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Coach Mirarchi shaping Italy’s next water polo stars at the FISU Games
Written by Valentina Rasini, EU U-Media Ambassador, Italy Water polo is a demanding sport that requires lots of sacrifice and dedication. For student-athletes, balancing academics and intense training makes it even more challenging. Maurizio Mirarchi, coach of the Italian women’s team at the Rhine Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games, understands this well. He puts his […]

Written by Valentina Rasini, EU U-Media Ambassador, Italy
Water polo is a demanding sport that requires lots of sacrifice and dedication. For student-athletes, balancing academics and intense training makes it even more challenging.
Maurizio Mirarchi, coach of the Italian women’s team at the Rhine Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games, understands this well. He puts his heart into mentoring his young players, helping them grow not only as competitors but as the champions of tomorrow.
Coach Mirarchi made a clear decision: to train student-athletes, both at the international level and in the Italian championship, and he stands firmly by his choice.
“There’s no trick, you just have to make sacrifices, train and try to give your best in every session. If you train well, matches are a consequence of training. The trick is simply to do your best during the week,” he said, speaking about the challenges of coaching such a young group.
One of the most important aspects for Mirarchi is keeping his pupils fully focused, especially in the most difficult moments, when emotions and tension can weigh heavily on young minds.
“I always ask for their maximum attention. I try to explain the various situations that arise in the match to make sure they have it. It’s not easy, because there are emotions, there is the moment, there is the match. We try to make sure that things are explained well in some moments of the match.”
The hardest part of being a student-athlete in Mirarchi’s opinion? “They have to balance their work and their student activities. It’s a big commitment for them. This is a sport that requires a lot of sacrifice, so they are really good at managing both things in the best way possible.”
A stepping stone to the future
Rhine-Ruhr 2025 represents an enriching and valuable experience for the Italian coach.
“It’s a good level, a good high level. There are good teams, from Australia, Germany, Japan, us, Hungary, the United States,” he said, about the calibre of different delegations competing in the tournament.
Looking ahead to the future of his young protégés, Mirarchi sees the FISU Games as a key benchmark for preparing them for the next level of competition, such as the Olympics or the World Championships.
“The university team is always a tank, where the national team can take on the athletes. So, it’s very important to do it well, to do the competition seriously, because then it can be a showcase to continue later,” he affirmed.
His vision is long-term and clear: these kinds of tournaments are not an end, but a means to grow.
“I took this job because we work in perspective. So, we try to make these girls grow, making them do as many experiences as possible. And this is a good experience for them, because they are all young girls. So, I hope that over the years they can play even more important competitions.”
Looking to match their silver-medal finish from Chengdu 2023, the Italian women reached the semifinals on Tuesday, 22 July with a dominant 20-5 win against Türkiye. Mirarchi’s side will face the United States on Thursday for a spot in Saturday’s gold-medal match.
Sports
Cameron Brink Reacts to Post Roasting Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers’s Viral Outfits
One needs to look no further than the WNBA to witness some of the most fashionable dressers in the sports world, as the league’s stars strut through tunnels day after day showing off jaw-dropping looks and oozing effortless style. Most players—to use the popular Gen Z term—slay with their pregame outfits. But on the few […]

One needs to look no further than the WNBA to witness some of the most fashionable dressers in the sports world, as the league’s stars strut through tunnels day after day showing off jaw-dropping looks and oozing effortless style.
Most players—to use the popular Gen Z term—slay with their pregame outfits. But on the few occasions they don’t, fans will be ready to roast any given player at a moment’s notice—even if that player is one of the rising faces of the W.
Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers, the No. 1 picks of the WNBA Draft in the last two years, were recently grouped together in a funny social media post concerning their fits ahead of the Indiana Fever-Dallas Wings game on July 13.
