Ryan Castro Acquires Stake in Colombian Basketball Team
See latest videos, charts and news However, Castro wasn’t actively looking to invest in sports. The opportunity came to him via a close associate who works actively with basketball and the NBA. “He told me this was a possibility and me and my team gathered all the information we could about Paisas,” says Castro. While […]
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However, Castro wasn’t actively looking to invest in sports. The opportunity came to him via a close associate who works actively with basketball and the NBA. “He told me this was a possibility and me and my team gathered all the information we could about Paisas,” says Castro.
While basketball is not nearly as prominent as soccer in Colombia, it’s on the rise. Castro’s acquisition coincides with Paisas Basketball debut in the Basketball Champions League Americas (BCLA0, which includes top teams from across the continent). The team also competes in the Betplay professional league in Colombia under Venezuelan coach Daniel Seoane.
Beyond investing in the team, partnering with Castro also gives the Paisas the opportunity to leverage the musician’s platform as a popular Colombian artists with millions of followers on social media (4.5 million on Instagram alone). Plus, he says, “Taking into my account my life story, also take that message of empowerment, of working for your dreams to other kids. That’s the intention. Many kids dream of basketball and sports as a way to get ahead and have a better life, and my story is similar, but with music. So it’s about also taking that motivation, and, as a businessman, I want to venture into sports.”
Castro is set to officially announce his partnership Tuesday (Jan. 14) at a press conference in Medellín. At the same time, he’s releasing his first single of the year, “Ni x el Putxs,” featuring Colombian trap star Kris R.
“It’s another facet for us as entrepreneurs. Supporting sports, because the kids in the barrios have the same dreams as us, the artists,” said Castro, who rose to stardom from the slums of Medellín, tells Billboard.
“It’s another facet for us as entrepreneurs. Supporting sports, because the kids in the barrios have the same dreams as us, the artists,” said Castro, who rose to stardom from the slums of Medellín, tells Billboard.
On his end, Castro is no stranger to sports.
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Castro announced that through his company AWOO Team, he has acquired a significant equity stake in PaisasBasketball club, a professional team in his hometown of Medellín. The acquisition makes Castro the first Colombian music artist to own a stake in a basketball team, and also makes him one of only a handful of Colombian artists vested economically in sports.
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Add a new line to Colombian reggaetón star Ryan Castro’s resume: professional sports team owner.
The Paisas, he adds (the term “Paisa” is slang for people from Medellín), are from his hometown, plus, “I love basketball. Every time I go to the U.S., I like to go to NBA games. So, it all came together and the opportunity arose to support a team from my city to continue growing the basketball movement, generate more activity and support young people who are into sports.”
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Last year, he released “El Ritmo Que Nos Une,” the official anthem for Colombia’s national soccer team during Copa América. The video, which has been viewed more than 110 million times on YouTube, shows Castro hanging out and playing soccer with members of the Colombian squad.
The562’s coverage of Avalon Athletics is sponsored by Curtin Maritime. Avalon boys’ volleyball is just one win away from going back to a CIF Southern Section championship game. The Lancers will host Wildwood on Saturday in the Division 8 semifinals after three dominant playoff wins over Pacifica Christian, Orange Vista and Alta […]
The562’s coverage of Avalon Athletics is sponsored by Curtin Maritime.
Avalon boys’ volleyball is just one win away from going back to a CIF Southern Section championship game. The Lancers will host Wildwood on Saturday in the Division 8 semifinals after three dominant playoff wins over Pacifica Christian, Orange Vista and Alta Loma.
Last year, Avalon also used dominant wins to reach the Division 7 championship game.
In the quarterfinal sweep of Alta Loma this week, Erick Madriz led the Lancers attack with 19 kills while Jacob Mello chipped in 13 kills. Setter Aaron Meza finished with 28 assists.
“The team’s continued growth and dedication are truly inspiring,” Avalon coach Carlos Martinez said.
