When Jordan Schubert first picked up a basketball as a kid in the Chicago area, he had no idea how far that first dribble would take him. Introduced to Special Olympics in fifth grade, his mom signed him up for basketball “as something to do in the fall.” What followed was a lifelong journey defined by sport, confidence, leadership, and ultimately, a job offer.

“I didn’t really know what I was getting into at the time,” Schubert said. “But from sixth grade on, I have loved every moment of it.”

His passion for basketball grew, and while he also tried bowling, soccer, floor hockey, and softball, the hardwood remained his home with one of his most cherished memories happening when he won his first gold medal on his mother’s birthday.

Special Olympics helped Schubert grow far beyond athletics. “It helped me academically,” he said. “I got better grades and made more friends.”

Schubert’s leadership journey took off in high school, when he was selected to attend the 2010 USA Games National Youth Summit. That opportunity led him to champion Unified Champion Schools initiatives in Illinois, and later, as a member of the National Youth Activation Committee after moving to Pennsylvania.

From there, Schubert’s relationship with Special Olympics deepened. In 2013, he interned at the organization’s headquarters in Washington, D.C., working with the User Experience (UX) team and supporting departments across the office. “Whenever I got my own work done early, I’d help other departments wherever they needed,” he said.

That same summer, at a staff conference in Charlotte, Schubert met the President & CEO of Special Olympics Pennsylvania and learned about an upcoming job opening. “I applied as soon as my internship ended and got it a couple of months later,” he said.

He started part-time during college as the Athlete Leadership Coordinator, essentially supporting the department’s daily operations. But just two months in, a staff transition pushed Schubert to take on more responsibility. Balancing a full academic course load with his job helped him sharpen key professional skills, prioritization, delegation, independence.

After graduation, Schubert was promoted to full-time. A year later, he took on an expanded role as Manager of Athlete Leadership and Young Athletes. “Young Athletes was such a meaningful addition,” Schubert said. “I wish that had been around when I was younger, I would’ve started Special Olympics much earlier.”

Today, Schubert’s work centers on developing and supporting athlete leaders across Pennsylvania. He helps individuals set goals, plan speeches and appearances, and connect with regional staff. He also leads statewide trainings and recently helped launch a recognition program to celebrate athletes going above and beyond.

Through it all, he continues to apply lessons learned on the court. “A lot of principles I’ve learned from sports, teamwork, resilience, reflection. I try to apply those to my job,” he said. “Be a team player. Stay steady. Always strive to improve.”

Schubert still competes, too. He played basketball at the 2022 USA Games in Orlando. That experience, coming out of the pandemic, only deepened his appreciation for the mission. “It made me value what I do and what others do so much more,” he said.

For Schubert, working at Special Olympics is about more than a paycheck.

He also believes firmly that hiring athletes is not about checking a box. “If other sports organizations value people with lived experience, why shouldn’t we?” he said. “Athletes bring insight that makes everything better. We don’t have all the answers, but inclusive collaboration is how we build a better future.”

“Inclusion to me means one,” he added. “It doesn’t matter what word you use—unified, inclusive—it’s about seeing each other as one.”

CINCINNATI — The Cincinnati Metro Athletic Conference announced it has adopted girls flag football as a sanctioned conference sport for the 2025-26 school year.

The move highlights the rapid growth of girls’ athletics and the evolving landscape of youth sports.

“One of the best parts of this job is watching what was once just an idea between a few student-athletes turn into real opportunity,” Western Hills High School athletic administrator Chloe Mayfield-Brown said in a statement. “The growth and excitement around girls flag football has been amazing to say the least — and I’m happy to have played a part in where we are now as an official CMAC sport.”

As one of Ohio’s most visible and competitive leagues, the CMAC becomes one of the first conferences in the state to formally integrate this fast-growing sport into its official slate of offerings.

What began as a pilot program fueled by student voice and community support has blossomed into a permanent part of the CMAC calendar — complete with league play, all-conference honors and a championship pathway.

“This moment is bigger than a game,” said Josh Hardin, who is the CMAC Commissioner and Cincinnati Public Schools District Athletic Director. “It’s about opportunity, equity, and the future. Girls flag football is here to stay. I want to specifically thank the Cincinnati Bengals and Taylor Conklin for their continued commitment and unwavering support of CPS and the growth of girls flag football. Their partnership has been instrumental in making this a reality.”

The Ohio High School Athletic Association announced July 17 that it will sanction a state championship in girls flag football starting in spring 2026.

While the sport won’t be fully sanctioned in Ohio yet, the OHSAA and the NFL are counting Ohio as the 17th state to add girls flag football.

