Meet The Oklahoman sports team reporting on OU and OSU athletics
I’ll always remember the first time I entered Gaylord Family — Oklahoma Memorial Stadium as a reporter. Fresh out of college at Northeastern State University and working at the Lawton Constitution, I was certainly in a new environment at that mid-week luncheon early in the 2008 season. Then, OU offensive lineman Phil Loadholt walked in. […]
Fresh out of college at Northeastern State University and working at the Lawton Constitution, I was certainly in a new environment at that mid-week luncheon early in the 2008 season.
Then, OU offensive lineman Phil Loadholt walked in. All 6 feet, 8 inches and 330 pounds.
The football players at NSU looked nothing like this behemoth.
At 5 feet, 10 inches tall and nowhere nearly as athletic, I suddenly wasn’t sure if I was there to ask him questions or serve as his mid-day snack.
But I shook off that crazy thought and went to work. I was hooked.
I wanted to cover big-time sports. And in Oklahoma, where I have lived my entire life, that’s college sports.
OU and Oklahoma State, to be specific.
I spent the next 11 years working to get to a college press box.
High school sports. Minor league baseball. Boxing. Auto racing. Even some college sports. I covered it all at the Constitution and beginning in 2011 as a copy editor at The Oklahoman.
As much as I loved that, I still wanted more.
Finally, in 2019, I made the leap, taking over as one of The Oklahoman’s OSU beat writers.
Working alongside Scott Wright, I was living a dream.
I helped deliver the best storytelling in the state on OSU stars like Cade Cunningham, Chuba Hubbard, Ollie Gordon II, Malcolm Rodriguez, Roc Riggio, the Boone Twins and more. I won an APSE award for my in-depth story on Jim Knowles.
I was at the Fiesta Bowl comeback against Notre Dame. I was there for the final Bedlam football game, weaving my way around a fan-filled Boone Pickens Stadium turf after OSU’s win. I covered tough news during the COVID-19 pandemic and the basketball postseason ban.
Every moment lived up to my expectations and then some.
And I did it with the best college sports coverage team possible
It’s time to get to know our team, whose bylines you will see throughout our coverage of the Sooners and Cowboys.
Ryan Aber (OU)
Growing up watching ESPN’s “SportsCenter” in elementary school, Aber decided to take a journalism class at Hefner Junior High and quickly became hooked on writing.
He enjoys telling the stories of the people he covers, both in and away from their sports.
Aber has been with The Oklahoman since 2006, covering high schools, the then-Oklahoma City RedHawks minor-league baseball team and the Oklahoma City Barons hockey team before moving over to cover OU athletics in 2013. Before returning home to work at The Oklahoman, Aber spent time at the Muskogee Phoenix, Southwest Times Record in Fort Smith, Arkansas, and The Morning News of Northwest Arkansas.
An alum of Putnam City North and Northeastern State University, Aber has lived in Oklahoma for almost all of his life.
Aber lives in Moore with his wife, Kim, and daughter, Sidney. His older daughter, Kaylee, lives and goes to school in Stillwater.
When not working, Aber plays hockey, attends as many concerts as he can and does some woodworking.
Sulley is a passionate journalist from Oklahoma City with a lifelong love for athletics and storytelling.
An OU graduate, Colton discovered his calling at the OU Daily, where his dedication to sports journalism truly came to life. The Daily not only shaped his career but also gave him a sense of belonging and lifelong friendships.
Colton’s student newspaper stoked his competitive nature to new levels, and it’s where he figured out there’s nothing he’d rather be doing. Waking up every morning determined to write must-reads, chase the stories of the week, go the extra mile to find sourcing beyond press availabilities and serve a passionate and engaged audience is a dream come true.
In February 2024, he joined The Oklahoman as an OU beat writer, continuing to cover the Sooners with the same energy and insight that first fueled his dreams.
Nearing 20 years on the staff of The Oklahoman, Scott Wright has covered almost every beat in the sports department, from high schools and minor- league teams to OU and — for the last eight years — Oklahoma State.
Originally from Yukon, his life in sports media began on the broadcast side, with internships at local news stations, plus a few years running the board and answering phones at the Sports Animal.
In 2002, he turned his focus to writing, which kickstarted a career that took him to newspapers in towns like Bethany and Shawnee before he joined The Oklahoman in September 2005.
Since 2017, he has established himself as a trusted figure and consistent voice covering Oklahoma State athletics.