Clark donned a baggy gray power suit, while Bueckers wore a green and yellow striped sweater with jeans. One fan on X (formerly known as Twitter) posted a hilarious comment on the stars’ contrasting looks: “Someone said the mom headed to the superintendent’s office, and her 13-year-old kid who got in trouble.”
Los Angeles Sparks’ Cameron Brink later got in on the fun and dished on her peers’ fashion tastes on the Straight to Cam podcast this week.
“I mean… it’s pretty accurate,” Brink said. “Does [Caitlin] look very boss woman chic clean? Yes. Does Paige look very streetwear cool girl? Yes. But seeing those side by side, it’s pretty funny.
“I think they both stay very true to those aesthetics, like Caitlin’s usually in her Prada, she’s a little more buttoned up. I guess Paige, she’ll wear suits [too].”
.@paigebueckers1 & @CaitlinClark22 are our girls, but @cameronbrink22 & Sasha Colby have thoughts on their latest viral fits 🤣 pic.twitter.com/KHFqyoIdQJ
— Straight to Cam (@straight2cam) July 22, 2025
While Clark and Bueckers usually let their on-court play do the talking, their comically different fits clearly served as a conversation starter among the WNBA community. The two franchise stars will meet again on Aug. 1 and 12, after Clark’s Fever defeated Bueckers’s Wings in the pair’s first professional matchup against each other on July 13.
More WNBA on Sports Illustrated
Sports
AD Newsletter – July 22, 2025
Dear Wildcats: What we’ve accomplished together over the past year has laid the groundwork for a bold new era at Arizona Athletics. In our inaugural year in the Big 12 Conference, we didn’t just compete, we built momentum. Fueled by your support, we embraced transformational change, tackled financial challenges head-on, and launched a strategic […]

Dear Wildcats:
What we’ve accomplished together over the past year has laid the groundwork for a bold new era at Arizona Athletics. In our inaugural year in the Big 12 Conference, we didn’t just compete, we built momentum. Fueled by your support, we embraced transformational change, tackled financial challenges head-on, and launched a strategic vision to guide our future.
With a focus on integrity, innovation, and urgency, we’ve worked to restore financial discipline, elevate the student-athlete experience, and assemble a leadership team prepared to meet the demands of a rapidly changing landscape. Thank you for standing with us, believing in our vision, and helping us build something that will last far beyond the scoreboard. We’re stronger because of YOU.
I’m proud to share just a few highlights:
- We closed a $39M deficit to just $5M, with a goal to balance the budget by FY26 through strategic oversight, streamlined operations, and accountability.
- We raised $5.9M more than last year thanks to your generosity and a restructured Development Office that better aligns philanthropic goals with strategic priorities.
- We rose in the Learfield Directors’ Cup standings (from No. 48 to No. 43), powered by a national championship in Women’s Triathlon, Big 12 titles in Baseball, Women’s Golf, and Men’s Tennis, and Top 25 finishes in Gymnastics, Softball, Men’s Basketball, and Men’s Swim and Dive.
- We launched the Bear Down Blueprint, a five-year strategic plan built on four pillars: Graduating Leaders, Winning Championships, Galvanizing Community, and Organizational Strength. Read the full plan here.
We’ve also continued building a team that can meet the challenges of this moment. This year, we welcomed four new head coaches, each chosen not just for their competitive credentials, but for their values, vision, and ability to mentor student-athletes:
Ben Loorz, Head Coach, Men’s and Women’s Swim & Dive
Giovana Maymon, Head Coach, Women’s Golf
Becky Burke, Head Coach, Women’s Basketball
Andrew Dubs, Head Coach, Track & Field / Cross Country
These new leaders join a department-wide effort to elevate every aspect of the Wildcat experience—from competitive performance to academic achievement and holistic support.