There are 80 high school teams in Ohio, with that number expected to grow.

Fueled by national momentum, including support from the NFL, Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals, and driven locally by athletic directors, coaches, student-athletes and school leaders, the program has rapidly gained traction and exceeded all expectations in participation.

“This is monumental,” Hardin added. “We are proud to be on the leading edge of expanding access to sports for girls, and even prouder to see how quickly our athletes, coaches, and families have embraced the game.”

Jabreel Moton, Woodward Career Technical High School athletic administrator and coach, said the first year of the sport was special and he can’t wait for the future.

“It feels good to know girls flag football is finally being taken seriously and getting the recognition it deserves,” Woodward Career Technical High School student-athlete Mylah Case said. “We’ve been putting in the work, and now we get to compete for something real. I’m proud to be a part of this program — especially for this being my first year playing.”

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Grand opening plans for the Clarence Hicks Sports Complex have shifted, affecting local youth sports schedules and community celebrations.

The outdoor grand opening event for the Clarence Hicks Sports Complex is now scheduled for Aug. 30 after being postponed due to recent unpredictable weather that impacted infrastructure setup, according to a community announcement.

Organizers said the event is expected to unveil Phase 1 improvements at the Clarence Hicks Memorial Sports Complex and mark a significant milestone for the Rockford Park District.

Phase 1 improvements are planned to include an artificial turf field and stadium with an eight-lane running track, a throw and jump event area, a spectator area with bleacher seating for 1,000 people, a parking lot with solar lights and landscape upgrades, according to the announcement.

The Chicago Bears donated turf from the Walter Payton Center at Halas Hall to create a warm-up area. The total project cost for Phase 1 improvements is $7,564,313.53.

The Clarence Hicks Sports Complex is set to be the home for Rockford Park District Youth Sports Programs, including NFL Flag Football, NFL Cheer, Rockford F.I.R.E. Track & Field, Youth Sports Outreach, Rockford Wolves Youth Football, Chicago Bears Outreach Camp, AAU Northern Cross Country National Championship and AAU Cross Country District Qualifier. The 77-acre park has seen upgrades such as new scoreboards, fencing, bleachers, a turf playground surface, an asphalt path and a large shade structure.

For more information, visit the Rockford Park District’s official website.

This story was created by reporter Abreanna Blose, ablose@gannett.com, with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct. 

LANSING, Mich. (WILX) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is terminating funding for Michigan’s Solar for All program, which was designed to bring renewable and affordable energy to low-income communities.

The EPA recently announced plans to cancel its $7 billion grant program aimed at helping low and moderate-income households access solar energy.

Michigan had been awarded $165.1 million in federal funds to support investments in rooftop solar, community solar, energy storage, workforce development, community education, and technical assistance.

In response, Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) Director Phil Roos issued the following statement:

“The state’s MI Solar for All Program would significantly reduce energy costs for thousands of Michigan residents, providing an average savings of $400 per family per year while creating approximately 700 high-quality local jobs, boosting the state’s economy, and supporting American businesses. By increasing Michigan’s energy independence, the program also builds resilience against power outages and extreme weather events. Regrettably, the EPA wants to retroactively cut funding for this vital program at a time when such initiatives should be prioritized. We are currently working with Michigan’s Attorney General to determine our next steps.”

