Salt Lake Community College to cut track and field programs after banner season
TAYLORSVILLE — One of the more successful athletic programs at Salt Lake Community College has been discontinued after just three seasons. The Bruins have discontinued both the indoor and outdoor track and field programs, the state’s largest two-year college confirmed to KSL.com Friday afternoon after a banner year for the sport on the Taylorsville campus. […]
TAYLORSVILLE — One of the more successful athletic programs at Salt Lake Community College has been discontinued after just three seasons.
The Bruins have discontinued both the indoor and outdoor track and field programs, the state’s largest two-year college confirmed to KSL.com Friday afternoon after a banner year for the sport on the Taylorsville campus.
“After thorough evaluation, this decision reflects broader institutional priorities and financial challenges,” the school said in a statement. “It was made after careful consideration and in no way reflects negatively on our student-athletes, who have represented the college with excellence and dedication.”
Athletes on scholarship and those who have signed letters of intent prior to the announcement will have their scholarships honored for the upcoming 2025-26 academic year, a spokesperson for the school said.
SLCC will continue to field a men’s and women’s cross country team, and “has no plans to discontinue cross country,” per the college.
Salt Lake is in the early days of new athletic leadership under Gary Veron, a former associate athletic director at BYU over student-athlete experience and NIL who replaced long-time athletic director Kevin Dustin after a decade in charge.
Prior to his time in Provo, Veron held several positions at BYU-Hawaii, including interim athletic director and associate athletic director for compliance and student-athlete welfare.
SLCC head coach Isaac Wood, who led the Bruins to three cross country national championships in his first three seasons and dual men’s and women’s national titles last year with the program, could not be reached for comment.
The 2023 National Junior College Athletic Association national coach of the year of the Bruins was coming off arguably the most successful season in the combined program’s short history, including national championships in both men’s and women’s cross country. It was the second consecutive title for women’s cross country, which also won the NJCAA half-marathon title in the fall.
Emerald Kehr, one of the stars of the 2023 national champions who prepped at West High, went on to sign with LSU after finishing second nationally in cross country and top five in the NJCAA in the mile, 3,000 meter and 4×800-meter relay.
Salt Lake sophomore JaQuavious Harris finished first overall to pace the men’s team in 23:30.7. The Cheraw, South Carolina, native then signed a professional running contract with Saucony and still competes and trains regularly with the local Run Elite Program.
The Bruins followed up the feat in March, when freshman Jayden Holdsworth won the NJCAA indoor 3,000-meter championship. The redshirt freshman from Orem surged to the front of the pack in 600 meters to become the second individual champion in the men’s track and field program’s short history and pace an eighth-place finish at the national meet.
In the outdoor season, Michael Maiorano and Melanie Anderson won championships in the men’s and women’s 3,000-meter steeplechase, respectively, and American Fork native Jayden Fitzgarrald finished runner-up in the 5,000 meters. In all, 19 athletes earned NJCAA All-American status.
SLCC men’s cross country and track and field fielded 39 athletes on its roster last year, the majority of whom were from the state of Utah, with all but 11 of them coming from the state of Utah.
The Salt Lake women’s program lists 30 players on its roster — all but six of whom come from the Beehive State.
With the move, SLCC will sponsor four men’s sports and six women’s sports, as well as cheer/spirit squads and varsity esports rosters.
Salt Lake Community College swept the men’s and women’s NJCAA Division I cross country national championships, Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024, in Richmond, Virginia. (Photo: Courtesy, SLCC)
Sergi Cabanas Pedro and Ecaterina Silisteanu mix with some local water polo players during a training session. Photo Peter Jones. Members of the Marlborough water polo fraternity relished a recent opportunity to benefit from more high-profile coaching. They were treated to a session in the Stadium 2000 pool alongside Sergi Cabanas Pedro, a member of […]
Sergi Cabanas Pedro and Ecaterina Silisteanu mix with some local water polo players during a training session. Photo Peter Jones.