We also welcomed a dynamic group of new administrative leaders, all bringing high-level experience from the Power Four conferences or professional sports. Each of these leaders was carefully selected to help drive innovation, accountability, and sustained excellence across our department:
Tony Daniel, Chief Revenue Officer
Rachel Blunt, Chief Operating Officer/SWA
Will Wheeler, Chief Financial Officer
Mike Smith, Chief Development Officer
Morgan Domenick, Chief of Staff
Brian Rooney, General Manager, Arizona Sports Enterprises
Bud Sasser, Associate Athletics Director for Contracts
This year also marked the official launch of Arizona Sports Enterprises (ASE)—our innovative new division focused on maximizing commercial revenue through multimedia rights, partnerships, and premium experiences. Under the leadership of Tony Daniel, ASE exceeded its first-year revenue goal by 14% and welcomed its first General Manager, Brian Rooney, a proven leader in sports business. With ASE now fully operational, we’ve created a modern, agile platform that positions Arizona Athletics for long-term financial growth and greater brand impact.
A New Era: Revenue Sharing + NIL Support
As of July 1, Arizona Athletics entered a new era with the formal launch of revenue sharing as provided by the terms of the House v. NCAA settlement. Our student-athletes deserve to be supported and empowered, and Arizona is leading the way.
We’ve implemented a comprehensive financial literacy course in collaboration with the College of Agriculture, Life & Environmental Sciences, expanded Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) education, and built internal systems to meet compliance standards—all while preserving the essence of college athletics.
As revenue-sharing reshapes college athletics, Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) remains essential to providing our student-athletes with the resources and opportunities they deserve. Your continued support helps Arizona remain competitive in recruiting and retaining top talent—while also preparing our Wildcats for success beyond the playing field.
We’re calling on members of the Arizona community—especially those who own or influence businesses—to play an active role in shaping the future of Wildcat Athletics. By creating or supporting legitimate NIL opportunities, you’re helping student-athletes grow their personal brands and ensuring Arizona thrives in this new era of college sports.
If you’re interested in exploring NIL partnership opportunities, or contributing directly to NIL efforts, please visit www.ArizonaWildcats.com/sponsorship.
Your continued philanthropic support is more critical than ever, so thank you for all that you do.
Looking Ahead: Football & Fan Experience
Arizona enters Year Two in the Big 12 with momentum, and we’re making Saturdays in Tucson more exciting than ever. This fall, fans will enjoy:
- A reimagined team entrance featuring cryogenics, pyrotechnics, and military flyovers
- A new live music partnership with the DUSK Music Festival
- Expanded tailgating zones and on-field hospitality
- Fan-friendly concession pricing
These enhancements reflect our commitment to building a world-class gameday environment for our student-athletes and fans alike. We can’t wait to welcome you back to Arizona Stadium this fall.
Sports
Griz volleyball wins fifth straight AVCA Team Academic Award
Montana volleyball has received the AVCA Team Academic Award sponsored by INTENT for the fifth consecutive season after another successful year in the classroom. In order to qualify for the honor, teams needed to maintain a year-long grade-point average of at least 3.3 on a 4.0 scale. Montana had a cumulative GPA of 3.66 […]

In order to qualify for the honor, teams needed to maintain a year-long grade-point average of at least 3.3 on a 4.0 scale. Montana had a cumulative GPA of 3.66 as a team throughout the 2024-25 academic year.
“We are a player-led program built on the belief that passion for learning and love for the game go hand in hand. Our athletes don’t just compete—they lead, question, explore, and grow,” head coach Allison Lawrence said. “They fuel a culture of curiosity that stretches from the court to the classroom and into every aspect of life. Year after year, our student-athletes redefine what success means on the court and in the classroom. They push limits, raise standards, and lift each other up.”
Casi Newman earned a perfect 4.0 for Montana in her only season in Missoula as a graduate transfer. The Grizzlies also had 11 players record a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or better for the 2024-25 school year.
Gracie Cagle just missed out on a perfect GPA with a 3.96 while Emma Williams had the third-best mark on the team with a 3.87 GPA.
