Sports

Spain triumphant with historic fourth crown

Published

6 months ago

June 22, 2025

Overview

Spain became the first nation to win this title four times ahead of Greece, Italy, Serbia and Hungary. The last came well before any of the current batch of players was born — 1991 when it beat Cuba for the title in California, USA. Previous titles were in 1987 and 1983. It last played a final in 2011, losing to Serbia and before that, second to Italy in 1993. It is the seventh medal after also collecting bronze in 2005.

For USA, the silver medal was an improvement on 2023’s first medal at this level — a bronze medal-win over Greece. A handful of players from 2023 returned for this year’s event.

In beating Hungary for bronze, Croatia now has two of that colour to go with two gold and four silver. Hungary lost its chance to increase its record of 11 medals since the tournament’s inception in 1981.

In the lower rankings today, Serbia took fifth place over Montenegro 21-14, Greece overcame Italy 12-10 for seventh, Germany nudged out Australia 13-12 for ninth, China played a blinder to defeat Iran 17-11, Brazil was too good for Canada for 13^th place and Argentina took 15^th, beating Kazakhstan 14-7.

Final Placings

1. Spain
2. United States of America
3. Croatia
4. Hungary
5. Serbia
6. Montenegro
7. Greece
8. Italy
9. Germany
10. Australia
11. China
12. Iran
13. Brazil
14. Canada
15. Argentina
16. Kazakhstan
17. Colombia
18. Singapore
19. South Africa
20. New Zealand.

Awards

Most Valuable Player
Ryder Dodd (USA)

Best Goalkeeper
Aran Pina (ESP)

Highest Goal-Scorer
Vlaho Pavlic (CRO) — 30

Match Reports

Classification 1-2

Match 62, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 11 SPAIN 13 (1-3, 6-2, 1-3, 3-6)

Spain was jubilant, especially after having to come from 8-5 behind early in the third quarter and three go-ahead USA goals in the final period. It was the sustained pressure and resilience of the Spanish that grabbed two important goals inside the final three minutes and then the final “icing-on-the-cake” halfway shot from match hero Albert Sabadell. USA had worked hard for victory but it was Spain’s day, becoming a four-time champion.

Spain controlled the first quarter and rejected a Ryder Dodd penalty shot thanks to goalkeeper Aran Pina. Sabadell scored his third to start the second quarter when smothered by players for 4-1, an advantage snuffed out in quick fashion by the resurgent North Americans. Peter Castillo, Ryan Ohl and tournament MVP Dodd made sure of that. Marc Rodriguez scored on extra close in for the 5-4 Spanish lead. Bode Brinkema, Ben Liechty on penalty and Ryan Ohl took USA to 7-5 by 0:47 and halftime.

Ryan Ohl made it three for him to start the third period and an incredible three-goal lead over the only unbeaten team in Zagreb. Eudald Flaque responded with a lob shot at 4:40. Both teams went to a timeout with no result. However, at 1:56, Joan Villamayor converted a penalty foul and Biel Gomila equalised off the right-post position on extra with the cross-pass goal for 8-8 at the close of the quarter. Brinkema, Corbin Stanley and Liechty played “swapsie” with Spain’s Oier Aguirre, Sabadell and Gomila for 11-11 at 4:33. Sabadell threw the extra-man goal for a Spanish lead at 2:28. Dodd bounced over an open goal with Tomas Perrone converting a penalty for 13-11 at 0:55. USA sent seven field players up, lost the ball and Sabadell scored into an empty goal from well inside his half. It was 14-11 and there was no way USA was coming back from that. Spain had retained its unbeaten sequence to six wins.

Match Heroes
Sabadell was Spain’s hero with six goals for 17 in Zagreb. Aguirre was kept to one today but scored 22 and Tomas Perrone’s lone penalty goal gave him 15 for the week. Goalkeeper Pina made nine valuable saves and was named goalkeeper of the tournament, not bad considering he was sharing the duties with Didac Garcia who played one full match and two partials. For USA, Ryan Ohl (8) scored three with Liechty, Brinkema (12) and Dodd two for the second best here with 28 goals. Charlie Mills was again in form with 11 saves in goal.

Turning Point
The last three minutes when Spain kept the rampant North Americans scoreless after they dominated for a long period.

Stats Don’t Lie
Spain converted five from 12 on extra and denied 11 of 13, On penalties, went three from four. USA had the steals at 5-3 and both teams shot 35 times.

Bottom Line
Spain knows how to win finals while USA had never been to the final match before. USA used its senior internationals with seven goals but Spain’s all-round play and eight scorers proved telling.

Editor’s note: Referee Veselin Miskovic (MNE) called this final in 2021 and Daniel Bartels (AUS) officiated the 2015 junior women’s gold-medal final.

Classification 3-4

Match 61, HUNGARY 8 CROATIA 13 (2-4, 2-4, 1-2, 3-3)

Croatia turned the tables on Hungary when it mattered most. On day three, Hungary trounced Croatia 15-11 but today belonged to host team Croatia and its adoring and raucous fans. Hungary started with two goals in three minute before Croatia changed the face of the match, scoring the next four before quarter time. This became 6-2 by midway through the second quarter with Luka Penava becoming the dual scorer on counter. A Hungarian timeout did not work and Ante Jerkovic made it 7-2. Vince Varga scored from the top on extra, barring down after more than 10 and a half minutes of drought. Vlaho Pavlic netted his second and Oliver Leinweber scored his second on penalty for 8-4 at halftime.

Penava grabbed two more to start the third quarter. Martin Toth (CRO) and Gabrijel Burburan (CRO) were given their marching orders for fighting in front of the Hungarian goal just as Croatia had a clear counter opportunity. Maxim Cseh worked hard at centre forward for the 10-5 goal a minute from the final break. Leinweber hit the left post on penalty at the start of the final quarter and Cseh slotted two more to give Hungary hope at 10-7. Pavlic made it hard for Hungary on extra and Botond Balogh whipped in a missile on extra from the top right for 11-8 at 2:03. Possible but improbable. Pavlic put paid to any Hungarian hopes from the deep left at 1:24 when there was no Hungarian goalkeeper as there were seven field players in the pool. Maro Susic did the same with 50 seconds left, gifting the victory and the bronze medal to Croatia.

