RIO GRANDE VALLEY – Breaking records has become a habit for The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley’s (UTRGV) track & field program, which the Vaqueros proved time and time again during the 2025 outdoor season.  
 
In Year 1 in the Southland Conference (SLC), UTRGV captured three individual women’s outdoor titles as the women took third in the team standings, just 2.5 points shy of a runner-up finish. The Vaqueros collected 14 medals at the outdoor conference meet, with the women picking up nine and the men adding five. Along with three golds, they earned six silver and five bronze medals. 
 
UTRGV immediately showed the new conference just how strong of a program it is. 
 
“I would have to say that the 2025 outdoor conference championship was one for the books. The amount of finalists and medalists we had in our first year in the Southland leaves us with very promising goals for the future,” head coach Shareese Hicks said. “The meet was sensational over the few days and watching everyone support one another was awe inspiring.”
 
The season culminated with another incredible achievement for Hicks’ tenure – UTRGV sent a program-record eight qualifiers to the NCAA West First Round. Two veteran standouts in Hannah Hilding and Aaron Cooper made return trips to the preliminary meet while fellow junior Nayla Harris earned her first trip to the postseason after a breakout year. Four transfers in Corin Burns, Efe Latham, Achol Maywin and Keamonie Archie punched their ticket to NCAA West, along with star freshman Richard Young. 
 
Hicks and her staff went into this season intent on challenging the student-athletes to make them capable of performing in any situation. The Vaqueros’ ability to adapt and shine week after week resulted from those efforts and the detailed coaching. 
 
“We put more emphasis on putting our athletes in championship scenarios in training,” Hicks explained. “We trained in every permittable weather, changed warm-up locations, practiced resetting, and paid special attention to recovery. Our young people were prepared for every scenario and were ready to compete to the best of their ability.” 
 
Hicks instills a standard in her program of “how you do one thing is how you do everything,” and that culture shined. The Vaqueros not only set nine outdoor program records but saw improvements in the classroom and were active in the campus community. Even with the challenges of ever-changing rosters in the time of the transfer portal, the Vaqueros built a strong team camaraderie, supporting and pushing and celebrating each other every day. 
 
There were tough moments and battles to overcome, and they always did so together.  
 
“This 2025 outdoor season was the year of grit. We were tested in every way imaginable and continued to weather the waves of the season. Our young people proved to be mentally tougher than ever. They kept an indomitable will as their guide and walked away with performances they will talk about for years to come,” Hicks said. “Character is revealed in the face of adversity, and our team proved that their values and work ethic are elite.” 
 
A few of the highlight moments from the outdoor season included Harris securing her title as the fastest woman in the SLC as she followed up her indoor gold in the 60-meter dash with the 100-meter championship. The UTRGV Female Breakout Athlete of the Year ran the fastest women’s 100 in SLC history with her NCAA West qualifying time of 11.22, which is also a school record. 
 
Senior Samantha Gonzalez had a massive outdoor season to wrap up her UTRGV career. She won the women’s 3,000-meter steeplechase conference title and scored in the 5,000-meter run. Gonzalez set outdoor program records in the 1,500-meter run and steeplechase in 2025. She leaves the Vaqueros with six of the top 10 steeplechase times in program history. 
 
Hilding and Latham were a dynamic throwing duo, claiming the women’s hammer throw SLC championship and the silver medal in shot put, respectively. Archie and Cooper earned silver and bronze in men’s long and triple jump, respectively, while Maywin added to the jumps crew success with a runner-up finish in women’s high jump at the conference meet. 
 
Burns had a tremendous first year at UTRGV. He set program records in the 100-meter dash (10.17) and 200-meter dash (20.79) and with the 4×100-meter relay (39.93). Burns shined at the conference meet, taking silver in the 100 and bronze in the 200 and 4×100 relay. At the NCAA West meet – his second trip after qualifying as a freshman at Incarnate Word – Burns advanced to the second round of the 200 dash for the first time. 
 
