Sports
Mariners Activate George Kirby For Season Debut


The Mariners announced Thursday that right-hander George Kirby has been reinstated from the injured list. He’ll make his 2025 debut today against the Astros. Righty Troy Taylor was optioned to Triple-A Tacoma last night to open a spot on the roster for Kirby’s return.
The first-place Mariners have surged to a 28-20 record this season despite not getting a single pitch from arguably their best starter. The 27-year-old Kirby has been out all season after the Mariners opted for a cautious approach when Kirby was diagnosed with shoulder inflammation during spring training.
A first-round pick back in 2019 (No. 20 overall), Kirby quickly became one of the Mariners’ top pitching prospects and was soon regarded as one of the top prospects in the entire sport. He breezed through the minors and could very well have debuted even sooner were it not for the canceled 2020 minor league season.
Kirby broke through to the majors in 2022 and hasn’t looked back. He pitched 130 innings over the life of 26 starts in his rookie season and turned in a 3.39 ERA with a 24.5% strikeout rate and 4.1% walk rate. Few pitchers can sustain a walk rate that low, but Kirby has actually improved upon that mark in subsequent seasons. He was touted as having the best command of perhaps any top pitching prospect in the sport prior to his debut, and he now has a legitimate claim to the best command of any pitcher in Major League Baseball.
Since his 2022 debut, no starting pitcher has a lower walk rate than Kirby’s 3.1% mark. Only one qualified reliever in that time has a better walk rate (Chris Martin, at 2.8%). You’d have to drop the threshold to a minimum of 20 innings pitched (total) since 2022 to find a second pitcher with a lower walk rate than Kirby.
Kirby’s pinpoint command is all the more deadly when one considers that he’s not the archetypal soft-tossing, finesse pitcher typically associated with this type of precision. He’s averaged 95.8 mph on his four-seamer in his career and sat 96.1 mph with the pitch from 2023-24.
Kirby was an All-Star in 2023 and finished sixth in AL Cy Young voting that season. He’s started 89 big league games for the Mariners since his debut and touts a 3.43 ERA, 23.3% strikeout rate and 43.4% ground-ball rate to go along with that pristine walk rate. Those strikeout and grounder rates are only a bit better than average, but a pitcher who averages less than a walk per start doesn’t need to pile up strikeouts or ground-balls at league-leading rates to be among the most effective pitchers in the sport.
The Mariners are getting Kirby back at an ideal time. Rotation-mates Logan Gilbert (flexor strain) and Bryce Miller (elbow inflammation) are both on the 15-day injured list at the moment. Seattle is also set to square off against the second-place Astros for a four-game series. Houston has been a league-average team against right-handed pitching this season, and the ’Stros are currently without their top left-handed bat: designated hitter Yordan Alvarez (though he has uncharacteristically struggled versus righties this season). The only left-handed hitters on Houston’s roster are switch-hitting catcher Victor Caratini and backup catcher Cesar Salazar. Kirby held right-handed hitters to an awful .234/.257/.360 slash in 2024.
Sports
Chanticleers Continue Academic Excellence in Fall 2025
CONWAY — Coastal Carolina Athletics continued its strong academic performance during the Fall 2025 semester, the department announced.
The Chanticleers posted a 3.37 departmental GPA for the fall semester, marking the department’s 23rd consecutive semester with a GPA above 3.0. Overall, 18 of 19 teams earned a team GPA of 3.0 or higher.
“The academic success of our student-athletes during the Fall 2025 semester reflects their commitment to excellence in the classroom and the strong support structure we have in place at Coastal Carolina,” said Chance Miller, Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics and University Recreation. “With 23 consecutive semesters above a 3.0 departmental GPA and multiple programs achieving record-setting results, this performance is a testament to the dedication of our student-athletes, coaches, and academic support staff in developing well-rounded individuals prepared for success beyond athletics.”
A total of 360 student-athletes earned Chauncey’s Honor Roll recognition by posting a semester GPA of 3.0 or better, while 90 student-athletes were named Elite Chants with perfect 4.0 GPAs. Additionally, 146 student-athletes earned Dean’s List honors, an increase of 10 from Spring 2025, and 78 student-athletes were named to the President’s List, three more than the previous semester.
