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Strava to Acquire Runna Running Training App

Strava, the app for active consumers, announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Runna, a UK-based tech company developing personalized running training plans and coaching. Strava noted in a media release that the “acquisition unites the world’s largest fitness community with a leading app in the fiercely competitive running training space, […]

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Strava to Acquire Runna Running Training App

Strava, the app for active consumers, announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Runna, a UK-based tech company developing personalized running training plans and coaching.

Strava noted in a media release that the “acquisition unites the world’s largest fitness community with a leading app in the fiercely competitive running training space, creating compelling value for users and shareholders of both companies.”

“Coming off Strava’s accelerated innovation and unprecedented growth last year, it was the right time to look for complementary businesses that could create even greater value for our users,” said Michael Martin, chief executive officer at Strava. “Running is booming worldwide, with nearly 1 billion runs recorded on Strava in 2024. Runna’s mission to give every runner a personalized plan to achieve their goal is a perfect fit.”

Strava’s Year In Sport data states that “running is the fastest growing sport globally, and Gen Z, in particular, are turning to running to create community and connection, which has created a sharp increase in race participation, with 43 percent of Strava users wanting to enter a big race or event in 2025. Demand for training plans has grown quickly as more athletes seek personalized guidance.”

“We are delighted to become part of Strava as we continue to focus on bringing the world the most customized and personalized training plans available,” said Dom Maskell, co-founder and chief executive officer at Runna. “We have spent many hours together with Strava senior management, and we couldn’t be more excited to be on the same team,” he added.

“Our passion is to give every runner a training plan and access to amazing coaching and this investment allows us to make even more improvements to everything we do at Runna, benefiting runners worldwide” said Ben Parker, co-founder.

“I have been deeply impressed with Dom, Ben and the Runna team,” said Martin. “Our plan is to keep the apps separate for the foreseeable future, to invest in growing the Runna team and further accelerate the development of the Runna app.”

The deal is part of Strava’s ongoing initiatives to innovate for its 150+ million registered users and represents a deep investment in Strava’s API developer community. Over 100 training apps connect to Strava’s API to enhance users’ features and functionality. Strava remains firmly committed to maintaining this role as the open fitness platform and supporting all developers alongside Runna.

“We are thrilled to have this opportunity to recognize and invest in an API developer like Runna,” said Martin. “Strava is the community for all active people regardless of sport, skill level, location, app, or device.” 

The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions. Additional terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.

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NASA Astronaut Captures Rare Jellyfish-Like Transient Luminous Event Above Clouds

NEED TO KNOW NASA astronaut Nichole Ayers, 36, captured a transient luminous event above thunderstorm clouds on Thursday, July 3 “As we went over Mexico and the U.S. this morning, I caught this sprite,” the former collegiate volleyball player said Ayers is aboard the International Space Station as pilot of SpaceX Dragon’s Crew-10, which arrived […]

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NEED TO KNOW

  • NASA astronaut Nichole Ayers, 36, captured a transient luminous event above thunderstorm clouds on Thursday, July 3
  • “As we went over Mexico and the U.S. this morning, I caught this sprite,” the former collegiate volleyball player said
  • Ayers is aboard the International Space Station as pilot of SpaceX Dragon’s Crew-10, which arrived at the ISS in March

A NASA astronaut is in awe of what she witnessed above the clouds.

Nichole Ayers, who is aboard the International Space Station (ISS) as pilot of SpaceX Dragon’s Crew-10, captured the moment when a rare electrical phenomenon occurred above thunderstorm clouds on Thursday, July 3. 

“Just. Wow,” the 36-year-old astronaut wrote on Instagram alongside a photo of the red jellyfish-like electrical occurrence. “As we went over Mexico and the U.S. this morning, I caught this sprite.”

A sprite is “an atmospheric phenomenon associated with lightning,” according to NASA’s Earth Observatory.

The transient luminous event on July 3, 2025.

Nichole Ayers/Instagram


Providing more context, Ayers wrote, “Sprites are TLEs or transient luminous events that happen above the clouds and are triggered by intense electrical activity in the thunderstorms below.”

“We have a great view above the clouds, so scientists can use these types of pictures to better understand the formation, characteristics, and relationship of TLEs to thunderstorms,” she concluded.

This red sprite, like a previous one NASA captured in June 2024, has red tendrils associated with jellyfish sprites due to “the positively charged lightning [interacting] with atmospheric nitrogen, creating an electrical breakdown that produces flashes of red light.”

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Another red sprite that NASA captured in June 2024.

Nichole Ayers/NASA


In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE in May, Ayers talked about the beauty of being in space, where she gets to fly around the world every 90 minutes, with the chance to watch a sunset or a sunrise every 45 minutes.

“I think that ‘excited’ is an understatement,” Ayers, a former collegiate volleyball player, said at the time. “I like to say the English language doesn’t have the right words to describe how amazing the experience is. The launch was amazing. And then getting to come through the hatch of the International Space Station, just awesome, amazing, ecstatic.”

Nichole Ayers.

SpaceX


”It’s been an amazing experience so far,” Ayers added.

The NASA astronaut arrived at the ISS aboard the SpaceX Dragon capsule and the Falcon 9 rocket on March 14 as part of Crew-10.

While in space, Ayers and other astronauts on the mission are conducting science experiments, participating in spacewalks and working out.

They will return to Earth in the fall after their six-month mission.





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Endowment will fund UC Berkeley men’s aquatic sports programs for years to come

University of California, Berkeley benefactors Ned and Carol Spieker have gifted $26 million to endow the university’s men’s aquatic programs, the largest gift in Cal Athletics history.  Ned Spieker, UC Berkeley class of ‘66, played water polo at Cal, so it’s personal. The coach positions will be named the Ned Spieker Men’s Swim Head Coach […]

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University of California, Berkeley benefactors Ned and Carol Spieker have gifted $26 million to endow the university’s men’s aquatic programs, the largest gift in Cal Athletics history. 

Ned Spieker, UC Berkeley class of ‘66, played water polo at Cal, so it’s personal.

The coach positions will be named the Ned Spieker Men’s Swim Head Coach in perpetuity, and the Ned Spieker Men’s Water Polo Head Coach for 20 years. 

“As an alum and coach, it’s hard to put into words what it means to see this kind of commitment,” said men’s water polo head coach Kirk Everist. “It honors our past, supports our present, and guarantees a strong future for the program we all love.”

In 2022, Ned Spieker and his wife Carol made the largest gift in Haas School of Business history with a $30 million commitment that transformed the undergraduate business program from a two-year to a four-year experience, now known as the Spieker Undergraduate Business Program. 

Ned Spieker founded Spieker Properties, one of the largest commercial property companies in the United States, and has also been involved in Haas campus planning, serving as a catalyst for the construction of Chou Hall. Carol Spieker is a trustee emeritus of the UC Berkeley Foundation.

UC Berkeley Chancellor Rich Lyons spoke about student athletes in a statement Wednesday.

“From early morning practices to late-night study sessions, they push boundaries daily, driven by passion and commitment that requires steadfast support,” said Rich. 

Cal Athletics now has five endowed sports — men’s golf, women’s golf, rugby, men’s water polo and men’s swimming and diving.



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Mana Spikers deliver shock win, Bounty Spikers dominate in thrilling volleyball finals

Mana Spikers were the surprise winners in the women’s division. CB SPORTS/25070331 After eight intense weeks of non-stop volleyball action, the 2025 Indoor Volleyball Tournament wrapped up Wednesday night at the National Sports Arena with two electrifying finals that showcased resilience, teamwork and pure athletic excellence. The tournament, which drew widespread community interest and […]

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Mana Spikers deliver shock win, Bounty Spikers dominate in thrilling volleyball finals

Mana Spikers were the surprise winners in the women’s division. CB SPORTS/25070331

After eight intense weeks of non-stop volleyball action, the 2025 Indoor Volleyball Tournament wrapped up Wednesday night at the National Sports Arena with two electrifying finals that showcased resilience, teamwork and pure athletic excellence.

The tournament, which drew widespread community interest and strong fan support, concluded with a surprise win in the women’s division and a much-celebrated triumph for the men’s Bounty Spikers team.

The headline of the night — and of the entire tournament — was the improbable and inspiring victory by the Mana Spikers in the women’s division.
Playing both the semifinals and finals with just five players, the Mana Spikers demonstrated unmatched determination, stamina and cohesion.

“No competition is an easy competition, especially when it comes down to the finals. Although we were short of players at this crucial moment, our team showed up for each other and played our hearts out to the fullest,” said Mana Spikers’ Nicolea Mateariki.