Returners and newcomers alike had success throughout the season. Times dropped and marks got bigger as the Vaqueros racked up event wins, once again showing the athlete development happening regularly in the Valley.  

Along with Harris, two other student-athletes epitomize that development: sophomores Kailey Salazar and Alejandro Arellano. Harris didn’t make the finals in the 100 at last year’s Western Athletic Conference outdoor championships and came into this year with a personal-best of 11.59. Six of her eight races this season were faster than her previous best and she topped out at 11.22. Salazar had a solid freshman season in 2024, running an 800-meter dash PR of 2:10.81 late in the year. This season, she ran sub-2:10 twice and was a medalist at the conference meet after missing finals last season due to a protest. 

Arellano fought his way to being a regular on the travel squad. He was competitive in the 200 and 400-meter dashes, and made his first entry into the outdoor program record books with his 400 PR of 46.99, ranking ninth in program history. His previous best was 48.71. After competing in just a handful of meets early in his career, the Brownsville Hanna product became a reliable relay member this season and earned a bronze medal at the conference meet with the 4×400, running the program’s second-best time ever of 3:08.47. 

Adding to the incredible women’s season was freshman Jizzale Davis, who started off strong and stayed consistent. Davis was the 200-meter dash runner-up at the SLC outdoor meet and took fourth in the 100 and with the 4×100-meter relay. At the conference meet, she ran a 200 PR of 23.53, taking the No. 2 spot in program history and securing herself the opportunity to run at the 2025 USATF U-20 Championships. This was the third consecutive year UTRGV has had at least one student-athlete qualify for the national event. 

 

Hicks gave credit to the administration and support staff surrounding the track & field program for helping to lift the standards with their work behind the scenes. But the tremendous outdoor season the Vaqueros put together comes down to the special combination of an intentional coaching staff and dedicated student-athletes. 

 

In four years, Hicks has elevated the UTRGV track & field program to be a consistent championship contender. The team’s momentum is high after the 2025 season, and the Vaqueros are eager to keep building. 

 

“I’m extremely appreciative of my staff that share in my conscientious mentality. We continue to progress every year because of the buy-in and sweat equity that they invest in this program,” Hicks praised. “Our young people and their families are the best. The values we share and the world class work that they put in every day has paid off. They have been wonderful representatives of our university.

 

“Once you visit the Valley it’s hard to say no. Recruits can feel that once they step on campus and meet the team,” she continued. “We have a proven track record of getting athletes better in every aspect, and we have world class facilities to enhance the student-athlete experience. Our young people have everything they need to succeed here.”  

Support UTRGV Track & Field | Become a Fan on Facebook | Follow us on Twitter | Follow us on Instagram | Follow us on YouTube

 

AKRON, Ohio – The Akron volleyball program and Head Coach Tyson Norton announced the 2025 non-conference schedule on Thursday, July 24.

The Zips begin the 2025 campaign in Raleigh, N.C., starting August 29 when they battle NC State, Green Bay and Army.

Akron then returns to the Buckeye State for three games, starting with a road match at Cleveland State on September 3. The Blue and Gold kick off their home slate when East Tennessee State and American University come to James A. Rhodes Arena on September 5 and 6.

The Zips then travel to Richmond, Ky., for three games where they’ll battle Eastern Kentucky, Northern Kentucky and Texas-Rio Grande Valley starting on September 12.

Akron will finish out its non-conference schedule with a road trip to Youngstown State on September 18 while hosting Cleveland State at the JAR on September 19.

Mid-American Conference action begins on September 25 when the Zips host the RedHawks of Miami (OH) on September 25.