Potts unveils packed schedule in 1st Mountain West season
Grand Canyon women’s volleyball unveiled its full 2025 slate – a schedule packed with high-energy home matches and marquee tests as the Lopes gear up for their first year in the Mountain West. The season begins under the GCU Arena lights with the return of the electric Lope-A-Palooza match on Aug. 29, featuring a […]
Grand Canyon women’s volleyball unveiled its full 2025 slate – a schedule packed with high-energy home matches and marquee tests as the Lopes gear up for their first year in the Mountain West.
The season begins under the GCU Arena lights with the return of the electric Lope-A-Palooza match on Aug. 29, featuring a matchup against Long Island. The opening weekend continues on the home court with contests against UT Rio Grande Valley on Aug. 30 and Gonzaga on Aug. 31. The Gonzaga match will mark the return of former GCU star, Klaire Mitchell, who is a Zags assistant coach.
“Our preseason schedule has a great build to it,” second-year Lopes head coach Kendra Potts said. “We’re so excited to host the first two weekends at GCU and to play in front of our home crowd that is the best in the country. We’ve got great teams coming in for two solid weekends of highly competitive volleyball.”
The Lopes remain in Phoenix the following week for another trio of nonconference showdowns. GCU hosts East Texas A&M on Sept. 5 before welcoming Washington State on Sept. 6. A matchup with in-state foe Northern Arizona rounds out the home stand on Sept. 7.
GCU then will head to Lincoln, Nebraska, for a nationally significant weekend, beginning with a neutral-site clash against Drake on Sept. 12. The following day, the Lopes face perennial powerhouse Nebraska on Sept. 13 inside the Huskers’ Bob Devaney Center. GCU last faced Nebraska in 2015.
“Going to Nebraska was strategic for the similar moves that GCU is making as an athletic department with the transition to the Mountain West,” Potts said. “Being able to be in the space and the arena that Nebraska has is a goal for us as a program to know and believe that we can compete at the highest level.”
The nonconference finale brings GCU crosstown to Tempe for a three-match series hosted by Arizona State. The Lopes meet Pepperdine on Sept. 18, take on Milwaukee on Sept. 19 and cap the stretch against ASU on Sept. 20.
“Being able to come back to the Valley and compete against Arizona State, a top-10 program, along with Pepperdine and Milwaukee, really rounds out the first four weeks of the season for us to prepare for the level of the Mountain West,” Potts said.
GCU will open the conference schedule against Boise State on Sept. 25 at home with a shot at the conference’s reigning champions on Oct. 4 at home.
The Lopes will not head on the road until Oct. 9 at UNLV.
GCU will close the regular-season schedule with four consecutive road matches at nAir Force (Nov. 13), Nevada (Nov. 15), Colorado State (Nov. 20) and Wyoming (Nov. 22).
The conference tournament will take place in Las Vegas with the opening round on Nov. 26, the semifinals on Nov. 28 and championship on Nov. 29.
“We are super grateful to be able to make this transition when we did and for what the GCU administration does for us to be able to put ourselves in a highly competitive space to compete for championships,” Potts said. “This also helps us to set higher sights for the NCAA Tournament and to give our student-athletes a well-rounded, top-notch experience.”
Who was the Holland Sentinel Girls Athlete of the Quarter Century?
With the century a quarter done, the Holland Sentinel is selecting its top 25 athletes from the past quarter century. We started with the top 25 from each school and move on to the top overall male and female high school athletes from the past 25 years. Athletes must be graduated to be eligible. The […]
With the century a quarter done, the Holland Sentinel is selecting its top 25 athletes from the past quarter century.
We started with the top 25 from each school and move on to the top overall male and female high school athletes from the past 25 years.
Athletes must be graduated to be eligible. The finalists include staff picks as well as top vote getters from the school polls.
Nicole Artz, West Ottawa
Class of 2013
Since West Ottawa does not have a varsity gymnastics program, and very few do anymore, Nicole Artz made her presence known on the club gymnastics scene. Artz was a Level 10 national qualifier and national champion before moving on to the University of Michigan where she was a multiple All-American and NCAA qualifier and one of the top gymnasts in the history of the Wolverines.
Aerin Baker, Saugatuck
Class of 2022
Perhaps the most explosive athlete in Saugatuck history, Aerin Baker used her incredible leaping ability to be a two-sport all-state athlete. She earned all-state volleyball honors and Sentinel Player of the Year honors as a senior after honorable mention honors as a junior. She also was all-state in track and field in the hurdles and the long jump. She will play volleyball at Calvin.
