Sports
More parity in college baseball? 2025 MCWS could be a glimpse of things to come
Elizabeth MerrillJun 15, 2025, 09:00 AM ET Close Elizabeth Merrill is a senior writer for ESPN. She previously wrote for The Kansas City Star and The Omaha World-Herald. Open Extended Reactions OMAHA, Neb. — Every time a new team makes it to Omaha, Shane Hughes gets a hat. The Nebraska native has seen hundreds of […]

OMAHA, Neb. — Every time a new team makes it to Omaha, Shane Hughes gets a hat.
The Nebraska native has seen hundreds of games at the Men’s College World Series, many involving schools such as LSU and Stanford. But Hughes loves it when a first-time team prompts him and his buddies to google the school to find out where it’s located, like they did last week when Murray State, which is in western Kentucky, was beating Duke in a super regional. Hughes likes to commemorate those rare years when upsets bring new blood to Omaha by buying the first-time qualifier’s hat.
On Saturday morning, he walked past the farmers market and stopped inside the Hyatt Place in downtown Omaha, Murray State’s team hotel, and bought a Racers’ hat at a merchandise stand. Hughes figured the unique logo — a horseshoe wrapped around a jockey and a horse — would probably make for a good conversation piece, much like his 2012 Stony Brook lid.
“I think Omaha old-school fans that go every year like to root for that newbie, that underdog,” Hughes said, “because baseball is a romantic sport, man. … We always like to see the little guy on the big stage do well.
“We like seeing the look on the peoples’ faces when they think Omaha is nothing but a cornfield, and they get here and they realize it really is baseball’s Disneyland.”
The college baseball postseason was a bumpy ride for blue bloods in 2025. No. 1 Vanderbilt and No. 2 Texas were gone in the first weekend. Only three of the top 10 seeds survived super regionals, making this one of the most diverse Men’s College World Series in recent memory. Soon, it might not be an anomaly.
A year after the SEC and ACC accounted for all of the MCWS berths (four each), six conferences are represented this year, as well as an independent (Oregon State). The SEC has won the past five national championships but has only two contenders this year. None of the teams in this year’s MCWS field made it to Omaha last summer. It’s the first time since 1957 that has happened, according to ESPN Research.
Kendall Rogers, co-owner of D1Baseball.com, said college baseball — and college athletics in general — is becoming a place of parity.
“I’d be lying if I said [the MCWS field] didn’t surprise me a little bit,” Rogers said. “But I do think this is a glimpse of the kind of things to come in college baseball.
“When you look at the finances, when you look at the scholarship situations and you look at the fact that now we’re about to go to 34 roster spots, you’re going to see more College World Series fields like this.”
In the recent settlement of the House v. NCAA, scholarship limits for Division I baseball nearly tripled, going from 11.7 to 34, which would seem to benefit the power conferences. But Rogers said he thinks the new 34-player roster limit (previously 40) will help mid-major teams because the players who don’t make a big-school team will need to go elsewhere, and that it will have a trickle-down effect to the lower mid-majors.
Rogers said that some athletic programs are also pouring more money into baseball as an easier pathway to exposure than bigger money sports such as football. Coastal Carolina, one of this year’s MCWS participants, is an example of a nonpower conference program reaping the rewards for its commitment to baseball. Coastal Carolina is making its first trip back to Omaha since 2016, when the Chanticleers won the national championship in their first appearance.
“I just think the pathway to exposure in college baseball on the national stage is a lot easier than some other sports,” Rogers said. “Especially, I mean obviously — football.”
A few longtime Men’s College World Series observers noticed that the vibe around town this week seemed a little more subdued than in years past. Rogers figured that most fans were gearing up for Saturday night’s clash between No. 3 Arkansas and No. 6 LSU. The SEC schools are the highest seeds in the field, and one of them will be eliminated at some point next week because they’re in the same bracket.
It’s another example of the oddity of 2025 at the MCWS. Heath Mello, CEO of the Omaha Chamber of Commerce, laughed when asked whether his office was rooting for LSU to beat West Virginia last weekend in its super regional, because SEC teams traditionally bring a throng of fans and because no fan base follows its team more to Omaha, or has a reputation for spending more money in bars and restaurants, than LSU.
Mellow said it was “exciting” to see the diversity of teams, which gives his group a chance to show off the city to new people. UCLA, for example, hasn’t been to the MCWS since 2013.
But of course he’s happy to see LSU.
“They bring in a special energy,” Mello said. “We know that our local restaurants, our small businesses, they appreciate everybody who comes in. But they do notice the fan base that LSU brings year in and year out. And particularly that they bring a fan base when they don’t make the series. Which is why you see a lot of camaraderie, I would say, with Omaha’s CWS faithful and LSU.”
Last year, sans LSU, was the biggest Men’s College World series in the city’s history, Mello said. It garnered an estimated $115 million in economic impact, supported more than 22,000 local jobs and filled 75,000 hotel room nights.
He said it’s too early to know if this year’s event will be bigger.
Around lunchtime Saturday, Hughes arrived at Barry O’s Tavern, a four-decades-old establishment that has signs touting itself as “Baseball Central.” Bar manager CJ Olaez had just opened the front door, readying himself for Day 2 of the MCWS crush. Olaez, a San Antonio native, is wearing a cowboy hat and a Longhorns’ T-shirt.
He is long over his team’s loss in regionals — he’s more of a football fan anyway. Besides, he’s too busy to keep track of scores this time of year. He has noticed the absence of some of the regulars — and some new faces. UCLA is staying across the street at the Embassy Suites, and newcomers are coming in asking for dinner menus unaware that the only food they have are chips and peanuts.
Four years ago, when Mississippi State made it to the MCWS, the bar was hopping, he said. Busch Lights and Old Fashioneds flowed, and Olaez heard their stories, like the guy who kept saying he needed to go home and go to work, but then the Bulldogs kept winning and he didn’t go anywhere.
LSU is also staying across the street, so Olaez figures it won’t be boring next week. It never is.
“It’s nice to have new faces around,” he said.
Sports
Warrior Men’s Track and Field Solidifies Roster Additions Ahead of 2025-26 Season
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Sports
Cal Volleyball Announces 2025 Promotions
The Bears’ promotional schedule includes five giveaways and two post-match autograph sessions. VB8/11/2025 1:56 PM | By: Cal Athletics Bears To Retire Carli Lloyd’s Number, Celebrate 2010 NCAA Runner-Up Squad On October 3 California volleyball has announced its promotional schedule for the upcoming fall season, with the Golden Bears […]


The Bears’ promotional schedule includes five giveaways and two post-match autograph sessions.
Bears To Retire Carli Lloyd’s Number, Celebrate 2010 NCAA Runner-Up Squad On October 3
California volleyball has announced its promotional schedule for the upcoming fall season, with the Golden Bears set to host a celebration or giveaway in 13 of their 14 home matches. Single-game, group and season tickets are available here.
To celebrate the team’s alumni weekend (Oct. 3-5), Cal will have a jam-packed slate of events for fans to enjoy at Haas Pavilion. Prior to the Oct. 3 match against Louisville – which also serves as the Bears’ ACC opener – Cal will retire the number of legendary Golden Bear setter Carli Lloyd, the 2010 AVCA National Player of the Year and three-time All-American who led the program to its only two NCAA Final Four appearances in history and helped Team USA win the bronze medal at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Fans who arrive early will receive a commemorative Carli Lloyd t-shirt.
On Oct. 5, Cal will host its “Sunday Funday” event for its match against Notre Dame, which features several family-friendly activities as well as a post-match autograph session. The Bears will also sign autographs following the match against North Carolina on Nov. 9, when they will celebrate their “Championing Courage” day for those who have battled against hardship on and off the court.
The annual Dig Pink event will take place on Oct. 16 against Miami, which will feature a pink sport headband giveaway. The Bears are set to honor another standout alumnae during the Oct. 18 match against Florida State, when they will celebrate the achievements of 2025 Cal Athletics Hall of Fame inductee Hana Cutura, a three-time AVCA All-American and 2009 Pac-10 Player of the Year who owns the program record in career kills.
Fans will receive a special Big Spike-themed bandana at Cal’s Nov. 23 match against Stanford, which will also be the team’s Senior Day with a postgame ceremony to honor the players finishing their final year at Cal. For the Bears’ season finale (Nov. 30 against Boston College), fans are encouraged to bring canned food donations to Haas Pavilion for Cal’s annual “Fansgiving” food drive.
Other themed matches for the 2025 season include “Global Bears” night (Nov. 7 vs. Duke), Club HAAS (Nov. 14 vs. SMU) and Bears Bash (Nov. 16 vs. Pitt), the last of which will include free rally towels for fans.
