TERRE HAUTE, Ind. – Indiana State Director of Athletics Nathan Christensen announced Monday afternoon that Ted Kopacz has been named the 11th head volleyball coach in Sycamore history.
 
“I’m thrilled to welcome Ted to the Sycamores as our head volleyball coach,” said Christensen. “From the very beginning, Ted quickly emerged as the leader we wanted to guide our program. He is one of the brightest young minds and a tireless recruiter in the sport, earning strong recommendations from across the country. Ted has won multiple championships and brings valuable experience working with high-level student-athletes. With deep roots in the Midwest, he understands the exceptional volleyball talent surrounding Indiana State University. Please join me in welcoming Ted and his family to the Wabash Valley.”
 
“I am incredibly humbled and honored to be named Head Coach of the Indiana State Volleyball Program,” Kopacz said. “I want to thank Nathan Christensen, Angie Lansing, and President Godard for their trust and support. Their thoughtfulness and vision for the University and the Athletic Department showcased their passion to work together to build something special in Terre Haute and the surrounding Vigo County Community.”
 
The Libertyville, Illinois native played club volleyball at Indiana University where he was a captain and earned All-Big Ten and All-MIVA honors. Kopacz graduated from Indiana with a degree in Informatics and Computing with a specialty in Sports Marketing and Management. He has recorded coaching stints at Colorado State, Nebraska Omaha, and Colorado, as well as with USA Volleyball.
 
“Indiana is a hotbed for volleyball and the sport is barreling towards becoming the next major sport across the country,” Kopacz said. “I’m determined to build a program rooted in work ethic, problem solving, and collaboration, one that is competitive not just in the Valley, but across the Midwest. I am fired up to get started with this talented group of student-athletes and to make the University and community proud. Go Sycamores!”
 
Kopacz spent two seasons at Colorado State as the lead defensive coach, implementing an opportunistic style of play and mindset focused on improving team defense. The Rams went from last in the conference in opponent hitting efficiency in 2023, to first in both 2024 (.190) and 2025 (.187). Among his individual work included daily practice planning focusing on blocking, team defense, middle/setter offense and overall team development, mapping individual development plans for each athlete.
 
The Rams’ defensive success propelled Colorado State to both the 2024 Mountain West Conference regular season and tournament championship, earning the program’s first NCAA Tournament Berth since 2019. He guided 2024 AVCA All-American Malaya Jones during the run, while Jones and Emery Herman both recorded AVCA All-Region honors.
 
He also served as the head coach of the 2024 Mountain West All-Star team that finished as the Silver Medalists at the Global Challenge Tournament held in Pula, Croatia.
 
Prior to the Rams, Kopacz spent the last two seasons as an Assistant Coach and Recruiting Coordinator at the University of Nebraska Omaha. At Omaha, he mentored the setter position and assisted in the development of offensive game-plans. Kopacz helped Omaha to their first D1 NCAA tournament appearance and first Summit League Championship in 2023. His work with the program included mentoring AVCA All-American McKenna Ruch, while also helping guide Ruch and Shayla McCormick to AVCA All-Region honors.

Kopacz started his college coaching career at the University of Colorado in January of 2021 as a Volunteer Assistant Coach. With the Buffaloes, he assisted with the training of first contact and floor defense and helped design scouting reports and prepare the scout team.

After graduation from Indiana in 2016, he worked in Benefits Administration, most recently as a Senior Account Manager at bswift, while consulting for several different clubs and high school teams in the Chicagoland area.

 

Follow the Sycamores

For the latest information on the Sycamore Volleyball team, make sure to check out GoSycamores.com. You can also find the team on social media including Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Fans can also receive updates on Sycamore Athletics by downloading the March On App from both the App Store and the Google Play Store.

The University of Colorado Boulder has selected Fernando Lovo to lead its premier athletic department, CU Chancellor Justin Schwartz announced today.  Lovo, who comes to Boulder from the University of New Mexico, was approved by unanimous vote of the CU Board of Regents and will succeed Rick George, who will transition to an AD Emeritus role.  Lovo will officially start on January 1, 2026. 
 