Courtney Bartholomew, Holland
Class of 2013
The most dominant swimmer in an era of Holland dominance, Courtney Bartholomew was a five-time individual state champion, claiming three 100 backstroke titles and two in the 200 IM. She led Holland to the most dominant state title in Michigan history as the Dutch finished first or second in every swimming event, including being part of the 200 medley relay that broke the national public schools record. Bartholomew was the second female swimmer in the country to break 52 seconds in the 100 backstroke. She went on to swim at Virginia, earning five NCAA runner-up finishes, and was on Team USA for the Duel in the Pool where she broke the American record in the short-course 100 backstroke and was part of the U.S. world record medley relay.
Selena Beltran-Pena, Fennville
Class of 2011
One of the top softball pitchers in area history, Selena Beltran-Pena was dominant in the circle. She earned all-state honors and was the Sentinel Player of the Year as a senior. She could also hit with the best of them, making her a difficult opponent all over the field at Fennville and when she played at Hope College.
Emily Bos, Holland
Class of 2010
Helping usher in the dominant era in Holland swimming, Emily Bos graduated holding the school record in every event. She was a six-time state individual state champion, winning three 100 backstroke titles and once each in the 200 IM, 50 freestyle and 100 freestyle. She was on five relay state titles as well. She was the Michigan High School Athlete of the Year by the Detroit Athletic Club and National High School Swimmer of the Year as a senior. Bos qualified for the Olympic trials and became an All-American at Auburn.
Ana Capotosto, Saugatuck
Class of 2011
One of the top athletes in the history of the state, Ana Capotosto could do it all. She was all-state in basketball multiple years, setting the school scoring record. She also was a state champion in track and field and an all-state volleyball player. She went on to play Division I basketball at Toledo and was a two-year captain.
Brittany Casey, Zeeland East
Class of 2014
Despite her small stature for a thrower, Brittany Casey used her strong, compact frame to become one of the top track and field athletes in state history. She earned four regional titles and three state titles in shot put and discus during her career with five all-state finishes before throwing at Western Michigan.
AJ Ediger, Hamilton
Class of 2021
One of the most dominating athletes in area history, the 6-foot-3 AJ Ediger was a force in basketball and volleyball. She earned all-state honors in basketball twice and volleyball twice, leading both teams to the state quarterfinals twice (the basketball team made the semifinals once there too). She also competed in track and field before earning a basketball scholarship to the University of Iowa.
Kristen Etterbeek, Holland Christian
Class of 2010
One of the best two-sport athletes in area history, Kristen Etterbeek was the queen of the court, whether that be the volleyball court or tennis court. She was an all-state volleyball player and a Miss Volleyball of Michigan finalist as a senior, one year after leading the Maroons to the state championship. After earning two all-state volleyball honors, she also was all-state multiple years in tennis, playing No. 1 singles at Holland Christian for a stunning three seasons. She played Division I volleyball at Penn where she was All-Ivy as a senior.
Erika Freyhof, Hamilton
Class of 2017
One of the top runners in history, Erika Freyhof made her mark in both cross country and track and field. She won the Division 2 state championship in cross country as a junior and finished third as a senior. In track, she won multiple state titles in distance races and was all-state in several events. She went on to run at Nebraska and scored at the Big Ten Championships and was an NCAA qualifier.
Taylor Garcia, Holland
Class of 2015
The most accomplished swimmer in Holland history, Taylor Garcia was also the most accomplished state champion in the history of the state of Michigan in any sport. She won all eight of her individual races at the state finals during her career, plus six relay titles and three team titles giving her 17 total state championships, a state record. Garcia went on to swim at Arizona, then transferred to the University of Michigan where she became an All-American.
Alyssa Garvelink, Holland Christian
Class of 2014
The most dominant volleyball player in the history of the Holland area, Alyssa Garvelink was a force like no other at the net. At 6-4, she was an elite blocker starting as a sophomore before earning all-state honors as a junior and senior, when she was a Miss Volleyball of Michigan finalist. She also played basketball, but volleyball was her calling as she headed to Michigan State and earned All-American honors twice and represented Team USA. She now plays professionally with the Grand Rapids Rise.
Haley Hoogenraad, Zeeland West
Class of 2016
One of the most well-rounded athletes in history, Haley Hoogenraad made her mark in several sports. She was a state meet qualifier in both cross country and track and field. She also was one of the top basketball players in the area during her career. But her best sport was softball. She was all-state for the Dux and ended up at the University of Michigan as a starting outfielder. But her four-sport legacy at Zeeland West lives on.