Match Heroes
Croatia’s best player was goalkeeper Mauro Cubranic with a tournament-high 18 saves. Pavlic and Panava scored four each with Pavlic’s contribution getting him to 30, the highest of the tournament. Susic scored twice and along with Jerkovic, finished with 13. Cseh, not on the scoring radar before today, stepped up when needed with three goals and Leinweber netted two, finishing with 22, eight more than Balogh, the next highest Hungarian. Goalkeeper David Szitas managed 10 saves.

Turning Point
Coming from two down to 7-2 ahead by midway through the second quarter was where Croatia won.

Stats Don’t Lie
Croatia converted five from 15 and stopped 14 of 19 on extra. Croatia scored one penalty goal and Hungary missed one of two. Croatia dominated the steals 7-5 and needed only 32 shots to Hungary’s 43.

Bottom Line
Croatia leaves with four victories and a better position than seventh in 2023. The bronze adds to two golds and four silvers. Only Hungary and Italy have played more finals. Outgoing champion Hungary will have to settle for fourth, but not what it came to Zagreb for.

Classification 5-6

Match 60, SERBIA 21 MONTENEGRO 14 (6-5, 5-3, 6-4, 4-2)

Montenegro held all the cards early on at 5-3 ahead with Serbia banging in three goals — two to Vuk Andelic — to grab the quarter-time lead at 6-5. From then on in it was a goal-fest with seemingly both teams throwing off the shackles of a possible medal match. Here it was all about pride between the separated conjoined twins and a chance to have a good time. Montenegro regained the lead through Danilo Stupar, for his third, and Tim Perov. Vuk Kojic, who scored Serbia’s first two goals, scored his third for 7-7 with Andelic and Miljan Dokanovic regaining the advantage at 9-7. By halftime, that score had changed to 11-8.

Srdan Janovic, who delivered the 9-8 goal for Montenegro, made it 11-9 at the start of the third period. Goals were traded with Kojic for Serbia and a double to Stupar. Two more Serbian goal rained in before Stupar responded. Serbia struck twice more and it was 17-12 at the final break. Goals were swapped early in the fourth quarter before Vuk Conkic rammed home a beautiful centre-forward goal. Goals were traded again and Relja Dankovic hammered the final nail in the coffin at 21-14 from deep right.

Match Heroes
Kojic had five goals coming into today’s match and top-scored for Serbia with four. Luka Gladovic (12), Dokanovic (9) and Andelic (12) collected three each. Goalkeeper David Dimkovic pulled in 11 saves. For Montenegro, Stupar was in excellent form with six goals for 18 in total. Janovic scored three to close at 14. Goalie Andrija Bjelica snared nine saves.

Turning Point
From 5-3 down to 9-7 ahead, Serbia enjoyed retaking the lead in the second quarter and stayed in front.

Stats Don’t Lie
Serbia scored four from eight on extra and Montenegro four from seven. Serbia converted bot penalty chance and Montenegro one. Montenegro stole the ball six to five and shot 41-38.

Bottom Line
Serbia goes home with four wins and down from silver two years ago. Montenegro had two wins, including one in a shootout but finished two better than in 2023. Serbia has eight medals and Montenegro one but as a conjoined nation for a period, collected two gold medals.

Classification 7-8

Match 59, ITALY 10 GREECE 12 (2-4, 3-2, 1-4, 4-2)

Greece and Italy squared off on day eight after playing each other on day one when Greece won 19-18. It was the same today except for the first quarter on day one it was a tie. Today, Greece led at all quarters. After Italy went 2-0 up, Greece replied with four goals. Italy responded at the start of the second period with swapping goals lead to a 6-5 halftime lead. Semir Spachits, showed why he was named centre forward of the tournament with his power centre-forward goal, edging out to the four-metre line at 5-3. Ioannis Tottis had his penalty attempt rejected.

Mattia di Corato levelled from two metres at the start of the third period only for Andrea Bitsakos to score his second and third goals from identical positions on the deep left. Two more Greek goals closed the period in favour of Greece 10-6.

Giorgi Giacomone and Saul Granados traded goals at the top of the fourth period. Then Italy made a huge comeback with three goals, from penalty (Alessandro Gulotta), on extra (Andrea Nuzzo) and Giacomone from the top right. It was 11-10 at 3:31 and Italy in with a chance. Spyridon Lykoudis netted his third on extra from the top left for 12-10 at 2:11. Italy took a timeout at 0:59 but could not find a way through the Greek defence, having to settle for eighth position.

Match Heroes
Greek goalkeeper Dimitrios Partsoglu, normally sitting on the bench, played the whole match for a magnificent, match-winning 15 saves. Lykoudis (11), Bitsakos (13) and Giannatos (9) scored three each. Georgaras, who scored twice, finished the best for Greece with 17 goals. Second was brilliant centre forward Spachits with one today and 16 in all. For Italy, Giacomone scored three for 17 and Marini sent in two for 12. Gullotta, who scored one today, topped the Italian scoring with 18 goals.

Turning Point
Greece overcoming the 2-0 deficit to 4-2 at the quarter-time buzzer. Italy came back to 6-6 but that was the closest it got.

Stats Don’t Lie
Greece converted six from 12 on extra and defended nine of 12. Greece missed one of two penalty attempts and Italy nailed its one chance. Italy made 12 steals to seven and outshot Greece 32-31.

Bottom Line
Greece, a triple winner, was fourth in 2023 but leaves Zagreb with three victories and the knowledge that it can beat Italy twice having won on day one 19-18. Italy was sixth two years ago and leaves with two victories but the knowledge that it was only three down on champion Spain on day two.

