Football sets all-time record for both cumulative and single-semester 

BOISE, Idaho – Boise State student-athletes set another record during the 2025 spring semester by establishing an all-department cumulative grade-point average (GPA) of 3.46, the highest GPA in department history. The Broncos also turned in an all-department single-semester GPA of 3.39, which is the best spring semester in department history. 

“These achievements are a direct reflection of the discipline and dedication our student-athletes bring to both their academic and athletic pursuits,” said Gabe Rosenvall, Associate Athletic Director, Student-Athlete Academic Services. “Setting a new department GPA record is no small feat, and to see programs like women’s basketball, football and volleyball reaching historic highs shows how deeply committed our teams are to excellence across the board.”

As a department, all 18 sport programs secured a 3.0 GPA or higher, 87% of all student-athletes earned a 3.0 GPA or higher, and 70 student-athletes secured a perfect 4.0 GPA.

Three sports programs established GPA milestones. Women’s basketball set a team record with a 3.82 cumulative GPA, the second best in department history. Football set an all-time single-semester record with a 3.22 GPA which translates to 81% of football student-athletes receiving a 3.0 GPA or higher and volleyball tied their record with a 3.55 cumulative GPA.

“Boise State Athletics fosters an environment where academic success is not only possible—but expected and supported,” said Roger Munger, Professor, Department of Writing Studies at Boise State and NCAA Faculty Athletics Representative. “These results reflect their ongoing commitment to advising, mentoring, and helping student-athletes manage the demands of their dual roles. When every team earns above a 3.0 and programs like football, volleyball, and women’s basketball post record-setting GPAs, it demonstrates a culture that values education and growth.”

LOS ANGELES — USC women’s water polo has two Trojans in line for the prestigious Peter J. Cutino Award for the eighth time in program history, as Olympians and all-around impact players Emily Ausmus and Tilly Kearns have been named finalists for the 2024-25 award.

A 2024 Olympian with Team USA, Emily Ausmus was named MPSF Newcomer of the Year and a member of the All-MPSF First Team in her first season at USC. The freshman attacker scored in all 34 games for USC to set a school single-season record with 114 goals. In addition to becoming the fastest Trojan to reach 100 goals, Ausmus also handed out 55 assists and stole the ball 46 times in 2025. En route to the NCAA Championship game, she scored three goals with two assists and two steals in the national quarterfinal against Harvard.

A 2024 Olympic silver medalist with Australia, Tilly Kearns became a three-time All-MPSF First Team honoree this season for USC. The senior center scored 100 goals and finished her time as a Trojan ranked No. 3 all-time in scoring with 262 career goals. In addition to the scoring, Kearns earned 62 exclusions and notched 48 steals on the year. She earned NCAA All-Tournament First Team honors and was instrumental in propelling USC to the NCAA Championship game by scoring five goals and earning six exclusions in the Trojans’ national semifinal win over UCLA. This is Kearns’ third selection as a Cutino Award finalist, following pick in 2022 and 2023.

ᴅᴏᴜʙʟᴇ ᴛʀᴏᴜʙʟᴇ! 
Congrats to Emily & Tilly! 
Two Trojans are tapped as Peter J. Cutino Award finalists!#FightOn  𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗣𝙇𝘼𝗖𝗘 𝗧𝗢 𝗕𝗘.
 

Ausmus’ and Kearns’ finalist selections gives USC 25 such honors in program history. This is Kearns’ third pick as a finalist in her fourth seasons of work at USC. The last Trojan duo to be named Cutino Award finalists in the same season were Denise Mammolito and Maud Megens in 2021, with Megens emerging as the Cutino Award Winner that year. They followed back-to-back finalists Paige Hauschild and Amanda Longan in 2018 and 2019. Since the award’s inception in 1999, USC women have collected nine Cutino Awards. Past USC women’s Cutino Award winners are: Bernice Orwig (1999), Aniko Pelle (2000), Moriah Van Norman (2004), Lauren Wenger (2006), Kami Craig (2009 & 2010), Stephania Haralabidis (2016), Amanda Longan (2018) and Maud Megens (2021). 