Madie Jamrog, Hamilton
Class of 2023
Was a three-time Holland Sentinel Softball Player of the Year, leading the Hawkeyes to two district championships and deep postseason runs. She broke the school record for no-hitters and now pitches at Akron. Also was an all-conference volleyball player.
Jordyn Klaasen, Zeeland West
Class of 2025
One of the most versatile and successful athletes in area history, Klaasen earned all-state honors during her career in soccer, cross country, basketball and was a state qualifier in track and field. She will play Division I soccer at Ball State next year.
Shelby Lacy, West Ottawa
Class of 2011
The fastest breaststroker in area history, Shelby Lacy claimed back-to-back Division 1 state championships in the 100-yard breaststroke, a feat no one has matched at Division 1. She also was part of West Ottawa’s state champion 200 medley relay. She went on to swim at Michigan State where she broke the school record in the 100 breaststroke. She now works for ESPN.
Brooke Leonard, Zeeland East
Class of 2014
While many softball pitchers dominate with speed, Brooke Leonard used her guile and arsenal of pitches to become one of the top softball players in area history. She earned all-state honors as a sophomore, junior and senior and was named Sentinel Softball Player of the Year three times before pitching at Cornerstone.
Allison Liske, Zeeland East
Class of 2007
Ushering in the dominant era of throwing for Zeeland East, Allison Liske still holds the school record in the shot put and discus despite several other Chix claiming state championships. Liske was a state champion in the shot put and three times a runner-up in the shot put and discus to future Olympian Mary Angell. Also was all-conference in basketball before competing in track and field at the University of Michigan.
Cortney Lokker Naber, West Ottawa
Class of 2004
Making her home on the court, Cortney Lokker was a two-time all-state volleyball player for the Panthers, amassing several school records along the way, becoming one of the top players in school history. She also was a strong basketball player, earning three varsity letters and Holland Sentinel Dream Team honors in both sports. Played volleyball at Grand Valley State and led the Lakers to the 2005 NCAA championship.
Sadie Misiewicz, Holland
Class of 2016
Sadie Misiewicz dominated on the pitch. She was the top soccer player in Holland High School history, earning all-state honors as a sophomore, junior and senior before earning a scholarship to play at Michigan State, where she became a captain. She also played professionally with Grand Rapids FC.
Suenomi Norinh, Zeeland East
Class of 2019
One of the most versatile athletes in the history of the state of Michigan, Suenomi Norinh was named Miss Track and Field of Michigan as a senior when she won the state championship in the high jump, long jump and 100 hurdles, while finishing runner-up in 300 hurdles. She won the high jump as a junior as well and was all-state three years in track and field. Also played volleyball before running track at Missouri.
Arianne Olson, West Ottawa
Class of 2023
The elite distance runner claimed multiple state titles and state runner-up finishes during her career and was all-state in both track and cross country, leading the Panthers to a state cross country title. She now runs at Notre Dame.
Emily Oren, Hamilton
Class of 2012
The MHSAA scholar-athlete of the year as a senior, Emily Oren was on the run. She earned multiple all-state finishes in cross country, helping the Hawkeyes to a state runner-up finish. She also was all-state multiple years in multiple events for track and field. She went on to run at Hillsdale where she claimed multiple NCAA championships in the steeplechase and has qualified for multiple Olympic trials and USA national meets in the event.
Ashley Overbeek, Hamilton
Class of 2014
One of the quickest and most talented basketball players in history, Ashley Overbeek made her mark by scoring 1,400 points and earning all-state honors. She started the resurgence of the Hamilton program. In addition, she was an all-state soccer player, using that same quickness to get to the goal.
Kylee Poulton, Black River
Class of 2022
The first multiple state champion in Black River history, Kylee Poulton won the 100 meters and 200 meters at the Division 3 state finals in June. She was all-state in multiple events multiple years on the track and will run at Indiana University next year. She was also a strong volleyball player at Black River.
Sophie Riemersma, Zeeland East
Class of 2018
One of the most dominant athletes in one sport, Sophie Riemersma was also dominant in multiple sports despite her volleyball focus. She was all-state in volleyball three times, including being named a Miss Volleyball of Michigan finalist as a senior. She was honorable mention all-state in basketball, scoring more than 1,000 points in her career and breaking the school record for rebounds. She also was all-state twice in the high jump before heading to Miami (Ohio) for volleyball.