Classification 9-10

Match 58, AUSTRALIA 12 GERMANY 13 (3-3, 1-4, 3-3, 5-3)

Germany survived a late scare and a last-gasp Aussie shot by goalkeeper Oliver Purcell to secure ninth position. The scare was that Australia levelled at 11 and when Germany went two up, Australia struck back with plenty of time to spare. However, Germany held on and made sure of victory. Germany started with the first three goals, only for Australia to level by quarter time. Germany shuffled 5-3 ahead with Finn Taubert gaining a second goal. Australia missed a penalty chance and went three goals behind as Taubert earned his third goal. Australia called a timeout with no effect and had to face the music in the third quarter.

Ashton Brown came to the party, converting a penalty foul as goals were traded. Brown scored another on counter but Germany held strong and scored the last two as first-quarter Aussie scorer Jamie Sharman was red-carded for striking the face of a defender. Germany was still three ahead. Jake Martin made his presence known for Australia with identical extra-man goals to start the fourth quarter. German star Till Hofmann converted a penalty and Aussie skipper Harper Stewart scored on extra, as did Martin to shut the gap. It was now 11-11 and 4:45 left on the clock. Fynn Janke netted his second and Luk Jaschke countered to give Germany a 13-11 gap at 3:21. Brown snapped in a goal from the right-post position off a near pass and Australia was back in the match at 0:38. Germany used its time and dumped the ball. Purcell grabbed it , swum up and bounced the ball to goal, which was stopped and Germany had the victory.

Match Heroes
Taubert with his four goals to give him 11 for the week, seven behind Tillman, who made two today. Brown and Martin were best for Australia with three each while Daniel Magasanik, who was fouled out and kept from scoring today, finished top for the Aussies with 17 goals.

Turning Point
The three-goal start set the tone of the match, even though Australia came back to 3-3. Germany always held the edge and the slight buffer at the end.

Stats Don’t Lie
Statistics are unavailable, although Australia scored nine extra-man goals to three and missed one of two penalty attempts to Germany’s three from three.

Bottom Line
Germany has looked a good team all week and deserves the victory, finishing the tournament with five victories and just missing the top eight by one goal against Montenegro. It was 13^th in Bucharest two years ago. Australia goes home with three victories and one better placing than 2023.

Classification 11-12

Match 56, IRAN 11 CHINA 13 (2-3, 2-1, 3-6, 4-3)

Germany came through with an excellent, speedy game style that held out Iran who were reliant on captain Arman Shams, who finished with six goals and became one of the highest scorers of the tournament. China made the play in the first quarter with Iran catching up twice before Zhang Chengwei drilled from the top on extra for the 3-2, go-ahead strike. Shams, who found the net in the first period, equalised at 3:36 in the second quarter from the penalty line. Ali Shabanian gave Iran the frontal position with a blast from outside. Chinese captain Li Wanxiang converted extra from the top left on 0:58 for 4-4, the halftime scoreline. Ouyang Haiyuan found himself at the end of small passing contest to score from in front to open the third period and put China back in front, 5-4. Shams equalised on a short drive to the hole and Deng Zirui responded on a cross pass to the right post for 6-5.

Quarter three was full of action with China winning 6-3 for a three-goal margin at the last break. China used six different shooters while Iran relied heavily on Shams who added another three to his tally, including a penalty conversion. Farbod Borghei steered in a left-post ball from the near-side pass to open the fourth-quarter scoring. Goals were traded to 12-10 with Ali Abolgasemi netting twice, the first on penalty and the second from the top for 12-10. China pushed it out to three goals when Liu Jinyi went on counter to scoop in against the advancing goalkeeper at 2:53. Shams scored his sixth goal from the top at 1:58, forcing China to a timeout to settle the team at 13-11 ahead. It worked as no-one scored after that and China had 11^th classification.

Match Heroes
Iran’s Shams was the highest scorer with six goals, giving him 23 for the tournament. China’s Li Wanxiang topped the scoring with three and Yang netted two to make him his team’s best with nine goals. Zhang Yiwen took 11 saves in goal.

Turning Point
When China went ahead at the start of the third period and never relinquished the lead.

Stats Don’t Lie
China converted eight from 11 and defended six of 10 on extra. China scored both penalty attempts and Iran three. Iran made nine steals to four and shot 32 times to 27.

Bottom Line
China last played this event in 2019, finishing 16^th, so a big improvement. Iran was 15^th in 2023. China leaves with three victories and Iran two.

Classification 13-14

Match 56, BRAZIL 17 CANADA 8 (4-2, 5-1, 3-3, 5-2)

Brazil came through for its fifth victory in Zagreb while Canada has to be happy with four victories. Brazil was in total control in the first half with positive numbers, especially keeping Canada scoreless for 10 minutes. Lucas Wulfhorst has been the go-to man for Brazil all week and his penalty taking is excellent. He scored two in the first quarter and another in the second as Brazil kept steamrolling the Canadians. At 4-2 by the first break, Canada shot to 7-2 before Canadian head coach Pat Oaten called a timeout. Brazil then called a timeout after two minutes of not scoring and took another minute before Cesar da Silva made it 8-2 and thereafter Eduardo Carraresi from top right for 9-2. With 16 seconds left on the clock, Canada drew a penalty for Giancarlo Marquez to convert.

It was a tied third period as Canada came alive, Pavle Jelic converting extra, Nicholas Furneaux from the top and Marquez from the top left. Da Silva gained a second at centre forward and Carlo Martinelli scored two — from deep, either side of the goal — for 12-6 at the buzzer. Brazil sailed forth with two quick goals to 14-6 in the fourth. Canada then put the foot on the accelerator with two unanswered goals before Marquez and Brazil’s Luca Cereser were red-carded for brawling. Luiz Zerbielli scored a pair and Wulfhorst slotted his fourth penalty goal for 17-8.