“When we began our national search for a new Director of Athletics, we sought someone of high character, committed to the student-athlete experience who has an innovative approach to revenue generation,” said Schwartz. “Fernando is a dynamic leader who is perfect for these dynamic times and embodies CU’s high standards and values. He has a proven track record of leading student-athletes to success both in competition and in the classroom, and I’m confident that he is the perfect steward to lead CU Athletics into this new era of college athletics. We are thrilled to welcome Fernando, Jordan, Liam and Layla to the Buffalo family.”
 
After joining New Mexico as Vice President/Director of Athletics in December, 2024, Lovo presided over eight Mountain West titles, tied for the fourth-most in school history and the most of any Mountain West school last year. UNM finished 2024-2025 ranked 49th in the Learfield Director’s Cup, tops among all Group of 5 schools and is off to another strong start this year, finishing the fall ranked 20th, which also leads the G5.  The Lobos also set numerous academic records, including a Mountain West record 231 Scholar-Athlete selections, which goes to student-athletes who have achieved a 3.5 GPA or higher, and 273 conference All-Academic Team members, which recognizes those student-athletes who have cumulative GPA for the academic year of 3.0 or higher. 
 
“I’m honored to join this incredible group of student-athletes, coaches and staff at a tremendous institution that strives for excellence and espouses the right values,” said Lovo. “We are in a time of extraordinary change in college athletics and Colorado should lead the way in shaping what comes next. I look forward to helping our student-athletes succeed in every aspect of their lives while bringing championships to Buff Nation. I am sincerely grateful to the CU Board of Regents, President Saliman, and Chancellor Schwartz for this incredible opportunity to lead this iconic department and its storied programs.  I am also honored to take over leadership of CU Boulder Athletics from Rick George, one of the legendary athletic directors in the country.”  
 
In just his second week on the job at New Mexico, Lovo was tasked with hiring a new football coach and brought in Jason Eck, who promptly led the Lobos to a 9-3 regular season record, their first nine-win season since 2016 and a berth in the Rate Bowl against Minnesota, while earning Mountain West Coach of the Year honors. Lovo also hired basketball coach Eric Olen from UC San Diego in what is widely considered one of the best hires of the offseason and who has UNM off to a 10-2 start this year.  
 
Lovo also led the UNM Athletic Department to a record revenue year, growing the overall operating budget of the department by 17.6% from FY25 to FY26, and achieving record marks in ticket sales, multimedia rights, parking, concessions, and trademark and licensing revenue, along with a record year in Lobo Club fundraising.
 

Prior to becoming Vice President/Director of Athletics for New Mexico, Lovo had two stints at the University of Texas at Austin, during which he served in a number of administrative roles.  Beginning in December 2021, he was Senior Associate Athletics Director for Facilities and Operations before quickly being promoted to Senior Associate Athletics Director, Facilities, Capital Projects & Game Operations. His final position with the Longhorns was as Executive Senior Associate Athletics Director- Operations, where, in addition to serving as sports coordinator for men’s basketball and men’s and women’s tennis, he oversaw nearly half a billion dollars in capital projects.  
 
Lovo first joined UT as Chief of Staff for Football from 2016 through early 2021 before taking the position of Chief of Staff with the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars.  

A native of New Orleans, Lovo grew up in Miami. He and his wife, Jordan, have two children, Liam and Layla.

Atlanta (3)

Atlanta finished first in the regular season standings with a 13-3 record before falling in the semifinals. The squad returns three AU stars to the roster, led by libero Piyanut Pannoy, who finished 14th on the AU leaderboard this fall with 1,957 points and ranked third in the league with 139 digs. Also returning are middle blocker Onye Ofoegbu and opposite hitter Tessa Grubbs.

AU Players: Piyanut Pannoy, Onye Ofoegbu, Tessa Grubbs

Houston (4)

Houston finished second in the regular season standings with a 10-6 record before falling in the semifinals. The squad is loaded with AU talent, headlined by 2025 AU champion Jordan Thompson, who earned 2025 LOVB Icons Second Team honors and set league records during her dominant fall campaign. Also joining Houston are libero Justine Wong-Orantes, who moved from Omaha after playing every AU match this fall and tallying 106 digs, outside hitter Madi Kingdon Rishel, who finished fifth on the AU leaderboard, and setter Micha Hancock, who ranked third in the league with 9.80 assists per set during the AU season.

