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Montana athletics changes course, opts into House settlement as new era begins

BILLINGS — The plan always was for the University of Montana to opt in to the House settlement — the landmark class-action antitrust lawsuit ushering sweeping changes to NCAA Division I athletics. The Grizzlies just didn’t intend to take the plunge for the 2025-26 academic year. But Montana has since changed course, and last week […]

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BILLINGS — The plan always was for the University of Montana to opt in to the House settlement — the landmark class-action antitrust lawsuit ushering sweeping changes to NCAA Division I athletics.

The Grizzlies just didn’t intend to take the plunge for the 2025-26 academic year.

But Montana has since changed course, and last week officially joined the list of the reported 82% of D-I athletic departments agreeing to directly compensate student-athletes through revenue sharing, eliminate scholarship limits and institute roster ceilings for its 15 varsity sports.

In an interview with MTN Sports on Wednesday, Montana athletic director Kent Haslam confirmed UM’s plans and said a late change to the settlement structure regarding roster limits is what swayed the Grizzlies to change their minds.

The terms of the settlement went into effect on Tuesday.

“The initial settlement had no provision for accommodating roster limits through what’s now called ‘designated student-athletes,'” Haslam explained. “But as it unfolded, there was an opportunity to preserve our (current) roster limits by grandfathering in your current squad sizes. That completely changed our mindset.

“Like a number of institutions, we reversed course and decided to opt in for ’25-26 with this provision of managing your rosters, and being grandfathered in allows us to do that.”

According to the settlement, which was officially approved on June 6 by U.S. District Court Judge Claudia Wilken, the roster caps for certain sports are as follows: 105 for football, 15 for men’s and women’s basketball, 18 for volleyball, 28 for soccer, 25 for softball, 45 for track and field, etc.

But the Grizzlies, by virtue of being “grandfathered” into the agreement and having the ability to “designate” certain student-athletes, aren’t required to comply with the NCAA’s roster limits until those particular athletes filter out via graduation, eligibility exhaustion or by transferring or retiring.

In short, Montana isn’t faced with the tough decision of having to cut athletes from its rosters.

“What it means by being ‘designated’ is you do not count them against the roster cap,” Haslam said. “So a designated student-athlete in soccer, for example, if one of them is a senior, once she has expired her eligibility at the end of the season, then that designation is gone.”

“The roster limit for football now is 105, and we are above that,” Haslam continued. “So we will designate certain student-athletes that, as long as they are here and as long as they are competing and eligible, they won’t count against our roster limit.”

As for scholarship requirements, Montana and every other school that has opted in to the settlement can now provide full athletic financial aid to all athletes. (Note: The Big Sky Conference has instituted a 63-scholarship limit for its member football programs, retaining the status quo of previous years.)

Regarding the revenue sharing piece, athletic departments can now fundraise for and set an institutional budget as high as $20.5 million to directly compensate student-athletes. Montana and its ilk won’t ever reach that lofty budget total, but the point is that the schools themselves can now share their athletic revenue with those most responsible for generating it.

The Good Ol’ Grizzly Collective, which previously managed name, image and likeness for UM athletes, will still exist. But it can now operate in coordination with the athletic department and raise as much money as possible for athlete compensation.

Ultimately there’s too much minutiae to comb through — if the aforementioned information isn’t already too much — but Haslam believes it’s all a good thing for the Griz.

“Everything surrounding the House settlement we were ready for,” he said. “We were excited for everything around revenue sharing and scholarship and financial and how that’s restructured.

“The hesitancy was around roster limits, and once that got resolved and we could make sure that we were ready to do it, we opted in.”

Montana is just the latest among the low/mid-major/FCS athletic departments to do so. Montana State already announced its intention to opt in during the spring, and the likes of North Dakota, North Dakota State, South Dakota and South Dakota State — who were initially opting out — later changed their minds.

Underneath all of it, however, is the fact that dozens of Division I schools have cut non-revenue sports in an effort to remain competitive where the money is made. St. Francis (Pa.), which was an upset-seeker in a football game against the Grizzlies nine years ago, went so far as to drop from D-I to D-III in all sports due to financial constraints.