The Grizzlies had four individuals record 4.0 GPAs in the spring 2025 semester. Cagle and Newman both had perfect marks and they were joined by Paige Clark and Maddie Kremer in the 4.0 club.
It’s the fifth straight time that Montana has earned the AVCA award. This is the best GPA that the program has recorded under Lawrence at 3.66 for the academic year, and they also recorded an impressive 3.68 GPA in the spring term. Last year, Montana had a 3.60 GPA.
Academics have been a priority for Lawrence since taking over in 2017. They have claimed the award five times under Lawrence. Prior to Lawrence, Montana had won the award five times since 1992.
Sports
Michael Sporton Tabbed As John Jay Associate Athletic Director for Facilities and Operations
Story Links Release Courtesy John Jay Athletic Communications NEW YORK – John Jay College Interim Director of Athletics Brandon Fieland has named Michael Sporton as its new Associate Athletic Director for Facilities and Operations. Sporton comes to John Jay College after serving 11 years as the Assistant Director for Championships and Special Events at the City […]

Release Courtesy John Jay Athletic Communications
NEW YORK – John Jay College Interim Director of Athletics Brandon Fieland has named Michael Sporton as its new Associate Athletic Director for Facilities and Operations. Sporton comes to John Jay College after serving 11 years as the Assistant Director for Championships and Special Events at the City University of New York Athletic Conference (CUNYAC).
“I am thrilled to welcome Mike to John Jay College as our new Associate AD for Facilities and Operations,” commented Fieland. “I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Mike for over a decade, and I’m excited to collaborate and learn from him in this new capacity. This is a pivotal leadership role within our department, and I’m confident Mike will have a lasting, positive impact on our community. His passion for enhancing the student-athlete experience and supporting their development will serve the Bloodhounds tremendously well. I look forward to working closely with him as we continue striving for excellence on and off the field.”
In his new role, Sporton will oversee client management, contracts, and scheduling of all John Jay Athletics facilities, which include the upkeep and maintenance of the Fitness Center, Main Gymnasium, Auxiliary Gymnasium, Rifle Range, Tennis Court, Pool, Locker Rooms, and Multi-Purpose Rooms.
“I am incredibly honored to join the John Jay College community as the Associate Athletic Director for Facilities and Operations,” said Sporton. “I want to extend my sincere thanks to Vice President Daniel Matos and Interim Athletic Director Brandon Fieland for their support and confidence in me. It’s a privilege to help advance the mission of Bloodhound Athletics and to support our student-athletes by ensuring our facilities and operations reflect the excellence and spirit of this institution. I’m excited to get started and contribute to the continued success of John Jay Athletics.”
During his tenure with the CUNY Athletic Conference, Sporton was responsible for planning, organizing, and executing the conference’s 24 annual championships. He served as a liaison for the conference to the NCAA for all championship-related inquiries. He oversaw multiple special events for the conference, which included the SAAC Leadership & Rules Seminar, Basketball Luncheon, CUNYAC Alumni Celebration, the President’s Ceremony at the Basketball Championship, and the Michael Steuerman Scholar-Athlete Awards Ceremony. From 2014 to 2017, Sporton was involved in coordinating and planning the conference’s major fundraiser, The CUNY Golf Classic.
A Queens College alum, Sporton held multiple roles at his alma mater, starting as an Athletic Event Assistant/Fitness Center Attendant while also being a member of the Knights’ baseball program. Upon graduation, Sporton spent two years as the Assistant/Interim Sports Information Director at Queens College and also held the positions of Athletics Facilities Coordinator/Event Manager and Assistant Baseball Coach. In this capacity, Sporton conducted and assisted in the supervision of facility maintenance and improvement projects, which included the construction and installation of an indoor batting cage, a gymnasium sound system, outdoor bleachers, and dugouts. He monitored and assisted in the sales, coordination, and scheduling of all athletic facility rentals, which generated upwards of $250,000. Sporton was pivotal in the creation of the intramural program, which included flag football, basketball, softball, swimming, and dodge ball.