Members of the Marlborough water polo fraternity relished a recent opportunity to benefit from more high-profile coaching.
They were treated to a session in the Stadium 2000 pool alongside Sergi Cabanas Pedro, a member of the Spanish national team that recently won the world championships. He was joined by former Romanian player Ecaterina Silisteanu, now manager of the University of Hawaii team which competes on the US college circuit.
They shared their knowledge and expertise with a group of Marlborough under-16-18 boys’ and girls’ players during a three-hour session.
The pair are currently working their way around New Zealand in a camper van and follow in the footsteps of a previous visitor to Marlborough, US Olympian Tony Azevedo, who has also held sessions at the local pool and recommended the opportunity to Sergi and Ecaterina.
Sergi says that although there are obviously more young players involved in his home country, with the sport being part of their DNA, the enthusiasm levels in New Zealand are similar.
“There is plenty of talent here, but maybe not so many opportunities for the New Zealand kids at the moment. It is lovely to work with these kids – they listen to you, just be looking at their face you can see they are very keen to learn.”
“It is a great opportunity for me too to see how water polo is growing around the world and also for them to meet and talk to someone who is playing at the top level.”
Ekaterina said that, “opportunities to meet a world champion don’t come every day – just to see how he works and how he moves in the water – it is amazing for them.”
Both Sergi and Ekaterina were competitive swimmers who moved on to water polo.
Swimming is great for your body but it can get a little repetitive … we both switched to water polo to get into a more dynamic and team sport. It builds discipline, resilience and teamwork – values that these kids need if they are going to become professionals in water polo and can carry into the rest of their lives,” she added.
Your insider guide for both trendy and classic spots to eat, shop, and play in the DC area. Read More Here. The arrival of Amazon’s Northern Virginia headquarters in 2018 spurred a flurry of development in Crystal City, Pentagon City, and the northern end of Potomac Yard. It also led to a rebranded name for […]
Your insider guide for both trendy and classic spots to eat, shop, and play in the DC area. Read More Here.
The arrival of Amazon’s Northern Virginia headquarters in 2018 spurred a flurry of development in Crystal City, Pentagon City, and the northern end of Potomac Yard. It also led to a rebranded name for the Arlington neighborhood: National Landing, in a nod to nearby Reagan National Airport. Today, the area around Amazon HQ2 is home to a multitude of new places to live, shop, and dine. Here are some of our favorite recent arrivals.
Eat and Drink
Bar Colline
location_on
269 19th Ct. S.
Restaurateur brothers Eric and Ian Hilton, the duo behind the French bistros Chez Billy Sud and Café Colline, have added yet another Gallic outpost to their H2 Collective repertoire: Bar Colline, which opened in July. The menu includes classics like steak frites and duck confit, as well as a lineup of shareable plates that will rotate weekly. At the 50-foot wraparound bar, you can celebrate happy hour daily with $6 wines.
Bar Chinois
location_on
244 19th Ct. S.
Photograph courtesy of Bar Chinois.
Bar Chinois arrived in National Landing in May, a new incarnation of the vibey Michelin-recommended Gallery Place restaurant led by chef Satang Ruangsangwatana. Dine on elevated hits such as crystal-prawn dumplings and crab rangoon served with an apricot duck sauce. The RAMMY Award–winning cocktail menu is rife with creative French-inspired drinks—including the Coco Marseille, made with tequila and basil-sesame coconut cream.
Tacombi
location_on
1550 Crystal Dr.
Photograph courtesy of Tacombi.
Tacombi started as a food truck in the Mexican beach town of Playa del Carmen, expanded to a New York City garage in 2010, and arrived at National Landing in late 2021. The subtle twists on traditional Yucatán cuisine—think beer-battered-cod tacos, open-faced beef rib-eye quesadillas, and burritos stuffed with roasted sweet potato—have won a local audience and led to a second location in Bethesda.
Water Park
location_on
1601 Crystal Dr.
Photograph by David Madison Photography.