AU Players: Jordan Thompson, Justine Wong-Orantes, Madi Kingdon Rishel, Micha Hancock

 

Madison (3)

Madison finished third in the regular season standings with an 8-8 record before falling in the quarterfinals. The squad returns three AU stars, including outside hitter Temi Thomas-Ailara, who finished 20th on the AU leaderboard with 1,706 points, and outside hitter Claire Chaussee, who carved out a specialized defensive role and finished 28th overall. They’re joined by LOVB first-timer, middle blocker Annayka Legros, who brings nearly a decade of international experience and made her AU debut this fall.

AU Players: Claire Chaussee, Annayka Legros, Temi Thomas-Ailara

Salt Lake (11)

Salt Lake boasts the largest group of AU stars with 11 athletes on the roster. The squad features outside hitter Dani Drews, who earned her second career AU podium finish with a fourth-place showing and 2,493 points, and middle blocker Sophie Fischer, who took the league by storm in her first full pro season and recorded the highest block total of any AU rookie with 24. Also joining Salt Lake are setter Madi Bugg, who moved from Atlanta after ranking fifth in both assists and setting efficiency across LOVB last season; libero Manami Kojima, the 2025 LOVB Libero of the Year, who ranked second in the AU with 140 digs; outside hitter Claire Hoffman, who finished seventh on the AU leaderboard; and middle blocker Tori Dixon, who ranked third in AU this fall with a 0.70 blocks-per-set average. Rounding out the roster are outside hitter Alexa Gray, middle blocker Serena Gray, outside hitter Madi Haynes, opposite Heydi Casanova, and opposite Skylar Fields.

AU Players: Dani Drews, Madi Haynes, Skylar Fields, Sophie Fischer, Tori Dixon, Alexa Gray, Madi Bugg, Serena Gray, Manami Kojima, Claire Hoffman, Heydi Casanova

 

Nebraska (3)

Nebraska (formerly LOVB Omaha) finished last in the regular season standings with a 5-11 record but made an impressive run in the postseason by upsetting Madison and second-seeded Houston to reach the finals before settling for the runner-up title. The squad features three AU stars, including middle blocker Emily Thater, who broke into the top five blockers during the AU season and ranked fourth in the league with a 0.68 blocks-per-set average. Also joining the roster are outside hitter Jaali Winters and setter Gabby Blossom.

AU Players: Emily Thater, Jaali Winters, Gabby Blossom

Austin (3)

Austin finished fifth in the regular season standings with a 5-11 record but shocked the league by upsetting Salt Lake and top-seeded Atlanta to capture the LOVB Finals crown. The squad features three AU stars, including middle blocker Molly McCage, who claimed her third consecutive Blocker of the Year award after leading the 2025 Championship with a 0.94 blocks-per-set average. She’s joined by opposite Khat Bell and rookie middle blocker Bella Bergmark, who ranked fifth in the league in blocks per set during her AU debut.

AU Players: Khat Bell, Molly McCage, Bella Bergmark

 

Season 2 of League One Volleyball returns on January 7 with the first serve to take place between Nebraska and the hosting Austin team.

Siera Jones is the digital media reporter at Athletes Unlimited. You can follow her on Instagram and X @sieraajones.

EAST LANSING, Mich. – Michigan State athletics announced a one-year contract extension for head volleyball coach Kristen Kelsay Monday. With the extension, Kelsay’s contract now runs through 2031.

“In her first season guiding Michigan State volleyball, Kristen Kelsay quickly established a winning culture on and off the court,” said Michigan State Vice President and Director of Athletics J Batt. “We are excited to watch the program continue to grow and strive for new levels of success under her leadership.”

“I am incredibly grateful to President Kevin Guskiewicz and Director of Athletics J Batt for the opportunity to represent Michigan State University for years to come,” said Kelsay. “Being a Spartan is a privilege, and I am honored to lead the women of Michigan State volleyball. I am humbled by the support of our athletic department and the entire Spartan family. Year one laid the foundation for the success of this program for years to come. I am so grateful for our people – my staff, the student-athletes, and our community. I look forward to continuing to build this program every day with our values and a shared mission.” 