Ausmus and Kearns are joined on the 2025 women’s finalist list by Stanford’s Ryann Neushul. On the men’s side, USC has Max Miller named a finalist alongside UCLA’s Ryder Dodd and Pacific’s Mihailo Vukazic, who will play for the Trojans as a transfer addition next season.

Established in 1999 by The Olympic Club, the award is given annually in honor of the late Peter J. Cutino, the former University of California Berkeley and The Olympic Club coach, who passed away in September 2004. Mr. Cutino is in the U.S. Water Polo Hall of Fame. He won “Water Polo Coach of the Year” 17 times. He led UC Berkeley to eight NCAA National Championships. In his career, Cutino also coached in the Pan American Games, the Water Polo World Championships and the World University Games. The Olympic Club has a long and distinguished competitive water polo history, a tradition that continues today in the pool with some of the best age-group teams in the world.

The Cutino Awards will take place on the evening of Saturday, June 7 at The Olympic Club in San Francisco. The ceremony will be live-streamed free of charge courtesy of USA Water Polo on overnght.com. The broadcast will feature interviews with finalists, athletes and coaches, plus the Cutino Award ceremony in its entirety.

ABOUT THE OLYMPIC CLUB

Founded in 1860, The Olympic Club enjoys the distinction of being among the oldest athletic clubs in America. Since its birth, The Olympic Club has fostered amateur athletics in San Francisco. The Winged “O” currently fields teams in 17 sports. Additionally, The Olympic Club has hosted five U.S. Opens, and looks forward to hosting the 2028 PGA Championship and 2032 Ryder Cup at its world-class Lakeside Clubhouse golf courses.

USC Cutino Award Women’s Finalists

1999 — Bernice Orwig (winner) 

2000 — Aniko Pelle (winner) 

2004 — Moriah Van Norman (winner) 

2005 — Brittany Hayes

2006 — Lauren Wenger (winner) & Brittany Hayes

2007 — Erika Figge

2009 — Kami Craig (winner) & Michelle Stein

2010 — Kami Craig (winner) & Tumua Anae

2011 — Kristen Dronberger

2013 — Monica Vavic

2016 — Stephania Haralabidis (winner) & Brigitta Games 

2018 — Amanda Longan (winner) & Paige Hauschild

2019 — Paige Hauschild & Amanda Longan 

2021 — Maud Megens (winner) & Denise Mammolito

2022 — Tilly Kearns 

2023 — Tilly Kearns 

All-time Peter J. Cutino Award winners:

1998-99 – Bernice Orwig (USC)

1999-2000 – Sean Kern (UCLA) & Aniko Pelle (USC)

2000-01 – Sean Kern (UCLA) & Coralie Simmons (UCLA)

2001-02 – Tony Azevedo (Stanford) & Brenda Villa (Stanford)

2002-03 – Tony Azevedo (Stanford) & Jackie Frank (Stanford)

2003-04 – Tony Azevedo (Stanford) & Moriah Van Norman (USC)

2004-05 – Tony Azevedo (Stanford) & Natalie Golda (UCLA)

2005-06 – Juraj Zatovic (USC) & Lauren Wenger (USC)

2006-07 – John Mann (Cal) & Kelly Rulon (UCLA)

2007-08 – Tim Hutten (UC Irvine) & Courtney Mathewson (UCLA)

2008-09 – J.W. Krumpholz (USC) & Kami Craig (USC)

2009-10 – J.W. Krumpholz (USC) & Kami Craig (USC)

2010-11 – Ivan Rackov (California) & Annika Dries (Stanford)

2011-12 – Joel Dennerley (USC) & Kiley Neushel (Stanford)

2012-13 – Balazs Erdelyi (Pacific) & Melissa Seidemann (Stanford)

2013-14 – Balazs Erdelyi (Pacific) & Annika Dries (Stanford)

2014-15 – Kostas Genidounias (USC) & Kiley Neushel (Stanford)

