The faces of Cal’s football program promoted internal optimism and stability during Tuesday’s 2025 ACC Kickoff media day in Charlotte as yet another do-or-die season looms.

Led by coach Justin Wilcox, the sleuth of Bears — which also included general manager Ron Rivera, quarterbacks Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele and Devin Brown, linebacker Cade Uluave and defensive lineman Aidan Keanaaina — was comfortable discussing the new-look roster, open quarterback competition, and long-term future of Cal football.

Cal, which finished 6-7 in 2024, endured a brutal stretch of four consecutive losses by a total of nine points following a 3-1 start.

“We’ve been really close, which is frustrating, but certainly not hopeless,” Wilcox told SiriusXM. “And now it’s about finding that extra play on defense, offense or special teams that makes a difference in the games, so you go from winning six to 10 or 11 or 12.”

Time will tell if the 2025 Bears will finish games or be just one of Berkeley’s many almost-great teams.

The majority of Cal’s current roster is composed of underclassmen and transfers. Its coaching staff is completely revamped, too, notably with Brian Harsin succeeding offensive coordinator Mike Bloesch, and coaches Terrence Brown (secondary) and Vic So’oto (front seven) succeeding now-New Orleans Saints assistant Peter Sirmon as co-defensive coordinators.

Uluave and Keanaaina, at least, aren’t worried about the loss of Sirmon or seniors who graduated, including four NFL draftees. They’re just focused on keeping business as usual after Cal’s defense held opponents under 25 points in nine of 13 games a season ago.

“We had a great year,” Uluave told the ACC Network. “Obviously, there are things we can get better on, but with Coach TB and Coach So’oto, both those guys have been in the program. So defensively, we’re still going to do our stuff. … We’re still going to hold the standard.”

“I’m very grateful for Coach Wilcox hiring within house,” Keanaaina said about Brown and So’oto. “I think both of them bring amazing aspects to what our defense is going to be in this upcoming year.”

The Bears’ offense is more of an open question entering training camp.

The Bears stunningly lost several key players to other schools this offseason: quarterback Fernando Mendoza (Indiana), running backs Jaydn Ott (Oklahoma) and Jaivian Thomas (UCLA), wideout Nyziah Hunter (Nebraska) and tight end Jack Endries (Texas).

Wilcox brushed off the transfer exodus, saying: “You don’t give mental energy to uncontrollables.”

Now, Cal has found players to replace the gaping holes on paper, specifically with an influx of skill players such as running backs Brandon High Jr. and Kendrick Raphael. But it’s unknown how the newcomers will fare — especially under center, where it’s open season between freshman and Oregon transfer Sagapolutele and redshirt junior Brown from Ohio State.

“It’s nothing but respect for this guy,” Sagapolutele told SiriusXM about Brown, as they sat next to each other. “We’re great friends on and off the field. We continue to better each other every single day, and we’re able to have a good laugh at the same time.”

“Yeah, that’s the name of college football, right?” added Brown, who has backed up three current NFL quarterbacks, including C. J. Stroud, with the Buckeyes.

Cal has until Aug. 30, when it opens the season at Oregon State, to name a starting quarterback.

In the grand scheme of things, the Bears are confident. Wilcox was noticeably enthusiastic about his dynamic with Rivera and chancellor Rich Lyons, and UC Berkeley’s collective, reborn dedication to football.

Ten athletes are heading back to school to help young Australians tackle problems, think creatively and connect with sport.

Aussie Stingers player Luci Marsh, Australian boxer Adrian Paoletti and two-time Olympic sailor Olivia Price are among the lineup of ambassadors for the 2025 AIS Problem Solvers Program.

“Sport has always taught me how to think clearly under pressure, break down problems and use frameworks to keep learning through every setback,” Price said.

“I’m excited to share that mindset with young students and show them that problem-solving is a skill anyone can build with the right tools, a bit of courage and a willingness to try.”

Now in its third year, the program sees elite athletes present primary school students with a sporting challenge that encourages outside-the-box thinking.

Over several weeks students work together to solve the problem with the help of AIS-designed resources, before delivering their solution back to the athlete.