Kelsay, who completed her first season as head coach in 2025, led MSU to its most wins since 2017 with an 18-12 overall record. The Spartans opened the season with a 10-0 mark in non-conference play, the program’s first time going undefeated in non-conference action since 2012 and fourth time overall. MSU was one of eight Division I schools and one of two Big Ten programs to go unbeaten in non-conference play in 2025, while the 10-0 record marked the best start for a head coach in their first season at MSU.

MSU earned its first sweep against a ranked opponent since 2017 in 2025 with a 3-0 win against No. 20 Indiana and swept Michigan in East Lansing for the first time since 2015. The Spartans also posted their best team hitting efficiency (.222), kills per set (12.83), assists per set (11.99) and service aces per set (1.71) since 2017. Individually, junior Karolina Staniszewska was named Second Team All-Big Ten and was an American Volleyball Coaches Association Honorable Mention All-Region selection, while setter Malayah Long was twice named Big Ten Freshman of the Week.

Nine Spartans earned Academic All-Big Ten honors, and junior Zuzanna Kulig earned Academic All-District honors from the College Sports Communicators (CSC).

DES MOINES, Iowa – The Drake Relays has again partnered with the Iowa Sports Foundation to help support all Iowans in their commitment to their 2026 health and fitness goals. During the holiday season and into the first days of the New Year, the Drake Relays staff are encouraging everyone to make their New Year’s resolution a Relays Resolution.
 
“Each New Year provides a definitive opportunity to set goals, and we’re proud to once again partner with the Iowa Sports Foundation to help Iowans turn those goals into action,” said Franklin P. Johnson Director of the Drake Relays, Blake Boldon. “The Relays Resolution campaign and the Live Healthy Iowa 10 Week Wellness Challenge provide accessible, motivating ways for people of all fitness levels to stay active and train toward the Drake Road Races.”
 
The 58th installment of the Drake Road Races will take place on Saturday, April 18, 2026, marking the official beginning of Relays Week. With three distances available, 5k, 10k, and half marathon, there is a race available for all fitness levels and the first six 2026 Drake Relays Champions will be crowned. All finishers receive a commemorative Drake Road Races finishers medal, a premium apparel item, free admission to the Thursday night Distance Carnival at the Drake Relays plus other benefits. Become one of the first finishers of America’s Athletic Classic when you cross the finish line on the Blue Oval. Make your Relays Resolution and register on or before Monday, January 5 to take advantage of our special Relays Resolution pricing at drakeroadraces.org.
 
“The beginning of a new year is an ideal moment to get active and set personal goals,” Nicole Kennedy, Chief Operating Officer, shared, ‘The Iowa Sports Foundation is excited to partner with the Drake Relays to provide these fun and healthy opportunities for Iowans.'”
 
As a way to stay accountable in training for the Drake Road Races, the Drake Relays are encouraging registrants to participate in the Live Healthy Iowa 10 Week Wellness Challenge. For $25, participants can now register for the Challenge that will run from January 12-March 20, 2026. Over the course of 10 weeks, teams (2-10 people) track activity minutes and/or weight loss through the Live Healthy Iowa website. This simple and affordable challenge provides Iowans an opportunity to improve their health while engaging in fun, friendly competition. To register visit livehealthyiowa.org/10-challenge. 
 
About Drake Relays

The Drake Relays has served as “America’s Athletic Classic” since its first running in 1910. The annual competition, hosted by Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, is recognized internationally as a destination for the world’s premier track & field athletes across multiple professional and amateur divisions. In 2020, the Drake Relays was named a Silver Level event on the World Athletics Continental Tour, a designation that has been received annually since that time. In addition to its signature stadium competition, the Drake Relays includes two marquee road running events open to the general public — the Grand Blue Mile presented by Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield and the Drake Road Races. For more information, visit drakerelays.org.
 
About Live Healthy Iowa
Live Healthy Iowa is a program of the Iowa Sports Foundation, a non-profit organization located in Ames, Iowa. Live Healthy Iowa brings together friends, families, businesses, and communities in team-based wellness challenges and active events encouraging lifelong well-being.