In 2023, when developer JBG Smith reimagined a site next to the Metro as Water Park, the goal was to create an outdoor food hall that would double as a community gathering spot. The park features two full-service restaurants and a smattering of grab-and-go kiosks—including outposts of local favorites Falafel Inc. and Call Your Mother. The pièce de résistance is the Water Bar, which serves local oysters and refined cocktails from its perch atop a massive fountain/water sculpture. Also on the one-acre-plus site: a performance stage and art installations. The park is a “sip and stroll” zone, meaning visitors are free to roam with any alcohol purchased onsite.
Surreal
location_on
2117 Crystal Dr.
Photograph by Jen Chase.
Michelin-starred Venezuelan chef Enrique Limardo, renowned for his work at the popular DC restaurants Seven Reasons and Imperfecto, migrated south of the Potomac with the opening of Surreal in late 2023. The all-day diner offers unconventional twists on American comfort classics—for example, a foot-long beef sausage topped with Oaxaca cheese and cabbage relish, plus mac and cheese served atop breaded veal. Don’t miss the weekend brunch menu, which includes standard egg plates and waffles along with beef-Saigon-and-pineapple sandwiches plus corn-cheddar quiche.
Mae’s Market
location_on
1450 S. Eads St.
Photograph by Scott Suchman
.
The National Landing spinoff of Mae’s Market opened just before the cafe’s original Old Town location shuttered at the start of this year. The new location sports the same selection of fresh deli sandwiches and house-baked pastries—including seasonal-fruit Danish and cinnamon-sugar-coated kouign-amann. Located in Amazon HQ2, it’s an ideal spot for a quick working lunch.
Taqueria Xochi
location_on
1450 S. Eads St.
Photograph by Michelle Mendoza.
What started as a pandemic-era ghost kitchen, spearheaded by furloughed staff at José Andrés’s China Chilcano, has turned into a full-service Mexican street-food restaurant that’s expanding across the region. Taqueria Xochi arrived in National Landing late last year, the third iteration of the restaurant to open since 2020. Order the signature torta-like cemita: a sesame-seed-sprinkled roll stuffed with your choice of beef, chicken, or veg. Pair it with a house margarita—preferably during happy hour—or a spirit-free piña chamoyada smoothie, finished with chamoy, diced pineapple, and a tamarind-candy straw.
Peruvian Brothers
location_on
1450 S. Eads St.
Photograph by Ray Lopez..
A larger alternative to its first brick-and-mortar space in Union Market’s La Cosecha food hall, Peruvian Brothers opened at Amazon HQ2 in late 2023. Brothers Giuseppe and Mario Lanzone celebrate their heritage with baked empanadas, spiced rotisserie chicken, and picarones—squash-and-sweet-potato doughnuts drizzled with chancaca honey. Pisco-sour slushies headline the beverage menu, but there are plenty more options at the full bar.
Coffee Republic
location_on
3130 Potomac Ave.
In 2003, Sean and Kalea Flynn opened their first coffee shop in Huntersville, North Carolina. The venture, Coffee Republic, has since expanded to our area, with the newest location opening in National Landing in March. The menu features specialty lattes, including spicy Aztec mocha and vanilla lavender, as well as all-day breakfast sandwiches and wraps; quiches and pastries; and smoothies. Shop online or in the store for beans from Nicaragua, Colombia, and Brazil.
Do and Shop
Flight Wine Shop
location_on
269 19th Court S.
Photograph by Savannah Britt.
Before opening Flight Wine Shop in March, owners Swati Bose and Kabir Amir were two-time James Beard Award semifinalists for outstanding wine program at their now-shuttered Flight Wine Bar in Chinatown. The duo’s new venture sources 300-plus wines from more than 19 countries, with a focus on organic, sustainable, and native options from small producers. The shop hosts free weekly winetastings and special events, including a holiday wine exchange and producer meet-and-greets. If you’re not an oenophile, check out the selection of beer, pre-mixed cocktails, nonalcoholic beverages, cheese, and charcuterie.