UCLA women’s water polo 2025 NCAA tournament predictions
This post was updated May 8 at After an overtime loss in the MPSF finals, reigning national champion and No. 2 seed UCLA (19-5, 5-1 MPSF) heads into the NCAA tournament with a chance at its first back-to-back titles since 2009. UCLA will face Loyola Marymount (20-11, 7-0 GCC) in Friday’s quarterfinal in Indianapolis. Before […]
After an overtime loss in the MPSF finals, reigning national champion and No. 2 seed UCLA (19-5, 5-1 MPSF) heads into the NCAA tournament with a chance at its first back-to-back titles since 2009. UCLA will face Loyola Marymount (20-11, 7-0 GCC) in Friday’s quarterfinal in Indianapolis. Before the Bruins open play, the Daily Bruin Sports’ women’s water polo beat predicts how last year’s NCAA champions will fare in this year’s tournament.
Jacob Nguyen Daily Bruin contributor Prediction: Runner-ups
My MPSF prediction of falling one game short of a conference title proved successful, but the fact that it took an overtime period for No. 1 seed Stanford to beat them hallmarks the uncertainty of this upcoming NCAA tournament.
It’s safe to say that the 2024 days of perfection are long over. UCLA came out of the MPSF semifinals by a single point before succumbing to a two-point loss in the finals.
The scapegoat answer is to say that the outcome is as uncertain as ever, but if recent memory is any indicator, history can repeat itself for the same reasons that I foresaw a conference second-place finish: inadequate depth.
In the Bruins’ MPSF semifinal victory, only six players met the back of the net. While that number increased to eight against the Cardinal, all scorers but one had a single goal.
Assuming UCLA gets past No. 10 seed Loyola Marymount and No. 3 seed USC, which it beat April 19 to close the regular season, the squad could see a rematch against Stanford or No. 4 seed Hawai’i – teams the Bruins have lost to this season – in the title match.
Across their last two matches, the Bruins took a combined 11 fewer shot attempts than their opponents. Sophomore goalkeeper Lauren Steele garnered 21 saves versus Stanford goalkeeper Christine Carpenter’s 13. And while UCLA likely trusts the reigning ACWPC National Player of the Year to guard its net, a lack of offensive firepower isn’t a good recipe against the nation’s best.
To ensure a victory against either the Rainbow Warriors or the Cardinal, greater aggression has to be shown.
Nonetheless, if there’s anyone who can find a winning strategy to bounce back, it’s the two-time reigning MPSF coach of the year Adam Wright.
Sophomore goalkeeper Lauren Steele extends her arm back to pass the ball. Steele notched a career-high-tying 21 saves in the Bruins’ loss to the Cardinal in the MPSF final. (Karla Cardenas-Felipe/Daily Bruin staff)
Rahaf Abumansour Daily Bruin staff Prediction: National champions
Flipping the script has defined UCLA women’s water polo throughout the 2025 season – along with maintaining its new role as underdogs.
The Bruins have made a habit of staging comebacks and going on scoring spurts against MPSF champions like Stanford among many others.
But consistency remains elusive, with five losses across their season, all to teams that they will likely face in the NCAA tournament. Loyola Marymount shouldn’t pose much of a threat in the opening round, and a semifinal matchup against either Harvard or USC should also be manageable – if the Bruins play to their standard and execute with the discipline that they have shown they can possess.
Consistency will be key to another NCAA championship – and now is when this team needs it most.
Their only nail in the coffin comes in a likely title-game rematch against No. 1 seed Stanford, who just edged the squad out in a dramatic overtime finish in the MPSF final and whom UCLA has lost to three times this season.
It’s not a question of if but when the Bruins make it to the final. Then, the choice will be theirs: redemption or collapse under pressure.
And with Steele coming off a season-high 21 saves against the Cardinal, the Bruins may just have the momentum – and the firepower – to finish the job.
Junior utility Anna Pearson raises her arm to pass the ball. (Andrew Diaz/Daily Bruin)
Ava Abrishamchian Daily Bruin staff Prediction: National champions
The Bruins enter the NCAA tournament as underdogs by ranking – but certainly not by pedigree.
After a heartbreaking loss to Stanford in the MPSF title match, the reigning national champions need to regroup as the No. 2 seed. With a chance at their first back-to-back NCAA title since 2009, the Bruins have to channel what they’ve been doing all year: making crucial comebacks.