Match Heroes
Wulfhurst (ARG) top-scored with four goals to bring him into the 20 club while Martinelli scored three. Diaz scored one for 15 in total. Lucas Gomes saved nine balls in goal. For Canada, Marquez sent in three and could have been more if he was not ejected from the pool. His tally was 19 goals with captain Leo Hachem second on 12.

Turning Point
From 4-2 to 9-2 and keeping Canada scoreless for 10 minutes.

Stats Don’t Lie
Brazil nailed two from five on extra and defended five from six. Canada scored all four penalty shots and Canada one. Canada made six steals to one and Brazil was on top with total shots at 34-27.

Bottom Line
Brazil was 10^th in 2023 while Canada’s last appearance was 2021 when it was also 10^th.

Classification 15-16

Match 55, ARGENTINA 14 KAZAKHSTAN 7 (5-2, 2-0, 3-2, 4-3)

Argentina began strongly with the first four goals — three to Alejo Teijeiro — to lift him to 19 for the week. Aldiyar Akimbay responded for Kazakhstan with a score on extra from the top and then on counter for 4-2. Adriano Mazzoni closed the scoring from the penalty line just before quarter time. Mazzoni started the second quarter from top left. It was some time later that Santiago Rivera needed VAR to decide whether his shot from the top left was over the line, which it was, for 7-2. There were only three shots on target for the rest of the period.

Almat Madimar started the Kazakhstan scoring and Nurassyl Satbergen closed on counter. In between, Mazzoni collected his third; Augusto Oliva beat the buzzer from seven metres and Teijeiro claimed his fourth on penalty. Akimbay had a penalty attempt thwarted. Argentina went into the final period 10-4 ahead. Teijeiro and Ivan Saavedra both scored from the penalty stripe with Madimar converting extra and Aslan Ospanov scoring from the deep left. Mazzoni gained his fourth for 13-6; Kazakhstan missed another penalty chance and goals were traded in the last minute with Kazakhstan’s Mstislav Bobrovskiy scoring his first goal of the week on penalty 30 seconds from going home.

Match Heroes
Teijeiro led the Argentinian scorers with five goals to take him to 21 for the tournament. Mazzoni’s four gave him a tally of 13. Martin del Rosso made 10 saves in goal. For Kazakhstan, Akimbay came into the match with 15 goal and finished with 17, the same number as Madimar, with his two today.

Turning Point
Argentina racing to 4-0 proved to be a killing point for Kazakhstan, something it struggled to recover from.

Stats Don’t Lie
Argentina failed to score its two extra-man chances but saved five of seven Kazakhstan chances. Argentina put away all seven penalty attempts with Kazakhstan missing two from three. Kazakhstan won the steals 14-7 and the overall shots 35-22, showing just how accurate Argentina’s shooting was.

Bottom Line
Argentina was 16^th two years ago, so this is progression. Kazakhstan was 14^th four years ago and did not compete in 2023.

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Sports

The unlikeliest journey to NCAA volleyball’s final four

Published

3 minutes ago

December 18, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Elizabeth MerrillDec 18, 2025, 07:00 AM ET
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THE DAY KYNDAL STOWERS was told she couldn’t play volleyball anymore, she got in her car, silenced her phone, and drove aimlessly around town.

It was the spring of 2024, and she had endured four concussions over eight months on the volleyball court at Baylor, once in a collision with a teammate and three times from getting hit by the ball. “Why does this keep happening?” she asked herself. She figured she would redshirt her sophomore season and give her brain time to heal.

But near the end of the 2024 spring semester, a team doctor summoned Stowers. She thought it was just another checkup. When she arrived, the doctor, a trainer and a member of the university’s compliance department greeted her. They told her that she was being medically retired, and that her tuition would be paid for but her playing days — at Baylor at least — were finished.

She eventually went home to Denton, Texas, and watched the 2024 Final Four on her parents’ couch.

One year later, on Sunday, Stowers stood on the court at the Bob Devaney Center in Lincoln, Nebraska, celebrating her Texas A&M team’s five-set upset over the No. 1 — and previously undefeated — Cornhuskers in the regional finals. She had 25 kills and then found her mom in the crowd and cried. She rarely does that, Tina Stowers said.

But this is a story about the unlikeliest player on the unlikeliest semifinal team in the NCAA women’s volleyball tournament, and the moment commanded some emotion. It’s about a sports family supporting her decision to keep playing, and taking the steps necessary to ensure she’s as safe as she can be in an unpredictable arena of high-velocity swings, crashing bodies and flying elbows.

On Thursday, she’ll play for Texas A&M against Pittsburgh in the national semifinals.

“I knew that I wasn’t done,” Stowers said. “How can I be done with something I never got to start?”

THE STOWERS FAMILY knows about the violence of sports. Don Stowers, Kyndal’s dad, played football for New Mexico State in the 1990s, and was invited to the NFL combine. He played in NFL Europe for a year, and before that was a priority undrafted free agent for the Cincinnati Bengals before becoming a preseason cut by the Bengals and Denver Broncos. But he said there’s video of him tackling Emmitt Smith in a preseason game.

He has coached high school football in Texas, and his son, Eli, is a tight end for Vanderbilt. Tina Stowers graduated from Baylor, played beach volleyball for more than a decade, and coached high school and junior college volleyball. She said she never had a concussion in 30-plus years of volleyball, but acknowledges that back then, there were no protocols, and assessments were generally concluded with the term “getting your bell rung.”

But concussions in volleyball aren’t as rare as they might seem. A 2023 study found that volleyball had the highest rate of concussions (4.93 per 10,000 athlete exposures) among limited-contact sports, including softball, swimming/diving and baseball, and a rate higher than men’s basketball, which is considered a high-contact sport. The NCAA has a concussion safety protocol that schools must follow that applies to all sports. It includes immediate removal from a game or practice if a concussion is suspected and continued evaluation by a team physician in the hours and days following the injury.

When Kyndal sustained her first concussion at Baylor during the summer of 2023, before her freshman season, she called her mom. She was annoyed, Tina Stowers said, but otherwise fine. Then came the September game when she dove for a ball and a teammate went airborne and kneed her in the head.

Baylor sat her for 10 days, Tina Stowers said, but about a week after she returned, she looked tired. After an early October game, Tina and Don spoke to the trainers.

“So they were like, ‘You know what? We’re just going to take you out of the gym for a little bit longer,'” Tina Stowers said. “And then she was shagging balls and she got hit by [a serve] probably going 70 mph. Hit her right in the back of the head.”

When Stowers played, she dominated. During her freshman season, she had double-digit kills in 12 of the 14 matches she played. She had 29 kills and 16 digs against SMU; she hit above .450 in three matches and was once named Big 12 offensive player of the week.

But she never played after that Oct. 6 game against Kansas State.

During a spring practice in February 2024, she got hit by a shanked ball. She was diagnosed with her fourth concussion.

Baylor coach Ryan McGuyre said the decision to medically retire her was difficult for him and the Stowers family to take.

“Both of us were frustrated about not being able to navigate forward or at least just wait longer and let it work itself out,” he said.

BACK HOME IN Denton, Stowers lifted weights and worked on her speed and explosiveness alongside football players. She served and swatted at volleyballs alone in her club gym. She did Fellowship of Christian Athletes camps, binge-watched some TV series and dog-sat to earn money. Her symptoms waned.

One of the biggest perks of being off for an entire autumn was that she was finally able to see her brother play football for Vanderbilt.

“On the weekends, I was going to all of his games,” she said, “which was really cool because I’ve never been able to do that ever because we’ve both been playing at the same time.”

Her mom lovingly called her “college dropout” during her stay back home.

During the 2024 NCAA volleyball tournament, she entered the transfer portal. She wasn’t sure what the market would hold for a 19-year-old outside hitter with an extensive concussion history. She was at church one day when an onslaught of calls and texts hit her phone. It was so intrusive that she had to activate the “Do Not Disturb” feature.

Texas A&M coach Jamie Morrison was among the many reaching out. The Aggies were coming off a 21-8 season that ended with a five-set loss to Wisconsin in the regional semifinals. They were returning a talented roster, but there was room for more. Soon, Stowers visited College Station. Her brother started his football career there before transferring to New Mexico State and then Vanderbilt, so she was familiar with some of the faces and the athletic department’s culture.

“But obviously meeting the volleyball staff and seeing what they were about in their program meant a lot to me,” she said. “So, yeah, fell in love with it and then committed two days later.”

MORRISON SAID HE had two priorities when Stowers arrived. He wanted to give her back the thing she loved — the ability to play volleyball. He said he was also committed to keeping her safe.

Stowers wasn’t just working out during her time away from volleyball. She underwent concussion rehabilitation at the Andrews Institute in Plano, Texas, and received VOMS (Vestibular Ocular Motor Screening), which is a clinical assessment tool.

“When I moved home, I saw a ton of doctors in Dallas,” Stowers said, “a lot of very well-known neuropsychologists. Neurologists. Even some, like, general people, across every board that I could think of because I didn’t want to put myself at risk.

“I mean, my dad played football … my brother is about to go into the NFL. The world of concussions is not foreign to me, and I know obviously what that can lead to. So I didn’t want to put myself at risk by any means. Part of it was like, I want to get all of this evidence that I’m fine to continue playing, but I also want to make sure I’m good.”

She said that eventually, the lingering concussion symptoms she’d experienced at Baylor were gone, and she was cleared to continue playing volleyball by her personal doctors.

“I would never have put my daughter back out on a court if I thought it was not safe for her,” Tina Stowers said. “We definitely got plenty of clearance from a lot of people that know better than I do. And then it just kind of worked out.”

Morrison said A&M’s medical staff pored through all of her medical records, which accounted for about 60 hours of work. One of the conditions he set for Stowers to play was that she wore a Q-Collar, a horseshoe-shaped safety device that is worn around the neck and has been cleared by the FDA.

Dr. Julian Bailes, a renowned neurosurgeon and concussions expert who was part of the research and development of the Q-Collar, said the device has a spring inside that compresses the jugular.

“And what that does,” he said, “it puts a little more blood in the cranium, which reduces the ability of the brain to move or slosh around. …

“If you get hit on the head by any mechanism, if the brain doesn’t move, it doesn’t get injured. It’s the movement of the brain that creates brain injury, whether it’s concussion or, you know, major injury in a car accident or a fall, something like that.”

Though the device, which has become common in the NFL, has its skeptics, most everyone agrees that more research on concussion prevention needs to be done.

Stowers said she has worn the Q-Collar all season, and has been hit in the head occasionally. That’s going to happen to everyone, she said. But she hasn’t sustained another concussion, and doesn’t worry about getting hit in the head.

“I’ve been perfectly fine,” she said.

IT HAS BEEN a busy December for the Stowers family. Eli won the John Mackey Award, which is given to the nation’s top tight end, and the William V. Campbell Trophy, which honors the top scholar-athlete.

The family has jet-setted to New York and Las Vegas for Eli’s awards, then watched Kyndal play in the postseason in between. Sometimes it’s hard to remember what time zone they’re in — or where they are.

Texas A&M came back from two games down last weekend to knock off No. 2-seeded Louisville, then had the gumption to cancel the plans of thousands of Nebraskans who were supposed to flock three hours south to see their undefeated team hoist the trophy.

“Zero surprise to me what she’s doing,” said Baylor’s McGuyre, who has known Stowers since she was in junior high. “I’m really excited for her. My wife was the first to tell her, ‘Hey, if you don’t feel like you’re done playing, go play. You’ll flourish.’

“We were cheering super, super loud in that Nebraska match. Seeing her do what she did just kind of is another sucker punch to the gut a little bit, like, ‘Oh, what if?’ But I think both families still believe there’s a purpose and plan in this life. … I believe in over-comers. I wouldn’t be [talking] if I didn’t believe she’s something special.”