Urban Boxing Gym
location_on
3701 Fairfax Dr.
Photograph courtesy of Urban Boxing Gym.
Interested in learning the finer points of boxing, kickboxing, Muay Thai, or Brazilian jiu-jitsu? The trainers at Urban Boxing Gym include the professional mixed-martial-arts fighters Levan Chokheli and Beka Lashkhia, both from the country of Georgia. When they’re not competing, they lead group and private workouts and organize boxing showcases, with fighters from the gym’s four area locations as well as local universities. For those looking for a little less contact in their workouts, check out Club Studio (3550 S. Clark St.), a fitness center that opened in May. In addition to exercise classes and personal trainers, the studio offers a medspa, a sauna, a pool, cryotherapy, and an organic cafe. Get a free one-day pass to try the boxing, spin, reformer-Pilates, or hot high-intensity interval-training (HIIT) sculpt classes.
Nailsaloon
location_on
244 19th Ct. S.
Nailsaloon maximizes the pleasure of a mani-pedi with plush leather seats and cocktails. While waiting for your nail or waxing appointment, sip a complimentary bellini, mimosa, tea, wine, or beer. The salon uses nontoxic products and hospital-grade sterilized tools. It also hosts corporate and private events, including birthdays and baby showers.
Crystal Boutique
location_on
2231 Crystal Dr.
A beloved local fixture, Crystal Boutique reopened in January after its former home, the Crystal City Underground, closed last year. Founded in 1970, the shop features designer women’s clothing from brands including Hilton Hollis, Joseph Ribkoff, Nina McLemore, and Lourdes Chavez. Make an appointment with a personal shopper and browse the selection of slacks, evening gowns, and mother-of-the-bride dresses. (The boutique accommodates sizes 0 to 26.) Or drop by for one of the regular trunk shows to see collections from around the world.
Plntr
location_on
269 19th Court S.
Photograph by Caitlin Tuttle/PLNTR.
Calling all Love Is Blind fans. The reality dating show featured the Dupont location of Plntr last year. Now the shop—founded in 2020 by James Beach and DC native Caitlin Tuttle—has expanded to National Harbor. Offerings include plants, flowers, planters, terrariums, gardening tools, and books. Or attend one of the workshops: Examples include an herbalism seminar led by a hypnotherapist, a punch-needle art class, or—as Love Is Blind fans well remember—a pressed-flower workshop.
Met Park Farmers Market
location_on
1330 S. Fair St.
Photograph by Michael Edwards.
Dan Hine, a marketing executive in Loudoun County, launched his first farmers market in 2017 after looking for ways to help local food producers. His latest venture, the Met Park Farmers Market, runs every Saturday and Tuesday this year through October. Find local produce and handmade goods from small businesses and farms, including flowers, candles, dog treats, jewelry, and crocheted bags. Food and drink options can include pupusas, Korean baked treats, Nepali chow mein, breakfast sandwiches, and coffee.
Hand-painted murals
Photograph by Sam Kittner.
Visiting the market or grabbing dinner in National Landing? Make sure to check out the hand-painted murals that have emerged in the neighborhood. Sponsored by the Business Improvement District, they include “Mural 23,” a work by local artists MasPaz, Juan Pineda, Jeff Huntington, and Cita Sadeli. Spanning a full block, it’s one of the largest collaborative murals in the DC area. Other projects include JD Deardourff’s “Waves,” which adorns the entrance to the Mount Vernon Trail by Water Park, and Lisa Marie Thalhammer’s “Harmony Mural” at the Metro plaza.
Club Volo
location_on
223 23rd St. S.
Real-estate company JBG Smith, Amazon’s development partner, has teamed up with Club Volo to build four beach-volleyball courts on one of its still-vacant lots in the neighborhood. Come rent some court time before a new tower rises on the site.
What’s Selling
Photograph by Derek and Vee.
Convenient to downtown DC, Reagan National Airport, and I-395, National Landing offers a variety of housing options for urban professionals and families alike, including high-rise condos, townhouses, and single-family homes. Here’s a sample of recent sales.
$395,000
A one-bedroom, one-bathroom condo in Crystal City’s Crystal Park building, with a balcony, two parking spaces, and access to a sauna and outdoor swimming pool.
$530,000
An updated 12th-floor Marina Towers condo in Potomac Yard with one bedroom, one bathroom, and a balcony overlooking the Potomac River.
$775,000
A 1,426-square-foot condo in Pentagon City with two levels, three bedrooms, two and a half bathrooms, a private entrance, and a patio.
$975,400
A 2,724-square-foot Potomac Yard condo with three bedrooms, two and a half bathrooms, a rear balcony, and a one-car garage.
$1,250,000
A 2,600-square-foot house near Crystal City, built in 1962, with four bedrooms, three bathrooms, two living rooms, and a back patio.
This article appears in the August 2025 issue of Washingtonian.
Fox Entertainment Group is hiring: Associate Producer, Social in Los Angeles at Fox Entertainment Group Job
OVERVIEW OF THE COMPANYFox Sports FOX Sports, the industry leader in live events, is the umbrella entity representing Fox Corporation’s wide array of multi-platform US-based sports assets. Built with brands capable of reaching more than 100 million viewers in a single weekend, FOX Sports includes the sports television arm of the FOX Network; FS1, FS2, […]
FOX Sports, the industry leader in live events, is the umbrella entity representing Fox Corporation’s wide array of multi-platform US-based sports assets. Built with brands capable of reaching more than 100 million viewers in a single weekend, FOX Sports includes the sports television arm of the FOX Network; FS1, FS2, FOX Soccer Plus and FOX Deportes, as well as a joint-venture business in the Big Ten Network and digital properties including http://FOXSports.com and the FOX Sports App. FOX Sports has delivered the most watched television program, NFL’s America’s Game of the Week on FOX, for fourteen consecutive years.
JOB DESCRIPTION
FOX Sports is looking to add an Associate Producer to bolster our social team. From perfecting the voice of our accounts to creating and executing daily social strategies, the Associate Producer will help to define FOX Sports’ social coverage across multiple sports. You will be responsible for the production of social content, including designing graphics, video editing, and ideation of each week’s content. This is a chance to be in the trenches of content creation each and every day! Other responsibilities could include, but are not limited to, graphic design, story development, talent prep, and video shooting/directing. Additionally, you will utilize data to help advise programming priorities, plan content, and report successes. Summed up, the Associate Producer will play an integral part in the digital platform of multiple digital sports properties.
A SNAPSHOT OF YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES
Support the production of NFLonFOX social and digital content, as well as other priority sports where needed, including, but not limited to, graphic production, editing, story development, talent prep, and video shooting/directing
Create original live content and/or VOD, optimizing the best moments from across sports, including highlights and analysis, for digital platforms in real-time
Design and distribute social graphics, images, and video in and around live events, for sport-specific coverage, and with talent specific to that sport
Utilize data to report successes and help create and execute weekly content plans
Coordinate content – whether show, brand, talent, original video, etc. – across each screen – whether TV, web, app, livestream, social, etc.
Assist the sports social lead in building and maintaining relationships across a variety of groups, including sales, marketing, programming, digital, linear, studio, and other show teams
WHAT YOU WILL NEED
4+ years of experience in digital/social content creation or production
Knowledge of what works on digital, and experience working with social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter/X, TikTok-owned and operated platforms
Effectively communicate with talent, athletes, team managers, event staff, outside producers, and all other persons involved with productions
Skilled in copywriting, social ideation, and content creation
Highly skilled in Photoshop and Premiere
Ability to create and ideate digital content with tight deadlines
Critical thinking around newsworthiness, need for source checking, and identification of risks in sharing certain information
Extensive knowledge of storylines, trends, stats, and players of the NFL and any other sports that FOX broadcasts
Ability to work nights and weekends, whenever sports are on the air
NICE TO HAVE BUT NOT A DEALBREAKER
Bachelor’s degree
After Effects and comfort level with content creation using AI
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with applicable law.
Pursuant to state and local pay disclosure requirements, the pay rate/range for this role, with final offer amount dependent on education, skills, experience, and location is $28.75-36.30 per hour. This role is also eligible for various benefits, including medical/dental/vision, insurance, a 401(k) plan, paid time off, and other benefits in accordance with applicable plan documents. Benefits for Union represented employees will be in accordance with the applicable collective bargaining agreement.
View more detail about FOX Benefits.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Women’s Volleyball Projected Sixth in OAC Preseason Coaches Poll
Story Links
WESTERVILLE, Ohio – The Baldwin Wallace University women’s volleyball team has been picked to finish sixth in the 2025 Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) Preseason Coaches Poll. Coming off a similar sixth-place prediction last season, the Yellow Jackets received 28 points in this year’s poll. Otterbein University leads the preseason rankings, […]
WESTERVILLE, Ohio – The Baldwin Wallace University women’s volleyball team has been picked to finish sixth in the 2025 Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) Preseason Coaches Poll.
Coming off a similar sixth-place prediction last season, the Yellow Jackets received 28 points in this year’s poll. Otterbein University leads the preseason rankings, earning 62 points and six first-place votes. Defending OAC Champion Marietta College is picked second with 56 points and three first-place votes, followed by the University of Mount Union in third with 48 points. Muskingum University and Ohio Northern tied for fourth, each securing 40 points.
Under the leadership of second-year head coach Kate Latkovic, the Yellow Jackets return a strong core from last season’s squad, including eight Academic All-OAC selections and one All-OAC honoree. Baldwin Wallace concluded the 2024 season with a 15-14 overall record and a 3-6 mark in conference play.
BW will kick off the 2025 campaign on Friday and Saturday, August 29-30, traveling to Sandusky to compete in the Great Lakes Crossover tournament hosted by Heidelberg University at the Cedar Point Sports Complex.
Athlone’s Shane representing Ireland at major water polo championships
Athlone Regional Sports Centre Water Polo Club player Shane Killian is representing Ireland at the European Aquatics U18 Boy’s Championships in Rio Maior Portugal Published: Mon 18 Aug 2025, 7:04 PM Athlone Regional Sports Centre Water Polo Club are being proudly represented on the international stage this week as prominent underage player Shane Killian competes […]
Athlone Regional Sports Centre Water Polo Club player Shane Killian is representing Ireland at the European Aquatics U18 Boy’s Championships in Rio Maior Portugal
Published:
Athlone Regional Sports Centre Water Polo Club are being proudly represented on the international stage this week as prominent underage player Shane Killian competes for Ireland at the European Aquatics U18 Boy’s Championships in Rio Maior Portugal.
Unfortunately, the Irish team suffered defeat to Bulgaria in their opening Group B encounter this evening but will have opportunities to rectify this loss when they play Denmark at 10.45am tomorrow (Tuesday) and Switzerland at 10.45am on Wednesday.
Should Ireland progress from the group phase, the knockout phase of the competition starts on Thursday, August 21.
In a social media post Athlone Regional Sports Centre said they were “really proud” of Shane, wishing him and the Irish team “the very best of luck” for the championships.
A son of Fiona and Ger Killian, Shane also plays football for Athlone GAA club, who said that they were “proud to see a local athlete representing Ireland”.
Shane was previously called up to represent his country at the ASA Inter Regional Championships in October of last year and played a pivotal role as Ireland won the tournament.
2025 Nebraska Volleyball Position Previews: Defensive Specialists
A new era is about to begin for Nebraska volleyball. The top-ranked Huskers will head into the season with a new coach leading the way in Dani Busboom Kelly, but the expectations have not changed. To get you ready for the 2025 campaign, we’re running through the expanded roster and breaking down all the key […]
A new era is about to begin for Nebraska volleyball. The top-ranked Huskers will head into the season with a new coach leading the way in Dani Busboom Kelly, but the expectations have not changed.