Live Coverage of Swimming Begins This Saturday, July 26, at 10 p.m. ET Exclusively on Peacock; Highlights on NBC on Aug. 2 at 2 p.m. ET and Aug. 9 at 1 p.m. ET

Ledecky Can Add to Her Record-Breaking Individual World Championship Gold Medal Count

Olympic Gold Medalists Leon Marchand, Summer McIntosh, Torri Huske, and Kaylee McKeown Also Expected to Compete

Spain vs. Hungary in Men’s Water Polo Gold Medal Match Tomorrow at 9:35 a.m. ET Exclusively on Peacock

Additional Coverage, including Preliminaries, Presented Live on Team USA TV

STAMFORD, Conn. – July 23, 2025 – Nine-time Olympic gold medalist Katie Ledecky headlines NBC Sports’ continued live coverage of the 2025 World Aquatics Championships from Singapore, with the swimming portion of the event beginning this Saturday, July 26, at 10 p.m. ET exclusively on Peacock. All finals in all disciplines across swimming, diving, water polo, open water swimming, and artistic swimming will continue to be presented live on Peacock.

Ledecky, who has a record 16 individual world championship gold medals, can make history once again when she lines up for the 800m freestyle, where she could become the first swimmer to win seven world titles in one event. Ledecky’s dominance in the event dates back to the 2012 London Olympics; since then, she’s won four consecutive Olympic gold medals and six world titles. Ledecky is expected to face elite competition from three-time Olympic gold medalist Summer McIntosh (Canada).

The U.S. is expected to field an elite team that’s coming off 28 medals at the Paris Olympics, the most of any country in the Games. Aside from Ledecky, eight-time Olympic medalist Regan Smith, four-time Olympic medalist Gretchen Walsh, and six-time Olympic medalist Torri Huske are all expected to represent Team USA.

Along with McIntosh, French star Leon Marchand, coming off a Paris Olympics that saw him win four gold medals in front of his home crowd, leads a strong international contingent expected to compete in Singapore that is also expected to include Australian Olympic gold medalists Kaylee McKeown and Mollie O’Callaghan.

Since July 11 and continuing through Aug. 3, Peacock will stream over 100 hours of live coverage featuring many of the top U.S. Olympic medalists from Paris competing against elite international fields in swimming, diving, water polo, artistic swimming, and open water swimming. This will be the first time that Singapore has hosted this event.

Team USA TV will present preliminaries and select semi-finals action from the artistic swimming and diving competitions. Team USA TV is a free ad-supported TV channel, launched in partnership by the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee, NBCUniversal, and FAST Studios. Team USA TV brings fans the incredible stories of Team USA athletes and their journey to represent Team USA at the Olympic and Paralympic Games and is available now on Peacock, Roku TV, Amazon Freevee, LG Channels, and Tablo. For more information, click here.

NBC Sports’ Jason Knapp will call the event alongside three-time Olympic gold medalist Rowdy Gaines and reporter Nicole Auerbach. During his career, Gaines won eight World Championship medals, including five gold medals at the 1978 and 1982 World Championships.

NBC Sports’ Coverage Schedule, Thursday, July 24 – Saturday, Aug. 9 (all times ET)

*Encore presentation

–NBC SPORTS–

Anyone paying attention to the fight for women’s sports already knows that Riley Gaines isn’t backing down. And as the nation starts to wake up, she’s no longer alone.

The 12-time All-American swimmer and tireless women’s advocate has become a household name by doing something simple but radical: she’s speaking the truth. Now, Gaines is teaming up with XX-XY Athletics, the only athletic brand unapologetically championing biological women, to launch a collaboration that’s as bold and brave as she is. 

The retro-inspired Be Bold collection is infused with red, white, and blue to showcase unapologetic pride in this nation. But the brand and the styles aren’t just fashion — they represent a cultural pushback. And according to XX-XY founder Jennifer Sey, the timing couldn’t be more perfect.

“The first drop launched on June 23rd, the anniversary of Title IX. So it’s a celebration of all that Title IX represents, the opportunity it presented for women and girls across the country,” Sey told The Daily Wire in an exclusive interview. “And it sort of highlights the fact that we need to continue to fight to uphold it. We’re not going backwards.”

Not long before the collection’s June release, the Department of Education ruled that the University of Pennsylvania violated Title IX by allowing a biological male to compete on the women’s swim team, therefore robbing female athletes of records, awards, and their dignity. 