The Stowers family will be there Thursday to watch Kyndal try to do what seemed impossible 12 months ago. And if the Aggies beat Pitt, Eli hopes to make it to Sunday’s championship game.

On Tuesday, Kyndal, who was scrambling to pack for Kansas City, paused for a moment to reflect on the Aggies’ postseason run. She felt as if she fit in seamlessly when she arrived in College Station, that she was around like-minded teammates with the perfect measure of confidence and goofiness.

Nobody has time to worry about the heaviness of the moment.

“[Last year] I was sitting at home on my couch watching all these games being played,” she said.

“I believe that that’s where the Lord had me. And I was like, ‘This is a really cool story. God, if you want me to come out of this, how dope would that be?’ I mean, being medically retired, and now we’re here? It’s surreal.”

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Who will win the volleyball national championship with Nebraska out?

Published

20 minutes ago

December 18, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Dec. 18, 2025, 6:07 a.m. ET

KANSAS CITY, MO ― With No. 1 overall seed Nebraska out of the 2025 NCAA volleyball tournament, which one of the Final Four teams is in the driver’s seat? Actually, it’s anyone’s title for the taking.

For the first time in nearly 15 years, none of women’s college volleyball’s traditional blue blood programs (Nebraska, Texas, Stanford and Penn State) are in the Final Four. The Cornhuskers and Longhorns both lost in the Elite Eight, while the Cardinal failed to advance past the Sweet 16. The reigning champion Nittany Lions had an early second-round exit.

On Thursday, No. 3 Texas A&M plays No. 1 Pitt in the first of two semifinal matchups (6:30 p.m., ESPN). Both programs are seeking their first national championship. Following the Aggies-Panthers showdown, No. 3 Wisconsin takes on No. 1 Kentucky (9 p.m. ET). The Badgers and Wildcats have one national title apiece.With the pressure on to win a championship, let’s dig into the one question each team needs answered before their Final Four journey begins.

Will Pitt finally get over its Final Four blues?

It’s the elephant in the room for Pitt: Will the Panthers finally make it to a national championship? This year is Pitt’s fifth straight Final Four, and with every previous trip, the team has come up empty. Last season, the Panthers were the No. 1 overall seed and eliminated in the semifinals, 3-1, by the Louisville Cardinals. On Wednesday, head coach Dan Fisher and the team addressed their late postseason woes, but remained confident the experience would help them.

“Since so many people have been here before, we were able to prepare the newer players coming into this experience what to expect,” Pitt right side hitter Olivia Babcock said. “We’re also able to just remind them constantly … [to] stay locked in at the goal at hand. It is very easy to get distracted. I think those players are going to help our newer players be able to hone in on the task.”

Can Texas A&M shock the volleyball world again?

Over one million fans watched Texas A&M take down volleyball powerhouse Nebraska in the Elite Eight. The five-set thriller included a 10-0 Aggies run the first set, 10 Cornhuskers set points and three Texas A&M match points in the fourth set, plus two more Aggies match points in set five. Despite Nebraska throwing everything it had at Texas A&M, the Aggies dominated from the beginning. They slowed down Nebraska middle blocker Andi Jackson, leaned into their service pressure and blocking and forced the Cornhuskers to try beating them with anyone else.

Texas A&M’s arrival at the Final Four now begs the question: Can it pull off another massive upset against No. 1 Pitt? Aggies opposite Logan Lednicky shared the message she’s gave her team to keep them focused. “I think not letting all the cool stuff that is this Final Four kind of distract us,” Lednicky said.” I think [Texas A&M coach] Jamie [Morrison] has talked about a lot like, we’re here to play. That’s our job. So honing in, focusing in practice, tuning up all the things we need to get ready for the match [Thursday], then [the] match Sunday.”

Will Wisconsin’s win streak end?

Wisconsin has a 13-match winning streak coming into the Final Four. The Badgers’ streak, which dates back to the regular season, includes NCAA tournament wins against No. 2 Stanford and No. 1 Texas. After its 3-1 upset win over the Longhorns, middle blocker Carter Booth, who is the only player on the team with Final Four experience, said, “I refuse to f—— lose.” Booth’s viral quote has become a rallying cry for the Badgers, propelling their confidence leading into the Final Four. However, will Wisconsin’s inexperience at this level end be an issue? Booth doesn’t appear to think so.

“I’ve always been fiercely competitive … it just comes from a determination that this team has found to prove to people who we are, the work that we’ve put in this entire season,” Booth said. “Coming into this tournament, we talked about the second you think something is owed to you is the second you lose ― the second your season is over. The other side of that is nothing is owed to anyone, which means anytime you step out there, it’s anyone’s game. It does have to be an active refusal or active search for a win, for a championship, as you move through this because it’s not just going to fall into anybody’s lap.”

Will Kentucky melt under the pressure?

The Wildcats have 10 straight wins, dating back to the regular season, over ranked opponents, including No. 8 UCLA and No. 3 Creighton during the NCAA tournament. The pressure to continue knocking off the best teams in volleyball becomes much more intense during the Final Four, begging the question: How will the Wildcats handle this environment?

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Panthers’ Streich to join USD track and field program | Select

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39 minutes ago

December 18, 2025

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Dickinson Announces Hall of Fame Class for 2026

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55 minutes ago

December 18, 2025

Your Sports Nation

CARLISLE, Pa. – Dickinson Director of Athletics Celine Cunningham has announced that six former Red Devil student-athletes, two distinguished contributors, two campus contributors and one team will join the Dickinson Athletics Hall of Fame during Red-White Weekend from April 24 to 26.

Let’s get to know the inductees a little more:

Ross Anstaett ’11 – Men’s Tennis

Anstaett was a three-time team captain and two-time team Most Valuable Player for the Red Devil men’s tennis program from 2007 to 2011. The four-time All-Centennial Conference First Team selection and three-time Centennial Conference Academic Honor Roll honoree finished his time at Dickinson with an record of 56-24. In singles competition he posted double-digit wins in three seasons playing as the Red Devils number one, with a career-high 17 victories coming as a senior in 2011. He was also a major threat in doubles action as well racking up 12 or more wins in three of four seasons.