To get you ready for the 2025 campaign, we’re running through the expanded roster and breaking down all the key players, starting with the defensive specialists, a group that features one of the most competitive position battles on the team.
There’s been competition at every position for Nebraska this offseason, but the one that’s drawn the most attention is likely the battle to see who succeeds Lexi Rodriguez as Nebraska’s libero.
Laney Choboy passes the ball against the White team during the Red-White Scrimmage on Aug. 9. Photo by John S. Peterson.
While NCAA rules now allow multiple players to don the libero jersey in the same game and rotate for each other, Dani Busboom Kelly has said she prefers the consistency of a single player in that role, and according to the players and coaches, that battle has been a toss-up all offseason.
Junior Laney Choboy spent the past two seasons in a defensive specialist role playing alongside Rodriguez. She averaged 1.82 digs per set as a freshman and 1.53 as a sophomore last year, totaling 73 assists with 14 aces across 70 career matches. Choboy’s reel of highlight defensive plays would be extensive, and she’s steadily improved her passing over the past two seasons.
After the Alumni Match, Busboom Kelly praised Choboy among others for the way she elevated her play in pressure moments
“I thought Laney, sometimes her play is not super, super smooth, but her presence just helps us a ton,” Busboom Kelly said.
Olivia Mauch, the 2023 Nebraska Gatorade Player of the Year out of Bennington, made an immediate impact as a defensive specialist last year as well. She played in all 36 matches and averaged 1.61 digs per set with 21 services aces and 13 assists. Mauch graded out as the top returning player in serve receive according to VolleyMetrics and also made strides in her defensive play as she settled in throughout the season.
Olivia Mauch dives to dig the ball with Andi Jackson against the Kansas Jayhawks in an exhibition on April 26. Photo by John S. Peterson.
Both players put on a show during the Red-White Scrimmage. Choboy totaled 17 digs and five assists for the victorious Red squad while Mauch finished with 16 assists, five digs and one ace for the White team.
“I thought they both played great, really good,” Busboom Kelly said after the scrimmage. “Passed well, dug a lot of balls. They were very solid … They’re both neck-and-neck every day, so you can probably flip a coin. It’s going to be a lot about who can command the court and who makes the little plays look easy.”
Former head coach John Cook served as color commentator during the team’s spring exhibition against Kansas, and during the broadcast he said Busboom Kelly told him the libero decision would likely come down to personality and which of them fits what the team needs most.
“They both go about it their own way,” Harper Murray said after the exhibition. “I think Liv is a little bit more like Lexi as a person, a little bit more quiet and reserved, but they both have their own way about it, and it’s special, no matter how they’re going to do it.”
The stream of talented defensive specialists to come through Lincoln doesn’t appear to be slowing down any time soon with Keri Leimbach, a four-time state champion at Lincoln Lutheran, joining the program in the spring.
Keri Leimbach serves the ball against the Kansas. Photo by John S. Peterson.
She averaged 6.0 digs per set and served 54 aces as a senior, finishing her high school career with 2,063 digs. Leimbach could push for immediate playing time much like Mauch did last year, depending on how many of Nebraska’s pins play six rotations. Nebraska’s former head coach, John Cook, had high praise for Leimbach back in the spring when he served as color commentator for Big Ten Network during the program’s exhibition against Kansas.
“Keri’s been really solid,” Busboom Kelly said. “She’s got a great serve, and she’s really confident at the libero position, especially with being a freshman and having two great liberos in front of her in Liv and Laney. She just goes in there and she doesn’t miss a beat.”
Maisie Boesiger, the walk-on out of Norris, is heading into her senior year and will continue to provide depth at defensive specialist. She’s appeared in 90 sets across 50 matches, primarily as a serving specialist, and has totaled 36 digs, six aces and six assists.