College Sports
Rebels Put a Title on Ice
The UNLV ice hockey team had just pulled off its second Houdini act in as many days, and coach Anthony Vignieri-Greener was searching for a sign — any sign — that his players had enough gas in the tank for one more game. Not just any 60-minute game, but one with everything on the […]

The UNLV ice hockey team had just pulled off its second Houdini act in as many days, and coach Anthony Vignieri-Greener was searching for a sign — any sign — that his players had enough gas in the tank for one more game.
Not just any 60-minute game, but one with everything on the line: history, legacy, immortality.
So following his team’s 5-2 come-from-behind victory over Liberty University in the semifinals of the 2024-25 American Collegiate Hockey Association Division I national tournament, Vignieri-Greener peered into the eyes of his players.
He liked what he saw.
“That’s when I told the coaching staff, ‘There’s no way we’re losing this next game,’” Vignieri-Greener recalls. “Maybe that was premature. But I could just see it in their eyes.”
Fast-forward some 24 hours, and Vignieri-Greener was watching his players circle the rink at the Centene Community Ice Center near St. Louis, Missouri, with the Murdoch Cup hoisted above their heads.
Nearly 20 years after the club program formed — and 10 years after Vignieri-Greener, himself a former UNLV player, took over as coach — the Skatin’ Rebels were national champions.
“To win something this big — nobody really understands how hard it is until you actually get there,” Vignieri-Greener says. “It was a long, long 10 years. But it was worth every second of it.”
Making it all the more special: UNLV’s 7-3 championship victory came against Adrian College, the Michigan liberal arts school that had defeated the Skatin’ Rebels 3-0 in the title game the previous year.
The Skate to a Rematch
While there were a few tense moments early on in this year’s finals, the stress was nothing like what UNLV endured in its previous two contests.
After coasting to a 6-2 victory over Arizona in their first game of the ACHA Division I tournament, the Skatin’ Rebels faced Maryville University in the quarterfinals. Trailing 2-0, UNLV finally got on the board early in the third period, buried the equalizer with 99 seconds left in the game, then found the net less than five minutes into overtime for a season-saving 3-2 win.
The Skatin’ Rebels returned the next day for a semifinal matchup against Liberty University, and again, they found themselves down 2-0 entering the final period.
Then came the onslaught: five goals in the final 10 minutes. When the final horn sounded, UNLV had secured a 5-2 win and a much-desired rematch against Adrian College.
The team’s mindset heading into the title game?
“For us returners, it was like, ‘This can’t happen two years in a row. They can’t go back-to-back on us. That can’t be our legacy — the team that could get close but couldn’t get over the line,’” says senior defenseman and team captain Mattias Dal Monte. “Playing the same opponent, it definitely added extra juice.”
Vignieri-Greener — who had 96 goals and 169 assists in four years as a player at UNLV from 2006-10 — leaned on some personal experience in his pregame speech.
“I truly believe the tightest and closest teams will go the furthest, and that’s what I relayed to the guys,” he says. “I told them, ‘Listen, I’ve been doing this a long time, and the closer a group is, the farther it will go. And without a doubt, this is the closest group we’ve ever had. So go win a national championship.’”
In doing just that, UNLV capped an incredible season that saw the team post an eye-popping 30-2-3 record and achieve all four of its preseason goals: Win the Western Collegiate Hockey League championship for the first time in program history; defeat an NCAA Division I opponent for the first time; earn a top-four seed in the ACHA tournament; and win the Murdoch Cup, the trophy that goes to the tournament champ.
A Big Bragging Right
While the national title obviously sat atop the wish list, it arguably ranked second in terms of the season’s most difficult tasks, because on Dec. 28, UNLV — which competes at the highest level of non-NCAA-sanctioned collegiate club hockey — traveled to Colorado for an “exhibition” game against the University of Denver.
The same University of Denver that has won 10 NCAA Division I hockey championships, including the 2023-24 crown.
Two years prior, the Pioneers hosted the Rebels and rolled to a 10-0 victory. This time? UNLV skated into the reigning champ’s arena and stunned the 7,000 fans in attendance by scoring a program-defining — and confidence-boosting — 7-6 overtime victory.
“After that game, we could’ve fallen into the mindset of, ‘Oh, we just beat the defending NCAA Division I national champions; the rest of our games and winning our national championship wouldn’t matter as much,’” says sophomore forward Heath Mensch, who grew up in Las Vegas. “But we stuck to our plan and had the mentality of, ‘Well, we beat them. Now we need to go out and show that we’re legit and clearly the best team in the ACHA.’”
Mission accomplished — thanks in no small part to Mensch, who scored the game-winning goal in the comeback victory over Liberty in the ACHA tournament semifinals.
Following their title-clinching victory over Adrian College on March 18, UNLV’s latest national champions returned home to a hero’s welcome. In addition to celebrations on campus and around the community, the team was honored by Southern Nevada’s two professional hockey franchises: the Henderson Silver Knights and their parent club, the NHL’s Vegas Golden Knights.
The Silver Knights and Golden Knights each held a brief in-game ceremony recognizing UNLV’s accomplishment. During each game, the players cruised around the arena concourses with the Murdoch Cup.
“That was amazing,” Dal Monte says. “It was endless high-fives and congratulations from fans. It was really cool to see the broader hockey community in the desert showing love to us like that. That was a special night.”
For a special, one-of-a-kind team.
College Sports
Longshore and McKnight: U.S. Open at Oakmont preview, college football preseason rankings, declining fan engagement, NBA Finals, and more…
In today’s episode of Longshore and McKnight, John Longshore and Barry McKnight previewed the upcoming U.S. Open at Oakmont, highlighting course conditions, Scotty Scheffler’s dominance, and Bryson DeChambeau’s rising fan appeal. They questioned the relevance of the LIV Tour and shared trivia about the Stimpmeter and Oakmont’s unique design. Music nostalgia also crept in, with […]