2015-16 – Garrett Danner (UCLA) & Stephania Haralabidis (USC)

2016-17 – McQuin Baron (USC) & Ashleigh Johnson (Princeton)

2017-18 – Luca Cupido (Cal) & Amanda Longan (USC) 

2018-19 – Ben Hallock (Stanford) & Makenzie Fischer (Stanford)

2019-20 – Ben Hallock (Stanford)

2020-21 – Nicolas Saveljic (UCLA) & Maud Megens (USC)

2021-22 – Nikolaos Papanikolaou (Cal) & Makenzie Fischer (Stanford)

2022-23 – Nikolaos Papanikolaou (Cal) & Aria Fischer (Stanford)

2023-24 – Nikolaos Papanikolaou (Cal) & Isabel Williams (Cal)

 

LONG BEACH, Calif.— Long Beach State’s Claudine Raud-Gumiel was selected Co-Field Athlete of the Meet at the 2025 Big West Track and Field Championships on May 22. Raud-Gumiel shares the award as voted upon by the league’s 11 coaches with Hawai’i’s Lilan Turban.
 
The graduate student broke the Long Beach State record in the heptathlon to win the event at the Big West Championships. Raud-Gumiel’s 5,698 points broke the previous school mark of 5,671, which Riley Hooks set in 2017 when she became the last Long Beach State entry to win the Big West heptathlon in 2017.
 
In the heptathlon, she won the 100m hurdles with the third fastest time in school history, 13.22. She tied with Hawai’i’s Catherine Touchete in the high jump as she reset her career-best, clearing 5-7 3/4. She was fourth in the shot put, posting a career-best toss of 35-11 1/2. Raud-Gumiel scored 4-for-4 in new career-bests, running 24.57 to finish second in the 200m.
 
She began day two of the heptathlon by winning the long jump with a leap of 19-5 1/2. She was eighth in the javelin (107-0). Heading into the final event, the 800m, Raud-Gumiel held a 99-point lead over UC Irvine’s Jolie Robinson and a 162-point advantage over teammate Jenelle Hurley. She clinched the title by running a season-best 2:17.67 to finish third for 855 points. Robinson was fifth (2:23.22), with Hurley coming in seventh in a career best 2:26.01.
 
Her Big West title is her second consecutive conference heptathlon championship. Raud-Gumiel won the heptathlon in 2024 for ULM at the Sun Belt Championships. She currently sits in 16th nationally in the heptathlon and has likely clinched a berth into the June 11-14 NCAA Division I Track and Field Championships.
 
With the teams moving into the Big West Championships on May 16-17, Raud-Gumiel was the runner-up to teammate Rahni Turner in the 100m hurdles, running 13.34. She was fourth in the high jump, going 5-6. Raud-Gumiel just missed scoring in the long jump as she went 19-5 1/4 to place ninth.
 
 

~#LongBeachBuilt~

Generation Z has different requirements and necessities from the world, and it’s more apparent when it comes to sports. For this generation, a basketball jersey, a skateboard, or a pickleball paddle isn’t just simple equipment; it’s a way to stand out from others. Nowadays, when nearly everything is Instagrammed or TikTok-ed, the clothing and gear Gen Z brings to the court or gym are a part of their online identity.

Below, we will explain the reasons behind this occurrence and what it means not only for Gen Z but also for brands and retailers.

Gen Z’s Self-Expression Via Sports Gear

At the age of rapidly evolving technologies, when the world becomes closer and allows people from distinct parts of the globe to not only connect but also influence the opinions of thousands of people, Gen Z has also been named a “self-expression generation.”

And this extends to their sports attire and equipment. Unlike older generations, who might have viewed workout clothes as purely functional, for Gen Z, sports gear is a part of their individuality. They want “chaotic customization and personalization.”

• This means that they are likely to purchase from brands that allow them to demonstrate their values publicly. This could mean, for example, buying from eco-conscious sporting brands to show their support for environmental causes.
• Another important factor is that Gen Z chooses unique combinations and custom sports pieces. This generation rejects the idea that everyone should dress the same. As a result, they want gear that feels one-of-a-kind or shows their unique style.
• They prioritize feeling confident and comfortable in their sports clothing and gear.
• Gen Z rejects the idea that one must suffer for style. Instead, they choose oversized hoodies, vintage tees, and mix-and-match sports outfits.

Personalization: “Make It Unique, Make It Mine”

One of the most sound ways Gen Z ensures their sports gear says something about them is through personalization and customization. They are no longer satisfied with mass-market products; they want to put their own design on what they wear or use. They are more prone to choosing brands offering sports equipment and clothes customization options. For example, this could mean decorating a plain pair of sneakers with charms, patches, or colors of their own choice, or designing a custom pickleball paddle or a skateboard.

Even the biggest brands like Asics, Nike, Adidas, or even mass brands are trying customizable options. The trend extends beyond online platforms to land-based stores as well. For example, Lids stores now have locations where customers can personalize their baseball hats. The result is that sports gear and apparel are getting more and more personalized. Owning something truly unique and authentic gives Gen Z that sense of pleasure that they just can’t get from a mass-produced item.

Social Media and the Influence of TikTok

It’s impossible to talk about Gen Z’s preferences and expressive sports gear without mentioning the influence of social media, which is the force that affects so many of Gen Z’s fashion and lifestyle choices. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram have given rise to sports influencers, who know that the sports clothes they wear to the gym or the equipment they use can suddenly become viral content. So, they try to differentiate themselves as much as possible and find new ways to stand out from other influencers.

It also means trends can explode overnight; just one viral video of a cool tennis racket can spark big interest among Gen Z players the next week. Social media has essentially turned every young athlete into an influencer, a spectator and a model: they’re following others for inspiration and simultaneously creating their own unique image for their own followers.

Apart from organic viral trends, influencers and athletes on social platforms hugely affect Gen Z’s gear preferences. For example, a fitness influencer with hundreds of thousands of followers might popularize a new model of leggings or a brand of training shoes simply by consistently wearing them in videos, without even mentioning or promoting them on purpose. In recent years, Gen Z has come to trust these figures more than celebrity endorsements. For example, when influencer and fitness model Alexis Ren became the face of surf-skate brand RVCA and co-designed an activewear collection, it generated massive buzz. The success of the campaign was that someone relatable to Gen Z was behind it.

Social Media Campaigns and Challenges

Socialmedia is also a place where broader movements around different causes, products, and sports apparel gain popularity. Remember how #BodyPositivity and #StrongNotSkinny trends have encouraged people (many Gen Z) to wear what makes them feel comfortable and confident at the gym, rather than trying to fit in with aesthetic requirements. These movements encourage wearing a baggy shirt if you want, or rocking a bold pattern even if it breaks the dress code rules.

Many sports and lifestyle brands now run campaigns specifically for social media engagement, often encouraging Gen Z to participate in them. Challenges like #NikeByYou, where users share their custom Nike designs, make young people feel part of the brand and its story. And if the campaign aligns with Gen Z values, it can explode overnight. When trends start online and go viral, they quickly influence real life and sales.

Cultural and Economic Shifts Influencing Sports Gear Choices

Gen Z’s preferences and the demand for meaningful, expressive sports gear aren’t a separate case; their reasons are broader, being affected by different cultural and economic trends.

• Activism in fashion: Gen Z places enormous importance on brands’ values and social responsibilities. Nearly 60% of Gen Z believes fashion brands should address social issues. They reward brands that align with causes they care about. For example, back in 2018, Nike’s bold support of activist athlete Colin Kaepernick resonated strongly with young Americans; 67% of 18–34 year-old supported Nike’s campaign featuring Kaepernick. The message was clear: Gen Z wants to wear brands that stand for something and align with their own values.
• Community and belonging: In a time of online communities and niche interest groups, Gen Z also buys gear to signal belonging to a specific sports community. This generation is all about finding new people who have similar interests; it’s not about playing sports anymore, it’s about socializing and creating connections. This is why sports like pickleball are gaining popularity. The sports that help find new friends and brands that foster a sense of community win big with Gen Z.
• Health consciousness: For Gen Z, workout apparel became everyday wear. They aren’t buying leggings and sneakers just for the gym; they’re wearing them to class, to coffee, and on Zoom calls. As a result, Gen Z expects their athletic gear to check multiple boxes: high-performance and high-style.
• Drop culture & exclusivity: Limited-edition releases or exclusive sports products create hype and FOMO (fear of missing out) that Gen Z often responds to. A limited-edition basketball shoe designed by a popular rapper or a skateboard deck released in a 100-piece artist series is more likely to be sold within days. The exclusivity becomes part of the product’s appeal and identity.

