections, an All-League Second Team honor and an Honorable Mention nod.

Girls Beach Volleyball (TVL)

The Owls leaned on their top pairing of Danica Rux and Sage Holcombe on the beach this year, and as a result, they made the All-League First Team.

The duo of Cyanne Blabey and Chloe Gidney had strong seasons of their own on their way to the All-League Second Team.

Boys Tennis (TVL)

On the tennis court, Laguna Blanca received impressive performances from sophomore Oliver Tande, junior Enzo Vinoly and freshman Sterling Fisher. Tande shined in singles while Vinoly and Fisher stood out in doubles.

Freshman Jaden Yanez began his high school career on a high note, as he was named an All-League Honorable Mention.

Boys Golf (TVL)

Senior Mason Siegel and Kevin Lu showcased the present and the future of Laguna Blanca golf this spring on their way to All-League Second Team honors.

Meanwhile, senior Jules LeClercq had a strong end to his career as an Owl with an All-League Honorable Mention selection. 

Boys Track & Field (FL)

The Laguna Blanca 4×400 relay team of senior Lucas Ayala, senior Enzo Jacobsen, junior Marvin Corona and sophomore Taylor Conolley earned an All-Frontier League Honorable Mention time in their event.

Girls Track & Field (FL)

On the girls side, sophomore Tatiana Taylor excelled in a pair of events to earn an All-League Second Team and an Honorable Mention selection. Meanwhile, sophomore Eden Murray was named to the All-League Second Team as well.

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United States of AmericaUS Virgin IslandsUnited States Minor Outlying IslandsCanadaMexico, United Mexican StatesBahamas, Commonwealth of theCuba, Republic ofDominican RepublicHaiti, Republic ofJamaicaAfghanistanAlbania, People’s Socialist Republic ofAlgeria, People’s Democratic Republic ofAmerican SamoaAndorra, Principality ofAngola, Republic ofAnguillaAntarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S)Antigua and BarbudaArgentina, Argentine RepublicArmeniaArubaAustralia, Commonwealth ofAustria, Republic ofAzerbaijan, Republic ofBahrain, Kingdom ofBangladesh, People’s Republic ofBarbadosBelarusBelgium, Kingdom ofBelizeBenin, People’s Republic ofBermudaBhutan, Kingdom ofBolivia, Republic ofBosnia and HerzegovinaBotswana, Republic ofBouvet Island (Bouvetoya)Brazil, Federative Republic ofBritish Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago)British Virgin IslandsBrunei DarussalamBulgaria, People’s Republic ofBurkina FasoBurundi, Republic ofCambodia, Kingdom ofCameroon, United Republic ofCape Verde, Republic ofCayman IslandsCentral African RepublicChad, Republic ofChile, Republic ofChina, People’s Republic ofChristmas IslandCocos (Keeling) IslandsColombia, Republic ofComoros, Union of theCongo, Democratic Republic ofCongo, People’s Republic ofCook IslandsCosta Rica, Republic ofCote D’Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of theCyprus, Republic ofCzech RepublicDenmark, Kingdom ofDjibouti, Republic ofDominica, Commonwealth ofEcuador, Republic ofEgypt, Arab Republic ofEl Salvador, Republic ofEquatorial Guinea, Republic ofEritreaEstoniaEthiopiaFaeroe IslandsFalkland Islands (Malvinas)Fiji, Republic of the Fiji IslandsFinland, Republic ofFrance, French RepublicFrench GuianaFrench PolynesiaFrench Southern TerritoriesGabon, Gabonese RepublicGambia, Republic of theGeorgiaGermanyGhana, Republic ofGibraltarGreece, Hellenic RepublicGreenlandGrenadaGuadaloupeGuamGuatemala, Republic ofGuinea, Revolutionary People’s Rep’c ofGuinea-Bissau, Republic ofGuyana, Republic ofHeard and McDonald IslandsHoly See (Vatican City State)Honduras, Republic ofHong Kong, Special Administrative Region of ChinaHrvatska (Croatia)Hungary, Hungarian People’s RepublicIceland, Republic ofIndia, Republic ofIndonesia, Republic ofIran, Islamic Republic ofIraq, Republic ofIrelandIsrael, State ofItaly, Italian RepublicJapanJordan, Hashemite Kingdom ofKazakhstan, Republic ofKenya, Republic ofKiribati, Republic ofKorea, Democratic People’s Republic ofKorea, Republic ofKuwait, State ofKyrgyz RepublicLao People’s Democratic RepublicLatviaLebanon, Lebanese RepublicLesotho, Kingdom ofLiberia, Republic ofLibyan Arab JamahiriyaLiechtenstein, Principality ofLithuaniaLuxembourg, Grand Duchy ofMacao, Special Administrative Region of ChinaMacedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic ofMadagascar, Republic ofMalawi, Republic ofMalaysiaMaldives, Republic ofMali, Republic ofMalta, Republic ofMarshall IslandsMartiniqueMauritania, Islamic Republic ofMauritiusMayotteMicronesia, Federated States ofMoldova, Republic ofMonaco, Principality ofMongolia, Mongolian People’s RepublicMontserratMorocco, Kingdom ofMozambique, People’s Republic ofMyanmarNamibiaNauru, Republic ofNepal, Kingdom ofNetherlands AntillesNetherlands, Kingdom of theNew CaledoniaNew ZealandNicaragua, Republic ofNiger, Republic of theNigeria, Federal Republic ofNiue, Republic ofNorfolk IslandNorthern Mariana IslandsNorway, Kingdom ofOman, Sultanate ofPakistan, Islamic Republic ofPalauPalestinian Territory, OccupiedPanama, Republic ofPapua New GuineaParaguay, Republic ofPeru, Republic ofPhilippines, Republic of thePitcairn IslandPoland, Polish People’s RepublicPortugal, Portuguese RepublicPuerto RicoQatar, State ofReunionRomania, Socialist Republic ofRussian FederationRwanda, Rwandese RepublicSamoa, Independent State ofSan Marino, Republic ofSao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic ofSaudi Arabia, Kingdom ofSenegal, Republic ofSerbia and MontenegroSeychelles, Republic ofSierra Leone, Republic ofSingapore, Republic ofSlovakia (Slovak Republic)SloveniaSolomon IslandsSomalia, Somali RepublicSouth Africa, Republic ofSouth Georgia and the South Sandwich IslandsSpain, Spanish StateSri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic ofSt. HelenaSt. Kitts and NevisSt. LuciaSt. Pierre and MiquelonSt. Vincent and the GrenadinesSudan, Democratic Republic of theSuriname, Republic ofSvalbard & Jan Mayen IslandsSwaziland, Kingdom ofSweden, Kingdom ofSwitzerland, Swiss ConfederationSyrian Arab RepublicTaiwan, Province of ChinaTajikistanTanzania, United Republic ofThailand, Kingdom ofTimor-Leste, Democratic Republic ofTogo, Togolese RepublicTokelau (Tokelau Islands)Tonga, Kingdom ofTrinidad and Tobago, Republic ofTunisia, Republic ofTurkey, Republic ofTurkmenistanTurks and Caicos IslandsTuvaluUganda, Republic ofUkraineUnited Arab EmiratesUnited Kingdom of Great Britain & N. 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Volleyball is no longer only a fall sport in Minnesota. The boys’ season plays in the spring, and next week, the first ever state tournament as a sanctioned sport starts on Tuesday. All eight teams are motivated to win the first one.

One of the teams in the mix is Eastview. The Lightning beat Rochester Mayo in their section title game which clinched their state berth. They will have a shot at being the first ever boys volleyball state championship team with the Minnesota State High School League.

“Very competitive, I think everyone there, everyone who qualified, is going to try to win the first state title,” said Eastview senior Owen Kunisaki. “I’m excited for that.”

Eastview has played 30 matches on the season, and has won 27 of them. The Lightning have yet to lose a single set in the playoffs.

“There’s always the appeal of being number one, going down in the history books as the first team,” said Eastview junior Colin Nathan. “It’s such an honor to be able to witness not only the creation of the sport, but to be so involved in it.”

“It’s going to be full of emotions, but in the end just like a dream come true.” said Eastview junior Jay Thammavongsa about the idea of winning a state title.

The Lightning are coached by Ryan Dehnel.

“To be part of the first one, I know they are excited about, but it will be fun to be there and see the whole thing unfold as well,” Dehnel said.

The entire boys state volleyball tournament will be played at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul.

Click here for more information about the tournament.