Several programs achieved historic academic milestones during the fall semester. Men’s basketball recorded its highest GPA on record with a 3.51, while men’s cross country posted a program-best 3.59, the highest GPA among all men’s teams. Men’s golf earned its highest GPA outside of the Spring 2020 COVID semester with a 3.55.
On the women’s side, women’s basketball earned its highest GPA on record with a 3.40. Indoor track and field (3.66), women’s track and field (3.67), and softball (3.85) each posted program-best GPAs, while lacrosse recorded its second-highest GPA on record at 3.65. Women’s tennis led all women’s teams with a 3.89 GPA, the highest women’s team GPA this semester.
A DEEPER DIVE
- 146 student-athletes earned Dean’s List honors.
- 78 student-athletes earned President’s List recognition.
- 360 student-athletes earned Chauncey’s Honor Roll recognition (3.0+ semester GPA).
- 90 student-athletes were named Elite Chants (4.0 semester GPA).
- 23 consecutive semesters with a departmental GPA above 3.0.
- 18 of 19 teams earned a team GPA of 3.0 or higher.
- Men’s cross country posted the highest men’s team GPA (3.59).
- Women’s tennis earned the highest women’s team GPA (3.89).
Sports
Four From Women’s Volleyball Named to College Sports Communicators Academic All-District Team
Springfield, Mass. – December 18, 2025 – Four student-athletes from the Springfield College women’s volleyball program were recently named to the 2025 College Sports Communicators Academic All-District Team for their efforts on the field and in the classroom.
This year’s Springfield College women’s volleyball recipients included Ahunna James (Plainville, Mass.), Tori Colosimo (Fairport, N.Y.), Alexa Bonato (Orange, Conn.) and Olivia Nealy (Athens, Ga.). This marks the second straight year that James has earned the award, while Colosimo, Bonato and Nealy are all first-time recipients.
The 2025 Academic All-District® Women’s Volleyball Teams, selected by College Sports Communicators, recognize the nation’s top student-athletes for their combined performances on the field and in the classroom. The CSC Academic All-America® program separately recognizes honorees in four divisions — NCAA Division I, NCAA Division II, NCAA Division III and NAIA.
In order to be eligible, a student-athlete must have a grade point average of 3.50 or higher, compete in 90-percent of the team’s games played OR start in at least 66-percent of the team’s games over the course of the season.
Colosimo, an occupational therapy major with a 3.57 grade point average, started in all 31 matches as a junior and recorded 927 total assists (8.83 per set) to go along with 81 kills, 57 aces, 41 blocks and 249 digs. She was named the Most Valuable Player and to the All-Tournament Team at the season opening Joel B. Dearing ’79 Volleyball Classic after recording over 100 assists, 13 kills, nine digs, and six blocks over three matches and became the ninth student-athlete in Springfield women’s volleyball history to eclipse 2,000 career assists. Colosimo was also recognized with New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) All-League Second Team honors, a spot on the AVCA All-Region I Team and was named an AVCA Honorable Mention All-American.
James, a public health major with a 3.72 grade point average, started in 30 matches as a junior, recorded 217 kills (2.13 per set) and hit .206 on the season. James also tallied 31 aces, 72 blocks and 235 digs (2.30 per set). Bonato, a public health major with a 3.89 grade point average, started in all 31 matches as a sophomore and registered 150 kills on the year. Bonato also notched 17 aces, 94 digs and 29 blocks to wrap up her second season on the court with the Pride.
Nealy, a physical therapy major with a 3.70 grade point average, started in all 31 matches as Springfield’s libero during her junior season. Nealy registered 377 digs (3.59 per set) and 66 assists as well as four aces on the year to guide the Pride defensively.
Under the direction of head coach Moira Long Springfield went 23-8 this season and once again earned an at-large berth to the NCAA Division III Championship Tournament. This marked the third straight season, Springfield was represented in the national tournament among the 64 best teams in the country.
Sign up for free today to receive the latest news about your favorite Springfield College Athletics program directly to your email here.