The school was forced to apologize and restore honors to athletes like Gaines. Shortly after, the Supreme Court announced it would hear two landmark cases involving men competing in women’s sports. Sey said it’s all proof that the cultural tide is turning, and that this collection will help capture that truth.

“The world is shifting under our feet,” she said. “That’s in large part due to Riley’s work.”

Sey has a background in standing up for what’s right. A former elite gymnast and the first whistleblower in her sport to expose abuse, she spent decades at the helm of major brands like Levi’s before founding XX-XY Athletics in 2023 with a singular mission: to stand up for real women.

“I looked around at all the big brands pretending to champion female athletes, and none of them really did. They make money off of it, but behind the scenes, they treat women with astonishing disregard,” she said.

With Be Bold, Sey is hoping to turn that hypocrisy on its head.

The collection wasn’t just inspired by Gaines. It was built with her.

“She was totally involved,” Sey said of the line of fitness apparel. “The red, white, and blue color scheme? That’s all her. The name Be Bold? That’s how she signs her books. We leaned into her favorite pieces and her signature style.”

XX-XY Athletics

Gaines’s go-to item is the cropped performance tank, Sey says, stressing that all the pieces both make a statement and support real athletes who need their sportswear to work as hard as they do. These are high-quality items designed for female athletes who have both principles and high standards.

Another standout from the collection is the oversized concert tee, a nod to both Gen Z-approved oversized street style and old-school Americana. The back of the tee features the 37 words of Title IX, a fashionable protest.

XX-XY Athletics

And for the non-athletes, there are plenty of options for a more casual look, like a vintage-inspired velour tracksuit straight out of 1972.

“When I was on the national team in the very early 80s, velour tracksuits were our dress sweats that we wore to march out at major international competitions,” Sey recalled. “So we definitely allude to them with some of the styling…we definitely use 1972 as a grounding point.”

XX-XY Athletics

This collection isn’t just about Riley, nor is it just a fashion statement. It’s about offering a platform to female athletes who’ve been abandoned by major brands and sports teams too afraid to take a side.

“One of the things we pride ourselves on is we scoop up athletes that no one else will touch. We will platform and empower the female athletes,” Sey said. “So they don’t feel so alone. Oftentimes they’re the only ones on their team or in their community [speaking up]. But when they realize there’s this network of women across the country who are doing the same thing, it’s incredibly powerful to have that.”

XX-XY Athletics

Sey says Gaines will continue working closely with the brand to identify and support more athletes who have the courage to speak up.

“At the end of the day, we’re all about supporting female athletes. I mean, that’s what it comes down to,” she said.

XX-XY’s gear isn’t just for show. A runner recently completed the Boston Marathon in under three hours wearing one of their tanks. That same style shows up in the new Be Bold collection, but this time reimagined in patriotic hues.

The idea behind Be Bold is simple but subversive: give everyday Americans an easy way to express support for truth, fairness, and biological reality without having to say a word.

“The reason I started the brand, or at least part of it, was I felt like if we could create something really cool that was also world-class products, we could give people an easy way to sort of rep their advocacy,” Sey said. “The mainstream brands do this. Why can’t we do it?”

Sey, who’s been targeted by critics and called every name in the book. But she says the backlash isn’t stopping her. 

“Noisy doesn’t mean right,” she said. “You’ve got to screw up your courage and stand by women and girls.”

The Gaines collaboration is just the beginning. Sey teased more limited-edition drops on the horizon, plus a deeper partnership with Riley that goes beyond just appearing in ads.

XX-XY Athletics

When asked where she dreams of seeing pieces from the Be Bold collection show up, Sey didn’t hesitate.

“We would love to see someone wear any item atop a podium at an NCAA championship,” she said, “Or walking into the Supreme Court wearing a Title IX tee, that would be amazing, right?”

As the legal battles heat up, broader cultural beliefs continue to influence how this topic is perceived in the general public. Sey says the silent majority is finally starting to speak up. 

