Lara Kirkby named Outstanding Graduating International Student in the College of Earth …
Story Links ORONO, Maine — Lara Kirkby of Adelaide, South Australia, is the Outstanding Graduating International Student in the College of Earth, Life, and Health Sciences. A December 2024 graduate, Kirkby majored in biochemistry, researched in the Maginnis Lab and participated on the UMaine Women’s Soccer Team, through which she competed in and won two […]
ORONO, Maine — Lara Kirkby of Adelaide, South Australia, is the Outstanding Graduating International Student in the College of Earth, Life, and Health Sciences. A December 2024 graduate, Kirkby majored in biochemistry, researched in the Maginnis Lab and participated on the UMaine Women’s Soccer Team, through which she competed in and won two championships. After earning her bachelor’s degree a semester early, she joined the Adelaide United professional soccer team and is studying for medical school entrance exams.
Why did you choose to come to UMaine?
I chose UMaine for its strong academic reputation, research opportunities and competitive soccer environment. The university offered a place where I could thrive in both academics and athletics, and I was excited by the opportunity to contribute to a successful soccer team. UMaine provided a supportive community that allowed me to grow and excel in my major while continuing my passion for soccer.
Describe any research, internships or scholarly pursuits in which you have participated. How have they prepared you for future opportunities in your chosen field?
I worked as an undergraduate researcher in the Maginnis Virology Lab, focusing on JC and BK polyomaviruses. This experience helped me develop essential research skills, including data analysis and laboratory techniques, while contributing to published work. It has prepared me for future opportunities in biochemistry by deepening my understanding of virology and enhancing my ability to conduct independent research and problem-solving.
Have there been other students who supported and inspired you or exposed you tosomething new?
I’ve been fortunate to be supported and inspired by several students during my time at UMaine. Sophie Craig, a Ph.D. candidate in the lab, taught me new techniques and was a constant source of guidance, helping me navigate complex research tasks. My lab peer Sydney Brown also played a key role in supporting me, both by teaching me valuable lab skills and cheering me on at soccer games, reminding me of the importance of balancing academics and athletics. Their encouragement and mentorship have been instrumental in shaping my research journey.
Have you collaborated with a mentor, professor or role model who made your time at UMaine better, and if so, how?
I have been incredibly fortunate to collaborate with associate professor Melissa Maginnis, whose mentorship truly made my time at UMaine exceptional. Melissa’s reputation for combining groundbreaking virology research with outstanding student support drew me to the university, and she far exceeded my expectations. From the moment I joined her lab, she created an environment where I was challenged to excel while feeling fully supported, encouraging me to think critically, approach science with curiosity, and embrace challenges with confidence. Her mentorship not only shaped my academic growth but also transformed my perspective on collaboration and perseverance, making my time at UMaine one of the most formative experiences of my life.
What has coming to UMaine enabled you to explore beyond academics?
Coming to UMaine has allowed me to reconnect with my love for soccer as a member of the Division I Women’s Soccer Team, leading to two back-to-back championships. It has provided me the opportunity to grow as both an athlete and a leader, while building lifelong friendships and learning the value of teamwork and perseverance.
What experiences have you had at UMaine that really highlight the ingenuity of Mainers?
At UMaine, I’ve seen the ingenuity of Mainers through the collaborative spirit in research, where faculty and students work together to tackle complex challenges, often pushing the boundaries of innovation. Additionally, the community’s unwavering support for athletics, from packed games to passionate encouragement, demonstrates the pride and unity that Mainers bring to every aspect of life.
Did you have an experience at UMaine that shaped or changed how you see the world?
My research in the Maginnis Virology Lab at UMaine changed how I see the world by showing me the critical role scientific research plays in addressing global health issues. Along with my classwork, where I was constantly inspired by passionate professors in my upper-division biochemistry courses, I had the privilege of learning from strong female teachers who demonstrated how to push boundaries in both academia and research. These experiences taught me the value of perseverance, innovation and the impact of education in shaping the future.
Describe UMaine in one word and explain.
Empowering.
UMaine is empowering because it provides resources, support, and opportunities for students to reach their full potential. The university actively uplifts female students by fostering an environment of leadership, mentorship and gender equality, ensuring women are encouraged to thrive academically and professionally.
What’s on the horizon? What are your plans for after you graduate?
I graduated with a degree in biochemistry last December in just 3.5 years and am currently playing professional soccer for Adelaide United. I plan to move to Germany mid-year to continue my soccer career while studying for the MCAT and GAMSAT exams for medical school in both the U.S and Australia.
Lev Katzin draft profile | Penn State Men’s Hockey News
The landscape of college hockey is changing rapidly with Canadian Hockey League (CHL) athletes flooding over into the NCAA. The deal agreed to in November 2024 for this circumstance changed the sport tremendously, and it particularly aided incoming Penn State freshman Lev Katzin in his development. Katzin, 18, spent his 2023-24 campaign and a small […]
The landscape of college hockey is changing rapidly with Canadian Hockey League (CHL) athletes flooding over into the NCAA. The deal agreed to in November 2024 for this circumstance changed the sport tremendously, and it particularly aided incoming Penn State freshman Lev Katzin in his development.
Katzin, 18, spent his 2023-24 campaign and a small portion of his 2024-25 season in the United States Hockey League (USHL). Shortly after the agreement by the NCAA passed, he moved on to the CHL to further develop.
The left-shot center committed to Penn State on Oct. 17, 2024, and the new revelation allowed Katzin to take his talents to the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) for the remainder of his season.
Katzin thrived in his lone year in Canada, recording 48 points, 16 goals and 32 assists in just 44 games. He is now eligible for the NHL entry draft and will most likely get selected before moving onto Penn State for the 2025-26 campaign.
Metrics
Age: 18
Height: 5-foot-8
Weight: 176 lbs
Shoots: L
Position: Center
Projected round drafted: 4th round
Player comparison: Nathan Walker (STL)
Scouting Report
When most teams ponder selecting Katzin in the 2025 NHL draft, they’ll likely look at his size immediately and raise a red flag. While his build is certainly not ideal for professional hockey, it shouldn’t overshadow his elite hockey IQ and offensive creation.
The strongest part of Katzin’s game is his playmaking, and that was shown not only in the OHL last season, but also in the U18 World Juniors which saw the forward rank third on Team Canada in points with 10.
He combines his slick stickhandling with precision passing, completing 90% of his feeds last season, marking him as one of the more distinguished playmakers in the OHL. These traits not only make Katzin deadly at even strength, but also lethal on the power play.
Outside of his size, some other concerns stem from his finishing ability and turnover rate. Despite potting 16 goals last year with Guelph Storm, many scouts and media mention that he’s left some chances on the ice around the net. Additionally, he averaged 5.9 giveaways per game in the OHL, which has labeled him as careless and predictable at times.
Best team fit: Boston Bruins
With Katzin’s age and size, he likely wouldn’t sign his entry-level contract (ELC) for a few years. Thus, Katzin will be added to a team’s prospect pool, and there is none better than the Boston Bruins.
The Bruins have one of, if not the worst, farm system in the NHL. While the group has added an influx of players due to its selling at the 2025 NHL trade deadline — dealing away players such as Brandon Carlo, Trent Frederic, Charlie Coyle and more for prospects — the system still lacks depth at the center position.
Adding a young talented center in Katzin will raise the ceiling of that position group. Although his size represents a low floor, it is most definitely a risk the Bruins should take in the middle rounds.
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CT prep star makes MLB splash; big change for college hockey, and more
Christian Moore was just a 10-year-old, running around Suffield Academy’s baseball field while his older brother played for the Tigers. “And his older brother, C.J., kept telling me, ‘That’s the kid you want to look at,’” Coach Bryan Brissette remembered. “That’s the better player.” C.J. Moore was drafted by the Diamondbacks out of Suffield Academy […]
Christian Moore was just a 10-year-old, running around Suffield Academy’s baseball field while his older brother played for the Tigers.
“And his older brother, C.J., kept telling me, ‘That’s the kid you want to look at,’” Coach Bryan Brissette remembered. “That’s the better player.”
C.J. Moore was drafted by the Diamondbacks out of Suffield Academy in 2012, setting a pretty high bar. His little brother cleared it, and kept rising. This week, Brissette was at Yankee Stadium, watching the first major-leaguer to emerge from his program at Suffield.
“It was surreal,” Brissette said, “to be in Yankee Stadium — I’m a Yankee fan and have been to the old stadium, the new many times — and to be there and to see a kid you’ve had a small piece in getting him to that point, yeah surreal is the right word.”