For the latest on Springfield College Athletics, follow the Pride on social media on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Be sure to tune into all Springfield College Athletic events
Sports
Watch Wisconsin volleyball vs Kentucky in Final Four tonight; time, TV
Updated Dec. 18, 2025, 2:03 p.m. CT
Wisconsin volleyball refuses to lose these days. But so does Kentucky.
It’s a battle of college volleyball heavyweights squaring off in the Final Four when Wisconsin and Kentucky meet on Thursday, Dec. 18 with a spot in the national championship on the line.
The Badgers (28-4) carry a 13-match winning streak, dating to early November, into the showdown while the Wildcats (29-2) haven’t lost since early September, boasting a 26-match winning streak.
Wisconsin has faced a gauntlet to get back to the Final Four for the fifth time in seven years, finally getting over the hump against some fellow national powers. It beat Stanford, a program it had never defeated before, in the regional semifinals and then clinched a spot in the Final Four with a win over No. 1 Texas on the Longhorns’ home court two days later to avenge two recent NCAA tournament losses.
The Badgers are looking to return to the national title match for the first time since winning it all in 2021.
Kentucky, which is seeking a berth in the title match for the first time since winning the championship in 2020, has cruised into the Final Four. The Wildcats ran the table in the SEC and have dropped just one set in the NCAA tournament. Their only two losses this season were to No. 1 Nebraska, which finished the regular season undefeated, and Pitt, another Final Four representative.
The winner of Wisconsin-Kentucky will play Pitt or Texas A&M for each team’s second national title.
Here’s how to watch Wisconsin-Kentucky in the Final Four, the NCAA tournament schedule and bracket:
What time does Wisconsin volleyball play tonight?
- Date: Thursday, Dec. 18
- Time: 8 p.m. or 30 minutes after the conclusion of the first semifinal
Wisconsin plays Kentucky in a national semifinal match at approximately 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 18, at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri. Wisconsin-Kentucky follows the first national semifinal featuring Pitt-Texas A&M.
What channel is Wisconsin volleyball vs Kentucky on tonight? TV, livestream
- TV: ESPN
- Stream: You can stream the match on services that offer ESPN, including Fubo, which has a free trial for new subscribers.
- Announcers: Courtney Lyle (play-by-play), Holly McPeak (analyst), Katie George (analyst) and Madison Fitzpatrick (sideline reporter) are on the call.
How can I listen to Wisconsin volleyball vs Kentucky on the radio?
Radio: The match broadcasts on FM-100.5 ESPN in Madison and these Badger Radio Network stations. Jon Arias (play-by-play) and Pete Waite (analyst) are on the call.
Wisconsin volleyball score today
The Journal Sentinel will have live coverage from the Final Four with reporter John Steppe on site at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri. Follow his blog for scoring updates at jsonline.com/sports/badgers.
Who’s left in the NCAA volleyball tournament?
Two No. 1 seeds and two No. 3 seeds make up the Final Four. Wisconsin is the only Big Ten representative. The Badgers are joined by two SEC teams and one ACC team.
- Kentucky (1)
- Pitt (1)
- Wisconsin (3)
- Texas A&M (3)
NCAA tournament volleyball schedule
National semifinals, Thursday, Dec. 18
- Pitt (1) vs. Texas A&M (3), 5:30 p.m., ESPN
- Kentucky (1) vs. Wisconsin (3), 8 p.m. or 30 minutes after first match, ESPN
National championship, Sunday, Dec. 21
- Pitt-Texas A&M vs. Kentucky-Wisconsin, 2:30 p.m., ABC
NCAA volleyball bracket
Here’s the road to the national semifinals for the Final Four teams:
- Texas A&M: Beat Campbell 3-0, beat TCU 3-1, beat Louisville 3-2, beat Nebraska 3-2
- Pitt: Beat UMBC 3-0, beat Michigan 3-0, beat Minnesota 3-0, beat Purdue 3-1
- Wisconsin: Beat Eastern Illinois 3-0, beat North Carolina 3-0, beat Stanford 3-1, beat Texas 3-1
- Kentucky: Beat Wofford 3-0, beat UCLA 3-1, beat Cal Poly 3-0, beat Creighton 3-0
Full 2025 NCAA tournament bracket
Sports
Aggie Volleyball Signs Gianna Bogan Ahead of 2026 Season
DAVIS, Calif. — As UC Davis volleyball prepares for their first season in the Mountain West Conference, head coach Dan Conners has signed his first recruit for the new season, with Gianna Bogan joining the Aggies in the 2026 winter quarter.