2025 CAL VOLLEYBALL PROMOTIONAL SCHEDULE – All Times PT
Aug. 28 (vs. San Diego State, 6 p.m.) – “Familia California” Hat Giveaway
Kick off the season in style! Cal students, arrive early and receive a “Familia California” hat to rep your Bears pride. Don’t miss our official home opener!
Aug. 31 (vs. San Francisco, 1 p.m.) – Camper Reunion/Post-Match Serving Clinic
Welcome back, all Cal and USF volleyball summer campers! Join us for a special reunion and stick around after the match for a post-match serving clinic with the team.
Sept. 10 (vs. Vanderbilt, 7 p.m.) – Faculty and Staff Night
Help us celebrate faculty and campus staff who serve our community and campus. A night dedicated to giving back and showing gratitude.
Oct. 3 (vs. Louisville, 7 p.m.) – Carli Lloyd Jersey Retirement and T-Shirt Giveaway; 2010 NCAA Runner-Up 15th Anniversary Celebration (Alumni Weekend)
Celebrate a historic night in Berkeley! We’re retiring Carli Lloyd’s jersey, honoring the 2010 NCAA Finalist team on its 15th anniversary, and welcoming back alumni. Early-arriving fans will receive a commemorative Carli Lloyd t-shirt—don’t miss this ACC opener!
Oct. 5 (vs. Notre Dame, 1 p.m.) – Sunday Funday; Post-Match Autographs (Alumni Weekend)
Bring the whole crew for a Sunday Funday! Enjoy family-friendly activities and stick around after the match for autographs with the team.
Oct. 16 (vs. Miami, 7 p.m.) – Dig Pink; Sport Headband Giveaway
Support breast cancer awareness by rocking pink in the stands! Early-arriving fans will receive a pink sport headband as we honor a meaningful cause on and off the court.
Oct. 18 (vs. Florida State, 4 p.m.) – A Bear Forever (Hana Cutura Celebration)
Celebrate the legendary Hana Cutura, a true Bear Forever. Join us in recognizing her contributions to Cal Volleyball history.
Nov. 7 (vs. Duke, 7 p.m.) – Global Bears
We’re celebrating the international spirit of our student-athletes! Join us for a night that highlights the global connections and unity Cal Volleyball brings to the court.
Nov. 9 (vs. North Carolina, 1 p.m.) – Championing Courage; Post-Match Autographs
Join us as we honor those who embody courage on and off the court. After the match, meet your favorite players during a post-match autograph session.
Nov. 14 (vs. SMU, 7 p.m.) – Club HAAS
The lights go down and the volume goes up—Club HAAS is back! Don’t miss the most electric match atmosphere of the season.
Nov. 16 (vs. Pitt, Noon) – Bears Bash; Rally Towel Giveaway
It’s time to turn Haas into a party! Join us for Bears Bash and grab your rally towel to wave loud and proud.
Nov. 23 (vs. Stanford) – Senior Day; Bandana Giveaway (Big Spike)
Rivalry. Recognition. Rallies. Celebrate Senior Day and gear up with a limited-edition Big Spike bandana as the Bears take on Stanford in a high-stakes match. Stay after the match for a special Senior Day ceremony.
Nov. 26 (vs. Boston College) – Fansgiving Food Drive
Give back before you give thanks! Bring a canned good or donation and help us support our local community this Fansgiving.
STAY POSTED
For complete coverage of Cal volleyball, please follow the Bears on X (@CalVolleyball), Instagram (@calvolleyball), Facebook (Cal Volleyball), and TikTok (@calbearsvb).
Sports
JU Beach Volleyball Hires Veteran Coach Savannah Siegrist to Assistant Position
Jacksonville University’s Beach Volleyball Team has appointed Savannah Siegrist as the new assistant coach. Siegrist previously served as an assistant at JU during the 2024 season and has head coaching experience from her time at Webber International University. She began her volleyball career at JU, achieving notable wins against ranked teams before transferring to the […]
Jacksonville University’s Beach Volleyball Team has appointed Savannah Siegrist as the new assistant coach. Siegrist previously served as an assistant at JU during the 2024 season and has head coaching experience from her time at Webber International University. She began her volleyball career at JU, achieving notable wins against ranked teams before transferring to the University of Oregon. Now, under head coach Dylan Hough, the team looks to leverage her extensive coaching background for the upcoming 2025 season. With the addition of Siegrist and the hiring of Dolphin legend Emily Kubicsko, the JU Beach Volleyball program is positioned for continued success.