“I first began my volleyball journey with Aunty Jackie Rongo and the AKTT Volleyball Team, where I gained confidence, knowledge, and skill. Each week, we make use of the Nikao Hall and TSA Sports Arena to upskill ourselves and take our development to a better level.

“For this eight-week tournament, I’m happy and humbled to take the dub with my Mana Spikers sisters and hope to continue playing this amazing sport in the future.”

Bounty Spikers capitalised on their momentum throughout the tournament to secure a well-deserved championship title. NICOLEA MATEARIKI/25070330

Their semifinal match saw them take on the reigning champions, Bounty Spikers, in what was expected to be a one-sided affair. But the Mana squad flipped the script, pulling off a stunning upset that sent shockwaves through the competition.

With one player down due to injury and no substitutes available, the Mana Spikers relied heavily on sharp communication, strategic court coverage and sheer willpower to carry them through the final stages.

The final was no less dramatic, as the short-handed squad delivered a masterclass in controlled aggression and smart play, sealing their championship win and leaving fans in awe.

Mana Spikers setter Eclipse Tutere said: “The excuse of being at a disadvantage is what losers say. Champions focus on winning no matter the odds.”

In the men’s competition, the Bounty Spikers capitalised on their momentum throughout the tournament to secure a well-deserved championship title.

The team, made up primarily of Cook Islands athletes with a strong complement of talented Fijian players, blended physical power with precision and excellent court dynamics.

Their path to the title was marked by consistently dominant performances, with standout plays at the net and excellent service games.





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Volleyball state No. 1 recruit Gentry Barker is leaving Lovejoy to transfer to Lake Travis

Volleyball phenom Gentry Barker, the No. 1 recruit in the state in the Class of 2027, said Saturday night that she is leaving 10-time state champion Lovejoy. She is moving back to Austin, where she grew up, and will be transferring to Lake Travis for her junior year. “I’ve always wanted to move back to […]

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Volleyball phenom Gentry Barker, the No. 1 recruit in the state in the Class of 2027, said Saturday night that she is leaving 10-time state champion Lovejoy.

She is moving back to Austin, where she grew up, and will be transferring to Lake Travis for her junior year.

“I’ve always wanted to move back to Austin, and my mom is finally letting me this year,” Barker said.

It’s a huge loss for a Lovejoy program that is tied for the third-most state titles in UIL history. The MaxPreps first-team All-American outside hitter had 484 kills, 483 digs and 42 aces for a 36-9 Class 5A Division II regional finalist as a sophomore, she was named the District 9-5A MVP and she is the No. 1 player in the Prep Dig state recruiting rankings for the Class of 2027.

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“I am definitely going to miss the volleyball a lot,” Barker said of leaving Lovejoy. “It has been really helpful, and I really enjoyed playing with a lot of advanced people, but I think it will be fun at LT too. I get to play with a lot of my old friends.”

Barker was The Dallas Morning News All-Area newcomer of the year as a freshman in 2023. She had a team-high 424 kills as Lovejoy won the Class 5A state title, and she was named the MVP of the state final after recording a match-high 17 kills to go with 11 digs as Lovejoy beat Liberty Hill in three sets to win its fourth state title in five years.

She will join a Lake Travis team that finished fourth in its district and lost in the first round of the 6A Division I playoffs last season. Lake Travis is a two-time state champion, winning back-to-back titles in 2010 and 2011.

Lovejoy will have a new head coach next season, as Sean McMurry was hired after leading A&M Consolidated to a 35-11 record and regional final appearance in Class 5A Division I in 2024. McMurry replaces Natalie Bates (Puckett), who announced in January that she was leaving Lovejoy and will be taking a break from coaching.

Barker has not committed to a college but said, “I’m probably going to commit sooner than later.”

Find more high school sports coverage from The Dallas Morning News here.

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Knoxville Smokies vs. Rocket City Trash Pandas at Covenant Health Park

Knoxville Smokies infielder Reivaj Garcia (22) celebrates after hitting a single during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and the Rocket City Trash Pandas at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tenn., on July 5, 2025. Angelina Alcantar/News Sentinel Knoxville Smokies infielder Jaylen Palmer (6) catches the ball during a minor league baseball […]

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Knoxville Smokies vs. Rocket City Trash Pandas at Covenant Health Park

Knoxville Smokies infielder Reivaj Garcia (22) celebrates after hitting a single during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and the Rocket City Trash Pandas at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tenn., on July 5, 2025.