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Date Time (ET) Game Commentators Platform Wed, Aug. 13 1 p.m. Little League World Series Game 1: Puerto Rico (away) vs. Latin America (home) Mike Monaco, Xavier Scruggs, Sebastian Salazar ESPN 3 p.m. Little League World Series Game 2: Mountain (away) vs. Great Lakes (home) Karl Ravech, Todd Frazier, Jessica Mendoza, Jess Sims ESPN 5 p.m. Little League World Series Game 3: Panama (away) vs. Australia (home) Mike Monaco, Xavier Scruggs, Sebastian Salazar ESPN 7 p.m. Little League World Series Game 4: Metro (away) vs. Southwest (home) Karl Ravech, Jessica Mendoza, Todd Frazier, Jess Sims ESPN Thu, Aug. 14 1 p.m. Little League World Series Game 5: Europe & Africa (away) vs. Japan (home) Mike Monaco, Xavier Scruggs, Sebastian Salazar ESPN 3 p.m. Little League World Series Game 6: New England (away) vs. Southeast (home) Karl Ravech, Jessica Mendoza, Jess Sims ESPN 5 p.m. Little League World Series Game 7: Asia-Pacific (away) vs. Mexico (home) Mike Monaco, Tim Kurkjian, Sebastian Salazar ESPN 7 p.m. Little League World Series Game 8: Midwest (away) vs. Mid-Atlantic (home) Karl Ravech, Todd Frazier, Jess Sims ESPN Fri, Aug. 15 1 p.m. Little League World Series Game 9 Mike Monaco, Xavier Scruggs, Sebastian Salazar ESPN 3 p.m. Little League World Series Game 10 Karl Ravech, Chris Burke, Jessica Mendoza, Jess Sims ESPN 5 p.m. Little League World Series Game 11 Mike Monaco, Eduardo Pérez, Sebastian Salazar ESPN 7 p.m. Little League World Series Game 12 Karl Ravech, Jessica Mendoza, Todd Frazier, Jess Sims ESPN Sat, Aug. 16 1 p.m. Little League World Series Game 13: Game 3 Loser vs. Game 5 Loser Mike Monaco, Xavier Scruggs, Sebastian Salazar ESPN 3 p.m. Little League World Series Game 14: Game 4 Loser vs. Game 6 Loser Karl Ravech, Todd Frazier, Chris Burke, Jess Sims ESPN 5 p.m. Little League World Series Game 15: Game 1 Loser vs. Game 7 Loser Mike Monaco, Eduardo Pérez, Sebastian Salazar ESPN 7 p.m. Little League World Series Game 16: Game 2 Loser vs. Game 8 Loser Karl Ravech, Jessica Mendoza, Jess Sims ESPN2 Sun, Aug. 17 9 a.m. Little League World Series Game 17: Game 10 Loser vs. Game 14 Winner Karl Ravech, Eduardo Pérez, David Cone, Jess Sims ESPN 11 a.m. Little League World Series Game 18: Game 9 Loser vs. Game 13 Winner Mike Monaco, Xavier Scruggs, Sebastian Salazar ESPN 1 p.m. Little League World Series Game 19: Game 12 Loser vs. Game 16 Winner Karl Ravech, Jessica Mendoza, Todd Frazier, Jess Sims ABC 2 p.m. Little League World Series Game 20: Game 11 Loser vs. Game 15 Winner Mike Monaco, Xavier Scruggs, Sebastian Salazar ESPN 7 p.m. MLB Little League Classic Presented by New York Life: New York Yankees vs. Detroit Tigers Karl Ravech, Eduardo Pérez, David Cone, Buster Olney ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN Radio, ESPN Deportes Mon, Aug. 18 1 p.m. Little League World Series Game 21: Game 5 Winner vs. Game 9 Winner Mike Monaco, Todd Frazier, Sebastian Salazar ESPN 3 p.m. Little League World Series Game 22: Game 6 Winner vs. Game 10 Winner Karl Ravech, Eduardo Pérez, Xavier Scruggs, Jess Sims ESPN 5 p.m. Little League World Series Game 23: Game 11 Winner vs. Game 7 Winner Mike Monaco, Chris Burke, Sebastian Salazar ESPN 7 p.m. Little League World Series Game 24: Game 12 Winner vs. Game 8 Winner Karl Ravech, Jessica Mendoza, Todd Frazier, Jess Sims ESPN Tue, Aug. 19 1 p.m. Little League World Series Game 25: Game 21 Loser vs. Game 19 Winner Mike Monaco, Xavier Scruggs, Sebastian Salazar ESPN 3 p.m. Little League World Series Game 26: Game 22 Loser vs. Game 20 Winner Karl Ravech, Chris Burke, Jess Sims ESPN 5 p.m. Little League World Series Game 27: Game 23 Loser vs. Game 17 Winner Mike Monaco, Eduardo Pérez, Sebastian Salazar ESPN 7 p.m. Little League World Series Game 28: Game 24 Loser vs. Game 18 Winner Karl Ravech, Jessica Mendoza, Todd Frazier, Jess Sims ESPN Wed, Aug. 20 1 p.m. Little League World Series Game 29: Game 21 Winner vs. Game 23 Winner Mike Monaco, Xavier Scruggs, Sebastian Salazar ESPN 3 p.m. Little League World Series Game 30: Game 22 Winner vs. Game 24 Winner Karl Ravech, Chris Burke, Jessica Mendoza, Jess Sims ESPN 5 p.m. Little League World Series Game 31: Game 27 Winner vs. Game 25 Winner Mike Monaco, Xavier Scruggs, Sebastian Salazar ESPN 7 p.m. Little League World Series Game 32: Game 28 Winner vs. Game 26 Winner Karl Ravech, Jessica Mendoza, Todd Frazier, Jess Sims ESPN Thu, Aug. 21 3 p.m. Little League World Series Game 33: Game 29 Loser vs. Game 31 Winner Karl Ravech, Chris Burke, Todd Frazier, Jess Sims ESPN 5 p.m. T-Mobile Little League Home Run Derby Mike Monaco, Jessica Mendoza, Xavier Scruggs ESPN 7 p.m. Little League World Series Game 34: Game 30 Loser vs. Game 32 Winner Karl Ravech, Chris Burke, Todd Frazier, Jess Sims ESPN Sat, Aug. 23 12:30 p.m. International Championship Game Karl Ravech, Jessica Mendoza, Todd Frazier, Sebastian Salazar ABC 3:30 p.m. United States Championship Game Karl Ravech, Jessica Mendoza, Todd Frazier, Jess Sims ABC Sun, Aug. 24 10 a.m. Consolation Game / Third Place Game Karl Ravech, Jessica Mendoza, Todd Frazier, Jess Sims, Sebastian Salazar ESPN2 3 p.m. World Series Championship Game Karl Ravech, Jessica Mendoza, Todd Frazier, Jess Sims, Sebastian Salazar ABC