Comebacks have been UCLA’s signature this season. The Bruins have a habit of erasing deficits by stringing together last-minute runs to grind out wins.
However, consistency has been harder to pin down. Each of their losses has come against teams in their year’s tournament field, which means comebacks are primed to happen.
The leader of their comebacks? Sophomore goalkeeper Lauren Steele. With a career-best 21 saves in the MPSF final, last year’s ACWPC Player of the Year is the anchor for a championship run. On the other side of the pool, junior center Bia Mantellato consistently finds the back of the net to put points on the board in ways the Bruins will desperately need.
Their opening match against Loyola Marymount should be a tune-up. For the Bruins, the threat lies further down the line. A semifinal against USC may present problems. However, the Bruins were able to defeat the Trojans on April 19 after their crosstown rivals upset them Feb. 2.
When their ticket is punched for the finals, a rematch looms against No. 1 seed Stanford. Having lost to the Cardinal three times this season, the Bruins will demand a comeback to seek redemption.
For me, the weight of the moment won’t crack them. The Bruins will have the opportunity to come back, and they will.
Junior center Bia Mantellato raises her fist in celebration. (Edward Ho/Daily Bruin)
Felicia Keller Daily Bruin senior staff Prediction: Loss in the semifinal
Teams have to be nearly flawless in the NCAA tournament in order to win the women’s water polo national championship.
And this season, more than most, the level of play of the three teams at the top of the order – UCLA, USC and Stanford – is incredibly narrow.
With the exception of UCLA beating Stanford, each team has at least a win and a loss on each other.
Last season, the Bruins were quite literally perfect — without a single loss on the year.
But this season has been different — they’ve been fallible.
I see UCLA advancing past LMU in the quarterfinal but losing to USC in the semifinal.
It wasn’t a back-to-back MPSF tournament championship for UCLA, and it won’t be a back-to-back NCAA tournament championship either.
Van Alstyne’s Servati signs with Schreiner for volleyball
Van Alstyne’s Kailan Servati signs to play volleyball for Schreiner University. Jason Della Rosa / Herald Democrat By Jason Della Rosa, Herald Democrat VAN ALSTYNE — The season changed Kailan Servati’s perspective on her sport and how it might shape her future… Previous Post College Roundup — Grayson softball in tourney final; Vikings lose Game […]
Mesa Verde boys’ volleyball team ends year with ‘heads held high’ – Citrus Heights Sentinel
The Mesa Verde Boys’ Volleyball team, headed by coach Jennifer Shoffner, practice in the high school’s gym. // SB Williams By Sara Beth Williams–The Mesa Verde High School’s boys’ volleyball team made waves in the Sac-Joaquin Section Division IV this spring, earning recognition for a record-breaking season that’s putting the school on the athletic map. […]
The Mesa Verde Boys’ Volleyball team, headed by coach Jennifer Shoffner, practice in the high school’s gym. // SB Williams
By Sara Beth Williams– The Mesa Verde High School’s boys’ volleyball team made waves in the Sac-Joaquin Section Division IV this spring, earning recognition for a record-breaking season that’s putting the school on the athletic map.
Traditionally not known for athletic programs due to its Division IV status, Mesa Verde is changing that narrative with a powerful showing in both boys’ volleyball and baseball this year, according to boys’ volleyball coach Jennifer Shoffner.
The boys’ volleyball team has an 8-2 regular season league record, ranking them in second place in the Sierra Delta League behind undefeated Vacaville Christian high school. Mesa Verde also secured a first-place trophy from the Stockton Classic tournament.
The boys’ volleyball program was established nine years ago, and has been led by Shoffner for the last seven years.
“We’re building something special here,” said Shoffner, who is among several alumni coaches, giving back to their school community, including Athletic Director and tennis coach Travis Miller Anthony O’Neal, who coaches Mesa Verde boys’ basketball, and Leonard Casillas, Mesa Verde’s varsity football head coach.
The Mustangs volleyball players are no strangers to postseason play, having qualified for the playoffs in 2019, 2022, 2023, and now 2025, skipping only the pandemic years when playoffs were not held. In their playoff run this season, the Mesa Verde boys’ volleyball team defeated El Dorado high school in the first round three sets to one on April 30 but lost to Livingston high school 0-3 in the quarterfinals held on May 2.