Knoxville Smokies infielder Reivaj Garcia (22) celebrates after hitting a single during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and the Rocket City Trash Pandas at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tenn., on July 5, 2025.

Angelina Alcantar/News Sentinel

Knoxville Smokies infielder Jaylen Palmer (6) catches the ball during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and the Rocket City Trash Pandas at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tenn., on July 5, 2025.

Knoxville Smokies infielder Jaylen Palmer (6) catches the ball during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and the Rocket City Trash Pandas at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tenn., on July 5, 2025.

Angelina Alcantar/News Sentinel

Fireworks go off during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and the Rocket City Trash Pandas at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tenn., on July 5, 2025.

Fireworks go off during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and the Rocket City Trash Pandas at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tenn., on July 5, 2025.

Angelina Alcantar/News Sentinel

Knoxville Smokies outfielders Parker Chavers (3) misses the home run ball during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and the Rocket City Trash Pandas at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tenn., on July 5, 2025.

Knoxville Smokies outfielders Parker Chavers (3) misses the home run ball during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and the Rocket City Trash Pandas at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tenn., on July 5, 2025.

Angelina Alcantar/News Sentinel

A Smokies fan plays high or low in-between innings during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and the Rocket City Trash Pandas at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tenn., on July 5, 2025.

A Smokies fan plays high or low in-between innings during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and the Rocket City Trash Pandas at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tenn., on July 5, 2025.

Angelina Alcantar/News Sentinel

Knoxville Smokies outfielders Jordan Nwogu (8) runs to third base during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and the Rocket City Trash Pandas at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tenn., on July 5, 2025.

Knoxville Smokies outfielders Jordan Nwogu (8) runs to third base during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and the Rocket City Trash Pandas at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tenn., on July 5, 2025.

Angelina Alcantar/News Sentinel

Knoxville Smokies pitcher Chris Clarke (40) pitches during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and the Rocket City Trash Pandas at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tenn., on July 5, 2025.

Knoxville Smokies pitcher Chris Clarke (40) pitches during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and the Rocket City Trash Pandas at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tenn., on July 5, 2025.

Angelina Alcantar/News Sentinel

The Wyatt Ellis band performs the National Anthem during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and the Rocket City Trash Pandas at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tenn., on July 5, 2025.

The Wyatt Ellis band performs the National Anthem during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and the Rocket City Trash Pandas at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tenn., on July 5, 2025.

Angelina Alcantar/News Sentinel

Knoxville Smokies infielder Ed Howard (11) pitches during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and the Rocket City Trash Pandas at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tenn., on July 5, 2025.

Knoxville Smokies infielder Ed Howard (11) pitches during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and the Rocket City Trash Pandas at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tenn., on July 5, 2025.

Angelina Alcantar/News Sentinel

Knoxville Smokies infielder Reivaj Garcia (22) hits the ball during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and the Rocket City Trash Pandas at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tenn., on July 5, 2025.

Knoxville Smokies infielder Reivaj Garcia (22) hits the ball during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and the Rocket City Trash Pandas at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tenn., on July 5, 2025.

Angelina Alcantar/News Sentinel

Knoxville Smokies' fans wave their arms to try and get a free shirt during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and the Rocket City Trash Pandas at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tenn., on July 5, 2025.

Knoxville Smokies’ fans wave their arms to try and get a free shirt during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and the Rocket City Trash Pandas at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tenn., on July 5, 2025.

Angelina Alcantar/News Sentinel

Knoxville Smokies catcher Pablo Aliendo (1) runs to third base during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and the Rocket City Trash Pandas at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tenn., on July 5, 2025.

Knoxville Smokies catcher Pablo Aliendo (1) runs to third base during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and the Rocket City Trash Pandas at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tenn., on July 5, 2025.

Angelina Alcantar/News Sentinel

A Smokies fan catches a free shirt during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and the Rocket City Trash Pandas at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tenn., on July 5, 2025.

A Smokies fan catches a free shirt during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and the Rocket City Trash Pandas at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tenn., on July 5, 2025.