Taylor Ferry ’12 – Men’s Soccer

Ferry, was a stalwart defender for the Red and White from 2008 to 2012, helping the team to claim the school’s first Centennial Conference Championship in 2011 and make two appearances in the NCAA Tournament (2008, 2011). The two-time team captain was named to the All-Centennial Conference First Team for both the 2010 and 2011 seasons. His senior campaign would prove to be quite memorable as he not only landed on the All-Conference First Team, but was also a First Team All-Mid-Atlantic Region selection in addition to being named a NSCAA Third Team All-American. He served as the anchor of the Red Devils backline during their magical 2011 season helping the side to record eight clean sheets, which included a 2-0 win in the Centennial Conference Semifinal against Muhlenberg. Then, in the final with score tied 1-1 thru 90 minutes and overtime, he stepped up in the penalty shootout and converted the match-winning penalty to make Dickinson history.

Genevieve Olson Desmond ’12 – Women’s Soccer

Olson, was a member of the Dickinson soccer program from 2008 to 2012 and was key cog in the Red Devils run to three consecutive Centennial Conference Championship Games in 2008, 2009 and 2010. In 2010, she was a vital part of the team’s run to the Sweet 16 in the NCAA Tournament backstopping Dickinson to wins over Centenary University (N.J.) and Stevens Institute of Technology, before getting tripped up by Messiah University. The two-time First Team All-Centennial Conference selection and First Team All-Mid Atlantic Region honoree paced the side during the 2010 campaign in goals (7), assists (4), shots (65) and shots on goal (31).

Sarah Rutkowski ’15 – Cross Country/Track & Field

Rutkowski, participated in both cross country and track & field for the Red and White during her time in Carlisle. On the cross country course, she was a member of four Little Three Championships, four Top-3 Centennial Conference Championship team finishes and four Top-25 team results in the NCAA Championships, including a 15th-place result in the 2013 race. As an individual she was a two-time All-Region and two-time All-Centennial Conference honoree. In indoor track, she earned All-American status for the 10,000m by taking fourth at the national championship. She also garnered All-Conference recognition for the 3000m and 5000m. Outdoors, she helped the Red Devils to a trio of second-place finishes as a team, while as an individual she nabbed a second-place finish for the 10,000m in 2015.

Gerry Wixted ’15 – Men’s Basketball

Wixted left Carlisle as one of the most decorated players in Dickinson basketball history earning three First Team All-Centennial Conference honors, one Second Team All-Conference selection and being named the 2015 Centennial Conference Player of the Year. That same season he was tabbed the D3Hoops.com National Player of the Year and NABC Mid-Atlantic Region Player of the Year, in addition to be selected a First Team All-American by both organizations. He left the school holding the Centennial Conference record for career defensive rebounds (689), career free throws made (597) and career free throws attempted (706). In addition, he graduated with the Dickinson record for career points (1,903), career rebounds (872), career free throws made (597), career free throws attempted (706), career blocked shots (172), career games played (113), career games started (110), single-season points (539), single-season blocked shots (46) and season-season free throws made (157). Not only did he have tremendous individual success, but he was a part of great team success as well, winning two Centennial Conference Championships and three NCAA Tournament appearances, including a pair of Sweet 16 appearances and one trip to the Elite 8.

Specialty Categories

Veterans – inductees who are listed as Veterans are at least 30 years removed from their date of graduation, and their accomplishments have stood the test of time.

Ed Ward ’83 – Men’s Basketball

Ward was a two-time All-Middle Atlantic Conference selection in 1982 and 1983, serving as a team captain during his final season with the Red Devils. When he left Dickinson, he held the school record for career blocked shots with 76, while ranking second in career rebounds (696), career field-goal percentage (.541) and single-season blocked shots (32). He contributed to three MAC South Division Championships, two NCAA Tournament appearances and one MAC Southern Conference Championship.

Distinguished Contributors – Recipients of the Distinguished Contributor Award have demonstrated leadership, inspiration, talent, sustained support for Dickinson Athletics or achieved outstanding recognition in their athletic field, and/or measurable, sustainable philanthropic support of Dickinson Athletics by their efforts.

Tom ’78 and Judianne Hare P’22, P’25

As parents of two Red Devil student athletes, Tom and Judianne Hare deeply appreciate the value of the student-athlete experience at Dickinson—especially since Tom, himself, was an All-American athlete as a Red Devil. Accordingly, they have long been staunch supporters of Dickinson athletics through their transformational philanthropy. Their generosity has funded the new Hare Family Sports Performance & Training Center and provided professional-grade playing surfaces for men’s and women’s soccer. Motivated by their years of cheering on their children, Cole ’22 (baseball) and Charlotte ’25 (soccer), their gifts also include endowed funds for the long-term maintenance of the fields and support for baseball, softball and soccer. Their leadership-level giving has inspired significant support for Red Devil athletics across the parent and alumni community, securing a lasting impact for current and future Dickinson student-athletes.

Contributor – Recipients of the Contributor Award must have served Dickinson College as a coach, administrator, manager, trainer or any other capacity that served to make significant contributions to the athletic program and/or the advancement of our athletes

Charlie Hambrook and Bob Penner – Equipment Managers

Hambrook and Penner were two of the most dedicated employees during their time at Dickinson. Both were concerned about the well-being of the student athletes, which showed each and every day. They put in many hours to ensure athletes were provided with everything needed to compete on a daily basis. Their positions at Dickinson enabled them to get to know the athletes from all the teams, which they valued greatly. Both served the athletic department as members of one big family, and they will always be remembered for their selflessness and dedication.

Team Award – Teams who are recognized for the team award have made outstanding contributions to Dickinson College Athletics, and have helped to bring recognition, honor, distinction and excellence to Dickinson College and its intercollegiate athletic programs.