Christian Moore, who went from Suffield Academy to play at Tennessee, was drafted in the first round, No. 8 overall, by the Angels in 2024 and it took just 79 minor-league games for them to determine he belonged in the big leagues. The Angels summoned Moore, a second baseman, on June 13 in Baltimore.
Los Angeles Angels’ Christian Moore at bat during the second inning of a baseball game against the Orioles. He got his first MLB hit, a triple, against the Yankees on June 16. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams)
When the Angels arrived in New York, Moore’s hometown on Monday, he was in the lineup at second base, got his first major-league hit, a triple off Clark Schmidt, then later saved the game, throwing a runner out at the plate, and eventually scored the winning run as the “ghost” runner in the 11th inning. On Friday night, he hit his first homer, a 411-foot solo shot off Houston’s Bryan King. So far, Moore is 4 for 22.
“I always imagined one day that I’d be on that field,” Moore told MLB.com this week. “But when you’re standing out there it’s completely different. And I’m definitely happy right now. I’m definitely making that little kid’s dream come true, so it’s awesome. … It’s starting to become a little more normal. I know that sounds weird to say, but it is. I’m starting to get my routine going on and off the field. I’m knowing what I got to do, and just being out there, being in the bright lights, definitely feels a little better.”
Brissette met the Moore brothers through a connection with the Boys and Girls Club in Brooklyn, and they were two of a number of New York City players he has gotten to come to Suffield.
“He’s a New York City kid, and I’ve coached a lot of New York City kids in my 20 years,” Brissette said. “It’s interesting, because it’s a balancing act of New York City attitude and edge and, as a coach, I’m trying to make sure we’re doing things the right way and respecting the game. Chris came to us, and he and I came to an understanding of what it was to play with an edge, play with a fiery competitiveness, but also be able to rein that in a little bit.
“But he was one of those guys who could instill confidence in his teammates. With great players, they’re able to elevate their team.”
Moore did that as a two-way player for Suffield, shortstop and righty pitcher, rising to the top 100 among prospects. He committed to play at Tennessee in 2022 and in three seasons he hit .338 in 186 games for the Vols, with 61 home runs and 160 RBI and 22 steals. He filled out as a power hitter with 34 homers in 2024, hitting for the cycle in a College World Series game, and leading off a game with a home run as Tennessee won the national championship.
“He came to Suffield as a baseball player,” Brissette said, “and rightfully so, he had all the accolades, but he really grew as a student athlete. That was important for me to see. That’s something he took to Tennessee with him, and whenever I would talk to him he would right away tell me how he was doing in the classroom.”
The Angels, who last made the playoffs in 2014, the longest postseason drought in MLB, have been trying to build with young players for a while. They have been putting their high draft picks on the fast track and Moore, with his SEC and NCAA Tournament experience, was an ideal candidate for this unique approach to player development.
“From what I see, where he’s definitely matured,” Brissette said. “Being able to regulate his emotions a little more. Playing baseball, boy, you’re going to have highs and lows. When he struggled a little in Double A to begin this year, I talked to him a couple of times and said, ‘It’s the same game you’ve been playing since you were a little kid, let the game come to you.’ And his mindset was, ‘Hey, I’m going to be fine,’ and he gets to Triple A and now he’s in the big leagues.”
More for your Sunday Read:
UConn’s Head Hockey coach Mike Cavanaugh watches his drives at the 1st tee on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, during the 2025 Travelers Championship Pro-Am at TPC River Highlands in Cromwell. (Aaron Flaum/Hartford Courant)
Infusion of talent
Last November, the NCAA opened the door for Canadian junior hockey leaguers to play for its member schools. That had never been allowed because players in those leagues received stipends and were not considered amateurs, but with NIL and revenue sharing that has now been recognized as a moot point. So some of the top prospects in North America are headed from the Western, Quebec and Ontario hockey leagues to places like UConn, Quinnipiac, Sacred Heart and Yale.
“The proper development path for a player who aspires to play in the NHL is Midget or Junior Hockey, then college and then pro,” UConn coach Mike Cavanaugh said, before teeing off at the Travelers Pro-Am on Wednesday. “Naturally, there is always going to be a player who can skip a step, but those players are few and far between. In Junior Hockey, you’re living with a family, you’re being taken care of. In college, there is structure, but you’re on your own. It’s a little bit more symbolic of life.”
The change in policy, for these reasons, was long overdue.
“We have to stop fighting, we have to work together,” Cavanaugh said. “It doesn’t matter to me whether you’re playing in Canada, Sweden, America, we’re all trying to get the same goals. I think it’s healthy when a kid gets to the pros to have had to get up and go to school.”