Angelina Alcantar/News Sentinel

Knoxville Smokies infielder Corey Joyce (39) hits the ball during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and the Rocket City Trash Pandas at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tenn., on July 5, 2025.

Knoxville Smokies infielder Corey Joyce (39) hits the ball during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and the Rocket City Trash Pandas at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tenn., on July 5, 2025.

Angelina Alcantar/News Sentinel

Andrew Schneider catches a ball thrown by Knoxville Smokies infielder Pablo Aliendo (1) during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and the Rocket City Trash Pandas at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tenn., on July 5, 2025.

Andrew Schneider catches a ball thrown by Knoxville Smokies infielder Pablo Aliendo (1) during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and the Rocket City Trash Pandas at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tenn., on July 5, 2025.

Angelina Alcantar/News Sentinel

Rocket City infielder David Mershon (10) is disappointed after being called out at second base during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and the Rocket City Trash Pandas at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tenn., on July 5, 2025.

Rocket City infielder David Mershon (10) is disappointed after being called out at second base during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and the Rocket City Trash Pandas at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tenn., on July 5, 2025.

Angelina Alcantar/News Sentinel

Fireworks go off during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and the Rocket City Trash Pandas at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tenn., on July 5, 2025.

Fireworks go off during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and the Rocket City Trash Pandas at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tenn., on July 5, 2025.

Angelina Alcantar/News Sentinel

Knoxville Smokies pitcher Mitchell Tyranksi (29) pitches during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and the Rocket City Trash Pandas at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tenn., on July 5, 2025.

Knoxville Smokies pitcher Mitchell Tyranksi (29) pitches during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and the Rocket City Trash Pandas at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tenn., on July 5, 2025.

Angelina Alcantar/News Sentinel

Knoxville Smokies outfielders Andy Garriola (25) catches the ball during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and the Rocket City Trash Pandas at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tenn., on July 5, 2025.

Knoxville Smokies outfielders Andy Garriola (25) catches the ball during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and the Rocket City Trash Pandas at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tenn., on July 5, 2025.

Angelina Alcantar/News Sentinel

A young Smokies fan is raised during the Simba Cam during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and the Rocket City Trash Pandas at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tenn., on July 5, 2025.

A young Smokies fan is raised during the Simba Cam during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and the Rocket City Trash Pandas at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tenn., on July 5, 2025.

Angelina Alcantar/News Sentinel

Knoxville Smokies outfielders Andy Garriola (25) hits the ball during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and the Rocket City Trash Pandas at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tenn., on July 5, 2025.

Knoxville Smokies outfielders Andy Garriola (25) hits the ball during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and the Rocket City Trash Pandas at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tenn., on July 5, 2025.

Angelina Alcantar/News Sentinel

Knoxville Smokies infielder Reivaj Garcia (22) runs through the hype tunnel during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and the Rocket City Trash Pandas at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tenn., on July 5, 2025.

Knoxville Smokies infielder Reivaj Garcia (22) runs through the hype tunnel during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and the Rocket City Trash Pandas at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tenn., on July 5, 2025.

Angelina Alcantar/News Sentinel

A Smokies fan sings 'Take Me Out to the Ball Game' during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and the Rocket City Trash Pandas at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tenn., on July 5, 2025.

A Smokies fan sings ‘Take Me Out to the Ball Game’ during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and the Rocket City Trash Pandas at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tenn., on July 5, 2025.

Angelina Alcantar/News Sentinel

Rocket City infielder Denzer Guzman (11) tags Knoxville Smokies catcher Pablo Aliendo (1) out at third base during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and the Rocket City Trash Pandas at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tenn., on July 5, 2025.

Rocket City infielder Denzer Guzman (11) tags Knoxville Smokies catcher Pablo Aliendo (1) out at third base during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and the Rocket City Trash Pandas at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tenn., on July 5, 2025.

Angelina Alcantar/News Sentinel

Knoxville Smokies infielder Pedro Ramirez (2) throws the ball during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and the Rocket City Trash Pandas at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tenn., on July 5, 2025.

Knoxville Smokies infielder Pedro Ramirez (2) throws the ball during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and the Rocket City Trash Pandas at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tenn., on July 5, 2025.