It’s a concern. But it is not a problem affecting the Grizzlies right now, Haslam said.

“The reason is because, to be a division one institution, you must sponsor 14 sports. So that’s your bare minimum. We sponsor 15,” he said. “The most recent one we added was softball.

“We did that to keep ourselves compliant with Title IX. And so really there’s no sport that we could cut right now, so we do not anticipate cutting any sports.”





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Cal hopes revamped football program turns tight 2024 losses into 2025 wins – Marin Independent Journal

The faces of Cal’s football program promoted internal optimism and stability during Tuesday’s 2025 ACC Kickoff media day in Charlotte as yet another do-or-die season looms. Led by coach Justin Wilcox, the sleuth of Bears — which also included general manager Ron Rivera, quarterbacks Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele and Devin Brown, linebacker Cade Uluave and defensive lineman […]

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The faces of Cal’s football program promoted internal optimism and stability during Tuesday’s 2025 ACC Kickoff media day in Charlotte as yet another do-or-die season looms.

Led by coach Justin Wilcox, the sleuth of Bears — which also included general manager Ron Rivera, quarterbacks Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele and Devin Brown, linebacker Cade Uluave and defensive lineman Aidan Keanaaina — was comfortable discussing the new-look roster, open quarterback competition, and long-term future of Cal football.

Cal, which finished 6-7 in 2024, endured a brutal stretch of four consecutive losses by a total of nine points following a 3-1 start.

“We’ve been really close, which is frustrating, but certainly not hopeless,” Wilcox told SiriusXM. “And now it’s about finding that extra play on defense, offense or special teams that makes a difference in the games, so you go from winning six to 10 or 11 or 12.”

Time will tell if the 2025 Bears will finish games or be just one of Berkeley’s many almost-great teams.

The majority of Cal’s current roster is composed of underclassmen and transfers. Its coaching staff is completely revamped, too, notably with Brian Harsin succeeding offensive coordinator Mike Bloesch, and coaches Terrence Brown (secondary) and Vic So’oto (front seven) succeeding now-New Orleans Saints assistant Peter Sirmon as co-defensive coordinators.

Uluave and Keanaaina, at least, aren’t worried about the loss of Sirmon or seniors who graduated, including four NFL draftees. They’re just focused on keeping business as usual after Cal’s defense held opponents under 25 points in nine of 13 games a season ago.

“We had a great year,” Uluave told the ACC Network. “Obviously, there are things we can get better on, but with Coach TB and Coach So’oto, both those guys have been in the program. So defensively, we’re still going to do our stuff. … We’re still going to hold the standard.”

“I’m very grateful for Coach Wilcox hiring within house,” Keanaaina said about Brown and So’oto. “I think both of them bring amazing aspects to what our defense is going to be in this upcoming year.”

The Bears’ offense is more of an open question entering training camp.

The Bears stunningly lost several key players to other schools this offseason: quarterback Fernando Mendoza (Indiana), running backs Jaydn Ott (Oklahoma) and Jaivian Thomas (UCLA), wideout Nyziah Hunter (Nebraska) and tight end Jack Endries (Texas).

Wilcox brushed off the transfer exodus, saying: “You don’t give mental energy to uncontrollables.”

Now, Cal has found players to replace the gaping holes on paper, specifically with an influx of skill players such as running backs Brandon High Jr. and Kendrick Raphael. But it’s unknown how the newcomers will fare — especially under center, where it’s open season between freshman and Oregon transfer Sagapolutele and redshirt junior Brown from Ohio State.

“It’s nothing but respect for this guy,” Sagapolutele told SiriusXM about Brown, as they sat next to each other. “We’re great friends on and off the field. We continue to better each other every single day, and we’re able to have a good laugh at the same time.”

“Yeah, that’s the name of college football, right?” added Brown, who has backed up three current NFL quarterbacks, including C. J. Stroud, with the Buckeyes.