Carlin Dezainde, Brendan Dunphy and Alexandre Blais (drafted by the Ducks in the fourth round in 2024) are the first players with CHL ties to commit to UConn, which reached the NCAA Tournament for the first time in 2025. Quinnipiac and Sacred Heart each have four commits, according to SportsNet.ca’s tracker.
Dom Amore: After bottoming out, J.J. Spaun’s view from golf’s mountaintop is spectacular
Sunday short takes
*Newington native Nick Bonino, 37, who helped win two Stanley Cup titles with the Penguins, is retiring after 15 NHL seasons and will rejoin Pittsburgh as a coach. A highly respected veteran leader, Bonino, who played at Farmington High and Avon Old Farms, will make a good one.
*Kevin Vance, a closer on UConn’s now-legendary 2010 and ’11 baseball teams, is the new baseball coach at San Diego State. Vance, a Californian, played on a Huskies team with six future major-leaguers and reached Triple A himself before launching a coaching career. Now he’s tasked with restoring the program at San Diego State, where Tony Gwynn played and coached. The Aztecs haven’t reached the NCAA Tournament since 2018.
*The Franciscan Life Center and Home Care and Hospice Center will stage its golf event to raise funds on Aug. 11 at Wallingford CC. Cost for 18 holes, lunch and more is $195. Call 203-237-8084 or visit flcenter.org for more information.
*Don’t mean to imply they run the air conditioning too high out at the Travelers, but I thought I saw Otto Preminger come out of one of the tents. (See, he played Mr. Freeze in the ’60s Batman series).
*Katie Sharp, the esteemed stat maven, posted this week that the last time the Yankees were held to seven runs in seven games, losing six, was Sept. 1-7 of 1908. They weren’t even called the Yankees yet. On retrosheet.org I found that during those seven games the Highlanders, who went on to lose over 100 games, faced Walter Johnson three times, and two other Hall of Famers, Eddie Plank and Chief Bender that week. Also, spitballs were legal and they used a deader-than-dead baseball.
*For your upcoming reading list, check out my colleague Dave Borges’ new book, “Hurley’s Heroes: UConn’s Return to College Basketball’s Elite,” an insider account of Dan Hurley’s first seven seasons in Storrs. Published by Globe Pequot, it will be available in stores in November, and can be preordered now at Amazon.com. There will be lots of UConn in bookstores in time for Christmas.
*Former Huskies Stephon Castle and Jordan Hawkins were back on campus this week to work out with the current team. Andre Drummond has been back home, too, at Dunkin’ Park for the Yard Goats game and a courtside presence at a Sun game.
*Alex Heard, medalist at the Big East men’s golf championship, has transferred from UConn to Baylor. In this era, it’s going to get ever trickier for UConn to keep top players in certain sports.
How Azzi Fudd is finding her leadership voice for UConn women’s run for repeat
*Save the date: SCSU is planning a special event called “Southern Hoops Tip-off Talk,” to kick off the men’s and women’s basketball seasons, and raise funds for the programs, on Sept. 24 at Aria in Prospect. Geno Auriemma, Donny Marshall, Bill Raftery and SCSU coaches Scott Burrell and Kate Lynch are among the special guests. For more information visit www.southernct.edu/hoops-talk, contact Ray Reid at reidr12@southernct.edu or call 860-922-1110.
*Watching my friends at WTNH prance around with the trophy from the Travelers’ Celebrity Mini-Golf Challenge rubbed me the wrong way. Team Courant wants in for 2026. Challenge issued.
Last word
The Red Sox’s trade of Rafael Devers was a shocker, and the timing of it, killing the buzz after their sweep of the Yankees, was rough to swallow. But if he wasn’t happy, and they weren’t happy with him, who is to blame becomes irrelevant, a separation and change of scenery was necessary. Hey, the Red Sox midseason trade of Nomar Garciaparra in 2004 was a shocker, too. It worked out all right, though.
Livvy Dunne’s NSFW Madelyn Cline College World Series joke
Olivia “Livvy” Dunne set social media abuzz Friday after making an apparent sexual reference about her and actress Madelyn Cline. The comment came in response to a post on X referencing the College World Series final matchup as the “Madelyn Cline vs Livvy Dunne bowl,” since Cline briefly attended Coastal Carolina and Dunne went to […]
Olivia “Livvy” Dunne set social media abuzz Friday after making an apparent sexual reference about her and actress Madelyn Cline.
