“This schedule has been carefully crafted over the past year and we are excited about the opportunity it presents for our team to pursue rapid growth. NCAA Division I volleyball has one of the most compressed competitive seasons, with only 22 days to prepare for a demanding 14-week stretch filled with qualification pressure. The non-conference schedule includes a diverse range of teams, each with their own approach to success, led by coaches who are accustomed to building championship-caliber programs and developing athletes. These matches will provide valuable opportunities for our team to bond and build momentum,” said Zidek.

Following an exhibition at Northern Illinois on Aug. 22, the Blue Demons start the season with six consecutive road matches, traveling to tournaments at Western Michigan from Aug. 29-31 and Missouri State from Sept. 5-6. A season ago, the squad opened with a 5-1 record, their best tally through six games since 2019.

DePaul then kicks off its home slate Sept. 13-14, facing Central Arkansas on Friday, and Chicago State on Saturday. The Blue Demons face the Bears for just the second all-time meeting, earning a 3-1 victory at home in 2006, while they are undefeated in 16 matches against the Cougars.

After traveling to Milwaukee for a midweek contest on Sept. 17, the Blue Demons tackle a pair of local rivals for the annual Chicago Cup, heading to UIC on Sept. 19, and Loyola Chicago on Sept. 20. In 2024, DePaul swept the Flames in the Chicago Cup before falling in four sets to the Ramblers.

DePaul jumps into conference play with three home matches, hosting UConn on Sept. 26 for its BIG EAST home opener, and Providence the following day. The following weekend, they welcome Creighton on Oct. 4 for a 1 p.m. matinee match. The Blue Demons were one of just two BIG EAST teams to earn a set against Creighton in conference play last season.

League play continues on the road against Marquette, St. John’s and Seton Hall, before DePaul returns to McGrath-Phillips Arena to host Butler on Oct. 17 at 7 p.m. and Xavier on Oct.18 at 5p.m.

Five of DePaul’s last eight matches come on the road against Villanova, Georgetown, Creighton, Xavier and Butler.

The Blue Demons host Marquette on Oct. 29 and conclude their home schedule with Seton Hall on Nov. 7 and St. John’s on Nov. 8 at 4 p.m. for Senior Day. The top four teams in conference play will qualify for the BIG EAST Tournament hosted by Marquette, Nov. 21-23.

“Our approach has always been to implement systems as swiftly as possible, especially with a team that is largely new to one another. This fall offers a unique sense of freedom. With a group that remains relatively unknown, we are unburdened by expectations and have the liberty to define how quickly and boldly we embrace the process of striving for championships. We are eager to see what we can achieve together with our focused mindset,” said Zidek.

DePaul returns nine letter winners from 2024 and welcomes transfer Jade Dudley-Epps along with seven new freshmen, the largest infusion of new talent for the program in Coach Zidek’s tenure.

Match times are subject to change and television designations will be announced at a later date.

 

FOLLOW THE BLUE DEMONS

Stay up to date with all things DePaul Volleyball at DePaulBlueDemons.com. For real-time updates, follow the Blue Demons on X, Instagram, and Facebook, or sign up for email updates and text alerts.

2025 SEASON TICKETS

Secure your seat inside McGrath-Phillips Arena and experience the excitement of DePaul Volleyball up close! Season ticket membership includes access to all regular season home matches in Lincoln Park. Choose from Courtside Seating ($79 per seat) or General Admission Bleacher Seating ($49 per seat). Visit https://depaulbluedemons.evenue.net/events/VB to reserve your seats today.

GROUP TICKETS & EXPERIENCES

Elevate your next group outing with DePaul Volleyball! Whether you’re organizing a school field trip, alumni event, or team celebration, group packages offer:

• Single-Game Ticket Discounts for parties of 10+
• Dedicated Ticket Service Representative
• Access to pre-match group experiences
• In-match recognition opportunities

ANNAPOLIS, Md. – Three Navy student-athletes were named Academic All-American, the College Sports Communicators (CSC) announced on Tuesday. Tori DiCarlo of women’s lacrosse and Tenlea Radack of women’s rowing were named to the first team, while Isabella Baldwin of rifle was selected to the second team.
 
Tori DiCarlo | Women’s Lacrosse | Senior
DiCarlo, who became the sixth player in Navy women’s lacrosse history to be named Academic All-American, finished her Midshipmen career with 129 goals and 32 assists for 161 total points in 75 total games. In addition, she picked up 45 ground balls and caused 13 turnovers. The Rosemont, Pa. native was a two-time All-Patriot League performer, earning first-team distinction in 2024. DiCarlo earned Graduated with Distinction honors, finishing her Midshipmen career with a 3.99 GPA in honors oceanography. She claimed Patriot League Scholar-Athlete of the Year twice (2024, ’25), while also being named Academic All-Patriot League two times (2024, ’25). DiCarlo is a two-time CSC Academic All-District selection (2024, ’25) and was named to the IWLCA Division I Academic Honor Roll (2024).
 
Tenlea Radack | Women’s Rowing | Senior
A standout performer on the water and in the classroom as an honors mathematics major, Radack is just the fourth Navy women’s rower to earn Academic All-America status and first since 2016. Radack, who was the 2025 Patriot League Women’s Rowing Scholar-Athlete of the Year, earned Academic All-Patriot League honors for the third time in her career and became the eighth Midshipman to be selected as the Patriot League Scholar-Athlete of the Year. Racing with the Navy’s first varsity eight crew over the past three seasons, she was in the stroke seat for the Mids at the 2025 Patriot League Championship on May 16. She spent the 2024-25 academic year participating in the exclusive USNA Trident Scholar program, one of 17 Mids to engage in this independent study program. Radack graduated third overall in the Naval Academy’s Class of 2025.
 
Isabella Baldwin | Rifle | Sophomore
In just two seasons, Baldwin is one of Navy rifle’s top performers. The Nashville native is a six-time Collegiate Rifle Coaches Association (CRCA) All-American, earning first-team honors in smallbore as a freshman and air rifle as a sophomore. Additionally, she is a six-time All-Great America Rifle Conference (GARC) honoree. In the classroom, she boasts a 3.86 GPA in English, while earning CRCA Scholastic All-American honors in her first two-years of competition. Baldwin is the second Navy rifle student-athlete to earn Academic All-American, joining Michael Miller (’05) who earned second-team honors during the 2003-04 season.
 
To be eligible for the district ballot, student-athletes must have attained a cumulative grade-point average of 3.50 or better and reached their sophomore year academically and athletically. Additionally, the student-athlete must have participated in 90 percent of its respective sport’s contests that season or have started in at least 66 percent of those contests.
 
The at-large sports program includes of women’s beach volleyball, women’s bowling, women’s crew/rowing, fencing, women’s field hockey, golf, gymnastics, ice hockey, lacrosse, rifle, skiing, men’s volleyball, water polo and men’s wrestling.
 
In June, eleven Navy student-athletes – Baldwin (rifle), Noelle de Vente (women’s rowing), DiCarlo (women’s lacrosse), Sean Gallagher (men’s lacrosse), Keira Howard (women’s golf), Vishal Mandava (gymnastics), Grace Peterson (women’s lacrosse), Matthew Petros (gymnastics), Radack (women’s rowing), Benjamin Valdez (men’s golf), and Ryan Wee (rifle) – were named recipients of CSC Academic All-District honors with Baldwin, de Vente, DiCarlo, Gallagher, and Radack being selected for All-American consideration.
 

The Tauranga Men’s Water polo team have secured their fourth consecutive national league title, becoming the first club to achieve four back-to-back wins.

For the first time, the water polo finals event was held in Tauranga, hosted by Baywave, bringing together six clubs from around the country.

“Us and North Harbor were clearly the two top teams this year,” said Tauranga Men’s Team coach Joe Kayes.