Angelina Alcantar/News Sentinel

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Elon University athlete returns to his love of football

It was 6 a.m. in a windowless basement gym tucked beneath a London student residence. While classmates slept upstairs, Tkai Wade lifted, ran and sweated in solitude. A week earlier, he’d made the Elon University football team. Now, across the Atlantic Ocean in the dead of winter, he refused to let the momentum slip. As […]

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It was 6 a.m. in a windowless basement gym tucked beneath a London student residence. While classmates slept upstairs, Tkai Wade lifted, ran and sweated in solitude. A week earlier, he’d made the Elon University football team. Now, across the Atlantic Ocean in the dead of winter, he refused to let the momentum slip.

As a multi-sport athlete in high school, Wade eventually had to choose which path to follow at the next level. On the track, he thrived, lettering all four years and even becoming a Junior Olympic champion. While both football and track opened doors, the academic and athletic balance University of Louisville offered through track ultimately outweighed his football options at the time.

Wade runs in the men’s 4×100 meter relay in May 2021 during the ACC Outdoor Track and Field Championships at Paul Derr Track at North Carolina State University. Photo courtesy of Tkai Wade.

“My favorite sport to play is football,” Wade said. “But with my stature, my size, and overall exposure, I didn’t have as many opportunities in football as in track.” 

After spending two years studying engineering and running track at Louisville, Wade found the experience falling short of what he’d hoped for. His first year in 2021 was defined by the isolation of the pandemic and online classes and he knew he needed a change of scenery by the end of his sophomore year.

Wade found that change of scenery at Elon in 2023 which according to him had everything he valued like smaller class sizes, walkable layout and a more personal academic experience. With no men’s track team, the door also quietly opened for something else. An opportunity to return to the sport he loved most, football.

He arrived on campus with a goal of earning a spot on the football team and was willing to do whatever it took. Wade immediately went to the football offices to introduce himself to the coaching staff and express his interest. That initiative paid off, opening a door to an opportunity sooner than he expected. 

While Wade was speaking with the coaches, a member of the team’s video staff overheard the conversation and mentioned the team was looking for help filming practices and games. He asked Wade if he might be interested, a chance that turned out to be the perfect way to stay close to the team and learn its system from the inside.

To start his next year at Elon, Wade arrived on campus early, meeting players before the season began and building connections. Once the season kicked off, he traveled with the team, getting his first real taste of life as a college football player.

Wade said seeing the game from the other side gave him a deeper appreciation for football and only fueled his desire to earn a spot on the team. 

“It just made me want to play the game even more,” Wade said.

Wade’s mother, Connie, said Wade’s knowledge of football grew while being in the role.

“He has a very detailed knowledge of the game,” Connie said. “He usually can tell the play before it’s happening.”

After the 2024 season ended, Wade finally got his shot to try out for the team. Wade said he was nervous because he hadn’t played organized football in years but determined to prove he still had it. He returned home to Texas to train, sharpen his speed and reconnect with the game he loved.

Tryout day didn’t come without its setbacks. During the 5-10-5 drill, an agility test used to assess an athlete’s ability to change direction quickly, Wade slipped on the grass, a surface he wasn’t accustomed to after years of playing on turf in Texas. But he bounced back, nailed his second attempt, and showed the coaches exactly what they needed to see.

Wade was granted a spot on the team after a successful tryout and made sure his mother was the first person to know.

Just after earning his spot in the fall, Wade left for a monthlong study abroad class in London, an opportunity he couldn’t pass up, but one that set him slightly behind as teammates began picking jersey numbers and starting offseason workouts.

Diving into practice just three days after returning from London was no easy task.

“It was definitely tiring the first few practices, confusing because I didn’t know the protocol,” Wade said. “But everybody was welcoming and they were genuine and they kind of gave me some time to acclimate.”

During the spring Wade was also pledging Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., a demanding process on its own adding to his already stretched out schedule. Now with spring ball behind him and his fraternity membership official, he turns his focus to his final year at Elon.

Wade is listed as a cornerback on the roster, a position he’s still learning after playing mostly wide receiver in high school. It’s yet another challenge, but one he’s eager to tackle. He knows what it takes to succeed and is determined to make an impact this coming season.

“Dedication and intensity have always been there,” Connie said.

While Wade is committed to getting the most out of his football journey, he doesn’t let the sport define who he is.

“I want to be remembered as a person, student and then athlete,” Wade said.

For Wade, football is just one part of the story, a way to grow, compete, and connect, but it’s not the whole picture.






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