Sports

Sarussi has MVP final season for UIC women’s track

Published

5 months ago

July 22, 2025

Ally Sarussi (Courtesy of UIC Athletics)

Ally Sarussi had quite a senior sendoff with the Washington University women’s track and field team as part of its 2024 NCAA Division III national team champion. The 2020 Lyons Township High School graduate, however, still had one season of eligibility and a graduate degree to pursue.

“I was going to take a gap year, but then I kind of thought I have an opportunity to run another year,” Sarussi said. “I love track a lot so I might as well take the opportunity while getting my degree.”

As a grad student this spring, Sarussi had her best individual season for the University of Illinois Chicago. She was named the team’s Most Valuable Performer and athletic department’s Female Newcomer of the Year for non-freshmen after qualifying for the NCAA Division I postseason in the 1,500-meter run following her lifetime-best, school-record 4:19.35 at the Missouri Valley Conference Meet.

At the NCAA West First Round May 30 in Bryan-College Station, Texas, Sarussi was ninth in her heat (4:25.74) and 34th overall as the No. 40 seed among 48 entries.

“It was very cool to be able to go to that. It’s insane facilities and to get to compete with some of the best athletes in the nation was exciting, a rewarding experience,” Sarussi said. “My parents got to see me race there so it was a memorable way to cap off my career.”

She became the first UIC women’s track and field athlete to compete on the national level in a track event and the third in combined women’s and men’s track and field history. She has one more year of school at UIC as she pursues her doctorate in physical therapy after graduating from WashU with a degree in anthropology and minor in psychology.

“Winning the [MVP] award was cool but it was more fun to do the exciting things on the track and get to know my teammates better and develop some long-lasting relationships and push myself to a new level,” Sarussi said. “I definitely learned a lot about myself as a person and athlete in terms of how I was able to come onto the team and deal with this new training plan and how I was able to be coached by a totally different person. It really proved my adaptability.”

Sarussi’s competitiveness also helped. The MVC Meet May 17-18 in Carbondale could have been Sarussi’s finale. The 4:19.35 became her ultimate moment.

“I’m going to remember that conference final race for a long time,” Sarussi said.

She wanted to break 4:20 after a second-fastest 4:28.93 in prelims and personal-best 4:25.63 from the Drake Relays April 23. The top-three finish — just .15 ahead of fourth place — also gave Sarussi all-conference honors and put her on the awards podium after finishing fourth in the 800 (2:10.34) at the indoor MVC Meet. She also was part of the eighth-place 4 x 400 relay’s school-record 3:52.92.

Considering the West First Round’s slowest seed time was 4:22.50, Sarussi also advanced to NCAA’s because of the 4:19.35.

“I just competed the best I ever had to make the podium at conference,” Sarussi said. “I don’t really know how I did it. I was just pushing to get top three and to have that 4:19 come along with it, I knew my body could do it. It just took everything in me and everything had to go perfectly. I’ll definitely take that one with me.”

Previously, Sarussi was known mainly for 800s. At LTHS, she was part of all-state 4 x 800 relays in 2019 (3rd) and 2018 (7th). She never ran at state for cross country but joined LTHS teammates at Nike Cross Regionals.

For WashU, Sarussi had six top-eight Division III All-American performances – four individually and two in relays, including the 2023 indoor national championship with the distance medley relay. The COVID-affected 2020 season gave athletes like Sarussi an additional season of eligibility.

Approaching the 2024 outdoor nationals, Sarussi had been All-American three times in the 800 but began adding the 1,500 to help the Bears get team points. Sarussi just missed the 800 finals with 10th but was an All-American third in the 1,500 (4:28.74). The Bears (71 points) won their second national team title by 23.5 points after being third outdoors in 2023 and 2022.

“We worked for that for so long. Winning Division III nationals was such a highlight, such a way to cap it off. We had a really strong senior class,” Sarussi said. “Just through the four years at WashU and with UIC, I learned so much about drive and commitment. I really do love track a lot and it helped me grow so much as a person. It’s tested my perseverance and to set and reach new goals and have that happen alongside being a student, it’s something I’m proud of.”

Coming to UIC, Sarussi was fourth in the 800 (2:10.34) at the indoor MVC Meet after an injury-affected cross country season. With more specified training, she began to flourish in the 1,500.

Her first 1,500 outdoors happened to be at WashU March 28 in St. Louis (2nd in 4:30.06) – an emotional return with her UIC teammates and coaches while reuniting with former ones.

“I just felt really lucky to be there and lucky I’d gone to school there. The race didn’t go as well as I’d hoped but everyone brought me up and supported me,” Sarussi said.

After NCAAs, Sarussi went out a winner in her last competitive race “for the foreseeable future.”