Among the four returning ambassadors is Para Matildas co-captain Carly Salmon, who’s passionate about making sport accessible for all.

“I was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at 18 months of age and was told I would never be able to play sport,” Salmon said. “I worked hard to defy those odds and have now competed in athletics, volleyball and soccer at an elite level.

“Having accessible opportunities to participate in physical activity and the education to increase my health has had a profoundly positive impact on my life.”

Olympic kayaker Yale Steinepreis agrees and is also excited to return.

“It’s been incredibly rewarding to visit schools and speak with future problem solvers about how we can create meaningful change, not just in sport and their given problem, but in their own lives as well,” Steinepreis said.

Many athletes balance dual careers, bringing diverse expertise to the classroom. This year’s cohort includes three teachers, an osteopath, an engineering student, a creative industries student, a lawyer and a member of the Army Reserve.

“As a teacher and athlete I am passionate about education and youth development,” Melbourne Mavericks netballer Kimberley Brown said. “Now I’m using my experience and leadership to inspire the next generation both in the classroom and through sport.”

Two-time Olympic rower and returning ambassador Ria Thompson said students also gain insight into the life of an athlete and the opportunities sport can unlock.

“I love sharing what I’ve learnt through my life and journey as an athlete to help the next generation build resilience, find solutions and make a positive difference in the world,” Thompson said.

For the athletes, the experience is just as meaningful.

“This is an amazing opportunity for me to engage with the next generation,” Paoletti, who fights in the 92kg division, said. “Ultimately I am grateful to be able to give back to the community and build strong connections along the way.”

The AIS Problem Solvers Program is free and on offer to all students in years 4-6. Schools can apply here.

Proudly supported by HART Sport – Australia’s leading supplier of sporting equipment and training aids – the program’s inclusive approach reflects HART Sports’ mission to get everyone active, regardless of age, circumstance or ability.

2025 Ambassadors

• Adrian Paoletti, Boxing Australia
• Aiden Carberry, Paddle Australia
• Carly Salmon, Football Australia
• Katerina Paul, Snow Australia
• Kimberley Brown (nee Jenner), Netball Australia
• Luci Marsh, Water Polo Australia
• Olivia Price, Australian Sailing
• Ria Thompson, Rowing Australia
• Stefanie Fejes, Volleyball Australia
• Yale Steinepreis, Paddle Australia

NAPERVILLE — Eight College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW) women’s volleyball programs earned the 2025 Team Academic Award from the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) on Monday.
 
Teams that maintained a year-long grade-point average of at least 3.3 on a 4.0 scale (or 4.1 on a 5.0 scale) were recognized. Carroll earned the additional distinction of the Team Academic Honor Roll, celebrating programs in the top 20% of GPAs for their division.
 
2025 AVCA Team Academic Award 
Augustana
Carroll*
Elmhurst
Illinois Wesleyan
Millikin
North Central
North Park
Wheaton

* — denotes AVCA Team Academic Honor Roll

 

Women’s Volleyball | 7/22/2025 3:20:00 PM

PITTSFORD, N.Y. – The St. John Fisher women’s volleyball team announced its full 2025 schedule on Tuesday. 

The Cardinals’ 27-match schedule features six home, nine neutral-site and 12 road contests. They play in multi-match events at Itahca College, Clarkson University, St. Lawrence University, Hamilton College, Buffalo State University and SUNY New Paltz. 

Fisher opens the season against Ithaca College in the Bomber Invite at 3 p.m. Friday, August 29. The Cardinals don’t open the home portion of their schedule until they face Fredonia State at 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 19, at Manning and Napier Varsity Gym. 

Always one of the decisive matches of the year in the Empire 8 Conference, the Cardinals face East Avenue rival Nazareth at Kidera Gymnasium at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 21. Fisher swept Nazareth in the E8 title match last November to punch its ticket to the NCAA Division III Women’s Volleyball Tournament. 

The Cardinals, who finished 21-9 and lost just two E8 contests in 2024, have won five of the last six conference championships. 

View the Cardinals’ full 2025 schedule below: