All season long the Berkshire Badgers boys’ volleyball team has frustrated their opponents with their scrappy play. The shoe was on the other foot on Saturday afternoon as the Badgers fell to Nordonia in the Ohio High School Athletic Association Division II Region 7 championship by a 25-14, 25-18, 25-17 sweep at Berkshire High School.

“They have such a commanding offense,” Coach Tim Percic said. “Because of that it stretches out our defense. Our defense likes to go after balls that are in play and makes plays but when we are completely spread out over the full court, there a lot more holes and that was a tough test for our guys.”

A historic season in which Berkshire (16-7, 7-1) captured a share of the conference banner, set the record for most wins in a season and advanced to the regional final for the first time in school history ended just shy of capturing a berth in the OHSAA Division II Final Four.

Nordonia established control in the first set, racing ahead to a 6-4 advantage. The five-year coach noted Berkshire wanted to speed up its offense to catch the Knights off guard but it was the other way around. By using a full-court offense, Nordonia found all of the holes in the Badgers’ side of the court.

In addition to finding the sweet spots, senior outside hitter Jake Starr noted that the Knights set the tempo early, forcing Berkshire out of its usual system, evidenced by them going on a 6-1 run to hold a 15-8 advantage at the halfway point of the first set.

“I think they came out punching and were (not?) ready to go,” he added. “We honestly came out really slow and I think that was our kryptonite, in the first two sets we played like we did not care and in the third set it was closer. We woke up but at that point it does not matter, you have already dug yourself a deep hole.”

Nordonia went on a 10-6 run to claim a 25-14 victory in the first set and carried the momentum into the second set.

Starr acknowledged that the Knights were the relentless team in fighting for every loose ball, a strategy that had served Berkshire well throughout the season.

“We haven’t seen a team that scrappy,” he said. “They fought just as much and honestly, they fought more for every point than we did. I think that is why we lost, we did not want every point, we wanted every other one and they wanted everyone, so it showed.”

After taking a 9-5 advantage in the second set, the Knights kept rolling and were spurred by a 10-8 run, increasing their lead to 19-14. The Badgers continued allowing Nordonia to dictate the terms of the match as the Knights won the set 25-18.

Percic said that no matter how often the Badgers tried trimming into Nordonia’s lead, the Knights always had an answer.

“It is a big stage against a tough opponent, and you want to do something spectacular,” he said. “Hit the grand slam of volleyball if there was one but it is a game of patience. Sometimes, the moment got to us and we made silly mistakes.”

The Badgers demonstrated their resilience in the third set as they battled back from an early 7-4 deficit fueled by an 8-5 run to tie the score at 12-12.

The teams traded points and Nordonia appeared to be pulling away by being fueled by a 4-1 run, but Berkshire trimmed the lead to 16-15 with another rally

Ultimately, Nordonia maintained control at the end and senior setter Zac Fernandez closed the match out by delivering four aces in the final five points to end the third set with a 25-17 victory.

Although the Badgers’ season ended just one win shy of the Final Four, Starr spoke glowingly of the bond shared by the seven seniors that returned from last year’s team and raised the ceiling for the entire program.

“This is my favorite high school sport,” he said. “We all loved it and we are definitely going to miss it. I know a couple of us are going to stay around, but we will stay connected. I am hoping at some point so set up a little bit of a game between all of the seniors.”

As far as Percic was concerned, while the Badgers are graduating some valuable contributors, he looked forward to seeing what the next wave of players will show for next season as Berkshire’s depth kept several talented players on the bench this season behind the leadership of the senior class.

Jaci Carpenter concluded her remarkable journey with the Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) beach volleyball team by receiving one of the ASUN’s highest honors: the Female Student Athlete of the Year award.

“It was honestly kind of hard to put into words how much it means to me,” said Carpenter.

This season, Carpenter achieved an impressive 21 victories in the sand, including a notable win against LSU. FGCU Beach Volleyball Head Coach Chris Sweat highlighted what made this season exceptional for Carpenter.

“She was so carefree. Hey, this is my last year, what do I have to lose? I’m going to go all out. It was by far the best volleyball she’s ever played,” said Sweat.

Carpenter managed her athletic career while living with type one diabetes, a condition she was diagnosed with at just seven years old.

“I honestly don’t remember my life before it. So it’s something I’ve taken as a way to, instead of it being a challenge, have it as something I can overcome and use it as a way to inspire others,” said Carpenter.

At FGCU, Carpenter truly was an inspiration. She volunteered after Hurricane Ian, started “See Her Soar” to support female student-athletes beyond sports, and served as president of the FGCU Student Athlete Advisory Committee. All this while maintaining a perfect 4.0 GPA.

“I wanted to come to a program that was going to allow me to continue to be a leader. And then when I got to FGCU, I realized it was so much more than the beach volleyball team and there were so many cool opportunities for me to make an impact and really inspire others to continue leading as well,” said Carpenter.

Carpenter, an FGCU Hall of Famer, aspires for her legacy to be one of leading by example.

“It’s my biggest leadership philosophy is being the one to show up. Whether it’s getting to the court 20 minutes early, putting in the extra work on off days or taking the initiative to do a community service event and trying to bring others along with you,” said Carpenter.

Carpenter’s impact on FGCU is undeniable. She now heads to the University of Tennessee to work as a graduate assistant.

Brisbane To Kick Start 2032 Olympic Games With A Bid For The 2030 Pan Pacs

Brisbane’s new National Aquatic Centre will face a race against time to be ready for a Swimming Australia bid to host the 2030 Pan Pacific Championships, which would officially kick start the buildup to the 2032 Olympic Games.

While hosting rights for the combined sports World Aquatics Championships – hosted by Australia in 1991, 1998 and 2007 – would also be pursued for 2031 or 2033.

It’s hoped that the 2030 Pan Pacs will be held at the new National Aquatic Centre and to kick off an impressive two-year line up of swimming, artistic swimming, diving and water polo events in the buildup to the 2032 Games.

The Brisbane Courier Mail has reported today that Swimming Australia is finalising its bid to secure Brisbane the rights to host the 2030 Pan Pacific Championships, a meet first contested in Tokyo in 1985 to rival the successful European Championships and instigated by Pan Pac member nations Australia, USA, Canada and Japan.

Brisbane was the first Australian city to host the Pan Pacs at the time-honored Brisbane Aquatic Centre at Chandler in 1987 – a meet that saw a US team win 24 of the 32 gold medals up for grabs – with world records to Tom Jager (50 freestyle) and Dave Wharton (400IM).

And a meet that has often been included in the lead up by Olympic host cities, with the 1999 Pan Pacs in Sydney far and away the standout, 12 months out from Sydney 2000 when it rained world records, including three to Ian Thorpe in three days in the 200 and 400 freestyles.

FIST FULL OF RECORDS: Ian Thorpe, who set three world records at the 1999 Pan Pacs. – Photo Courtesy: Adidas.

The Gold Coast hosted the 2014 Pan Pacs with the unstoppable Katie Ledecky winning the 200,,400, 800 and 1500m freestyle – the 400 and 1500m freestyles in world record time.

Los Angeles has already been locked in to host the 2026 Pan Pacs, two years out from LA28.

Swimming Australia CEO Rob Woodhouse (who incidentally was second in Wharton’s 1987 world record swim) said the organisation was managing its expectations on venue construction timelines but there was a desire to replicate the lead up to LA 2028, with California hosting the 2026 Pan Pacs – two years out from their Games.

“Our project team, which includes top architecture and infrastructure firms who have been advising us all the way along, do believe this can be done by early 2030. But obviously the clock is ticking,” Woodhouse told the Courier Mail.

“Our hope is things start moving reasonably quickly now so we can have the pool finished and operational by early to mid-2030, and that opens up the opportunity for a range of different events.

“It would be fantastic to hold (the Pan Pacs) in 2030 at the National Aquatic Centre.”

Woodhouse said another major target event for the venue, to be built at the existing Centenary Pool venue sight at Spring Hill, would be to host the World Para Swimming Championships in 2031.

Up to four other international artistic swimming, diving and water polo events could also be lured to the venue in 2031.

These events would all be in addition to 2032 Olympic Trials being hosted at the Centre, and each sports’ National Open Championships each year from the date it opens.

“We expect to host a lot of other domestic and other international swimming events over the years to come,” Woodhouse said.

“We expect Brisbane to be to be sought after as an international aquatics venue for decades.”

May 30, 2025
By Queens University Communications

In 2022, the Queens University of Charlotte women’s rugby team made history, clinching the university’s first National Intercollegiate Rugby Association (NIRA) Division 2 National Championship. Beyond the physical prowess and strategic plays, one influential element in their victory was the mental fortitude cultivated through mindfulness sessions led by university chaplain, Adrian Bird, Ph.D.

In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, Bird reflected on his impactful journey with the team, highlighting the integral role of mental preparation in elite athletic performance and overall student well-being.

A former rugby player and coach, Bird’s involvement with the team began organically. “As a new person to Queens, I was really hoping to connect with athletes so that they would get to know me as the chaplain,” he said. “Almost immediately I had the support of their coaching staff and what evolved was a holistic approach to student-athlete welfare, incorporating elements of sports psychology, mindfulness, and mind-body-spirit balance into weekly sessions.”

The tools provided to the athletes focused on developing mental fortitude and positive self-talk. Bird emphasized preparing athletes to enter a game by repeating, “I am enough, I am equipped, I can perform at an elite level. I have the support of my teammates.” This mental remembering, he stressed, allows athletes to “enter with confidence into the zone of elite performance.”

Bird even facilitated a Zoom session with leading sports psychologist Bill Beswick, who has worked with teams including Manchester United and the English rugby team, to further equip the Queens athletes with strategies for mental preparation.

The impact of the weekly sessions became particularly evident during the championship final, which went into extra time. “As I watched the game on the TV, I knew that that team was equipped mentally, even though they were physically exhausted,” Bird said, recalling the tense moments. “I had no doubt at all that they were going to take that game to victory.”

Beyond the rugby field, Bird recognizes the unique mental health challenges faced by college students today. “It can be a very difficult place to be,” he acknowledged, citing external and internal pressures from academics, sports, family, peers, and the pervasive “imposter syndrome.”

Bird’s approach to these challenges is not about “shutting off the noise,” but rather learning to “tune it out so that you can focus on the task at hand in the moment.” He believes these skills, initially honed for athletic performance, translate into valuable life tools for all students navigating the complexities of campus life.

According to Amber Slack, Ed.D., vice president for student affairs and dean of students, a staggering percentage of students experience physical or emotional symptoms due to stress each month.

“My research shows that college students, especially Gen Z, are struggling to cope with the stress of higher education,” Slack stated. “We know that loneliness, depression, and anxiety are real concerns that directly contribute to psychological distress. This makes student well-being an absolutely critical concern for us, demanding our attention and support.”

Addressing the stigma surrounding mental health support, Bird champions the power of visibility and relationship-building. “If I can be on the field, engaging meaningfully with athletes in their training spaces, it builds a level of trust that makes it much easier for them to seek help when needed – on or off the field,” he said. This presence fosters trust, making it easier for students to seek help when needed.

While still deeply connected to the women’s rugby team, Bird hopes to expand his presence across other athletic programs at Queens. His goal is to collaborate with coaches who see the value in integrating mind-body-spirit balance into their teams’ training, allowing him to “build relationships with students and accompany them on their journey throughout their time at Queens.”

For Bird, this work is immensely rewarding. “I see my role as being very special. It’s an incredibly privileged position,” he shared. “The opportunity to be alongside students through the highs and the lows and everywhere in between is something I don’t take lightly.” Witnessing students thrive, both on and off the field, he said, is “incredibly validating for me.”

Beyond the Chaplain’s Office, the Dean of Students Office provides support to students dealing with mental health crises. Confidential counseling services are also provided to students through the Queens University Health & Wellness Center from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. After hours, virtual counseling and a 24/7 crisis hotline are also available. Additionally, Queens Athletics provides access to a sports psychologist through Atrium Health. Student-athletes do not need a referral and can initiate scheduling through their athletic trainer or by calling 704-512-7578.

The resources provided to students exemplify Queens’ commitment to supporting the holistic well-being of its students. By integrating mental health practices into the student experience, the university empowers its students not only to achieve peak performance in their chosen fields but also to develop resiliency for life’s broader challenges.

By: Don Rebel


Friday, May 30, 2025 | 5:44 PM

WPIAL champions North Allegheny in Class 3A and Shaler in 2A lead six district teams into the 2025 PIAA boys volleyball playoffs.

Thanks to those two elite programs, District 7 has captured a state championship in all but one of the last six seasons.

Shaler won 3A gold last season and NA captured PIAA titles in 2018, 2019, 2021 and 2022.

The Titans lost in the 2023 Class 3A finals to Parkland, and there was no season in 2020.

Here are the first round matchups in the PIAA postseason starting next week.

Class 3A

Tuesday, June 3

Palmyra (15-3) at North Allegheny (15-1) at 4:30 p.m.

Penn-Trafford (13-7) at State College (9-5) at 5 p.m.

Seneca Valley (14-4) at Central York/Cumberland Valley loser TBD

Spring-Ford (17-5) at Northeast (16-3) at 4 p.m.

Governor Mifflin/Northeastern York loser at Pennsbury (19-1) at 6 p.m.

Governor Mifflin/Northeastern York winner at Emmaus (20-1) at 6 p.m.

Bethlehem Freedom (17-5) at Abington Heights (15-4) at 6 p.m.

Unionville (17-4) at Central York/Cumberland Valley winner TBD

Class 2A

Tuesday, June 3

Saegertown (12-3) at Shaler (16-1) at 6 p.m.

Brandywine Heights (18-3) at West Shamokin (12-0) at 5:30 p.m.

Ambridge (15-2) at Obama Academy (8-6) at 6 p.m.

South Fayette (16-5) at Meadville (15-0) at 7 p.m.

Palumbo (11-11) at Manheim Central (19-0) at 6 p.m.

Crestwood (14-4) at Dock Mennonite (5-15) at 5 p.m.

York Suburban (16-3) at Lansdale Catholic (13-5) at 6 p.m.

Carver E&S (12-7) at Holy Redeemer (19-0) at 6 p.m.

IRVING, Texas – The American Athletic Conference directors of athletics have approved the venues and host cities for the American Athletic Conference Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championships for the next three seasons.

The 2026 Championships will be held at Legacy Arena at the BJCC in Birmingham, Alabama. The 2027 and 2028 championships will be held at the Yuengling Center in Tampa, Florida.

Both venues will host the American championships for the first time.

“We are thrilled to bring our basketball championships to Birmingham and Tampa,” said American Athletic Conference Commissioner Tim Pernetti. “Our top priority when we began this bid process was to deliver the best possible experience for our student-athletes. The ability of Birmingham and Tampa to accommodate both championships and the year-round support that we will receive from their respective local committees will help to make these events an unforgettable experience for our players and fans.”

Legacy Arena at the BJCC is an 18,000-capacity arena that hosts national and international touring concerts, productions and sporting events each year and underwent a $125 million modernization in 2021. Most recently, the venue hosted the 2025 NCAA Women’s Basketball Regionals and the 2025 SEC Women’s Gymnastics Championships. The arena previously hosted the 2023 NCAA Men’s Basketball First and Second Rounds and will host that event again in 2028.

“We’re incredibly excited to welcome the American Athletic Conference to Legacy Arena,” said Tad Snider, executive director & CEO of the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex. “With the recent NCAA Women’s Regionals, the 2023 Men’s First and Second Rounds, and another set of Men’s Rounds scheduled for 2027, Birmingham has firmly established itself as a premier destination for championship basketball. We’re proud to showcase our vibrant city and world-class venue, and we look forward to delivering an unforgettable experience for student-athletes, fans, and the entire American Athletic Conference community.”

The Yuengling Center hosts more than 300 events each year, including sporting events, concerts and family shows. It includes a 10,500-seat arena and has undergone more than $43 million in renovations since 2000. The Tampa Bay area has hosted the 1999 NCAA Men’s Final Four, four NCAA Women’s Final Fours (2008, 2015, 2019, 2025), NCAA Men’s First and Second Rounds (1983, 2003, 2008, 2011) and NCAA Men’s Regional Semifinals and Finals (1998).

“Tampa Bay has a rich tradition for hosting amazing college basketball events and this announcement in tandem with our friends at the American Athletic Conference is an exciting next chapter for us,” said Rob Higgins, executive director of the Tampa Bay Sports Commission. “Coming off the heels of our record-setting fourth NCAA Women’s Final Four in April and in anticipation of hosting the 2026 NCAA Men’s First and Second Rounds next March, our community is ready to roll out the red carpet for the members of the American Athletic Conference for an exciting run of men’s and women’s championship basketball at the Yuengling Center.”

The American’s membership in men’s and women’s basketball includes UAB, Charlotte, East Carolina, Florida Atlantic, Memphis, North Texas, Rice, South Florida, Temple, UTSA, Tulane, Tulsa and Wichita State. The American has produced four NCAA championship teams in basketball (three women, one men) as well as two Men’s Final Four teams, six Women’s Final Four teams and an NIT championship team. Five current members of The American (Charlotte, Florida Atlantic, Memphis, Temple, Wichita State) have reached the Final Four in men’s basketball, most recently Florida Atlantic in 2023.