Community Sports as the New Social Clubs (Pickleball’s Phenomenon)

While big-league sports and gym culture are the main focus of the story, Gen Z is also reshaping recreational leagues, niche sports, and everyday play. Sports like pickleball (a hybrid of tennis and ping-pong) have exploded in popularity among young people in the U.S., turning them into full-blown lifestyle trends. And where there’s a lifestyle trend, there’s a look to go with it, and a social media story or a reel.

Pickleball: A Case Study in Gen Z Style

Pickleball’s rise is a perfect example of how Gen Z can take a sport and infuse it with personal style. Dubbed “America’s fastest-growing sport,” pickleball has seen huge participation growth over the past three years. And the biggest age group of pickleball players is the 18–34 demographic. This has transformed pickleball into more than just a casual game; “pickleball isn’t just a sport; it’s an aesthetic”. Step onto any pickleball court frequented by Gen Z and you’ll spot custom pickleball gear, flamboyant outfits, and creative accessories that set the scene apart from, say, an all-white tennis match.

Sydney Steinaker, a pickleball influencer, notes seeing everything from “lots of neon colors” to people in “tutu skirts with knee-high socks on the court”. In pickleball, standing out is cool, not clumsy or tasteless. The community embraces creative self-expression, which encourages Gen Z players to stand out through their gear.

According to Mike Hardy, the founder of dinkusa.com, “For Gen Z, the pickleball court has become a place where showing off your personalized paddles and unique outfits is a part of their own story, values and preferences. This helps them to create a community of like-minded people, and it’s beautiful.” 

Conclusion: What Brands and Retailers Should Take Away

Gen Z’s insistence that their sports gear say something about them is reshaping the sports apparel and equipment industry. It’s not a passing fad but a generational shift in consumer expectations. For brands and retailers hoping to win Gen Z’s attention, the message is clear: evolve or become left out. Here are key takeaways from this cultural shift:

• Make it personal: offer customization and personalization whenever possible.
• Stand for values and have standards (and show them): Gen Z is quick to align with or dismiss brands based on authenticity.
• Brand activism and transparency are not optional. Demonstrate your values through specific actions and campaigns – support social causes, and embrace inclusivity.
• Build community and experiences: treat your Gen Z customers as a community, not just consumers.
• Try to remix: Gen Z fashion is all about mixing eras and styles, so reflect that in your product lines.
• Prioritize comfort: Offer inclusive sizing, gender-neutral styles, and designs that prioritize comfort and style.
• Be flexible and stay agile with social trends: be extremely online. Monitor TikTok, Instagram, and emerging platforms for the latest crazes (the memes, the viral sounds, the slang).

Sources and References of the Research:

• Francombe, Amy. “Gen Zs want ‘chaotic customisation’ in 2025. How can brands tap in?” Vogue Business. Nov 19, 2024, voguebusiness.com
• “Rising Gen Z Income and Health Consciousness Drive Surge in Sports Apparel Sales+” Oct 25, 2023, businesswire.com
• “The Gen Z Fashion Brand Licensing Report.” Nov 2024, licenseglobal.com
• Clifton Mark. “How American Gen Z & Millennials approach fashion differently.” Nov 11, 2024, business.yougov.com
• Nadya Morison. ¨Why is Pickleball Popular in the USA: Reasons Behind Its Explosive Growth¨Apr 29, 2025, dinkusa.com
• “The Psychographics of Gen Z: What Really Drives Them?” Oct 24, 2023 mediaculture.com.
• Erica Sweeney. “76% of voters age 18-34 support Nike’s Kaepernick ad, study finds.” Sept 14, 2018, marketingdive.com.
• Lucas Freeman. “Pickleball and Gen Z: The Sport Taking Over Courts and TikTok.” Dec 4, 2024, wokewaves.com
• Chloe Mac Donnell. “How pickleball, America’s ‘fastest-growing sport’, is taking over sportswear.” Aug 4, 2023, theguardian.com