By the Numbers
- Siegrist recorded 29 career wins during her three seasons at the University of Oregon.
- JU Beach Volleyball achieved 13 victories in 2023 and 12 in 2024, their most successful seasons ever.
State of Play
- Savannah Siegrist returns to JU Beach Volleyball after a brief head coaching role.
- The team aims to build on recent successes with a strong coaching staff and returning athletes.
What’s Next
As the season approaches, the Dolphins will focus on integrating Siegrist’s coaching strategies while continuing to develop their talented roster. Expectations are high for further victories and a competitive edge in upcoming matches.
Bottom Line
The return of Savannah Siegrist to the JU Beach Volleyball staff signifies a strategic move to heighten the program’s performance, reinforcing their recent achievements and fostering a culture of growth and success.
Sports
Dallas high school track star dies unexpectedly – NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth
Instead of celebrating the start to his senior year, loved ones of 17-year-old Roy Hughes Jr. are mourning his death after the high school track athlete was found unresponsive in his room on Friday morning. The track and field state champion was a student at Lincoln High School in the Dallas Independent School District. In […]

Instead of celebrating the start to his senior year, loved ones of 17-year-old Roy Hughes Jr. are mourning his death after the high school track athlete was found unresponsive in his room on Friday morning.
The track and field state champion was a student at Lincoln High School in the Dallas Independent School District.
In a post on ‘X’, the school said, “We mourn the loss and honor the life and legacy of Legendary Roy Lee Hughes-a true MODEL who Defied the Odds and Defined Excellence. A respectful young man with a heart of gold, he became a state champion through discipline humility & an unshakable commitment to his team & school.”
Sunday afternoon, family, friends and coaches took a lap around the track he constantly practiced on to honor his memory. They later held a balloon release at a nearby park.
“I feel like he was there with us,” said Hughes’s older brother, Timad Cotton. “My brother was just a joy to the room.”
Hughes was the 2025 UIL 4A Track and Field State Champion during his junior year in the boys’ 300-meter hurdles.
“My little brother, he chased his dreams and he did what he wanted to do. All the stuff he accomplished, he went and did on his own, nobody forced him to do it,” said another older brother.
Hughes was one of six children, four boys and two girls, according to the siblings. The family said their brother was a star on and off the field and an all-around student athlete.
“That’s what I love the most about him, he kept his grades,” said Cotton, who described his brother as hardworking, smart and determined.
According to the family, Hughes had a doctor’s visit last week. It’s unclear what for, but continued on the rest of the week as normal.
“My sister was there that night. He had just came in for practice. He came in, he ate, he went to his room, just shut the door,” explained Timmy Williams, another older brother.
He said that was on Thursday night and on Friday morning his mother found Hughes unresponsive.
“The doctor’s called, so that’s what made my mama go to the room. She would knock on the door, he won’t answer, so she had to open the door, she kicked the door,” explained Williams.
Dallas Police said around 11:55 a.m. on Aug 9, officers were called to the 1800 block of West Mockingbird Lane. Dallas Fire-Rescue arrived and pronounced Hughes dead. The cause of his death remains under investigation as the family waits for an autopsy report.
It’s unclear if he had prior medical issues.
“Now that he’s not here, I’m hurt. I’m hurt. I’m hurt because the last words I told him was, ‘I love you,’ ‘and he said, ‘ I love you back,’ and I told him I was going to see him next week. Just don’t take life for granted, you know? Cherish every morning with your family. Tell everybody you love them and every day hug your mama, every day. Don’t never let nobody tell you what you can’t do. Everything can be done and everything is possible,” expressed Cotton.
“Because that goes to show you, a kid that didn’t smoke and didn’t drink, don’t do nothing, fight or nothing, anything can happen any possible time,” said Williams. So just cherish everybody and love your family. Love your family always,” expressed Williams.
“As a big brother to a little brother, I’m very proud of him,” said Cotton as he and his other brothers wore Hughes’ track and field medals around their necks.