Helen Sachs, West Ottawa
Class of 2025
Overcoming an eating disorder that brought her career to a halt, Sachs battled back and claimed the Division 1 state championship in the 3,200 meters as a senior. She was a state runner-up multiple times in track and won the D1 cross country state title as a sophomore, leading the Panthers to the team title. She will run at Notre Dame next year.
Bria Schrotenboer, Hamilton
Class of 2019
One of the top soccer players in the history of the Holland area, Bria Schrotenboer starred in soccer before moving on to higher club teams and landed a spot on Team USA before playing at Michigan State and then Duke. She also was an all-state basketball player, leading the Hawkeyes to the state semifinals.
Rachele Schulist, Zeeland West
Class of 2012
One of the most dominant athletes in local history, Rachele Schulist was an all-state cross country performer all four years, leading the Dux to a state title. On the track, she claimed the state championship in the 1,600 meters and was all-state in multiple events all four years for the Dux, leading them to a runner-up finish as a senior. She went on to run at Michigan State and was an All-American.
Abby Schultz, Calvary
Class of 2012
Schultz, the only basketball player to reach 1,000 career points for the Crusaders, she went on to play at Grace University and score 1,000 points there before becoming a college basketball coach.
Carly Sleeman, Zeeland West
Class of 2024
Was named Division 2 Miss Softball as a senior after setting most of the Zeeland West records. She was all-state three times and Sentinel Player of the Year twice. She went on to play at Central Michigan where she was All-MAC and will play at Kentucky next year.
Kara VandeGuchte, Hamilton
Class of 2007
One of the most versatile and elite athletes in area history, Kara VandeGuchte was a three-sport star. She played basketball, but was even better in volleyball and on the track. She was all-state in volleyball twice, leading the Hawkeyes to the regional final. She also earned all-state honors in track and field, one of the top hurdlers in area history. She went on to play volleyball and run track at Hope. She was all-region in volleyball, helping Hope to the Final Four. She also earned All-American honors in the heptathlon.
Carissa Verkaik, Holland Christian
Class of 2009
Making her biggest impact on the court, Carissa Verkaik was an all-state basketball player, leading the Maroons to state semifinal and quarterfinal appearances. She graduated as the all-time leading scorer at Holland Christian and was second in the entire state in career shots blocked. She also was an all-state track and field athlete. She headed to Calvin where she was a four-time MIAA MVP and multiple All-American. As a senior, she was national player of the year and won the Jostens Trophy. She is Calvin’s all-time leader in points, rebounds and blocked shots. She was third in NCAA Division III history in career blocks and 14th in scoring when she graduated.
Paige Westra, Zeeland East
Class of 2022
Making history, Paige Westra became the first female to earn first-team all-state honors in football in the state of Michigan. She was also all-state in soccer and track and field, concurrently in a stunning spring. She set the Chix season and career scoring record in soccer with 65 goals in just three years and was state runner-up in the shot put, earning all-state track and field honors for the fourth time. She will continue in track and field at Grand Valley State.
Kayla Windemuller, Holland Christian
Class of 2018
The most dominant distance runner in area history, Kayla Windemuller claimed eight state championships during her career. She won one in cross country and five individual titles in track and field in the 1,600 and 3,200. She also helped the Maroons win two relays, leading the team to a state runner-up finish. Headed to Baylor and then the University of Michigan where she was an All-American in the steeplechase.
Abby Winn, Zeeland West
Class of 2022
The most recent stellar multi-sport star for the Dux, Abby Winn saved her best for her senior year. She was honorable mention all-state in volleyball, before earning all-area basketball honors. In the spring, she was a state qualifier in track and field all while earning first-team all-state honors in soccer, leading the Dux to their first regional final. She played soccer at GVSU.
Contact sports editor Dan D’Addona at Dan.D’Addona@hollandsentinel.com. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter @DanDAddona or Facebook @HollandSentinelSports.
LOGAN, Utah – Utah State volleyball released an amended version of its conference slate for the 2025 season on Tuesday. The new schedule accounts for the addition of Grand Canyon, which will join the Mountain West as a full member this fall. A total of seven Utah State matches have been altered from the […]
LOGAN, Utah – Utah State volleyball released an amended version of its conference slate for the 2025 season on Tuesday. The new schedule accounts for the addition of Grand Canyon, which will join the Mountain West as a full member this fall.
A total of seven Utah State matches have been altered from the previously released conference schedule. The Aggies will now open MW play at New Mexico on Thursday, Sept. 25, before the team’s only regular season match against newly-admitted Grand Canyon on Saturday, Sept. 27, in Phoenix.
Utah State will then return to the Wayne Estes Center as before to host San José State on Thursday, Oct. 2, but will now also play Boise State on Saturday, Oct. 4, in Logan. USU’s following two-game road trip at Wyoming and Colorado State remains unchanged.
Following the two road matches, the Aggies will host Fresno State on Thursday, Oct. 16, before returning to the road to take on Boise State on Saturday, Oct. 18. Utah State will then welcome San Diego State and UNLV to Club Estes on Thursday, Oct. 23, and Saturday, Oct. 25, respectively.
USU’s final eight matches of the Mountain West slate remain unchanged from those previously announced.
Fans can purchase season tickets here. Mini-plans and single-game tickets will be available at a later date. For all ticket questions, contact the USU Ticket Office online or at 435-797-0305.
2025 Mountain West Schedule
Date
Opponent
Location
Thursday, Sept. 25
at New Mexico
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Saturday, Sept. 27
at Grand Canyon
Phoenix, Arizona
Thursday, Oct. 2
SAN JOSÉ STATE
WAYNE ESTES CENTER
Saturday, Oct. 4
BOISE STATE
WAYNE ESTES CENTER
Thursday, Oct. 9
at Wyoming
Laramie, Wyoming
Saturday, Oct. 11
at Colorado State
Fort Collins, Colorado
Thursday, Oct. 16
FRESNO STATE
WAYNE ESTES CENTER
Saturday, Oct. 18
at Boise State
Boise, Idaho
Thursday, Oct. 23
SAN DIEGO STATE
WAYNE ESTES CENTER
Saturday, Oct. 25
UNLV
WAYNE ESTES CENTER
Thursday, Oct. 30
at San Diego State
San Diego, California
Saturday, Nov. 1
at UNLV
Las Vegas, Nevada
Thursday, Nov. 6
COLORADO STATE
WAYNE ESTES CENTER
Saturday, Nov. 8
WYOMING
WAYNE ESTES CENTER
Thursday, Nov. 13
at Fresno State
Fresno, California
Saturday, Nov. 15
at San José State
San José, California
Thursday, Nov. 20
AIR FORCE
WAYNE ESTES CENTER
Saturday, Nov. 22
NEVADA
WAYNE ESTES CENTER
Wed.-Sat., Nov. 26-29
Mountain West Tournament
Las Vegas, Nevada
*HOME GAMES IN BOLD AND ALL CAPS
Fans can follow the Aggie volleyball program on Twitter, @USUVolleyball, on Facebook at /USUVolleyball or on Instagram, @usuvolleyball. Aggie fans can also follow the Utah State athletic program on Twitter, @USUAthletics, Facebook at /USUAthletics and on Instagram, @USUAthletics.
Pompano Beach Set to Welcome Fans Back for World-Class Beach Volleyball This Year
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (July 22, 2025) – USA Volleyball, in partnership with the Florida Region of USA Volleyball, will once again bring world-class beach volleyball to Florida with the Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour (BPT) Futures Pompano Beach, Florida, Dec. 4-7, 2025, as part of the second annual Pompano Beach Volleyball Festival. This year’s tournament […]
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (July 22, 2025) – USA Volleyball, in partnership with the Florida Region of USA Volleyball, will once again bring world-class beach volleyball to Florida with the Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour (BPT) Futures Pompano Beach, Florida, Dec. 4-7, 2025, as part of the second annual Pompano Beach Volleyball Festival.
This year’s tournament builds on the success of the 2024 inaugural event and marks the second year of collaboration between USA Volleyball and the Florida Region in co-hosting the BPT Futures event.
Competition will begin with a qualifier on Thursday, Dec. 4, followed by the main draw from Friday, Dec. 5 to Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025. All matches will be held on the sands of Pompano Beach and are free and open to the public.
The festival will also feature a Pan American Zone Beach ParaVolley event from Dec. 6-7. Junior clubs can also join in on the action by registering for the U.S. Beach Club East Coast Championship from Dec. 5-6 and a Beach National Qualifier (BNQ) on Dec. 7. Register now for the U.S. Beach Club East Coast Championship. Registration for the BNQ will open soon.
“We’re thrilled to return to Pompano Beach for the 2025 Beach Pro Tour Futures event and to deepen our partnership with the Florida Region,” said USA Volleyball’s Chief Operating Officer Steve Bishop. “Events like this not only elevate the level of competition in the U.S. but also create opportunities for fans and future athletes to experience world-class volleyball up close. With strong support from local partners, we’re excited to continue growing the sport in one of the most vibrant beach volleyball communities in the country.”
Sanctioned by Volleyball World, the FIVB Beach Pro Tour Futures series provides a global platform for emerging beach volleyball athletes to earn ranking points and compete against rising stars from across the world. The Pompano Beach event will feature both up-and-coming and experienced players vying for points, prize money and international recognition.
“The Florida Region of USA Volleyball is extremely excited for year two of this event,” said Kurt Esser, executive director and president of the Florida Region of USA Volleyball. “The inaugural Pompano Beach Volleyball Festival was a great success, and this year will be even better. We are very appreciative of the support from Visit Lauderdale in hosting. Additionally, thank you to FIVB and USAV for continuing help in growing this event.”
Who are the golden girls of Water Polo – The stories of the 15 Women who took Greece to the Top of the World
Is water polo our national sport? Based on our successes at both the club and national levels, it just might be. Greece has won Champions League titles in men’s and women’s water polo and has also achieved major successes with the national teams. Water polo is the only sport in the country with Olympic medals […]
Is water polo our national sport? Based on our successes at both the club and national levels, it just might be.
Greece has won Champions League titles in men’s and women’s water polo and has also achieved major successes with the national teams.
Water polo is the only sport in the country with Olympic medals – both in men’s and women’s competitions. In 2004 in Athens, the women took silver, and the men did the same in 2021 in Tokyo.
Greece now has two gold medals in Women’s World Championships and four medals in the Men’s. These triumphs began in the 1990s and continue to this day.
The girls who won gold at the World Championship in Singapore grew up with youth national team successes, inspired by past generations that made history in major tournaments.
In Greece, water polo is a… family sport. If the father played polo, the son or daughter is likely to play too. In the Singapore squad, girls like Maria Patra, Dionysia Koureta, Stefania Santa, and Athina Giannopoulou come from polo families.
Here are the 15 women who made history in Singapore:
Ioanna Stamatopoulou
Born in Piraeus with roots in Ilia, Ioanna will one day tell her children about winning gold at the World Championship and being voted Best Goalkeeper of the tournament. She starred in the knockout rounds, especially in the final. She started at Ethnikos and moved early to Olympiacos, where she made history in Greece and Europe, forming a long-standing duo with Chrysoula Diamantopoulou. Now 27, she plays for Alimos.
Eleftheria Plevritou
The captain. She’s won nearly everything—except for an Olympic medal, which she hopes to claim in Los Angeles. A brilliant attacker with sharp game sense, despite being only 28. She moved to Piraeus from Thessaloniki as a teen with her family. Her older sister Margarita was a former national team captain, and her younger sister Vasiliki is also a world champion. She played for years at Olympiacos, dominating Greece and Europe, and recently moved to Ferencváros in Budapest. She studied Shipping at Piraeus University and considers coach Haris Pavlidis a second father.
Fotini Triha
What can one say about Fotini Triha? Only 20 years old and already a world champion. She was also the tournament’s top scorer with 25 goals. She scored 6 goals against Hungary in the opener, 5 against both Croatia and France—unstoppable. She transferred from Nireas Chalandriou to Olympiacos and was coached by Olympic silver medalist Eftychia Karagianni. She began playing in Marousi.
Stefania Santa
The apple didn’t fall far from the tree—daughter of Petre Santa, a legendary left-hander in Greek water polo. Born in Romania, she has lived most of her life in Greece and proudly wears the blue and white. Now 21, she plays for Olympiacos and is known for her powerful shot and playmaking skills.
Athina Giannopoulou
Daughter of Akis Giannopoulos, a goalkeeper for A.N.O. Glyfada’s historic team. She helped Vouliagmeni win the Greek Championship and will play for Spain’s Sabadell next season. She’s a scoring attacker, currently studying Business Administration, and speaks Spanish. Her uncle is Kyriakos Giannopoulos, president of the Greek Swimming Federation.
Eleni Xenaki
A top-class center forward and left-hander—an invaluable combo in water polo. Voted MVP of the final against Hungary. Her mother, Mary Voulgari, also played polo at Ethnikos, but Eleni has long surpassed her. A product of Vouliagmeni, she also played for Olympiacos and returned to N.O.V., with whom she won this year’s championship.