The comment came in response to a post on X referencing the College World Series final matchup as the “Madelyn Cline vs Livvy Dunne bowl,” since Cline briefly attended Coastal Carolina and Dunne went to LSU, where she was on the gymnastics team.
Dunne quoted the post, writing: “Gooner World Series.”
“Gooner” is a slang term for a person who masturbates to pornography for a prolonged period of time, sometimes hours or days, without climaxing.
Olivia Dunne attends as Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Social Club celebrates the launch of the 2025 Issue on May 16. Getty Images for Sports Illustrated
The post instantly went viral, with some users in the comments questioning whether Dunne had been hacked, while some joked that she was referencing a different meaning of “Gooner” — a nickname for Arsenal fans.
“I sweat this can’t be real,” wrote on user on X.
“This is crazy work,” wrote another.
Besides her gymnastics career, Dunne is an influencer with more than 5 million followers on Instagram.
The 22-year-old is also a Sports Illustrated swimsuit model and the boyfriend of Pirates star pitcher Paul Skenes, who led LSU to the 2023 national title with a 1.69 ERA and 209 strikeouts.
Madelyn Cline at the “I KNOW WHAT YOU DID LAST SUMMER” Trailer Launch Event on June 14. Sony Pictures via Getty Images
Cline, 27, is best known for her portrayal of Sarah Cameron in the Netflix series “Outer Banks,” which propelled her into stardom.
She also gained notoriety for her role in the film “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery.”
Cline dropped out of Coastal Carolina to pursue acting full-time in 2017, reportedly just six weeks into her freshman year.
Olivia Dunne attends the launch of the 2025 Issue of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit at Hard Rock Hotel New York on May 15, 2025 in New York City. Getty Images for Sports Illustrated Swimsuit
Coastal Carolina, which has become a college baseball powerhouse despite being a mid-major, is 56-11 and enters the College World Series final on a 26-game winning streak that dates back to April 22.
Since arriving in Omaha for the College World Series, the Chanticleers have defeated Arizona (7-4), Oregon State (6-2) and Louisville (11-3).
LSU, on the other hand, clinched its spot after a thrilling come-from-behind 6-5 win over Arkansas on Wednesday.
Madelyn Cline attends the 2025 Vanity Fair Oscar Party hosted by Radhika Jones at Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts on March 2, 2025 in Beverly Hills, California. FilmMagic
The Tigers are riding the momentum of a six-game winning streak.
Game 1 of the best-of-three series begins Saturday night in Omaha.
McKenna is Final Piece to Spartans’ National Title Hopes
The Michigan State Spartans are going to have an elite team entering the 2025-26 season, but adding one final piece could transcend this team to a national title. Junior hockey superstar Gavin McKenna could very well be a Spartan this upcoming year, a commitment that MSU needs to secure. McKenna has been rumored to join […]
The Michigan State Spartans are going to have an elite team entering the 2025-26 season, but adding one final piece could transcend this team to a national title. Junior hockey superstar Gavin McKenna could very well be a Spartan this upcoming year, a commitment that MSU needs to secure.
McKenna has been rumored to join a few different college programs as a 17-year-old that thrived in the Canadian Hockey League with the Medicine Hat Tigers. This past season, he posted 41 goals and 88 assists for a total of 129 points in just 56 games.
He has proven to be one of the best in the world for his age and the Spartans adding his talent would drastically change their future success. It would also attract even more elite recruits to consider MSU, a school that struggled to acquire top talent just four, five years ago.
The Spartans recently earned two massive commitments in the past few weeks, starting with Columbus Blue Jackets prospect Cayden Lindstrom, the No. 4 overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft. He committed to Michigan State back in very early June, continuing the Spartans’ success on the recruiting trail.
Forward Mason West made his commitment to East Lansing just two days ago. The 27th prospect amongst North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting. The 6-6 star is a top selection to be picked this upcoming draft but is forgoing that chance to be part of the Spartan program. He will join the team for the 2026-27 season.
Earning those two top talents is impressive enough for head coach Adam Nightingale and the program as a whole, but adding McKenna would put this team over the top as the far-away favorite to win the national championship. It would be the 2015 Golden State Warriors of college hockey.
The only thing that may deter McKenna from becoming a Spartan is the sheer number of players that will be making an impact for this team. McKenna would likely still be a first- or second-line player, but the oversaturation of talent can sometimes be a turnoff for remaining prospects trying to make a choice.
If the Spartans were to land McKenna, it would only further put the pressure on a team that is built to win next year’s national title.
Stay up to date with Michigan State hockey when you follow the official Spartan Nation Page on Facebook, Spartan Nation, WHEN YOU CLICK RIGHT HERE, and be a part of our lively community group, Go Green Go White, as well WHEN YOU CLICK RIGHT HERE.
Ohio State men’s hockey unveils 2025-2026 nonconference schedule
The Ohio State men’s hockey team surprised a lot of people with their unexpectedly high level of play this past season. The Buckeyes lost a lot of key players but found a way to plug in more talent and shock a lot of people by making it to the Big Ten Tournament Championship Game en […]
The Ohio State men’s hockey team surprised a lot of people with their unexpectedly high level of play this past season. The Buckeyes lost a lot of key players but found a way to plug in more talent and shock a lot of people by making it to the Big Ten Tournament Championship Game en route to a berth in the NCAA Tournament.
Things didn’t end all that well on the national scale in the postseason, but it was still an overachieving year in which OSU went 24-12-2 overall and finished third in the League with a 14-9-1 record. It was a fun season, one that it hopes it can build momentum off of and take it into this upcoming season.
And while we won’t know the Big Ten schedule until a future date, the program did announce its nonconference schedule this past week, so if you are an ice hockey fan, and one that loves to watch the Scarlet and Gray, you’ve got something to look forward to.
All told, the Buckeyes will host five nonconference games and go on the road for another five. Here’s how it all plays out prior to hitting the conference for Big Ten play:
2025-26 Ohio State Men’s Hockey
Nonconference Schedule (home games in bold)
Oct. 10-11 – Northern MichiganOct. 17-18 – at UConnOct. 24-25 – Sacred Heart UniversityNov. 28-29 – at Arizona State UniversityJan. 2 – Bowling GreenJan. 3 – at Bowling Green
It won’t be an easy road for Ohio State — it never is in the Big Ten — but hopefully, the Buckeyes can win their fair share of these nonconference games to prepare for what’s to come in conference and beyond. And while we are at it, the deadline to renew season tickets is 4 p.m. ET June 30, and new season ticket packages are available now. For more information or to view available seating options, go online or contact the Ohio State Athletics Ticket Office by calling 1-800-GOBUCKS or by emailing athletic.tix@osu.edu. Other ticket options including groups, miniplans, and single games, will be available for purchase later this summer.
Contact/Follow us @BuckeyesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Ohio State news, notes and opinion. Follow Phil Harrison on X.
Wisconsin sues Miami, alleging tampering in football player’s NIL deal | News
MADISON (WKOW) — UW-Madison is taking legal action after a football player with star potential left the Badgers to play at the University of Miami over the winter. The case could have major implications for how the NCAA handles NIL deals and player transfers. UW-Madison and VC Connect LLC have filed a lawsuit against the University […]
MADISON (WKOW) — UW-Madison is taking legal action after a football player with star potential left the Badgers to play at the University of Miami over the winter. The case could have major implications for how the NCAA handles NIL deals and player transfers.
UW-Madison and VC Connect LLC have filed a lawsuit against the University of Miami, alleging the Hurricanes wrongfully interfered with Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) contracts. The complaint, filed on Friday, claims Miami induced Xavier Lucas to break his agreements and transfer.
Lucas had signed lucrative NIL contracts with UW-Madison and VC Connect for the 2025 season. However, Miami allegedly tampered with these agreements, causing him to leave Madison and enroll at Miami, violating NCAA anti-tampering rules.
The up and coming cornerback entered the transfer portal in December 2024. He was coming off a freshman season where he played 11 games, recording 18 tackles and grabbing an interception.
Lucas was a four-star prospect coming out of high school. He was born in Pompano Beach, Florida, about an hour north of Miami.
The complaint outlines how Miami’s actions resulted in significant financial and reputational harm to the plaintiffs. It also highlights the broader implications for college athletics, emphasizing the need to protect contractual commitments amid the evolving NIL landscape.
Miami’s conduct reportedly included contacting Lucas and offering more lucrative financial terms, despite the player’s existing commitments. UW-Madison and VC Connect seek damages and a declaration that Miami’s actions constituted tampering.
The University of Miami has not yet responded to the allegations.