In today’s episode of Longshore and McKnight, John Longshore and Barry McKnight previewed the upcoming U.S. Open at Oakmont, highlighting course conditions, Scotty Scheffler’s dominance, and Bryson DeChambeau’s rising fan appeal. They questioned the relevance of the LIV Tour and shared trivia about the Stimpmeter and Oakmont’s unique design. Music nostalgia also crept in, with conversations about Glenn Frey’s solo career and the Bond soundtrack legacy, while guest Brian Reynolds of the RTJ Trail and CJ Duncan of Yellowhammer News offered insights into both golf and NCAA policy developments.
Catch live episodes of Longshore and McKnight daily on YouTube, Spotify, and on Yellowhammer News
College football remained central, with Lindy’s preseason SEC rankings placing Auburn ninth and sparking debate. The hosts discussed the evolving NIL landscape, referencing comments from Alabama AD Greg Byrne and NCAA President Charlie Baker. The episode also addressed declining fan engagement, the shift from traditional “Radio Row” to podcast-driven coverage, and how modern college athletics sell “experiences” over games.
College Sports
Maryland Gymnastics Announces 2026 Big Ten Opponents
Story Links COLLEGE PARK, MD — The Big Ten Conference announced Wednesday afternoon the 2026 conference opponents for all member schools. The Terps will compete at home against Washington, Nebraska, and Rutgers. On the road, Maryland will travel to face Illinois, Michigan State, and Penn State. Maryland will also compete in the Big […]

COLLEGE PARK, MD — The Big Ten Conference announced Wednesday afternoon the 2026 conference opponents for all member schools.
The Terps will compete at home against Washington, Nebraska, and Rutgers. On the road, Maryland will travel to face Illinois, Michigan State, and Penn State. Maryland will also compete in the Big Four Meet, hosted by UCLA, where they will face UCLA, Ohio State, and Iowa.
The full 2026 Big Ten Conference schedule, including dates and meet times, will be released later this fall.
For updates and more information, visit umterps.com or follow @TerpsGymnastics on social media.
College Sports
UW-Whitewater’s Billson Named To Academic All-America® Men’s Tennis Third Team
Story Links AUSTIN, Texas–University of Wisconsin-Whitewater’s Theo Billson has been named to the 2024-25 NCAA Division III Men’s Tennis Academic All-America® Third Team, selected by the College Sports Communicators. Billson owns a 3.98 grade point average and is majoring in mathematics. He received All-America honors from the Intercollegiate Tennis Association after […]