Cal has until Aug. 30, when it opens the season at Oregon State, to name a starting quarterback.

In the grand scheme of things, the Bears are confident. Wilcox was noticeably enthusiastic about his dynamic with Rivera and chancellor Rich Lyons, and UC Berkeley’s collective, reborn dedication to football.



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Huskies hold Volleyball Camp – The New Era

Fifth-grader Hannah Opel gets some tips on serving from Coach Amy Tyler. Hensley Haigh, a fifth-grader, passes the ball as high-schooler Raelyn Andrews observes. Tayslee Eddings, a sixth-grader, works on her passing technique. Natalie Dargis, left, a sixth-grader, and Alayna Brooks, a fifth-grader, practice passing. Link 0

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News – Water Polo Australia

Ten athletes are heading back to school to help young Australians tackle problems, think creatively and connect with sport. Aussie Stingers player Luci Marsh, Australian boxer Adrian Paoletti and two-time Olympic sailor Olivia Price are among the lineup of ambassadors for the 2025 AIS Problem Solvers Program. “Sport has always taught me how to think […]

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Ten athletes are heading back to school to help young Australians tackle problems, think creatively and connect with sport.

Aussie Stingers player Luci Marsh, Australian boxer Adrian Paoletti and two-time Olympic sailor Olivia Price are among the lineup of ambassadors for the 2025 AIS Problem Solvers Program.

“Sport has always taught me how to think clearly under pressure, break down problems and use frameworks to keep learning through every setback,” Price said.

“I’m excited to share that mindset with young students and show them that problem-solving is a skill anyone can build with the right tools, a bit of courage and a willingness to try.”

Now in its third year, the program sees elite athletes present primary school students with a sporting challenge that encourages outside-the-box thinking.

Over several weeks students work together to solve the problem with the help of AIS-designed resources, before delivering their solution back to the athlete.

Among the four returning ambassadors is Para Matildas co-captain Carly Salmon, who’s passionate about making sport accessible for all.

“I was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at 18 months of age and was told I would never be able to play sport,” Salmon said. “I worked hard to defy those odds and have now competed in athletics, volleyball and soccer at an elite level.

“Having accessible opportunities to participate in physical activity and the education to increase my health has had a profoundly positive impact on my life.”

Olympic kayaker Yale Steinepreis agrees and is also excited to return.

“It’s been incredibly rewarding to visit schools and speak with future problem solvers about how we can create meaningful change, not just in sport and their given problem, but in their own lives as well,” Steinepreis said.

Many athletes balance dual careers, bringing diverse expertise to the classroom. This year’s cohort includes three teachers, an osteopath, an engineering student, a creative industries student, a lawyer and a member of the Army Reserve.

“As a teacher and athlete I am passionate about education and youth development,” Melbourne Mavericks netballer Kimberley Brown said. “Now I’m using my experience and leadership to inspire the next generation both in the classroom and through sport.”

Two-time Olympic rower and returning ambassador Ria Thompson said students also gain insight into the life of an athlete and the opportunities sport can unlock.

“I love sharing what I’ve learnt through my life and journey as an athlete to help the next generation build resilience, find solutions and make a positive difference in the world,” Thompson said.

For the athletes, the experience is just as meaningful.

“This is an amazing opportunity for me to engage with the next generation,” Paoletti, who fights in the 92kg division, said. “Ultimately I am grateful to be able to give back to the community and build strong connections along the way.”

The AIS Problem Solvers Program is free and on offer to all students in years 4-6. Schools can apply here.

Proudly supported by HART Sport – Australia’s leading supplier of sporting equipment and training aids – the program’s inclusive approach reflects HART Sports’ mission to get everyone active, regardless of age, circumstance or ability.

2025 Ambassadors

  • Adrian Paoletti, Boxing Australia
  • Aiden Carberry, Paddle Australia
  • Carly Salmon, Football Australia
  • Katerina Paul, Snow Australia
  • Kimberley Brown (nee Jenner), Netball Australia
  • Luci Marsh, Water Polo Australia
  • Olivia Price, Australian Sailing
  • Ria Thompson, Rowing Australia
  • Stefanie Fejes, Volleyball Australia
  • Yale Steinepreis, Paddle Australia

 





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Eight CCIW Women’s Volleyball Teams Earn AVCA Academic Honors

Story Links 2025 AVCA Team Academic Awards NAPERVILLE — Eight College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW) women’s volleyball programs earned the 2025 Team Academic Award from the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) on Monday.   Teams that maintained a year-long grade-point average of […]

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NAPERVILLE — Eight College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW) women’s volleyball programs earned the 2025 Team Academic Award from the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) on Monday.
 
Teams that maintained a year-long grade-point average of at least 3.3 on a 4.0 scale (or 4.1 on a 5.0 scale) were recognized. Carroll earned the additional distinction of the Team Academic Honor Roll, celebrating programs in the top 20% of GPAs for their division.
 
2025 AVCA Team Academic Award 
Augustana
Carroll*
Elmhurst
Illinois Wesleyan
Millikin
North Central
North Park
Wheaton

* — denotes AVCA Team Academic Honor Roll

 

Follow the CCIW
CCIW on X | CCIW Instagram | CCIW Facebook |
 
The College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW) was founded in 1946 and currently services nine member institutions including Augustana College (Rock Island, Ill.), Carroll University (Waukesha, Wis.), Carthage College (Kenosha, Wis.), Elmhurst University (Elmhurst, Ill.), Illinois Wesleyan University (Bloomington, Ill.), Millikin University (Decatur, Ill.), North Central College (Naperville, Ill.), North Park University (Chicago, Ill.) and Wheaton College (Wheaton, Ill.).





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Women’s Volleyball Announces 2025 Schedule

Women’s Volleyball | 7/22/2025 3:20:00 PM Story Links Women’s Volleyball Schedule Page PITTSFORD, N.Y. – The St. John Fisher women’s volleyball team announced its full 2025 schedule on Tuesday.  The Cardinals’ 27-match schedule features six home, nine neutral-site and 12 road contests. They play in […]

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Women’s Volleyball | 7/22/2025 3:20:00 PM

PITTSFORD, N.Y. – The St. John Fisher women’s volleyball team announced its full 2025 schedule on Tuesday. 

The Cardinals’ 27-match schedule features six home, nine neutral-site and 12 road contests. They play in multi-match events at Itahca College, Clarkson University, St. Lawrence University, Hamilton College, Buffalo State University and SUNY New Paltz. 

Fisher opens the season against Ithaca College in the Bomber Invite at 3 p.m. Friday, August 29. The Cardinals don’t open the home portion of their schedule until they face Fredonia State at 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 19, at Manning and Napier Varsity Gym. 

Always one of the decisive matches of the year in the Empire 8 Conference, the Cardinals face East Avenue rival Nazareth at Kidera Gymnasium at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 21. Fisher swept Nazareth in the E8 title match last November to punch its ticket to the NCAA Division III Women’s Volleyball Tournament. 

The Cardinals, who finished 21-9 and lost just two E8 contests in 2024, have won five of the last six conference championships. 

View the Cardinals’ full 2025 schedule below:

St. John Fisher WVB Schedule

 



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Volleyball Earns AVCA Team Academic Award for 11th-Straight Year

Home Uncategorized Volleyball Earns AVCA Team Academic Award for 11th-Straight Year Volleyball Earns AVCA Team Academic Award for 11th-Straight Year By FHSU Sports Information The Fort Hays State volleyball team earned the 2025 AVCA Team Academic Award, sponsored by INTENT, announced Monday (July 21) by… Previous Post Evergy seeks $55 million in damages for BNSF’s […]

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Volleyball Earns AVCA Team Academic Award for 11th-Straight Year

By FHSU Sports Information The Fort Hays State volleyball team earned the 2025 AVCA Team Academic Award, sponsored by INTENT, announced Monday (July 21) by…



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