Sporton was promoted to Assistant Athletic Director for Fitness & Game Operations in 2011. In this capacity, he was responsible for overseeing all home game operations for Queens College’s 19 sports. He hired and trained all gameday staff and was responsible for submitting all NCAA Regional/Championship bids. Queens College hosted both the 2011 & 2013 NCAA Division II Men’s and Women’s Tennis Regionals, the 2012 ECC Men’s Basketball Conference Playoffs, and the 2013 ECC Track and Field Championships. During this time, he spearheaded projects that included resurfacing the baseball/softball infields, as well as the renovation and installation of new basketball bleachers.
He managed the Fitness Facility, which not only served Queens College Athletics but the entire campus. Sporton managed a $300,000 budget and generated revenue through the implementation of new marketing strategies to increase membership, notably with the 2012 “Commit To Get Fit” campaign. He hired, trained, and supervised a staff of over 30 workers.
Sporton was a four-year letterwinner and two-year team captain on the baseball team. He led the Knights in virtually every offensive category during his final two seasons as a senior. A product of Archbishop Molloy High School, he led the squad to three city championship finals appearances, including the CHSAA title in 2002.
Sporton holds a +2.9 USGA Handicap in the Met Section, which includes local qualifying into the MET AM, NY State Open, NY State Amateur, and first alternate for the US Amateur.
He resides in College Point, NY, with his wife, Stefanie, and their two sons, Joseph and Nicholas.
For the latest news on the CUNY Athletic Conference, log on to cunyathletics.com – the official site of the CUNY Athletic Conference. Also, become a follower of the CUNYAC on Instagram (@CUNYAC), Twitter (@CUNYAC) and YouTube (@CUNY Athletic Conference), and “LIKE” Us on Facebook (CUNY Athletic Conference).
Sports
Nanooks Volleyball Earns Seventh-Straight AVCA Team Academic Award
Story Links LEXINGTON, Ky. – The Alaska Nanooks volleyball team has once again been recognized for excellence in the classroom, earning the 2025 AVCA Team Academic Award for the 2024-25 academic year. The Nanooks are one of 1,458 teams honored by the American Volleyball Coaches Association, marking a record-breaking total of collegiate […]

LEXINGTON, Ky. – The Alaska Nanooks volleyball team has once again been recognized for excellence in the classroom, earning the 2025 AVCA Team Academic Award for the 2024-25 academic year. The Nanooks are one of 1,458 teams honored by the American Volleyball Coaches Association, marking a record-breaking total of collegiate and high school programs to receive the distinction.
The award celebrates teams that maintain a year-long GPA of 3.3 or higher on a 4.0 scale (or 4.1 on a 5.0 scale). This is the seventh consecutive year—and the 11th time in program history—that Alaska has earned the AVCA Team Academic Award. The Nanooks first received the honor in 2008.
“It is very exciting to see that the record-setting, on-court successes during the 2024–25 season have extended to the classroom,” said AVCA CEO Jaime Gordon. “The fact that more programs earned the Team Academic Award than ever before is evidence of how committed our coaches are when it comes to helping their players reach their goals as both students and athletes.”
Head coach Brian Scott echoed those sentiments, saying, “Our athletes should be very proud of all they accomplished this last year. They competed hard on the court, worked hard in practice, and more importantly, excelled in the classroom. Juggling responsibilities as a student-athlete is very difficult. For them to meet such high standards academically speaks to the high character and work ethic of this great group.”
The Nanooks posted a team GPA of 3.52 this season and had eight student-athletes named to the GNAC Volleyball Academic All-Conference Team, with an additional six named GNAC FAR Scholar-Athletes.
GNAC Volleyball Academic All-Conference
GNAC FAR Scholar-Athletes
Follow the ‘Nooks
IG – @NanooksVB
X – @NanooksVB
FB – Alaska Nanooks Volleyball
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