AUSTIN, Texas–University of Wisconsin-Whitewater’s Theo Billson has been named to the 2024-25 NCAA Division III Men’s Tennis Academic All-America® Third Team, selected by the College Sports Communicators.
Billson owns a 3.98 grade point average and is majoring in mathematics. He received All-America honors from the Intercollegiate Tennis Association after winning the ITA Regional doubles bracket. Billson was named the 2025 WIAC Kwik Trip Player of the Year and finished with a 10-7 dual record in singles competition and 12-5 mark in doubles action.
Billson is the fifth Warhawk men’s tennis player to earn the Academic All-America honor, joining Scott Dreier (1990), Alex Lowe (2009), Zane Navratil (2018) and Cole Lindwall (2023).
To be eligible for the Academic All-District® and Academic All-America® award, a student-athlete must carry a minimum 3.50 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale, must be in the lineup for 70 percent of the total matches played by the team that includes team scores, and is at least a sophomore academically and athletically.
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College Sports
Female athletes appeal NCAA settlement arguing it violates Title IX
An attorney representing the athletes said in a statement that the settlement violates Title IX, the federal law that bans sex-based discrimination in education. Eight female athletes filed an appeal Wednesday of a landmark NCAA antitrust settlement, arguing that women would not receive their fair share of $2.7 billion in back pay for athletes who […]


An attorney representing the athletes said in a statement that the settlement violates Title IX, the federal law that bans sex-based discrimination in education.
Eight female athletes filed an appeal Wednesday of a landmark NCAA antitrust settlement, arguing that women would not receive their fair share of $2.7 billion in back pay for athletes who were barred from making money off their name, image and likeness.
U.S. District Judge Claudia Wilken approved the settlement last week, clearing the way for direct payments from universities to athletes and the end of the NCAA’s amateurism model.
The athletes who appealed the settlement competed in soccer, volleyball and track. They are: Kacie Breeding of Vanderbilt; Lexi Drumm, Emma Appleman, Emmie Wannemacher, Riley Hass, Savannah Baron and Elizabeth Arnold of the College of Charleston; and Kate Johnson of Virginia. They have standing to appeal because they previously filed objections to the proposed settlement.
Ashlyn Hare, one of the attorneys representing the athletes, said in a statement that the settlement violates Title IX, the federal law that bans sex-based discrimination in education.
“We support a settlement of the case, but not an inaccurate one that violates federal law. The calculation of past damages is based on an error that ignores Title IX and deprives female athletes of $1.1 billion,” Hare said. “Paying out the money as proposed would be a massive error that would cause irreparable harm to women’s sports.”
The House settlement figures to financially benefit football and basketball stars at the biggest schools, who are likely to receive a big chunk of the $20.5 million per year that colleges are permitted to share with athletes over the next year. Some athletes in other sports that don’t make money for their schools could lose their partial scholarships or see their roster spots cut.
“This is a football and basketball damages settlement with no real benefit to female athletes,” Hare said. “Congress has expressly rejected efforts to exempt revenue-generating sports like football and basketball from Title IX’s antidiscrimination mandate. The NCAA agreed with us. Our argument on appeal is the exact same argument the conferences and NCAA made prior to settling the case.”
The appeal was filed by the law firm Hutchinson Black and Cook of Boulder, Colorado, and was first reported by Front Office Sports. It would be heard by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.
Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
College Sports
SMGA Gymnasts Excel in 2024-2025 Season
LEONARDTOWN, Md., June 11, 2025 — The St. Mary’s Gymnastics Academy (SMGA) concluded its 2024-2025 season with remarkable achievements, as its gymnasts demonstrated exceptional skill and dedication across multiple competitions. Athletes from SMGA earned high scores and secured notable placements at state and regional meets, highlighting the program’s strength and the commitment of its coaches […]

