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NCAA v. House Case Settlement Update and Impacts at UNO

University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) Chancellor Joanne Li, Ph.D., CFA, and Vice Chancellor / Director of Athletics Adrian Dowell shared the below update following the House v. NCAA settlement ruling: The recent court approval of the NCAA’s House settlement marks a historic shift in college athletics, with far-reaching impacts across the collegiate landscape, including […]

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NCAA v. House Case Settlement Update and Impacts at UNO

University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) Chancellor Joanne Li, Ph.D., CFA, and Vice Chancellor / Director of Athletics Adrian Dowell shared the below update following the House v. NCAA settlement ruling:

The recent court approval of the NCAA’s House settlement marks a historic shift in college athletics, with far-reaching impacts across the collegiate landscape, including the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO), and our peers in the Summit League and the National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC).

Although we welcome the approval and intent of the settlement, our mission remains to protect the interests of our current student-athletes while honoring UNO’s core values as we transition to a new era.

Over the past year, UNO launched Title IX and education-related benefits reviews while working with internal and external experts to develop strategies that position our athletic programs for long-term success at the Division I level.

As a result of this strategic planning, university leadership has decided that UNO will not opt in to the terms of the House settlement for the 2025-2026 academic year, but will position the department to opt-in in future years when necessary. This decision reflects a strategic approach to preserve our sport portfolio and roster flexibility, respond to evolving policies and legal shifts, and invest directly in Maverick student-athletes under current NCAA rules, laying the groundwork for a smooth transition in the future.

Why UNO is not Opting in for 2025-2026

UNO’s plans for the 2025–2026 academic year, including rosters, operations, and financial benefits, are already firmly in place. Opting in at this stage would not change our implementation for the upcoming year. It would simply introduce new and unresolved variables at a time when clarity is critical, including:

  • Honoring Financial Commitments: UNO has finalized its rosters and delivered financial packages for student-athletes for the 2025–2026 academic year. This planning allowed us to leverage available NCAA mechanisms such as third-party NIL, education-related benefits (Alston awards), and cost-of-attendance stipends to enhance financial support within existing NCAA rules. Ironically, if we were to opt in, Alston awards would count as a form of revenue sharing toward the installed revenue sharing cap.

  • Title IX Considerations: Some peer institutions have decided to opt in as of late due to a recent change allowing schools to grandfather designated student athletes who otherwise would have lost their roster spots under the initial terms of the House settlement with impacts on enrollment and Title IX. However, UNO’s rosters are already closely aligned with the new limits based on our current sport portfolio, which allows us the flexibility to opt in when the time is right with minimal impact. We continue to follow expert guidance to ensure compliance and are confident in our ability to manage this transition strategically, including impacts on the university’s overall enrollment strategy.

  • Evolving Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) Oversight: Under the House framework, NIL agreements over $600 must go through a new review process led by consulting firm Deloitte and the College Sports Commission (CSC), a new enforcement entity created by and governed by the “Autonomous 4” conferences which operates outside of the purview of the NCAA. This entity has new oversight, enforcement authority, and oversees potential penalties for non-compliance, but many details remain unclear. This includes how “range of compensation” is specifically determined, and CSC’s enforcement philosophy and mechanism for the upcoming year. As of today, the specific costs associated with this operation are unknown even as we enter a new fiscal year in the next three days.

  • International, Financial, Legal, and Considerations: International student-athletes are an important part of this discussion, with 15% of all Maverick student-athletes and 30% of student-athletes in revenue sport programs coming to UNO from abroad. Specifically, 80% of UNO’s hockey roster is international. Paying student-athletes directly brings added complexities, especially for international student-athletes. The impact of payments on their status remains unclear. It also raises tax questions that may impact financial aid packages. Another critical unknown is whether opting into the terms of the settlement also increases UNO’s legal exposure as a non-named defendant. Additionally, we want to remain mindful of how new terms of the settlement requirements regarding NIL disclosures interact with current State of Nebraska law.

Until there’s more clarity in each of these areas, it’s important that we proceed with caution.

Momentum and Strategic Investment in Student-Athletes

UNO is taking full advantage of every tool available under current NCAA rules to deliver meaningful support to student-athletes in competition and in the classroom at a level that meets or exceeds our peers. Even while opting out this year, UNO is doubling down on direct investment in student-athletes:

  • Beginning this year, thanks to generous donors and externally generated revenues, UNO will offer education-related benefits also known as “Alston awards.” As of the U.S. Supreme Court decision in 2021, Alston awards allow institutions to distribute up to $5,980 annually per student-athlete based on academic achievement and progress toward degree. For the upcoming year, the Hockey, Men’s and Women’s Basketball, Volleyball, Softball, and Women’s Soccer programs will have the ability to distribute these benefits. International student-athletes are able to take advantage of this benefit opportunity.

  • These awards are in addition to “cost of attendance” stipends, which UNO recently funded for our eight revenue sport programs to distribute to select student-athletes. Cost-of-attendance stipends are additional funds that help student-athletes cover everyday expenses not included in traditional scholarships, like room and board, required fees, and books.

  • This builds on UNO allocating the full amount of scholarships for revenue sport programs currently allowed by the NCAA for schools that have not opted into the settlement terms.

  • Thanks to our incredible partners with the Omaha Bull Market Collective, who have positively impacted our student-athletes since 2022, as well as our partnerships with Opendorse, Learfield, and Adidas, UNO has successfully built one of the most dynamic NIL ecosystems among our peers. For these reasons, Maverick student-athletes currently on our rosters have already significantly benefitted from NIL opportunities for the upcoming year.

As you can see, even while opting out, the financial resources Maverick student-athletes are receiving entering the 2025-2026 season position UNO as a leader among our peers.

Unmatched Holistic Support

In the spirit of UNO’s mission and values, Omaha Athletics has developed one of the most innovative and robust student-athlete support programs in the nation, including:

  • A comprehensive medical and team physician partnership with OrthoNebraska.

  • Integrated sport psychology, mental health, and sports nutrition services within Athletics.

  • A transformative Sports Science partnership with the UNO Sports Medicine and Biomechanics Lab, including three Ph.D. athletic training sports science fellowships and the Maverick Peak Performance Program funded through the Weitz Innovation and Excellence Fund.

  • A nutritional training table program for all female student-athletes and sport programs.

  • The implementation of Mav360, a UNO micro-credential that educates Maverick student-athletes in the areas of financial literacy, NIL, career preparation, and other development areas designed to holistically care for our students, ensuring Mavericks are equipped to succeed for life after sports.

  • Additionally, we are set to announce an expanded, first-of-its-kind, custom-built partnership with Opendorse, which will incorporate on-demand access to Opendorse experts, including daily engagement with a designated General Manager to provide NIL support for student-athletes and roster management support and data for our coaching staffs.

Excellence in Competition, Academics and in the Community

Over the past three years, Omaha Athletics has achieved unprecedented heights competing in 16 conference championship games, capturing 11 conference titles en route to eight NCAA tournament appearances.

In the classroom, student-athletes have maintained a 3.45+ cumulative GPA across three consecutive academic years and achieved a 95% Graduation Success Rate (GSR) with a 993 Academic Progress Rate (APR). In 2024–2025, Mavericks completed 4,579 hours of community service, ranking eighth nationally among all Division I programs. Eight teams finished in the top 10 of their sport in community engagement according to the Helper Helper report.

Together, these investments already offer one of the strongest student-athlete holistic experiences in Division I. Not if, but when we opt in to the settlement terms, it will only elevate a strong foundation already in place.

UNO’s approach is rooted in strategy, responsibility, and an unwavering belief in the transformative power of a successful student-athlete experience. By choosing flexibility now, we are preserving the environment that made this success possible while positioning Omaha Athletics to thrive in the years ahead.

Looking Ahead

As college athletics enter a new era, the strength of Omaha Athletics will be defined by the community that stands behind it. Your support through time, energy, and investment will help propel our student-athletes and programs to continue achieving unprecedented levels of success.

  • Invest in Maverick Momentum: Support from our stakeholders has never been more critical to the success of Omaha Athletics. Your contributions to the ONE Fund support scholarships, enhances facilities, and provides the resources Maverick student-athletes need to thrive.

  • Explore NIL Partnerships: Local businesses and organizations interested in working with student-athletes on NIL opportunities can connect through our partners at the Omaha Bull Market Collective or the Opendorse NIL Marketplace. These platforms help create meaningful partnerships that support student-athletes and strengthen our community.

  • Follow and Engage on Social Media: Based on information provided by Deloitte regarding NIL range of compensation parameters, following Maverick teams and student-athletes on social media directly impacts the ability of Maverick student-athletes to take full advantage of NIL opportunities. Now more than ever, your likes, shares, and support make a difference.

  • Get in the Game: There’s nothing like game day in Omaha. Get your tickets and bring the energy that fuels the championship caliber environment we need to continue competing for titles.

Thank you for standing with us. Your belief in Omaha Athletics and in the life-changing impact of the student-athlete experience fuels everything we do. We’re grateful for your continued support as we build future leaders that our university and the Omaha community can be proud of.

At the heart of our pursuit of excellence is a simple goal: Elevate UNO’s visibility to showcase the unmatched educational experience our campus offers and the incredible impact we have on our community, the state, and the country.

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Coach's Corner

Robinson head coach Kevin Brown returns home, bringing college experience and a mission to tackle mental health while shaping young lives on and off the field. ROBINSON, Texas — When Kevin Brown took over as Robinson’s head football coach, it felt more like a homecoming than a new job. Born and raised just five minutes […]

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Coach's Corner

Robinson head coach Kevin Brown returns home, bringing college experience and a mission to tackle mental health while shaping young lives on and off the field.

ROBINSON, Texas — When Kevin Brown took over as Robinson’s head football coach, it felt more like a homecoming than a new job. Born and raised just five minutes down the road in Hewitt, Brown stepped into the role already familiar with the community, its culture—and even its kids.

“Oh, it’s been great,” Brown said. “Coach [Lonnie] Judd, the athletic director, and I go way back. I’m from here, grew up in Hewitt, so five minutes down the road. I kind of knew the lay of the land and a lot of the kids before I got here. Coach Judd gave me the heads-up and told me what to expect. It’s been a seamless transition.”

Brown brings with him a wealth of football experience. He played college ball at TCU before transitioning into coaching, with stints at UTSA and Texas State, where he helped develop talent at the collegiate level.

While football is at the core of Brown’s role, it’s clear his mission runs deeper than playbooks and Friday nights. For Brown, coaching is personal—and increasingly, it’s about protecting the mental well-being of his players.

“I care more about the person than I do the player,” Brown said. “That hadn’t always been the case in my life. I’m passionate. I’m hard on them, but it’s because I want to make them better.”

His commitment to mental health awareness started a few years back when he began teaching at Boerne Champion High School. On his first day in the classroom, with no lesson plans in hand, he improvised by asking each student to share their personal story: history, heroes, highlights, hardships—and one thing they wanted to learn about health.

“About 75 percent of them said they wanted to learn about mental health,” Brown said. “In high school, you never heard about that when I was at Midway. Nobody ever talked about it.”

That eye-opening moment sent Brown on a deeper dive into youth mental health. Books like The Anxious Generation shaped his understanding of the growing challenges today’s teenagers face.

“We’ve got a mental health crisis with this age group,” Brown said. “And you know, this is a battleground. I want to dig my heels in and fight.”

Now, he’s doing just that at Robinson—bringing not just football knowledge, but heart, perspective and a focus on building strong young men, on and off the field.

This story is a part of the series, Coach’s Corner: Next Man Up, featuring in-depth interviews with new head coaches across Central Texas. The full interview with Brown is available on the KCEN 6+ App. Get to know more about Groesbeck’s head coach, Nelson Kortis, on Tuesday.

RELATED: Robinson names Kevin Brown as head football coach

RELATED: Coach’s Corner: Next Man Up | Temple’s Chad President

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Taylor Priestley earns IWLCA Community Awareness Award

Story Links NORTHBOROUGH, Mass. – The IWLCA (Intercollegiate Women’s Lacrosse Coaches Association) announced Taylor Priestley as one of just three student athletes across collegiate lacrosse to earn the 2025 IWLCA Community Awareness Award. The individual Community Awareness Award recognizes those student-athletes who have contributed significantly to their community in a given academic year. These students have given their time […]

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Taylor Priestley earns IWLCA Community Awareness Award

NORTHBOROUGH, Mass. – The IWLCA (Intercollegiate Women’s Lacrosse Coaches Association) announced Taylor Priestley as one of just three student athletes across collegiate lacrosse to earn the 2025 IWLCA Community Awareness Award.

The individual Community Awareness Award recognizes those student-athletes who have contributed significantly to their community in a given academic year. These students have given their time and energy to support and develop athlete-community relations and have distinguished themselves from their peers.

Division II – Taylor Priestley, Northern Michigan University
Priestley, a senior Education major at Northern Michigan University, has earned the Division II Community Awareness Award for her groundbreaking leadership in promoting mental health awareness among student-athletes. Through her tireless work, Taylor has created impactful, sustainable programs that are transforming the campus culture at NMU. Taylor is the founder of the Beyond an Athlete blog, a platform that allows student-athletes to share their mental health journeys and stories in their own words. As co-founder of Cat’s Connect, NMU’s first student-athlete mental health awareness organization, Taylor has connected students with resources from national nonprofits like Hilinski’s Hope, Morgan’s Message, and The Hidden Opponent, while also securing university support and grant funding to expand their reach.

Her leadership has driven major initiatives including Student-Athlete Mental Health Week, QPR suicide prevention training, and multiple mental health awareness games for NMU athletics. She personally organized events like yoga sessions, therapy dog visits, and community service collaborations, all with a focus on wellness and destigmatizing mental health conversations. Taylor also played a key role in organizing a landmark event: “Tyler Talk: A Conversation with the Hilinskis“, which brought the founders of Hilinski’s Hope to NMU for the first time, offering support and education to over 300 athletes, coaches, and local community members.

Balancing all of this during her competitive season, Taylor has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to building a healthier, more compassionate athletic environment. Her passion, initiative, and impact make her a truly deserving recipient of the Community Awareness Award.

The full release from the IWLCA can be found here.


 


Hear from head coach Lindsey (LeMay) Majkrzak
“I am so proud of and overjoyed for Taylor for receiving this award. There is no one more deserving. She has made it her mission during her time here at NMU to make her community comfortable talking about athlete mental health and confronting their own struggles so that they may seek help.

She made this mission a reality through years of getting involved and working to put events into action that would help spark change. This work started with herself, then spread to our program (coaches included), and then to our athletic department as a whole.”

Community service accomplishments:
Priestley is a co-president of the NMU athlete mental health student organization Cat’s Connect, through this student organization she helped plan and accomplish the following:

– Separated Cats Connect from SAAC (the Student Athletic Advisory Committee) and turned it into an NMU student organization to access greater resources and impact more students.

– Planned and accomplished the first student-athlete mental health week at NMU in tandem with the national student athlete mental health week through the mental health awareness organization Hilinski’s Hope. The NMU student athlete mental health week included a different theme and activity for each day of the week all planned and organized by Cats Connect and SAAC. 

– Organized several mental health awareness events at sporting events including Volleyball, Women’s Wrestling and her own team Women’s Lacrosse.

– Organized and accomplished bringing an outside speaker to NMU to speak to the athletic student body, which was one of the original goals of the creation of Cats Connect. The outside org was the Hilinski’s of Hilinski’s Hope. The Hilinskis met with coaches, staff, and community members during their visit to Marquette, and ended their trip with a presentation to student athletes. The event was the first of its kind on campus.

Outside of Cats Connect:
Priestley organized a mental health awareness week for the lacrosse team leading up to our mental health awareness game. Each day, the lacrosse team listened to a presentation about a different mental health organization and the resources it provided. We also completed a unique mental health activity during this week and created an individualized mental health awareness shooting shirt to wear for our mental health awareness game. 

Taylor is the multi-year representative of the mental health organization The Hidden Opponent for NMU. Through this role she has been able to provide resources and content on athlete mental health awareness to athletes on her team and throughout NMU athletics.

Taylor created a student athlete mental health awareness blog called “Beyond an Athlete”. This blog has allowed her to give her fellow athletes a platform to tell their stories outside of sport. This blog is posted to the Center of Community and Connection website under “Beyond an Athlete”, and is reposted to the SAAC social media pages. 

“Taylor will leave NMU better than she found it when she graduates in December,” added head coach Majkrzak, “and then it will be our job to continue this important work with the tools that she’s left us.”


 


Hear from Emily Meier – Director of Case Management Services of the NMU CARE Team
CARE stands for “Case Administration and Resource Education,” but in simple terms, the CARE Team is a group of people who are available to support and guide any student at NMU who is going through a difficult time – whether it be academically, emotionally or psychologically.

The CARE Team is different than our Counseling and Consultation Services; CARE Team members work with you using a case management model to help you achieve your desired outcome. Think of them as your personal champion to help guide you through whatever you’re dealing with, while keeping you accountable to the commitment you made to yourself.

You can utilize the CARE Team as little, or as much, as you need! The CARE Team is not a disciplinary entity, it’s a collection of people available to support your wellbeing. Led by Emily Meier and comprised of personnel with expertise in student affairs, academic affairs, human resources, mental and physical health, student conduct and campus safety, the CARE Team is there to address the unique needs and challenges students may face.

“Taylor’s advocacy got Cats Connect off the ground in Winter 2025 as an official student organization that supports students’ complete wellbeing,” adds Meier. “As a co-president, Taylor was instrumental in setting up a QPR training for student athletes, bringing the Hilinski’s Hope speakers to campus, and collaborating with Green Athletes to promote sustainable activities for athletes.

While Cats Connect was under the SAAC leadership board in 2024, Taylor supported her fellow athletes with Student Athlete Mental Health Awareness Week programming and care packages and starting the blog “Beyond an Athlete” to promote more discussion around student athletes’ identity beyond their sport; Taylor passed her blog onto another athlete who will continue Taylor’s mission of giving athletes a voice.

Her planning, dedication, and passion for wellbeing led to Cats Connect to have a monthly focus for events and speakers on each dimension of wellbeing throughout the 2025-26 school year.” 

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NCAA WOMEN'S LACROSSE

ALBANY, N.Y. — Ava Poupard, a senior at the University at Albany, has been named as one of the four collegiate award recipients for 2025 by the Capital District Sports Women of the Year organization. Poupard, who competes in lacrosse, will be recognized at the Capital District Sports Women of the Year Awards Gala on […]

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NCAA WOMEN'S LACROSSE

ALBANY, N.Y. — Ava Poupard, a senior at the University at Albany, has been named as one of the four collegiate award recipients for 2025 by the Capital District Sports Women of the Year organization. Poupard, who competes in lacrosse, will be recognized at the Capital District Sports Women of the Year Awards Gala on […]

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Doctor Reveals 4 Sneaky Reasons You Might Have High Pressure

High blood pressure is a surprisingly common condition, but it’s also one that goes under the radar far too frequently. Also called hypertension, high blood pressure may affect almost half of all adults in the U.S. But many people don’t even know they have the condition. “Blood pressure is one of the most important vital […]

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Doctor Reveals 4 Sneaky Reasons You Might Have High Pressure

High blood pressure is a surprisingly common condition, but it’s also one that goes under the radar far too frequently.

Also called hypertension, high blood pressure may affect almost half of all adults in the U.S. But many people don’t even know they have the condition.

“Blood pressure is one of the most important vital signs we have,” NBC News medical reporter Dr. Akshay Syal explained on a July 9, 2025, segment on the TODAY show. “Every time you go to a doctor’s office, the reason we check it is because it gives us a little window into your health.”

High blood pressure can come with serious symptoms. And, if left untreated, it also raises your risk for many other conditions down the line, including stroke, heart attack, heart failure and kidney disease.

That’s why it’s important to be aware of your blood pressure numbers and your risks for high blood pressure — even if you don’t think you have hypertension.

Lesser-Known Reasons for High Blood Pressure

Many factors can contribute to an increase in blood pressure, Syal said. That includes genetics, a sedentary lifestyle and high stress levels.

But there are also some risk factors for high blood pressure that aren’t as well known, Syal said.

Sleep apnea

Sleep apnea is a condition that occurs when your airways become blocked during the night, often causing loud snoring along with headaches in the morning, irritability or mood swings, dry mouth when you wake up and other symptoms.

That affects blood pressure because, “at night, if your oxygen levels drop, your heart has to work a little bit harder to get oxygen to those organs,” Syal explained.

He also highlighted these lesser-known contributors to high blood pressure:

How to Manage High Blood Pressure

Normal blood pressure is 120/80, Syal said. “And, honestly, the lower we can get, around 115/75, that’s what we love,” he added. If either of your blood pressure numbers is higher than 120/80, “you really want to talk to your doctor about controlling it,” Syal noted.

“Every organ system in our bodies has arteries and veins,” Syal said. “And that means our blood pressure leads to all of these organs.” So, if you think you might have high blood pressure, “You really want to get this under control as soon as you can,” Syal said.

That may sound scary, but with a doctor’s guidance, there are concrete ways to get your blood pressure on the right track.

“When we have patients in our office, we say, ‘Your blood pressure is high, but there’s something you can do about it,’” Syal said.

Those strategies might include increasing your physical activity, limiting ultra-processed or sugary foods, reducing sodium in your diet, implementing stress management techniques and prioritizing getting good sleep.

Some people may also benefit from medication to manage their blood pressure. Your doctor might also recommend monitoring your blood pressure at home to keep tabs on how you’re improving.

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Congratulations Pouring In For U.S. Tennis Star Amanda Anisimova

Congratulations Pouring In For U.S. Tennis Star Amanda Anisimova originally appeared on The Spun. In 2023, Amanda Anisimova took a break from professional tennis to focus on her mental health. Fast forward to this Tuesday, and she picked up the biggest win of her career. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Tuesday afternoon, Anisimova defeated Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova 6-1, […]

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Congratulations Pouring In For U.S. Tennis Star Amanda Anisimova

Congratulations Pouring In For U.S. Tennis Star Amanda Anisimova originally appeared on The Spun.

In 2023, Amanda Anisimova took a break from professional tennis to focus on her mental health. Fast forward to this Tuesday, and she picked up the biggest win of her career.

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On Tuesday afternoon, Anisimova defeated Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova 6-1, 7-6 (9) to become a 2025 Wimbledon semifinalist. This is the first time in her career that she has reached the semifinals of a Grand Slam tournament. Additionally, she became the youngest American Wimbledon semifinalist since Serena Williams in 2004.

At 23 years old, Anisimova has proven she’s a legit threat to become a Grand Slam champion.

“I mean, its been an extraordinary year for me. So many highs. It’s just been such a ride, and I’ve been enjoying every step of the way,” Anisimova said following her win over Pavlyuchenkova. “Even times like today, when you’re not sure you’re going to cross the finish line, I keep reminding myself to enjoy the moment.”