Eirini Ninou
A prolific scorer, started at Olympiacos and later played for Vouliagmeni, Glyfada, and Ethnikos. She dreamed of being a polo player and studying architecture. At 16, she debuted in the World Championship in South Korea. Now, at 23, she’s a world champion. She admires Giannis Antetokounmpo and reads Dan Brown religiously.
Maria Patra
Daughter of Vangelis Patras, a former star goalkeeper. Unlike her father, she plays in defense and excels there. She started at Panionios, spent years at Vouliagmeni, and now plays for Alimos.
Christina Siouti
A 21-year-old from Olympiacos’ youth system. Began at Milon Neas Smyrnis, learned defense and goal-scoring early. Plays with No. 7 at Olympiacos, No. 9 for Greece. She played in the World Championship with a broken toe—an inspiring display. She’s studying medicine.
Vasiliki Plevritou
The youngest of the Plevritou sisters. The only one still playing for Olympiacos, she came from Thessaloniki as a little girl and became one of Europe’s best. Known for her finesse shots and raw power. On her sixth World Championship appearance, she finally reached the top. She studies dentistry.
Sofia Tornarou
Another Olympiacos product who was trusted early by coach Haris Pavlidis. Now 21, she also played for Ethnikos and Nireas Chalandriou. Started as a center forward but now plays defense.
Maria Myriokefalitaki
Her powerful 6-meter goal against Australia secured Greece’s semifinal spot. She cried after the goal, moving the entire nation. At 24, she’s a dominant center forward from Rethymno, playing for Olympiacos. Wins ejections, scores goals, defends hard, and follows coach Antonis Vlontakis’ every instruction.
Alexia-Eugenia Tzourka
The second goalkeeper of the national team. She joined for the World Cup in China and won gold on Easter Day. Plays for Ethnikos, 28 years old. This was her World Championship debut. She celebrated her birthday (July 23) with a gold medal—what better gift?
Dionysia Koureta
A rising talent from Patras, daughter of former NOP and Olympiacos player Michalis Koureta, now a referee. Her uncle is Thessaly governor Dimitris Koureta. A center forward, she plays for Olympiacos. This was her first World Championship, and she’s also played for NE Patras and Glyfada.
Nefeli Krassa
The youngest player on the team, born in January 2008—still not 17. Coach Haris Pavlidis included her in the squad for the first time in a World Championship, and she’s proven her potential with the youth national teams. Now, she’s a world champion. She plays for Nautical Club of Vouliagmeni.
These 15 remarkable athletes brought glory to Greece—each with a unique story, yet all bound by talent, resilience, and the love of the game.
Lehigh Valley IronPigs hosting giant baseball for Guinness World Record attempt
The Lehigh Valley IronPigs are bringing a unique opportunity for fans to make their mark on baseball history this week. An enormous eight-foot, 1,200-pound replica baseball will roll into Coca-Cola Park on Thursday as part of Minor League Baseball’s attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the most signatures on a piece of sports […]
The Lehigh Valley IronPigs are bringing a unique opportunity for fans to make their mark on baseball history this week.
An enormous eight-foot, 1,200-pound replica baseball will roll into Coca-Cola Park on Thursday as part of Minor League Baseball’s attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the most signatures on a piece of sports memorabilia.
“This is Minor League Baseball at its finest – innovative, fun and something for the whole family to enjoy,” Kristin Sutton, vice president of marketing for MiLB, said in a statement. “Only in MiLB can you experience baseball like this. We can’t wait to see the response in these communities and find out just how many autographs we can fit on this ball.”
Fans, players and community members attending Thursday’s game against the Norfolk Tides will have the chance to sign the massive baseball, contributing to the record attempt. The game starts at 7:05 p.m., with gates opening at 5 p.m.
The giant baseball is touring 15 Minor League ballparks in total. The tour will conclude on July 29 near MLB’s New York City headquarters, where an official Guinness World Records judge will certify the record once achieved.
After the record attempt, “The World’s Most Autographed Baseball” will become a centerpiece at future MiLB fan events, representing the passion of Minor League Baseball fans.
Tickets for Thursday’s game can be purchased online at ironpigsbaseball.com, at the Provident Bank Ticket Office at Coca-Cola Park, or by calling 610-841-7447.
Generative AI was used to organize information for this story, based on data provided by the Lehigh Valley IronPigs. It was reviewed and edited by lehighvalleylive.com staff.
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