2011 Men’s Soccer

The 2011 Dickinson men’s soccer program is a very special one in Red Devil history as they posted an 11-5-5 overall record with a 6-2-1 mark inside the Centennial Conference. After opening up the season with a pair of ties, the Red and White picked up wins in four of their next five matches knocking off Washington & Jefferson (6-1), Skidmore (4-0), Gwynedd-Mercy (5-0) and Washington (Md.) (4-1). Following a non-conference slip against No. 2 Messiah, the Red Devils nabbed conference victories over Swarthmore (2-1), McDaniel (4-1), Johns Hopkins (3-0), Ursinus (3-0) and Muhlenberg (1-0), which earned them a spot in the Centennial Conference tournament. Dickinson would knock off Muhlenberg by a 2-0 scoreline in the semifinals, earning them a place in the title match with Haverford. The Red Devils and Fords would go the full 110 minutes locked at 1-1 to setup a penalty shootout. It was there were Hall of Fame inductee Taylor Ferry drilled the match-winning kick to send Dickinson to the NCAA Tournament. The Red and White began their tournament journey with a 2-1 triumph over Vassar, before the host Montclair State posted a 2-1 win in the Second Round. The team was led offensively by Javier Mena, who had eight goals and nine assists, followed by Bryan Gilmartin and Nicolas Tierno who netted five goals each while the duo of Derek Kachadurian and Chris Shultz added four. Seven other players recorded at least two goals to contribute to a very well-balanced attack. Cody Hickok led the way between the sticks for head coach Brian Redding, posting a .908 save percentage thanks to 92 stops.

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Monument Mountain Seniors Sign Commitments to College Teams / iBerkshires.com

Published

1 hour ago

December 18, 2025

Your Sports Nation

GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. – Four Monument Mountain student-athletes this week committed to compete in intercollegiate athletics next year.

Cross country and track and field standouts Amelia Desilets, Autumn Higa and Everett Pacheco were joined on the Monument Mountain stage on Tuesday by softball star Lexi Carpenter to sign commitment letters to the schools of their choice.

Desilets is bound for Orono, Maine, to run cross country and track and field for the University of Maine.

Higa and Pacheco committed to run cross country at Vassar College and Williams College, respectively.

Carpenter committed to Rhode Island’s Roger Williams University to compete for the Hawks on the softball diamond.

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Virginia Track & Field Names Distance Carnival After Mark & Cynthia Lorenzoni

Published

1 hour ago

December 18, 2025

Your Sports Nation

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – The University of Virginia track and field program will name the prestigious distance carnival at the Virginia Challenge on Friday, April 17th, the Mark & Cynthia Lorenzoni Distance Night at the Virginia Challenge.

Virginia is set to host the annual Virginia Challenge outdoor track & field meet on Friday and Saturday, April 17-18 at Lannigan Field. The meet is known to feature high level competition across all event areas, but especially in the distance events. The distance carnival is set to be named in honor of long time Virginia Track & Field/Cross Country supporters, Mark and Cynthia Lorenzoni. The Lorenzonis have served the Charlottesville community for over 40 years as the couple co-owns The Ragged Mountain Running and Walking Shop with their two eldest children, Alec and Audrey.

“When I think about volunteerism and commitment to the community, it would be difficult to imagine any family doing more than Mark & Cynthia Lorenzoni,” said Director of Track & Field/Cross Country Vin Lananna. “For decades, Mark & Cynthia have positively impacted thousands of running enthusiasts. We are honored to recognize them with the Mark & Cynthia Lorenzoni Distance Night at the Virginia Challenge.”

“What an honor to be recognized in such a public arena and to be closely affiliated with an iconic program that has not only given our family so much to cheer for, but even more importantly, has enriched our lives through the hundreds of special friendships we’ve had the pleasure of sharing with our wonderful UVA Track & Field coaches and athletes over the past 45 years,” said Mark Lorenzoni.

A running family, Mark Lorenzoni began his running career back in high school. A recreational runner throughout college, Mark Lorenzoni took up road racing and even began his amateur coaching career by coaching his wife, Cynthia. Since then, he has coached runners at all levels while also continuing to run himself.

“What a wonderful surprise and great honor to have our family name affiliated with this magnificent program in such a thoughtful way,” said Mark Lorenzoni.

Also beginning her career back in high school, Cynthia Lorenzoni was undefeated in cross country and track & field before going on to compete in college at Michigan State. As a Spartan, Cynthia Lorenzoni finished runner-up at the Big 10 Cross Country Championships during her freshman season and finished 16th at the NCAA Cross Country Championships the same year. After college, she continued to train and compete post collegiately winning the Marine Corps Marathon twice, recorded a 13th place finish at the Boston Marathon and posted a personal best time of 2:38 in the marathon.

“We are humbled by this genuinely thoughtful gesture and we’re very grateful to Coach Vin, his hardworking and caring staff, to [Virginia Director of Athletics] Carla Williams and especially to all of our wonderful “kids” (what we fondly call our UVA Track & Field athletes) for this incredible honor,” said Mark Lorenzoni.

Mark and Cynthia, who have four children that all ran cross country in high school, have served the community for over 45 years. Not only as the founders of The Ragged Mountain Running and Walking Shop but between the two of them have also served on nearly 30 not-for-profit community boards and having directed, on a volunteer basis, close to 900 local races that have raised over $8 million for area organizations.

“Giving back to a sport that has given so much to our family, in so many meaningful ways, has truly been both one of the easiest and most rewarding things in our life together,” said Mark Lorenzoni.

The Lorenzonis commitment to the sport of cross country and track & field is evident not only in their personal pursuits and community endeavors but also in their continued support of the Virginia Track & Field/Cross Country program. The first annual Mark & Cynthia Lorenzoni Distance Night at the Virginia Challenge is set to take place on Friday, April 17^th at Lannigan Field.

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