Jul 6, 2025; Wimbledon, United Kingdom; Amanda Anisimova (USA) waves to the crowd after her match against Linda Noskova (CZE)(not pictured) on day seven of The Championships Wimbledon 2025 at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club.Geoff Burke-Imagn Images.

Jul 6, 2025; Wimbledon, United Kingdom; Amanda Anisimova (USA) waves to the crowd after her match against Linda Noskova (CZE)(not pictured) on day seven of The Championships Wimbledon 2025 at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club.Geoff Burke-Imagn Images.

Over the past few hours, tennis fans in the United States have celebrated Anisimova’s incredible comeback.

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“What an accomplishment. Congrats,” one person said following Anisimova’s win.

“Mental health breaks aren’t failures – they’re strategic resets. Amanda stepped away to rebuild her foundation, not her ranking. That’s championship thinking,” a second person wrote.

“From rock bottom to Centre Court. Amanda Anisimova just turned a comeback into a statement. Rankings don’t measure heart,” another fan said.

“I love this! It’s so essential for everyone to take mental health seriously, even if you’re an athlete. Great job, Amanda,” a fourth person commented.

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Next up for Anisimova is a showdown with world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka. They faced off in the French Open in June. Sabalenka won that match 7-5, 6-3.

We’ll see if Anisimova continues her magical run at Wimbledon and books a spot in the final.

Related: Tennis Star Aryna Sabalenka Turns Heads In Stunning Vacation Photos

Congratulations Pouring In For U.S. Tennis Star Amanda Anisimova first appeared on The Spun on Jul 9, 2025

This story was originally reported by The Spun on Jul 9, 2025, where it first appeared.

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Mental health evaluation ordered for Venezuelan man convicted of killing Laken Riley

ATLANTA (Atlanta News First/Gray News) – The Venezuelan man convicted of killing a former University of Georgia student and whose trial set off a national immigration debate during a presidential election year has been ordered to undergo a mental health examination. Athens-Clarke County Superior Court Judge Patrick Haggard, who oversaw Jose Ibarra’s bench trial and […]

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Mental health evaluation ordered for Venezuelan man convicted of killing Laken Riley

ATLANTA (Atlanta News First/Gray News) – The Venezuelan man convicted of killing a former University of Georgia student and whose trial set off a national immigration debate during a presidential election year has been ordered to undergo a mental health examination.

Athens-Clarke County Superior Court Judge Patrick Haggard, who oversaw Jose Ibarra’s bench trial and sentenced him to life in prison, has ordered the state Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities to conduct the exam using a certified Spanish interpreter.

FILE - Laken Riley was a nursing student at Augusta University at the time of her death.
FILE – Laken Riley was a nursing student at Augusta University at the time of her death.(Facebook)

This past November, Ibarra was found guilty in the February 2024 murder of Laken Riley, whose body was found on the University of Georgia campus after she went missing following a morning run.

Riley was a nursing student at Augusta University at the time of her death.

Ibarra was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole on one count of malice murder, life in prison without the possibility of parole on one kidnapping charge, 20 years on one count of aggravated assault, 12 months in a county jail on one count of hindering an emergency telephone call, 12 months in a county jail on one count of tampering with evidence and five years in prison on one count of Peeping Tom.

FILE - Jose Ibarra appears at his trial at the Athens-Clarke County Superior Court, on Nov....
FILE – Jose Ibarra appears at his trial at the Athens-Clarke County Superior Court, on Nov. 19, 2024, in Athens, Ga.(Arvin Temkar/Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP, Pool)

The Venezuelan immigrant who entered the United States illegally had waived his right to a jury trial, meaning Haggard heard and decided the case.

Haggard’s order, filed July 3, in the Superior Court of Athens-Clarke County, instructs the department to determine if Ibarra was “capable of understanding the nature and object of pretrial proceedings, including waiver of jury trial rights.”

Less than a month after their client’s conviction, Ibarra’s attorneys filed a motion for a new trial. In their motion, Ibarra’s legal counsel said the verdict was “contrary to law” and “contrary to evidence.”

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