He said the Tauranga team separated itself from the competition with camaraderie and brotherhood.

“That’s why we’ve been able to win these four in a row.”

The team have three team training sessions a week along with their own personal workout routines.

The team competed against North Harbour in the finals last month, fighting a tough battle to win 10-9.

Team member Anton Sunde started water polo at age 10 and competed with North Harbour when he was growing up in Auckland.

He has competed in Europe and on the New Zealand men’s squad for years. He joined the Tauranga team when he moved back to New Zealand as Covid hit, setting in the city in 2020.

“I’ve been a part of a lot of teams and around a lot of different types of players,” he said.

Sunde said the Tauranga team had a culture inside and outside of the pool that brought them together and made them work better as a team.

“You’ve got that bond and brotherhood.”

He said about seven of the players had been part of the team for all of the wins.

Team member EJ Carrington was one of them and said the team went into the finals feeling confident.

The 21-year-old has been part of the team for five years. He started playing water polo aged 8 in Tauranga, before heading to the US when he was 18 to play at Golden West College for two years.

“This year the competition was probably the tightest it’s been in the last four years, so it was probably that extra bit more exciting when we got the win,” he said.

Carrington and Sunde said they would like to come back next season and make it a fifth consecutive win.

“It’s hard not to want to come back and push for that next year,” said Sunde.

“No team has ever done five in a row.”

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – University of Evansville volleyball student-athletes Josdarilee Caraballo and AInoah Cruz are set to represent Puerto Rico in the upcoming Women’s U21 World Championship. 

Puerto Rico U21 World Championship Schedule

Both were selected to participate in the U21 World Championship, which will take place in August in Surabaya, Indonesia.
 
“The Aces volleyball program couldn’t be prouder of Ainoah and Josda as they represent Puerto Rico this summer as members of the U21 team. Putting on a national team uniform is a tremendous honor, and we know that they will represent the University of Evansville, Puerto Rico, and most importantly, themselves, with immense pride and humility,” Purple Aces head volleyball coach Zach Weinberg exclaimed. “While I’m sad they won’t be around for a large portion of our preseason, I could not think of a better reason for them to miss. We will be cheering for them from afar!”
 
Tournament action begins with pool play on August 7.  Puerto Rico opens with matches against Serbia and Argentina on the first day.  After facing Indonesia on Aug. 9, Puerto Rico faces Canada (Aug. 11) and Vietnam (Aug. 12).  Following those contests, teams will be re-bracketed and teams will continue playing the following week.
 
Caraballo and Cruz have been in Puerto Rico training with the team since May.  Before traveling to Indonesia, the team heads to San Jose, Costa Rica to take part in the NORCECA (North, Central America and Caribbean Volleyball Federation) Pan American Cup.  This takes place from July 20-28.
 

The world of sports entertainment is evolving fast, led by online casinos that go beyond traditional gaming. Today’s exclusive content blends gameplay with social and interactive elements, attracting fans looking for new ways to engage. As casinos innovate to stand out, they’re shaping broader trends in how audiences play, connect, and compete across digital platforms.

1. Innovative Gaming Experiences Are Raising the Bar

Modern online casinos are transforming expectations with gaming experiences that go far beyond basic slot machines or virtual tables. By introducing immersive live dealer games and personalizing gameplay, casinos are bridging the gap between digital convenience and real-world excitement. The goal is no longer just to play but to live the game. Features such as live dealers add a layer of realism that’s captivating for sports fans accustomed to the drama and unpredictability of live events.

These enhancements create a sense of presence and immediacy, mirroring the tension and energy found in a packed stadium. As a result, exclusive casino content is now an integral part of sports entertainment, attracting an audience looking for dynamic, interactive engagement that feels as compelling as any match or tournament.