The old adage, “Defense wins championships,” tends to be correct in most sports, and last year was no exception when Napoli claimed the Serie A title, allowing a league-low 27 goals. The year before, Inter won the championship with a solid defense, conceding just 22 goals. Additionally, Luciano Spalletti’s Napoli allowed only 28 goals the year prior on their way to the league title. As you can see, a strong defense is crucial in securing championships.

Roma’s fifth-place finish last season shouldn’t overshadow a key achievement: they had the second-best defense, tied with Inter and Juventus. They conceded fewer than one goal per match (35), thanks to Mile Svilar’s excellent goalkeeping and a solid backline led by Evan Ndicka and Gianluca Mancini. However, with Mats Hummels and Zeki Çelik often playing as third center-backs, Roma struggled to establish a consistent third member for the back three.

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They addressed that problem this summer when they acquired Daniele Ghilardi from Hellas Verona, who ranks sixth in our U-23 countdown.

Number Six: Daniele Ghilardi

Age: 22

Position: Central Defender

Shades of: Alessandro Nesta, Virgil van Dijk, Sergio Ramos

Who Is He?

Ghilardi came through the Fiorentina youth ranks before being shipped to Verona on loan during the January 2022 transfer window. The move was made permanent the following July for €2 million. He then cut his teeth at the lower levels with a loan in Serie C with Mantova. That was followed by a loan at Serie B side Sampdoria during the 2023-2024 season, where he was managed by Milan, Juventus, and Italy legend Andrea Pirlo. Those loans allowed Ghilardi to amass a lot of experience at a young age before moving back to Hellas last season.

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While at Hellas, Ghilardi earned a spot in the starting XI, making 21 starts and accumulating over 2,000 minutes in Italy’s top division. His impressive performance caught the attention of Massara and Gasperini, prompting them to bring Ghilardi to Rome. At just 22 years old, he has also progressed through the ranks of the Azzurrini, representing Italy from the U-17s up to the U-21s.

What Can He Do?

I won’t rewrite the book here. Richard Hough gave us the lowdown during our Ghilardi Q&A:

“He’s fast. Reads the game extremely well and knows how to use his physicality without diving in or making rash challenges. With his long hair and headband he just looks like a classic Italian defender, in the mould of a Nesta. He’s super calm, not a vocal player or one who gets involved in shithousery, so perhaps he can bring that calmness and discipline to Roma’s defence. He’s composed in possession and used to playing in a back three, but will have to get used to Gasperini’s more possession-based and offensive style of play.”

What Can He Become?

Gasperini may be known as an attack-minded manager. However, he’s nurtured many young defenders and turned some into stars. Players like Cristian Romero, Andrea Bastoni, Gianluca Mancini, and Giorgio Scalvini are just a few of the players who blossomed under Gasperini. If Ghilardi can develop into anywhere near the level of Bastoni, then this move would be a steal. However, even if he becomes a more relaxed Mancini, Roma will have done well.

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Hough cautioned that Ghilardi would’ve benefitted from one more year at Verona, but one has to feel he’s in the right hands with Gasperini. Given Roma’s current CB depth dilemma, he will be given every opportunity to start from match week 1. In an ideal world, Ghilardi becomes a defensive stalwart in the classic Italian mold, becoming a pillar in Roma’s backline and one of the regulars for the next generation of Azzurri with players like Giovanni Leoni and Diego Coppola.