Despite the loss, Shoffner said the team is proud of the way they finished.
“We’ve come a long way,” said Shoffner. “This is more than just a good season—it’s a statement about who we are and where Mesa Verde athletics is headed.”
Shoffner added that the season has been historic with 10 wins in a row for the first time, and a first round playoff win for the first time.
Team leadership is strong, Shoffner said, with senior captains Eddie Montepeque and Mathew Garcia anchoring the squad. Both have been varsity starters since their freshman year and are multi-sport athletes: Montepeque competes in football, soccer, and volleyball, while Garcia plays football, basketball, and volleyball.
Junior captain Ben Lee leads not only on the court, but in the classroom with a 4.0 GPA, a distinction shared by nearly half of the team, Shoffner said.
The boys’ volleyball team has an overall record of 19-9 in the Sac-Juaquin Section Division IV, according to Max Preps, putting them in second place in the division behind Encina high school in Sacramento and just ahead of Natomas High.
“They’re ending the season with their heads held high, and are optimistic about next year,” Shoffner said.
Lamine Yamal joins Lionel Messi as Beats brand ambassador
Spanish teenage soccer sensation Lamine Yamal has added to his endorsement portfolio by signing a deal with Apple-owned headphones brand Beats by Dre. Contract: Yamal signs on as global ambassador 17-year-old joins Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland as latest soccer star to sign with Beats Context: Having burst onto the scene at just 15, Yamal […]
Spanish teenage soccer sensation Lamine Yamal has added to his endorsement portfolio by signing a deal with Apple-owned headphones brand Beats by Dre.
Contract:
Yamal signs on as global ambassador
17-year-old joins Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland as latest soccer star to sign with Beats
Context:
Having burst onto the scene at just 15, Yamal has already played 100 games for Barcelona and established himself as one of the brightest talents in the game. His rise also saw him ranked 41st in SportsPro’s annual list of the world’s 50 Most Marketable Athletes (50MM), making him the world’s most marketable teenager.
Given his impact for both club and country at such a young age, Yamal has drawn comparisons to another Barcelona great, Lionel Messi. While Yamal has tried to downplay parallels with the Argentinian legend, the similarities – both on and off the pitch – are striking.
Both became stars for the same club as teenagers and play in similar positions, while their endorsement portfolios overlap, thanks to deals with Adidas and now Beats. The connection between the two was further highlighted when photos resurfaced of Messi holding Yamal as a baby.
Yamal may not reach the heights of Messi – perhaps no soccer player ever will – but his deal with Beats reaffirms his status as one of sport’s most commercially appealing young stars.
For Beats, the signing strengthens an athlete roster that already includes Messi and Manchester City striker Erling Haaland, as well as basketball icon LeBron James and Chinese tennis ace Qinwen Zheng.
Comment:
“I love music for many reasons: it helps me focus before a match, it also helps me relax, and it’s an escape into a world of fun,” said Yamal. “For me, Beats is a cool, stylish brand that connects with my personality. I’m really happy to be working with them.”
Chris Thorne, chief marketing officer and head of product at Beats, added: “Having Lamine as part of the Beats family is a huge honour. Lamine creates magic on the pitch and we know that music is another huge passion for him. We wanted to storytell around his love of music and allow his fun and infectious personality to shine through.”
Coming next:
Having been knocked out of the Uefa Champions League after a thrilling semi-final defeat to Inter Milan, Yamal’s Barcelona, who are four points clear at the top of LaLiga, are next in action against arch-rivals Real Madrid on 11th May.
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High school boys’ volleyball: Playoff results and pairings
THURSDAY’S RESULTS DIVISION 1 Pool A #5 Beckman d. #8 San Clemente, 25-18, 25-19, 19-25, 25-17 FRIDAY’S SCHEDULE DIVISION 1 Pool A #4 Corona del Mar at #1 Mira Costa, 6:30 p.m. Pool B #3 Loyola at #2 Huntington Beach, 6 p.m. SATURDAY’S SCHEDULE (Games at 6 p.m. unless noted) DIVISION 1 Pool B #7 […]