At the Magis Mile June 7 at St. Ignatius, Sarussi won the Elite division and top-seeded final women’s race with a meet-best 4:46.89 mile (4:27.98 for 1,500 meters).

“I wanted to be competitive and try to win it. It was a good opportunity to do that against a field (mainly) of really good high school girls,” Sarussi said. “Definitely going into it, I was excited for one more time to get a good mile time while I was still in shape basically.”

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Householder Earns All-Region Honorable Mention Recognition from AVCA

Published

16 minutes ago

December 9, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Youngstown, Ohio — Adding one more achievement to her historic career, Youngstown State’s Abbie Householder has become the third player in program history to earn All-Region accolades from the American Volleyball Coaches Association.

The AVCA announced its All-Region honors on Tuesday, and Householder was named Honorable Mention in the Midwest Region. She joins Ruth Boscaljon, an Honorable Mention selection in 2009, and Paula Gursching, an All-Region honoree in 2022, as the only Penguins to be recognized by the AVCA.

Householder was the 2025 Horizon League Volleyball Player of the Year and Offensive Player of the Year as the conference’s leader with 4.22 kills and 4.73 points per set. She posted 502 kills, the third most in school history and the second most in the rally scoring era, and her 562.5 points were also the third-highest total ever by a Penguin. Householder also ranked seventh in the conference in aces per set, and she was 12th in digs per set.

Householder, an outside hitter from Canfield, Ohio, finished her career as YSU’s all-time leader in kills with 1,427, passing the previous mark of 1,408 that had stood since 1999. She also is the career record holder with 4,241 attempts, and she ranked third in digs, fourth in points and sixth in aces. Entering NCAA Tournament week, Householder was the only active Division I player with at least 1,400 career kills and 1,200 career digs.

Householder was joined on the All-Region Honorable Mention team by IU Indianapolis’ Grace Purichia as the only players from the Horizon League to be recognized by the AVCA. Householder was also one of just five players from Ohio on the list.

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How Gen Z is leading latest boom in distance running

Published

30 minutes ago

December 9, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Dec. 9, 2025, 6:02 a.m. ET

Distance running is experiencing a surge in popularity, particularly among Gen Z.
Athletes who under-fuel their bodies risk a condition called Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs).
Symptoms of REDs can include fatigue, hormonal problems, bone density loss, and decreased performance.

Distance running is having a moment — and it’s largely being led by Gen Zers, whose participation has been on the rise since the pandemic ended.

In recent years, we’ve seen high-profile celebrities such as Harry Styles, Colin Farrell, Kevin Hart, Ashton Kutcher, Jennifer Connelly and Chelsea Clinton, among others, complete full marathons. In turn, races of all distances nationwide are seeing a dramatic spike in participation.

And that certainly goes for all of the events — 5K, 10K, half-marathon, marathon relay and full marathon — that will take place Dec. 13-14 in downtown West Palm Beach at the annual Palm Beaches Marathon weekend.

But back to Gen Zers: According to Road Runners Club of America “from 2021 to 2024, the percentage of finishers aged 20 to 29 have increased from 16.4% to 24.5% in the marathon, 17.1% to 26.2% in the half marathon, 13.9% to 20.6% in the 10K and 12.3% to 17.2% in the 5K.”

In addition, there’s been a marked increase in membership in running clubs across the nation.

As Runner’s World noted earlier this year, “Run clubs are replacing dating apps. Brands are tapping these groups for sampling and sponsorships. Celebs like Diplo and blink-182 drummer Travis Barker are starting their own run clubs. Around 7 percent of runners surveyed for Running USA’s annual report in 2023 stated that they were part of a running club. And Strava saw a 59 percent increase in new clubs in 2024, according to the tracking platform’s annual Year in Sport report, with Gen Z as the leading contributor to that growth.”

TikTok and Instagram are chock-full of fitness and beauty influencers documenting their training and race-day experiences — and their followers are taking note. This has led to more sneaker and apparel brands targeting their distance running gear to younger consumers, further fueling the rise in the sport’s participation rates.

Seeing so many young adults lean into becoming endurance athletes is certainly heartening — especially when you think about how beneficial this could be for decreasing the nation’s obesity rates.

That said, there are some aspects of becoming an endurance athlete that young folks — especially women — must stay vigilant about avoiding so as to ensure they can partake in their favorite road races for years and decades to come.

Dangers of Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs)

We all know that proper nutrition — which includes sufficient caloric intake— is the foundation for undertaking any kind of athletic pursuit.

And this is especially true for endurance sports — running, cycling, swimming and the like.

But regardless of one’s age, gender or ability level, there’s a perpetual risk for endurance athletes to under-fuel their body’s basic caloric needs.

When that happens, the athlete becomes vulnerable to suffering from a syndrome known as “Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport” (REDs).