GENEVA, OHIO (May 22, 2025) – The Tufts University men’s track and field team saw all three of their competing athletes in action on a great day one of the 2025 NCAA Division III Men’s Outdoor Track and Field Championships at the SPIRE Institute in Geneva, Ohio on Thursday.

Junior jumper Sahr Matturi opened up the competition for Tufts with a great day in the long jump. The experienced junior landed a 6.74m jump on his first attempt, but was unable to increase his distance in his next pair of attempts. He finished the event in 21st place to round out another solid season with Tufts track and field.

Josh Wilkie was up next in the 400m hurdles. The junior finished the preliminary round of the event just over half a second outside of the qualifying positions, landing him in 14th place overall with a 53.46. 

Amokrane Aouchiche was the final Jumbo in action, running in the 10,000m run in the final men’s event of day one. He finished in a great time, taking 14th place in just 30:26.85; about 30 seconds off of his personal best. It was a great finish to the first and final day of action for the Tufts Men’s Track and Field team.

 

GENEVA, OHIO — The Central College track and field squads had five student-athletes in action on the rainy opening day of the NCAA Division III Outdoor Track & Field Championships Thursday.
           
In the women’s heptathlon, Olivia Bohlen (junior, Belle Plaine) sits in sixth place with 2,959 points through four of seven events.
           
“She’s put herself in a good position,” coach Brandon Sturman said. “She was just below her lifetime best in three out of four events. It was a really solid day one.”
           
The men’s decathlon features a pair of Central competitors. After five events, Kale Hobart (sophomore, Mason City) is seventh with 3,517 points and Reid Pakkebier (senior, Cedar Rapids, Kennedy HS) is 14th with 3,349 points.

“Just like any decathlon, there were ups and downs,” Sturman said. “But I think compared to the rest of the field, they are doing what they need to do. “

Peyton Steffen (junior, Marion) ran her preliminary heat of the women’s 3,000-meter steeplechase in 10 minutes, 33.53 seconds, finishing fourth and earning an automatic spot in Friday’s final.

“She ran right at her PR and felt pretty comfortable,” Sturman said. “Hopefully she can stay focused and confident and do it again tomorrow.”

Jack Brown (sophomore, Norwalk) also ran in the preliminaries of the men’s 3,000-meter steeplechase but his time of 9:11.19 was not enough to get in the final as he finished in 18th place.

“He’s disappointed he didn’t make the finals,” Sturman said. “He’ll learn from this experience and try to improve upon it next time.”

 

Central College NCAA Championships schedule of events

Friday, May 24 (times are EST)

10 a.m. – men’s decathlon (110-meter hurdles)

10:45 a.m. – men’s decathlon (discus throw)

11 a.m. – women’s heptathlon (long jump)

Noon – men’s decathlon (pole vault)

12:15 p.m. – women’s heptathlon (javelin throw)

2:10 p.m. – men’s 110-meter hurdles (prelims)

2:45 p.m. – men’s decathlon (javelin throw)

2:45 p.m. – women’s heptathlon (800 meters)

4:30 p.m. – men’s decathlon (1500 meters)

4:55 p.m. – women’s 3,000-meter steeplechase (finals)

Saturday, May 25 (times are EST)

11 a.m. – men’s triple jump (prelims and finals)

1:25 p.m. – men’s 1500 meters (prelims)

2:10 p.m. – men’s 110-meter hurdles (finals)

4:25 p.m. – women’s 5000 meters (final)