“We are very excited about Gianna joining the program. She has excellent ball control skills and a fast arm.” Said Coach Conners.
“Most importantly, she embodies the cultural characteristics that fit Aggie Volleyball with a hardworking, resilient, and team-first attitude. We anticipate that Gianna will take advantage of the opportunity to have an immediate impact.”
A 6’0 outside hitter for Rocklin High School, Bogan had a decorated career for the Thunder, collecting over 1,000 career kills during her junior season while being named a First-Team All-Sierra Foothill League player as a sophomore, junior, and senior.
As a senior, Bogan also served as the on-court leader for a team that became the first public school in the California San Joaquin Section to make a run at the CIF volleyball open state final, the high school state championship of volleyball. She was also given the “Pursuing Victory With Honor” award at the competition, which recognizes student-athletes for exceptional sportsmanship, ethics, and character.
Her 326 kills also led Bogan to be named to the Optimist All-Star Game, an annual Sacramento area charity event, where she was named MVP of the volleyball competition.
By joining the team in January, Bogan will have the opportunity to practice with the Aggies ahead of the rest of the 2026 signing class, which will be announced in the spring.
ABOUT UC DAVIS ATHLETICS:
UC Davis, the No. 2 ranked public university by the Wall Street Journal, is home to 40,000 undergraduate students and 12,000 employees. Ranked #1 in Agriculture and Forestry as well as #1 in Veterinary Medicine, UC Davis is located in a true California college town nestled between world-class destinations such as the San Francisco Bay Area, Napa Valley and Lake Tahoe. Over 650 Aggie student-athletes compete in 25 Division I varsity sports, with 16 sports transitioning to the Mountain West Conference beginning in 2026–27.
For more information, visit https://ucdavisaggies.com/.
Sports
Kentucky volleyball game time today, Wisconsin vs UK Final 4 channel
Updated Dec. 18, 2025, 1:07 p.m. ET
KANSAS CITY, MO — Top-seeded Kentucky volleyball plays No. 3 Wisconsin tonight at the T-Mobile Center in the Final Four of the NCAA Volleyball Tournament.
UK is riding a 26-match win streak into the national semifinal. As pressure to remain perfect and advance to the NCAA Championship mounts, the Wildcats are employing little reminders to stay loose and poised.
“We recently, in the last few games, have drawn smiley faces on our hands or somewhere where we can see it to remind us to play with joy,” outside hitter Eva Hudson said Wednesday. “Some of the best times in volleyball and when we’re really playing well is when we’re all playing with joy and bouncing off one another.”
“You just kind of have to go back to it’s just a game. The next day will come no matter what happens,” outside hitter Brooklyn DeLeye said. “… We’re out there to have fun and play with one another and just carry those memories throughout our life.”
Both Hudson and DeLeye earned First Team All-American honors from the American Volleyball Coaches Association Wednesday. Starting libero Molly Tuozzo was named to the third team, while setter Kassie O’Brien made the second team and was named National Freshman of the Year.
Here’s everything you need to know to keep up with the match from home:
No. 1 Kentucky vs. No. 3 Wisconsin will be broadcast live on ESPN. The match will start about 30 minutes after the first national semifinal between No. 1 Pitt and No. 3 Texas A&M concludes. That match is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.
Both matches will be played at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri.
Authenticated subscribers can access ESPN via TV-connected devices or by going to WatchESPN.com or the WatchESPN app.
Those without cable can access ESPN via streaming services, with Fubo offering a free trial.
Buy Kentucky volleyball tickets here
Read about how UK volleyball coach Craig Skinner’s people-first approach had vaulted the program to sustained national relevance here.
The Wildcats are known for their bench choreography. Read how UK’s sideline antics have helped lead it to the NCAA Volleyball Tournament national semifinal here.