The term was introduced by the International Olympic Committee in 2014 and while it was originally coined to expand on an existing condition for elite competitors called “the female athlete triad” (which is comprised of irregular menstruation, loss of bone mass and disordered eating), in recent years experts have been stressing that REDs can affect anyone.

CNN explains that “Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs) occurs when an athlete of any gender has overtrained and/or under-eaten for a prolonged period in an attempt to improve their performance, often without knowing the dangers of failing to compensate for the energy they expend in training and racing.”

The potential complications of suffering from REDs are myriad and they include the following:

Fatigue
Weight loss
Missed or irregular periods
Hormonal problems
Digestive problems
Bone density loss
Stress fractures
Repeated muscle or connective tissue injuries
Cold intolerance
Low sex drive
Frequent illness
Slow heart rate
Low blood pressure
Decreased athletic performance
Hair loss
Trouble focusing
Irritability
Depression
Anxiety

Identifying — and treating — root causes of REDs

Many athletes suffering from REDs may have other mental-health complications that contribute to the condition.

Body image issues and/or disordered eating habits are the most commonplace. It also happens frequently to folks who put intense pressure on themselves and/or are perfectionists.

In those instances, the athlete may benefit from being treated via a multidisciplinary approach that includes education and consultations with experts such as nutritionists, sports psychologists, sport-specific coaches, and/or sports medicine doctors.

Another potential factor perhaps contributing to recreational endurance athletes suffering from REDs is how many people nowadays are taking GLP-1 medications to control their weight.

Those on GLP-1 medications usually have decreased appetites as well as decreased overall interest in, and enjoyment of, food.

It’s easy to see how those on GLP-1 medications who become involved in an endurance sport may inadvertently end up suffering from REDs during their training.

For most recreational athletes who may be suffering from REDs, the condition can usually be rectified by a combination of eating a well-planned, nutrient-dense diet and incorporating more rest days into the training program. That’s where consultation with the nutritionists, coaches, and healthcare experts can be so beneficial.

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Chloe Leluge Earns 2025 AVCA All-Pacific Region Honorable Mention

Published

32 minutes ago

December 9, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Ranking 2nd in the Big West and 36th in Division I with a .383 hitting percentage, Leluge has helped keep Cal Poly’s offense in the national top-20 for most of the season. The team currently sits 18th heading into the NCAA Tournament Regional Semifinals, marking the program’s first return to this stage since 2007.

Even if her career ended today, Leluge’s .372 career hitting percentage would far outpace the current program leader in the Division I era by 17 points. Her current season rate also places her in the top-10 on the program’s single-season leaderboard. A true two-way middle blocker, Leluge co-leads the team and the conference this season with 130 total blocks.

Just a few weeks ago, Cal Poly upset top-seeded UC Davis to win the Big West title and secure an automatic NCAA bid. Leluge, who committed only one error on 57 attacks throughout the tournament, was named Big West Championship MVP and later to Michella Chester’s NCAA Rotation of the Week.

Since then, Leluge has been instrumental in helping the Mustangs topple ranked programs BYU and USC in the NCAA Tournament to advance to the Sweet 16. She helped stun the Cougars in the first round’s opening set, tallying six kills to kickstart Cal Poly’s tournament run, before recording a trio of block assists against USC, extending her multi-block streak to 13 matches.

As arguably one of the best all-around middle blockers in the country, Leluge has positioned herself to continue an already legendary career while helping propel Cal Poly to one of the single greatest seasons in program history.

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Cail Named to 2025 AVCA Central All-Region Team

Published

48 minutes ago

December 9, 2025

Your Sports Nation

JONESBORO, Ark. (12/9/25) – Arkansas State volleyball middle blocker Daedrianna Cail was named to the Division I Central All-Region First Team by the American Volleyball Coaches Association, as the organization announced its regional teams for the 2025 campaign on Tuesday.

Cail is the Red Wolves’ 10th AVCA All-Region selection in program history and the first to secure a spot on the first team since Mallory Warrington and Markie Schaedig achieved the feat in 2016.

The Marion native tallied a program-record 183 total blocks alongside 282 kills and a .355 attack percentage over 31 matches and 119 sets played. The All-Sun Belt Conference First Team selection ranks second nationally for total blocks and fifth for blocks per set, averaging 1.54.

Cail posted five-plus blocks in 18 matches and registered a career high of 15 to lead A-State past Texas State in a 3-2 (15-25, 25-23, 25-23, 22-25, 15-10) victory in the Sun Belt Volleyball Tournament semifinals. In addition, the senior landed double-digit kills in 14 matches, including a season and career high of 19 at Georgia State on Sept. 26.