2. Loyalty Programs and Bonuses Drive Fan Engagement

Bonuses and rewards are no longer mere incentives; they have become essential tools for fostering loyalty and repeat participation. New casinos stand out by offering a range of bonuses—from generous welcome offers to ongoing monthly or weekly rewards tied to deposits. For example, FanDuel exclusives provide members with access to special promotions, limited-time tournaments, and VIP experiences that elevate the sense of belonging.

The evolution of these incentives extends to loyalty programs that provide tailored benefits, such as exclusive access to new games or personalized gaming suggestions. For sports entertainment, these strategies keep fans invested, encouraging regular interaction and raising the bar for what it means to be engaged.

This model is reflective of how sports teams foster fan loyalty through membership perks or season ticket benefits, creating a parallel between casino and sports fan culture. The impact is clear: content that rewards attention and engagement makes fans more likely to stay, play, and spread the word.

3. User-Friendly Design Enhances Every Interaction

The design of a casino platform can make or break the experience. Sleek, responsive layouts are crucial for attracting and retaining an audience accustomed to high-quality digital environments. Modern players expect seamless access, whether on a desktop at home or a mobile device on the go. New casinos that invest in responsive design, intuitive navigation, and attractive interfaces are shaping expectations across sports entertainment as well.

A site that feels clunky or outdated drives users elsewhere, while a user-friendly platform increases the time fans spend exploring new games and features. As more sports content migrates online, the standard set by casino platforms is pushing the entire industry toward more accessible, visually engaging digital experiences that prioritize ease of use for every visitor.

4. Customer Service Sets a New Standard for Fan Care

Genuine customer service has become a defining feature for new online casinos seeking to build trust and credibility. Responsive support—whether through live chat, social media engagement, or quick email replies—signals to users that their needs and concerns are valued. This emphasis on human connection resonates with sports fans, who expect prompt responses and personal attention from the brands they support.

Casinos that foster this level of service are raising expectations across sports entertainment, making high-quality support an essential part of the fan experience. The result is a more positive environment where issues are addressed quickly, building long-term loyalty and encouraging users to stay engaged.

5. Payment Flexibility Opens the Door for More Fans

Payment options may seem like a technical detail, but flexibility here can be a powerful differentiator. Leading casinos are now offering a broad range of payment methods—including Visa, credit cards, PayPal, and even buy now, pay later (BNPL) or cryptocurrency options. This shift caters to diverse preferences, lowering barriers for newcomers and appealing to fans who value convenience and security.

The ability to choose a preferred payment method mirrors broader changes in digital sports entertainment, where seamless, hassle-free transactions are increasingly expected. As these standards spread, they drive innovation across the industry, ensuring that fans can participate on their own terms, with fewer obstacles and greater confidence in the platforms they choose.

6. Building Communities That Extend Beyond the Game

Perhaps the most profound impact of exclusive casino content is its role in building genuine communities. Today’s online casinos are not just places to play—they’re social hubs where fans can share strategies, discuss results, and connect over common interests. Social media engagement, active forums, and steady content streams foster a sense of belonging that keeps users returning.

This trend mirrors the community-driven spirit of sports, where fan groups, online discussions, and digital watch parties add depth to the entertainment experience. By investing in community building, casinos are influencing how all forms of sports content cultivate loyalty, drive engagement, and turn casual participants into passionate fans.

How Casino Innovations Will Shape Sports Entertainment

The rapid evolution of exclusive casino content offers a blueprint for the future of sports entertainment. Innovations in interactivity, rewards, accessibility, and community are setting new standards that other digital platforms will likely follow.

As these trends accelerate, expect even greater integration between gaming and sports, with experiences tailored to individual preferences and new technologies enabling deeper fan engagement. The lesson is clear: those who invest in audience experience, personalization, and authentic connection will define the next era of entertainment. For sports fans and industry leaders alike, staying attuned to these changes means staying ahead of the game.

Laura Vines is the new volleyball coach at Danville High School. She is pictured with her husband, Cooper, and children, Grayson and Caroline.

Lifestyles, Sports

6:00 am Wednesday, July 9, 2025

{“newsletter”:”Newsletter”}