“You know, I think this movement for common sense is sort of billed as right-wing by the mainstream media. But the fact is, it’s not. It’s a really broad-based coalition. You can’t have 80% of Americans [agreeing] and have it only be the right. It’s just regular people.”

The Be Bold collection is available now at xxxyathletics.com.

MONROE, La. – ULM volleyball has revealed its schedule for the 2025 season, the first under new head coach Reid Gann. This season follows a 2024 campaign which saw a 4-24 overall record.
 
The Warhawks open the season with a doubleheader vs. Southeastern Louisiana and Jackson State on August 29 in Hammond, La. They round out the Southeastern Showdown with a match against rival Louisiana Tech on August 30.
 
The squad takes on another in state tournament the following weekend from September 4-6 with the Cowgirl Classic in Lake Charles. They will face UT Arlington, Alcorn State, and host school McNeese, all rematches from last season.
 
After a September 9 match at Northwestern State, the Warhawks will travel to Ruston for a doubleheader with Houston Christian and a second season matchup at Louisiana Tech.
 
For the first time since 2022, ULM will host a non-conference match with Jackson State coming to Monroe on September 13. It finishes its three-game home stand with two matches on September 16 against Alcorn State and Lamar. The Warhawks close the non-conference schedule at the Bearkat Classic in Huntsville, Tx. with a pair of matches against Houston Christian and host Sam Houston.
 
Sun Belt Conference play starts on Sept. 25 and 26 with a series vs. Southern Miss in Hattiesburg. ULM then begins a four-game home stand with two series vs. South Alabama from Oct. 3-4 and Arkansas State from Oct. 10-11.
 
Coach Gann’s team embarks on a four-game road trip starting the following weekend in Huntington, WV. facing Marshall from Oct. 16-17 before a two-match showdown with Texas State on Oct. 24 and 25.
 
The Warhawks return to Fant-Ewing Coliseum for a Halloween weekend series vs. Troy from Oct. 30-31. Their last road series features the Ragin’ Cajuns in Lafayette on Nov. 6 and 7.
Fant-Ewing Coliseum hosts the final series of the season for ULM with Georgia State coming to town from Nov. 13-14.
 
The full schedule is listed below:
 
August
Aug. 29:  at Southeastern Louisiana (12:30 p.m.)
Aug. 29:  Jackson State (4 p.m.)
Aug. 30:  Louisiana Tech (11 a.m.)
 
September
Sept. 4:  UT Arlington (1 p.m.)
Sept. 5:  Alcorn State (1 p.m.)
Sept. 6:  at McNeese (1 p.m.)
Sept. 9:  at Northwestern State (6:30 p.m.)
Sept. 12:  HCU (Ruston, La.) (1:00 p.m.)
Sept. 12:  at Louisiana Tech (7:00 p.m.)
Sept. 13:  Jackson State (12 p.m.)
Sept. 16:  Alcorn State (3 p.m.)
Sept. 16:  Lamar (6 p.m.)
Sept. 19:  HCU (1 p.m.)
Sept. 19:  at Sam Houston (6 p.m.)
Sept. 25:  at Southern Miss* (6 p.m.)
Sept. 26:  at Southern Miss* (6 p.m.)
 
October
Oct. 3:  South Alabama* (6 p.m.)
Oct. 4:  South Alabama* (1 p.m.)
Oct. 10:  Arkansas State* (6 p.m.)
Oct. 11:  Arkansas State* (1 p.m.)
Oct. 16:  at Marshall* (4 p.m.)
Oct. 17:  at Marshall* (6 p.m.)
Oct. 24:  at Texas State* (6 p.m.)
Oct. 25:  at Texas State* (2 p.m.)
Oct. 30:  Troy* (6 p.m.)
Oct. 31:  Troy* (6 p.m.)
 
November
Nov. 6:  at Ragin’ Cajuns* (6 p.m.)
Nov. 7:  at Ragin’ Cajuns* (6 p.m.)
Nov. 13:  Georgia State* (6 p.m.)
Nov. 14:  Georgia State* (12 p.m.)
 
*- Sun Belt Conference Match