LEONARDTOWN, Md., June 11, 2025 — The St. Mary’s Gymnastics Academy (SMGA) concluded its 2024-2025 season with remarkable achievements, as its gymnasts demonstrated exceptional skill and dedication across multiple competitions. Athletes from SMGA earned high scores and secured notable placements at state and regional meets, highlighting the program’s strength and the commitment of its coaches and families.
Throughout the season, SMGA gymnasts consistently excelled, with many scoring 33 or higher and qualifying for state-level competitions. Standout performers included Penny Eason, Christa Middleton, Wendy Buchanan, Audrey Toth, Cecilia Lipp, Bridget Nguyen, Anna Hayashi, Kenley King, and Julia Botwin, all of whom secured first-place all-around wins at various events. Their achievements underscored the academy’s focus on fostering talent and resilience.
At the USAG State Meets, held at multiple locations across Maryland, SMGA gymnasts continued to shine. Most athletes achieved scores of 36 or higher, showcasing their competitive prowess. Christa Middleton earned sixth place all-around in the Platinum category with a score of 36.275. Penny Eason, while not placing, achieved a personal best all-around score of 38.250, marking a significant milestone in her season.
The season culminated at the USAG Regionals, held May 15-18, 2025, in State College, Pennsylvania. Gymnasts competing at the Gold level, along with one Platinum-level athlete, delivered impressive performances. All participants scored 36 or above, reflecting their preparation and skill. Kenley King tied for seventh place all-around with a score of 36.425 and secured a tie for second place on floor with a 9.500. Reagan Wagner led SMGA with the highest all-around score of 37.050 and tied for second place on floor in the Gold category with a 9.750.
The success of SMGA’s gymnasts was driven by their passion and rigorous training, supported by the expertise and encouragement of their coaches. “Each routine, every flip, and every tumble showcased the gymnasts’ passion and commitment to the sport,” SMGA noted in a statement. The academy also praised the unwavering support of gymnasts’ families, whose dedication played a critical role in the season’s accomplishments.
SMGA’s competitive season reflects the academy’s mission to nurture young athletes through disciplined training and a supportive community. The program’s emphasis on both technical skill and personal growth has positioned its gymnasts for success in high-stakes competitions. The academy offers a range of programs, including recreational gymnastics, for athletes of all levels.
For those interested in learning more about SMGA or its recreational gymnastics program, additional details are available on the official website. The academy is already preparing for the 2025-2026 season, with plans to build on this year’s achievements.
The St. Mary’s Gymnastics Academy, based in Leonardtown, has long been a cornerstone of the local community, providing opportunities for young athletes to develop their skills in a supportive environment. The 2024-2025 season’s success further solidifies SMGA’s reputation as a leading gymnastics program in Maryland. As the academy celebrates its athletes’ accomplishments, it looks forward to continued growth and excellence in the coming year.
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College Sports
Olivia Dunne’s Tragic Injury That Ended Her Gymnastic Career
Olivia Dunne, aka Livvy, a standout gymnast and one of the most recognizable faces in college athletics, has officially closed the chapter of her athletic career. After years of dedication to the sport and a standout run with LSU, Dunne’s final season ended unexpectedly due to a serious knee injury. The farewell season turned into […]

Olivia Dunne, aka Livvy, a standout gymnast and one of the most recognizable faces in college athletics, has officially closed the chapter of her athletic career. After years of dedication to the sport and a standout run with LSU, Dunne’s final season ended unexpectedly due to a serious knee injury.
The farewell season turned into a difficult and emotional exit from the competition. The injury kept her off the field and ultimately brought her gymnastics career to an early end. Though her gymnastics career has come to an end, Dunne’s influence is far from over.
Olivia Dunne’s gymnastics career ended after a serious knee injury

Olivia Dunne suffered an avulsion fracture in her patella on March 6, 2025. It is a rare overuse injury where part of the kneecap is pulled away by surrounding tendons. The injury occurred just weeks before LSU competed in the NCAA semifinals. It kept her sidelined during LSU’s Senior Night and ultimately through the NCAA semifinals.
Dunne had hoped to make a final appearance for the Tigers but was unable to recover in time. Despite LSU entering the competition as the top-ranked team, they fell short of advancing to the national championship, finishing behind Utah and UCLA. It ended both the team’s title defense and Dunne’s competitive career.
Dunne revealed in an interview with PEOPLE that the injury stemmed not from trauma but from overuse, a rare cause for such a fracture. She said,
It is such a weird injury. Usually, patella fractures are from a direct blow to the knee, but mine is from overuse, which you don’t really see very often. And really, the only thing I need is time for it to heal… and it feels like it’s been forever.
Dunne graduated from LSU in December 2024 and announced that she will continue gymnastics for the fifth year. Unfortunately, a sudden knee injury ended her career. Her final message to the sport came on social media X after LSU’s season ended.
Leaving gymnastics, Olivia Dunne has opened a new chapter

Dunne leaves behind an impressive legacy. She helped lead LSU to a historic NCAA championship in 2024, was named a WCGA Academic All-American, and competed in multiple national and international competitions throughout her career(via People).
Beyond her athletic accomplishments, Dunne made national headlines as the top-earning female NCAA athlete, capitalizing on NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) opportunities. Besides gymnastics, she has made a successful social media career with a combined social media following of over 13 million fans across TikTok and Instagram.

Since her retirement, Dunne has started a new chapter. She recently completed her first semester of graduate school, purchased an apartment in New York City, and has been house-hunting by the beach. She’s also spending more time with her boyfriend, Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes, attending MLB games. Recently, Dunne appeared in the 2025 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue.
Though her final season didn’t go as planned, Dunne’s impact on gymnastics, NIL opportunities, and young athletes across the country is undeniable. Her story may have taken an unexpected turn, but she’s already writing the next chapter, and fans are still watching.
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