Cail was named Sun Belt Volleyball Tournament Most Outstanding Player following the Scarlet and Black’s victory over James Madison in the championship round.

Following the all-region selection, Cail is eligible for AVCA All-America consideration. All-America teams will be announced on Wednesday, Dec. 17.

SOCIAL MEDIA

Fans can follow the team on Twitter (@AStateVB) and Instagram (astatevb) along with liking the Arkansas State Red Wolves Volleyball page on Facebook for the latest news and updates regarding the team.

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EIU Hosts Former OVC Rival On Wednesday

Published

1 hour ago

December 9, 2025

Your Sports Nation

EASTERN ILLINOIS (2-6) vs. Eastern Kentucky (2-7)

Wednesday, December 10 • 7 pm

Charleston, Ill. • Groniger Arena

GAME INFO

RADIO: Hit Mix 88.9 WEIU

TV: ESPN+

LIVE STATS: www.eiupanthers.com

SERIES RECORD: EKU leads 28-18

LAST MEETING: EIU 81, EIU 66 on Dec. 14, 2024 at Berea College (Ky.)

NOTES: EIU Complete Game Notes

GAME 9

Eastern Illinois plays its second straight home game as the Panthers will have four of five contests at Groniger Arena in the month of December. The Panthers host former Ohio Valley Conference rival Eastern Kentucky on Wednesday night. EIU lost its OVC opener on Saturday against Lindenwood falling to 2-6 on the season with three straight losses. It was EIU’s first loss at home this season and snapped a four game home win streak. Eastern Kentucky snapped its seven game losing skid at home over the weekend with a big win over IU East to move the Colonels to 2-7 on the season.

JACOBI WITH A DOUBLE-DOUBLE

Graduate student Kooper Jacobi posted his first double-double of the season on Saturday with 20 points and 10 rebounds against Lindenwood. Jacobi led the OVC in both rebounding (8.9 rpg) and double-doubles (9) last year and had just missed adding to his career total in two other games this season. The double-double against Lindenwood was the 12th of his EIU career as he continues to inch his way towards 500 career rebounds at EIU (453 at EIU … 8.1 rpg for EIU career / 538 college career).

OLAFIOYE WITH A CAREER HIGH

Last season Malik Olafioye scored in double figures in two games cracking the double figure mark for the first time with ten points in the OVC opener at Southeast Missouri and posting a season high 11 points in a win over Blackburn. In this year’s OVC opener with Lindenwood, Olafioye again opened conference play with double figure scoring as he finished with a career high 14 points going 5-of-10 from the field and 3-of-4 from the line. His previous high this season was nine points in the opener at Valparaiso.

PANTHERS GOOD IN THE FIRST HALF

Eastern Illinois opened the first half of OVC play on Saturday connecting for the Panthers best 20 minutes of the season as they shot 54.8 percent from the floor to take a 41-34 lead into the break. It was the fourth time this season EIU has shot 50 percent or better in a half with 51.7 percent at home against Tiffin in the first half and second half efforts at Central Arkansas and at Purdue. On the season EIU is shooting 41.0 percent from the field (10th in the OVC) while averaging 62.1 points per game (11th in the OVC).

UP NEXT

Sunday – December 14, 2025 at #4 Iowa State (12 pm on ESPN+)

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NIU Women’s Golf Signs One for 2026-27 Season

Published

1 hour ago

December 9, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Women’s Golf | December 8

DeKALB, Ill.—Northern Illinois University women’s golf coach Kim Kester has announced the signing of Nethra Sheri for the upcoming season.

Sheri comes to the Huskies women’s golf program after competing for Coppell High School in Irving, Texas. With the Cowboys, Sheri was a member of the team that claimed the 2025 6A State Championship, placed third at the 2024 6A State tournament, and claimed District championships in 2023, 2024, and 2025. Sheri also tied for first place at District championships and took third at Regionals.

Sheri has made her mark on the junior golf tour, competing with the Texas Junior Golf Team, All-American Tour, and American Junior Golf Tour. With the Texas Junior team, Sheri has claimed two victories and six top-5 finishes. Sheri added four top-15 finishes with the American Junior Golf tour, and two wins with the All-American tour. Additionally, Sheri was the Women’s Southern Amateur Quarterfinalist in 2025.

“We are excited to welcome Nethra to the NIU golf family,” noted Kester. “She brings a lot of tournament experience to NIU. She has had a great junior career. We are excited to see what she can do academically and athletically.”

The 2025-26 NIU women’s golf team returns to action on January 25-27 as they compete at the UCF Challenge in Orlando, Florida.

Want to stay in the know with NIU Women’s Golf? Follow the team on Facebook (Northern Illinois University Women’s Golf), X/Twitter (@NIUWomensGolf), and on Instagram (@niuwomensgolf).

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