Kentucky and Wisconsin volleyball did not play this season, so today’s match will be their first meeting of the year.
Today’s national semifinal will be the third meeting between UK and Wisconsin. The Wildcats are 0-2 against the Badgers, having played in Madison in 2021 and in Lexington in 2022.
UK volleyball won the 2020 NCAA Tournament, which was played in April 2021 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Wildcats have played in 27 NCAA Tournaments, including this one (1983, 1987-88, 1990, 1992-93, 2005-2025). Twenty-one of those appearances came under Skinner.
UK has made 15 NCAA Regional Semifinals and now two Final Fours. The program has one national championship from the 2020-21 season.

If UK beats Wisconsin tonight, the Wildcats will play the winner of No. 1 Pitt vs. No. 3 Texas A&M in the NCAA Championship Sunday. Here’s a look at the tournament schedule:
- Semifinals: Dec. 18 at T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri
- Championship: Dec. 21 at T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri
Click here to view the complete bracket.
- Aug. 23: Kentucky 4, Ohio State 0 (exhibition)
- Aug. 30: Kentucky 3, Lipscomb 0
- Aug. 31: Nebraska 3, Kentucky 2
- Sept. 5: Kentucky 3, Penn State 0
- Sept. 6: Kentucky 3, New Hampshire 0
- Sept. 10: Pitt 3, Kentucky 0
- Sept. 13: Kentucky 3, SMU 1
- Sept. 14: Kentucky 3, Houston 0
- Sept. 18: Kentucky 3, Louisville 2
- Sept. 20: Kentucky 3, Washington 0
- Sept. 24: Kentucky 3, South Carolina 0
- Sept. 26: Kentucky 3, Georgia 0
- Oct. 3: Kentucky 3, Ole Miss 0
- Oct. 8: Kentucky 3, Texas A&M 1
- Oct. 12: Kentucky 3, LSU 0
- Oct, 15: Kentucky 3, Auburn 0
- Oct. 19: Kentucky 3, Florida 2
- Oct. 24: Kentucky 3, Mississippi State 1
- Oct. 26: Kentucky 3, Alabama 0
- Oct. 31: Kentucky 3, Vanderbilt 0
- Nov. 2: Kentucky 3, Texas 0
- Nov. 6: Kentucky 3, Missouri 1
- Nov. 9: Kentucky 3, Tennessee 1
- Nov. 14: Kentucky 3, Oklahoma 2
- Nov. 16: Kentucky 3, Arkansas 0
- Nov. 23: Kentucky 3, Auburn 0 (SEC Tournament Quarterfinals)
- Nov. 24: Kentucky 3, Tennessee 1 (SEC Tournament Semifinals)
- Nov. 25: Kentucky 3, Texas 2 (SEC Tournament Final)
- Dec. 4: Kentucky 3, Wofford 0 (NCAA Tournament First Round)
- Dec. 5: Kentucky 3, UCLA 1 (NCAA Tournament Second Round)
- Dec. 11: Kentucky 3, Cal Poly 0 (NCAA Tournament Regional Round)
- Dec. 13: Kentucky 3, Creighton 0 (NCAA Tournament Regional Final)
- Dec. 18: Kentucky vs. Wisconsin (NCAA Tournament National Semifinal)
Click here to see who the Badgers have faced this season.
Kentucky’s 2025 and 2020-21 teams were both crowned SEC champions.
The 2020-21 team went 24-1, dropping one conference match to Florida (3-2) and never losing on its home court.
The 2025 team is 29-2, riding a 26-match win streak dating back to September and encompassing the whole SEC slate as well as every match at Historic Memorial Coliseum.
The Wildcats have won nine consecutive conference titles, which is a Power Four conference volleyball record.
Kentucky volleyball takes a 26-match win streak into the Final Four after going perfect in SEC play and at Historic Memorial Coliseum this season.
Craig Skinner’s contract with Kentucky volleyball runs through June 30, 2029. His base salary is as follows:
- July 1, 2022-June 30, 2023: $450,000
- July 1, 2023-June 30, 2024: $475,000
- July 1, 2024-June 30, 2025: $525,000
- July 1, 2025-June 30, 2026: $525,000
- July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027: $525,000
- July 1, 2027-June 30, 2028: $525,000
- July 1, 2028-June 30, 2029: $525,000
Skinner also receives $5,000 per contract year (payable on July 31 and Jan. 31) for “media and endorsement” obligations.
His incentive-based bonuses are not cumulative and include:
- $50,000 for a Final Four berth;
- $75,000 for an NCAA Championship
Yes, UK is spending its 2025-26 revenue-sharing budget on the following sports: football, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, baseball, softball and volleyball. The athletics department declined to provide a sport-by-sport spending breakdown when asked by The Courier Journal earlier this year.
Other schools that confirmed to The Courier Journal that they’re spending revenue-sharing dollars on volleyball are:
- Louisville
- Nebraska
- Ohio State
- Minnesota
- Creighton
- BYU
- TCU
- Texas A&M
Hudson and DeLeye are Kentucky’s star outside hitters. DeLeye is a junior and was named the Lexington Regional’s Most Outstanding Player.
Hudson transferred to Kentucky from Purdue for her senior season. She was named to the Lexington Regional All-Tournament Team. Hudson was also awarded SEC Player of the Year and Newcomer of the Year.
Both players have been critical for UK’s success all season. They proved especially clutch during the Elite Eight match, combining for 32 of the team’s 47 kills.
- Trinity Ward (DS/Libero, Fr., 5-foot-7)
- Ava Sarafa (Setter, R-So., 6 foot)
- Jordyn Dailey (Middle Blocker/Right Side, R-So., 6-foot-2)
- Kassie O’Brien (Setter, Fr., 6-foot-1)
- Eva Hudson (Outside Hitter, Sr., 6-foot-1)
- Brooke Bultema (Middle Blocker, R-So., 6-foot-3)
- Georgia Watson (Outside Hitter, Fr., 6-foot-3)
- Kennedy Washington (Middle Blocker, So., 6 foot)
- Molly Berezowitz (DS/Libero, Jr., 5-foot-5)
- Molly Tuozzo (DS/Libero, Jr., 5-foot-7)
- Hannah Benjamin (Outside Hitter, R-Fr., 6-foot-1)
- Lizzie Carr (Middle Blocker/Right Side, R-Jr., 6-foot-6)
- Brooklyn DeLeye (Outside Hitter, Jr., 6-foot-2)
- Asia Thigpen (Outside Hitter, So., 5-foot-11)
Click here to see who plays for the Badgers.
Reach college sports enterprise reporter Payton Titus at ptitus@gannett.com and follow her on X @petitus25. Subscribe to her “Full-court Press” newsletter here for a behind-the-scenes look at how college sports’ biggest stories are impacting Louisville and Kentucky athletics.
Sports
Johansson Earns Big Ten Weekly Honors – University of Nebraska
-
Motorsports1 week agoSoundGear Named Entitlement Sponsor of Spears CARS Tour Southwest Opener
-
Motorsports3 weeks agoJo Shimoda Undergoes Back Surgery
-
NIL3 weeks agoBowl Projections: ESPN predicts 12-team College Football Playoff bracket, full bowl slate after Week 14
-
Rec Sports3 weeks agoHow this startup (and a KC sports icon) turned young players into card-carrying legends overnight
-
Rec Sports3 weeks agoRobert “Bobby” Lewis Hardin, 56
-
Motorsports3 weeks agoPohlman admits ‘there might be some spats’ as he pushes to get Kyle Busch winning again
-
Sports3 weeks ago
Wisconsin volleyball sweeps Minnesota with ease in ranked rivalry win
-
Motorsports1 week agoDonny Schatz finds new home for 2026, inks full-time deal with CJB Motorsports – InForum
-
Motorsports3 weeks agoIncreased Purses, 19 Different Tracks Highlight 2026 Great Lakes Super Sprints Schedule – Speedway Digest
-
Rec Sports2 weeks agoHow Donald Trump became FIFA’s ‘soccer president’ long before World Cup draw










