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SB | Buckley and Vasquez Headline Group of Eight Gaels Honored as All-Conference Selectees

Story Links SAN BRUNO, Calif. — The back-to-back WCC Champs once again were well represented on the end-of-year all-conference list, as eight Saint Mary’s Gaels were honored with an all-conference nod, including six receiving first or second team honors. This is the second most ever by the Gaels split between first and […]

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SAN BRUNO, Calif. — The back-to-back WCC Champs once again were well represented on the end-of-year all-conference list, as eight Saint Mary’s Gaels were honored with an all-conference nod, including six receiving first or second team honors. This is the second most ever by the Gaels split between first and second team, with seven honored here a year ago. 

For the second straight year, Sam Buckley was named a first team All-WCC honoree. The sophomore out of Burbank led the WCC in home runs (14), RBI (41), slugging percentage (0.818) and on-base percentage (0.523), while finished top-three in the conference in batting average (0.402), doubles (11) and runs scored (47). She set the Saint Mary’s single season records for home runs, RBI and runs scored this year, and finished out the year with the fourth highest single season batting average in program history.  While her offensive numbers were incredible, Buckley was also one of the unsung defensive heroes for the Gaels, committing just two errors all season at the hot corner. Her career average climbed to 0.380 this year, currently sitting at the best of any student-athlete ever to suit up as a Gael, while she ranks in the top-10 in total runs scored (84) and the top-five in triples (8) and home runs (18) for her career. Buckley was a three time WCC Player of the Week of winner, tied for the most of any player in the conference. 

A two time second team All-WCC performer, Odhi Vasquez earned her first first team nod after once again serving as the Gaels ace. The junior out of Upland led the WCC in wins (13), shutouts (4), and opponents batting average (0.204), while ranking second in ERA (2.59) and strikeouts (129). Vaquez etched her name into the history books, with the fifth most shutouts, seventh most strikeouts and eighth most wins of any Gael in a single season. For her career, Vasquez has now earned 31 wins (9th in program history) and 10 shutouts (5th in program history), while working 358.2 innings (10th in program history), striking out 320 (6th in program history and amassing a career 2.73 ERA (7th in program history). A four time WCC Pitcher of the Week this year, Vasquez won this honor more than any other pitcher in the conference. 

Four Gaels earned second team honors; Victoria Castillo, Tori Cervantes, Camille Lara and Mia Nishikawa. Castillo is a first time honoree after hitting a career-best 0.337 this year, good for second on the team and ninth in the conference. Cervantes, also a first time honoree, boasted a career-best 0.315 average, while scoring 37 times (7th in the WCC), homering seven times (6th in the WCC) and stealing a team-high 12 bases (5th in the WCC). A first time All-WCC honoree, Lara led the Gaels with 54 hits, good for fifth in the conference, while slashing at 0.323. Rounding out the group of second team honorees, Mia Nishikawa earned her second second team nod in as many years, after finishing top five in the conference for ERA (3.14), wins (10), complete games (8) and shutouts (2). 

Catcher Jenavee Amador earned her second straight honorable mention nod, after finishing second on the team and sixth in the conference with 34 RBI. After starting every single game of her freshman campaign at shortstop, Mia Zabat was named to the WCC All-Freshman team. 

The Gaels finished their year at 28-23, with an 11-4 conference record, good for a share of the 2025 WCC Title. The 58 wins over the last two seasons mark the most ever over a two year stretch in program history. 

#GaelsRise

 





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Syracuse Orange football: can the D.A.R.T. car take the checkered flag at the Glen?

The Syracuse Orange Football NIL held a golf tournament earlier in the week and sure they raised $2m for the NIL, but the real news was this: NEWS: Syracuse Football NIL is painting the #44 car Syracuse Orange for the Watkins Glen International Nascar Race on August 10th: pic.twitter.com/0VqPJsKiCy — Samantha Croston (@SamCroston1) June 10, […]

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The Syracuse Orange Football NIL held a golf tournament earlier in the week and sure they raised $2m for the NIL, but the real news was this:

We can’t say that “Orange is the New Fast” anymore so we’ll say that this car is going to be

Driven

At a

Ridiculous

Throttle

There weren’t a lot of details, but we assume that the NY Racing Team’s 44 car will be an all-out Syracuse affair. Fran Brown will be the crew chief and on the headset with driver JJ Yeley. If Yeley can’t get it done, then Fran will turn to Rickie Collins or Steve Angeli to pilot the D.A.R.T. mobile. The pit crew will be led by Derek McDonald, Dennis Jaquez and Tank Wilson with Yasin Willis handling the gas.

Can we get the NunesMagician logo on the car? Well, we’ve asked the Syracuse Football NIL to tell us the sponsor requirement in NunesBucks and we’re still waiting to hear back. If they don’t put us on the car, we’ll just have our social media interns blame it on the Chancellor and Wildhack.

See you at the Glen!





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College World Series bracket 2025

Which NCAA baseball teams could blow up the bracket The Montgomery Advertiser’s Adam Cole and The Southwest Times Record’s Jackson Fuller break down who could wreck the tournament bracket. Murray State baseball is making its Men’s College World Series debut against UCLA. The winner of Murray State-UCLA will play the winner of Arkansas-LSU at 7 […]

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play

  • Murray State baseball is making its Men’s College World Series debut against UCLA.
  • The winner of Murray State-UCLA will play the winner of Arkansas-LSU at 7 p.m. ET Monday.

OMAHA, NE. — Murray State baseball is making its Men’s College World Series debut today against UCLA.

The Racers’ fourth NCAA Tournament has been a historic one. Murray State is one of two Group of Five schools (along with Coastal Carolina) in Omaha, a city dominated by the SEC and ACC as of late. Sixty-nine of the 120 MCWS spots over the last 15 years have gone to those conferences.

Meanwhile, Murray State makes 20 MCWS appearances for the Missouri Valley Conference. It’s the league’s first since Missouri State in 2003. The Racers are also the fourth No. 4 regional seed to make it this far since 1999.

The winner of Murray State-UCLA will play the winner of Arkansas-LSU at 7 p.m. ET Monday.

Buy Murray State baseball tickets for CWS

Follow below for updates throughout the MCWS game between the Racers and Bruins.

After walking three batters and allowing a hit to start, Schutte sent UCLA back to the dugout with clutch pitching. He struck out to batters with the bases loaded. The inning ended with a ground out to first.

1 hit, 1 run, 0 errors, 3 LOB

Barnett struck out two batters and walked two more to start the game.

0 hits, 0 runs, 0 errors, 2 LOB

Right-handed pitcher Michael Barnett will start for the Bruins. The junior is 12-1 on the mound and has a 4.09 ERA. He’s recorded 71 strikeouts and allowed 95 hits and 37 earned runs in 81 and 1/3 innings pitched.

Right-handed pitcher and Male High School alum Nic Shutte will start for the Racers in their MCWS debut. The junior is 8-4 on the mound and has a 4.85 ERA. He’s recorded 94 strikeouts and allowed 75 hits and 49 earned runs in 91 innings.

  • Date: Saturday, June 14
  • Time: 2 p.m. ET  
  • Where: Charles Schwab Field in Omaha, Nebraska

Here is the latest college baseball schedule and NCAA Tournament bracket update.

Reach college sports enterprise reporter Payton Titus at ptitus@gannett.com, and follow her on X @petitus25.



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Insider Provides Update on First Athlete Deals on Deloitte

Not so long ago, Karl Schaefer of Deloitte stepped on a podium and pulled the curtains back on the much-whispered-about “NIL Go.” This is not just a tech tool; it is college sports’ biggest shot yet at regulating the Name, Image, and Likeness deals. And at the heart of it all is the mission to […]

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Insider Provides Update on First Athlete Deals on Deloitte

Not so long ago, Karl Schaefer of Deloitte stepped on a podium and pulled the curtains back on the much-whispered-about “NIL Go.” This is not just a tech tool; it is college sports’ biggest shot yet at regulating the Name, Image, and Likeness deals. And at the heart of it all is the mission to stop boosters from funneling disguised paychecks to athletes in the name of endorsements.

If that wasn’t intriguing enough, the mystery has a new twist.

Insider Pete Nakos Reveals What Deloitte-Powered NIL Go Brings to the Table

On3’s Pete Nakos took to X and disclosed a major update about the intriguing NIL Go. He went on to disclose that the very first athlete deal has officially been submitted to NIL Go. The ball is rolling, but Nakos went on to also add, “Was told by a few agents in the last 24 hours that deals have been submitted to NIL Go, but takes up to 5 business days for approval.”

Well, bureaucracy in college sports is no new news. But here’s what is new. Athletes and their reps can now log in to the NIL Go portal and upload their deals. As per Nakos’ report, “Deals executed prior to June 7 must be reported if they include payments that continue after June 30. Deals must be submitted by July 1.” It is a short deadline, but athletes are not alone.

The athletes can designate agents to handle the paperwork. However, they will still need to double-check and hit “submit” themselves. It seems like the dawn of a new age of NIL accountability, where even the click of a button could determine whether a deal gets green-lit or lands in arbitration.

But what exactly is Deloitte’s game plan here? It cannot all be about a “submit” button. Well, there is a six-step approval process. It looks into who’s paying whom and why. Is the company linked to the university? Is there a valid business purpose, like a commercial or an event?

And most crucially, does the money fall into Deloitte’s “range of compensation” algorithm? That range is based on an athlete’s performance, social reach, market, and more.

Essentially, Deloitte wants to figure out if this is a real NIL deal or a booster cutting a check. Now, if the deal, for some reason, does not pass the test, then athletes have options. They can revise the deal, cancel it, accept it and risk enforcement consequences, or fight it in arbitration. The last option opens the door to limited subpoena power, something the NCAA never had.

Now, the bigger question is, can NIL Go clean up an industry that’s been running on money and booster handshakes for the past four years? The numbers say it might be. Deloitte officials claim 70% of old booster collective deals wouldn’t have made the cut, while 90% of legit brand-backed deals would’ve passed.

All of this sounds dreamy, but what happens if schools don’t engage? There are big penalties for that, too. Postseason bans, multi-million dollar fines, coach suspensions, and even a cap on how many transfers a school can bring in could be imposed. The only thing that will remain untouched is the revenue-share pool.

It seems like NIL Go is trying to bring order to a system that thrives in chaos. And while the first deals have quietly made their way through the system, the real test lies ahead. Will schools cooperate? Will athletes push back? And will this new platform stand its ground once the legal challenges come in?

2-Round 2025 NBA Mock Draft: Kasparas Jakučionis Gives Hope to Rebuilding Nets, Cedric Coward Leaps Into First Round

College athletics is officially changing again. And for now, NIL Go is on the clock.

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Reese Atwood, ex-coach deny report connecting them to Texas Tech, NIL

Zoe Collins Rath, Austin American-Statesman  |  Hearst – Austin Transition Texas softball catcher Reese Atwood isn’t going anywhere. An article published Thursday afternoon by Softball on SI reported the rising senior was contacted by Texas Tech’s NIL collective the Matador Club or her former travel softball coach, Nathan Nelson, about transferring to Lubbock.  “Reese never got […]

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Zoe Collins Rath, Austin American-Statesman
 |  Hearst – Austin Transition

Texas softball catcher Reese Atwood isn’t going anywhere.

An article published Thursday afternoon by Softball on SI reported the rising senior was contacted by Texas Tech’s NIL collective the Matador Club or her former travel softball coach, Nathan Nelson, about transferring to Lubbock. 

“Reese never got a phone call,” Nelson, coach of Texas-based Hotshots Fastpitch, told the Austin American-Statesman on Friday afternoon. Atwood, in a text message to the American-Statesman, denied that there was any tampering with her former coach.

Nelson in the article was accused of working with the Matador Club to bring players to Tech. He has alumnae that play for TTU but told the Statesman he denies the allegations raised in SI’s report, which cited an unnamed softball player’s parent who alleged he offered cash earlier this spring for a transfer to Tech.  

“That did not occur,” Nelson said. 

The report alleges that Nelson and the Matador Club have acted as a third parties to help Tech coach Gerry Glasco circumvent rules prohibiting contact with players at other schools. The article was based on conversations with six different softball programs and 10 sources, SI reports. But Nelson said most of the time he and his alumnae — including Atwood, who played four seasons for Nelson — would speak, they were discussing technique or tips, not transfers. 

“How does my swing look? A certain pitch is being thrown at me, (how do I adjust)?” Nelson told the American-Statesman.

Tech has drawn attention of many in softball after reeling in almost a half-dozen talented transfers just days after the softball season ended. He denies any early or inappropriate contact.

“All I can speak for are my alumni,” Nelson said. “There were kids that were already in the portal… so I was involved in those conversations. I did contact them and told the third-party management (trying to recruit them) that I did not want to give out their numbers, that I would handle it myself. I called them (former players) and they have the right to say yes or no. Two of them said ‘no thank you, not interested,'” Nelson  said.

Nelson said he does not know anyone at the Matador Club. A request for comment from the Matador Club about their recruiting practices and SI’s report did not draw a response Friday.

Reese Atwood shoots down report of possible transfer talk

The report listed Atwood among eight star players who had allegedly been reached out to on Tech’s behalf.

“I was never contacted by Nathan Nelson regarding anything related to playing softball at Texas Tech… I won’t be responding to any further comments about a false article,” Atwood said via text. 

Atwood, a Sandia native, has become one of the top catchers in college softball. Her two-out, two-RBI single, in what was supposed to be an intentional walk, gave the Longhorns the lead, and the eventual win in Game 1 of the Women’s College World Series finals. Her work behind the dish also earned Atwood a first-team All-American nod. 

She hit .393 this season with an .504 OBS and a team-high 21 home runs and 89 RBIs.

“They call travel ball coaches, us, people they trust… that’s my conversations and my communication lines with my girls,” Nelson said. 

Third parties, have reached out to Nelson, he said. At least one group has asked for phone numbers for his former players, but he said he does not provide that information freely.

He said he would be a buffer between the players and those groups.

Nelson had 22 former players appear in the Women’s College World Series, including Atwood and members of Texas Tech’s team. According to unnamed sources in Softball on SI’s story, Atwood, Taylor Pannell (who committed Thursday to play for the Red Raiders), Isa Torres, Dakota Kennedy, Kasidi Pickering, Maci Bergeron, Dez Spearman, and Tori Edwards were names that Nelson or Matador, allegedly contacted. 

However, Kennedy, Bergeron, Spearman and Edwards, are not Nelson’s former players. Nelson told the Statesman that any contact information for Pannell came from her parents. 

“For Maci and Tori, there names shouldn’t have been in there (the story) at all. To have to explain to their coaches why their names are in there is completely unfair,” said Nelson. 

Tech has been busy since losing to Texas

Since the championship game eight days ago, the Red Raiders signed five transfer portal prospects: Pannell (Tennessee), infielder Mia Williams (Florida), two-way player Kaitlyn Terry (UCLA), infielder Jackie Lis (Southern Illinois) and catcher/utility Jasmyn Burns (Ohio State). All but Burns, an All-American, made it to Oklahoma City with their respective teams

Glasco, known for an aggressive approach to taking in transfers since his days with Louisiana, could not contact players during the WCWS because NCAA rules prohibit coaches from contacting the player of a rostered opponent unless permission is granted or a player is already in the portal. But the Matador Club can. 

Thursday’s addition of Pannell, a star third baseman who played at Tennessee, seemed to draw a rebuke from Lady Vols coach Karen Weekly.

“I think we can all agree on 2 things: 1) women making money in sports is awesome and long overdue; 2) contacting players (directly or indirectly) before their season ends and signing them to NIL deals before they enter the portal is wrong. Money isn’t the issue – tampering is!” the veteran coach posted Friday on social media.

It’s unclear if the NCAA will investigate any transfer activity.

A non-profit, Matador Collective helped bring pitcher NiJaree Canady from Stanford, where she led the Cardinal to back-to-back trips to OKC, to Lubbock with a $1 million NIL deal in 2024. She signed another seven-figure deal during the WCWS Finals. While Canady boasted the second-lowest ERA in college softball  at 1.11 and hit 11 home runs and 34 RBIs, Tech’s lack of depth in the circle played a role in its demise in Game Three of the title series. 

One thing seems clear: No matter who Tech adds, Atwood is staying put. 

Follow the American-Statesman on Facebook and X for more. Your subscription makes work like this possible. Access all of our best content with this tremendous offer.





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Bill Belichick Elevates UNC with Record NIL Funding Boost

A Maestro in Chapel Hill Bill Belichick, a name synonymous with NFL success, has brought his legendary expertise to the University of North Carolina, sparking a transformation that few could have anticipated. The Tar Heels’ decision to bring in the six-time Super Bowl-winning coach has proven to be a masterstroke, as Belichick’s influence is already […]

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A Maestro in Chapel Hill

Bill Belichick, a name synonymous with NFL success, has brought his legendary expertise to the University of North Carolina, sparking a transformation that few could have anticipated. The Tar Heels’ decision to bring in the six-time Super Bowl-winning coach has proven to be a masterstroke, as Belichick’s influence is already reshaping the landscape of the university’s athletic program.

Revolutionizing NIL Funding

Under Belichick’s guidance, the university has seen a meteoric rise in Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) funding, skyrocketing from a modest $4 million to an impressive $20 million. This surge not only reflects the increased confidence and interest in the program but also highlights Belichick’s ability to attract resources and attention. His presence has turned UNC into a beacon for young athletes, eager to be part of a program with such a storied leader at the helm.

A Magnet for Talent

The influx of over 60 transfers is a testament to the magnetic pull of Belichick’s reputation. Young players are flocking to Chapel Hill, drawn by the opportunity to learn from one of football’s greatest minds. This rejuvenation of the roster is setting the stage for a new era in Tar Heels football, one that promises to be as competitive as it is exciting.

The Belichick Effect

Belichick’s impact extends beyond the field. His approach to leadership and team-building is instilling a culture of discipline and excellence that resonates throughout the entire athletic department. The changes he has implemented are not just about winning games, but about creating a sustainable model for success that will benefit UNC for years to come.

Looking to the Future

As the Tar Heels continue to evolve under Belichick’s stewardship, the future looks brighter than ever. His transformative influence is setting a new standard for college athletics, proving that with the right leadership, even the most ambitious goals are within reach. The legacy of Bill Belichick at UNC is only just beginning, but its impact is already profound, promising an exciting journey ahead for the Tar Heels and their fans.



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Tennessee softball coach Karen Weekly calls out tampering, transfer portal issues with NIL

Imagn Images Tennessee softball coach Karen Weekly spoke out Friday on the growing concerns around NIL recruiting. The Lady Volunteers recently made the Women’s College World Series, advancing to the semifinals before falling to eventual national champion Texas earlier this month. But the offseason tension is already mounting. “I think we can all agree on […]

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Tennessee softball coach Karen Weekly spoke out Friday on the growing concerns around NIL recruiting. The Lady Volunteers recently made the Women’s College World Series, advancing to the semifinals before falling to eventual national champion Texas earlier this month. But the offseason tension is already mounting.

“I think we can all agree on [two] things: 1) women making money in sports is awesome and long overdue; 2) contacting players (directly or indirectly) before their season ends and signing them to NIL deals before they enter the portal is wrong,” Weekly wrote on social media. “Money isn’t the issue — tampering is!”

While Weekly didn’t call out any specific player or program, her post came less than 24 hours after former Tennessee All-American third baseman Taylor Pannell announced her transfer to Texas Tech. The Red Raiders, which finished runner-up in the WCWS, have emerged as a growing NIL force, building around national player of the year NiJaree Canady — who recently signed her second NIL deal worth more than $1 million — by stacking talent through aggressive transfer portal recruiting and well-funded support.

No title, but NiJaree Canady brought the crowd, the spotlight and the cash to a sport that’s ready to erupt

Erica Ayala

No title, but NiJaree Canady brought the crowd, the spotlight and the cash to a sport that's ready to erupt

Pannell was the top hitter for Tennessee this past season, finishing with a career-best. .398 batting average. The first-team All-SEC selection had 74 hits, 65 RBIs and 16 home runs. Ironically, Pannell committed to Texas Tech the same day she entered the portal.

CBS Sports’ Brandon Marcello reported last week that Texas Tech is expected to pay its athletes a combined $55 million through revenue sharing and NIL — likely making it the highest-paying college athletic program in the country.

Tennessee finished 47-17 this season, marking Karen Weekly’s 24th year leading the program. The Lady Vols have reached the WCWS nine times under her guidance — including runner-up finishes in 2007 and 2013. Weekly previously shared head coaching duties with her husband, Ralph, until his retirement in 2021.





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