Sports
Todorov takes over Lady ‘Hounds’ volleyball program
Tsvetan Todorov Former Missouri Valley College men’s head coach hopes to build winner at Sweet Springs by Hobby King/SPORTS EDITOR Just more than 10 years ago, Tsvetan… Previous Post Monroe and Beth Perkins to celebrate 70 years of marriage Link 0

Sports
Men’s Soccer coach Jamie Davies eyes success in 2025 season
Before last week, UNF men’s soccer coach Jamie Davies thought two key players would be graduating from the team. However, those two impact players — Rentaro Miyakawa and David Perez — were granted an extra year of eligibility. To illustrate these players’ impacts, Miyakawa led the ASUN in assists last year and Perez scored the […]

Before last week, UNF men’s soccer coach Jamie Davies thought two key players would be graduating from the team.
However, those two impact players — Rentaro Miyakawa and David Perez — were granted an extra year of eligibility. To illustrate these players’ impacts, Miyakawa led the ASUN in assists last year and Perez scored the second-most ASUN conference goals.
“Having those two guys that have experience, that know how we play, can teach that to the new guys coming in,” Davies said. “They’ve seen all the teams that we’ve played in conference…I think it’s huge.”
With these surprise returns, Davies said UNF lost only two starters from last season’s ASUN championship squad: potent goal scorer Joaquin Acuna and defender Nick Kishchenko.
Campus Energy
On the coaching side, Davies is entering year two as head coach and he’s already feeling the campus buzz about men’s soccer. Nonetheless, Davies is hoping for consistent student attendance all season.
To attract more fans early on, Davies said he spoke at multiple freshman orientations this summer.
“We’re really trying to engage a lot of those groups,” Davies said. “We’re trying to keep the same kind of crowd structure that we had behind the goals because we think that was a massive advantage.”
Roster Experience
Twenty-one of North Florida’s 33 roster members are juniors and above. UNF only chooses 11 starters, which can make lineup decisions more difficult because of all the experience. For most coaches, however, this is a good problem to have.
Players Davies could see make that big jump and enter the starting lineup include junior Alife Mattocks, senior Pedro Amancio and redshirt senior Luc Granitur.
“[Granitur] really wanted more for himself, so he had a great summer,” Davies said. “He’s physically really fit right now. He looks really sharp. He’s kind of fitting into the way we play.”
Impact Newcomers
Overall, Davies said everyone’s healthy and ready to give it their all. As for newcomers, Davies opened up with French-exchange defender Paul Schacherer.
“He’s a man,” Davies said. “So when it comes to that physical battle, he’ll have an immediate impact.”
Additionally, Davies touted two new strikers who created a three-way battle for the position. More specifically, Davies described these players as being “very different.” According to Davies, redshirt senior Jaxon Reinhardt, sophomore Geraldo Neto and Winthrop transfer Ricardo Ferreira are expected to battle for the number nine striker position.
Over the spring, Davies added sophomore Kaiss Mansouri and junior Goffin Oyirwoth to the team. Davies said both attacking players are good at driving towards people. In terms of freshmen, Davies mentioned local product Omar Trto and Orlando native Kadin Sadiq.
“I think we’ve got some young guys that have a really bright future in this group and hopefully they can kind of learn from the older guys around them,” Davies said.
A Daunting Roadtrip
Last season, Davies said the Ospreys had a rollercoaster start to the season. Ultimately, Davies said the team was playing well but wasn’t winning enough games.
“We’re hoping we can start a little bit faster,” Davies said.
The Ospreys open with a two-state road trip, visiting Wisconsin and California before returning to the southeast for the remainder of the season. Davies said if there’s anyone who could handle this roadtrip, it’s his experienced group.
“We wouldn’t have scheduled them if we didn’t have this type of group,” Davies said. “I think we’re ready for those games.”
Beyond his team’s experience, Davies said his squad takes on a “‘us against the world’” mentality. During road trips, Davies believes the team spends more time together, forging a team bond that doesn’t happen overnight.
“Sometimes, when you’re at home, everyone’s locked away in their dorms,” Davies said. “Sometimes, on the road, you actually spend more time together.”
Most of all, Davies scheduled the best because he wants his team to play the best.
“We’re not scared of anyone,” Davies said.
UNF will start its four-game road trip by traveling to Madison, Wisconsin. On Aug. 21 at 8:30 p.m., the Ospreys will kick off their season against the University of Wisconsin.
___
For more information or news tips, or if you see an error in this story or have any compliments or concerns, contact editor@unfspinnaker.com.
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