Sports

The W Sports Bar wants to change the game in Cleveland – The Land

The W Sports Bar will offer a safe, exciting place to watch both women’s and men’s sports. [All photos by Rachelle Miller] Last week, the Gordon Square Arts District welcomed a pioneering new addition to Cleveland’s culture and sports scene: The W Sports Bar, the city’s first establishment dedicated entirely to celebrating women’s sports. Spearheaded […]

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1 month ago

May 19, 2025

Your Sports Nation

The W Sports Bar wants to change the game in Cleveland – The Land

*The W Sports Bar will offer a safe, exciting place to watch both women’s and men’s sports.* [All photos by Rachelle Miller]

Last week, the Gordon Square Arts District welcomed a pioneering new addition to Cleveland’s culture and sports scene: The W Sports Bar, the city’s first establishment dedicated entirely to celebrating women’s sports. Spearheaded by Cassy Kopp and Ally Eclarin of Kent-based sports coffee shop State Champs, alongside Shelley Pippin, co-owner of Brewnuts.

The W founders describe the concept as “both hands,” meaning the bar champions women’s sports while recognizing that sports culture is best experienced inclusively. WNBA games, NWSL matches, NCAA softball, and women’s soccer will be proudly featured on screens throughout the venue. Fans will also find Guardians games, NBA playoffs and other major sports events.

Eclarin elaborated on the inclusivity of the W, saying, “A huge portion of the women’s sports fanbase is male. This space is for everyone. There are women’s sports bars across the country that play 100% women’s sports only. We are the first that are going to be doing both, but our TVs will be primarily women’s sports and men’s sports.”

Eclarin continues, “So the cool thing is that equity and parity are very much a thing that we believe in, and that these women athletes and these male athletes shouldn’t be othered. It should be the same, the same sentence.”

The idea for The W took shape during last year’s NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament in Cleveland. A national watch party guide brought the founders’ respective businesses into the same conversation. After some social media communications and coffee meetups, the idea for the W started to form. In September 2024 serious planning was underway and in November the project went public. In February 2025, the founders secured a location: the former Banter space on Detroit Avenue. “There’s something special about this building,” Pippin said, “It’s already familiar to people. There’s history here and we are building on that.”

Designing the Ultimate Community Hub

The venue features both a bar area designed for high-energy spectating on game nights and a secondary dining space which will serve as a flexible community room for events, networking and meetups.

Central to their vision was creating an inclusive, welcoming and safe space. The team chose their location carefully: close to downtown, but not defined by it. Pippin said, “We so much want to be a community space, but we wanted to be close enough to downtown that when we get a WNBA team, when the women’s pro soccer team starts playing, we would be a natural extension of that, like somewhere that you could easily go to before or after. So location was really important. Obviously, visibility was really important. This checks both of those things.”

The W also has a patio which Pippin hopes will be a cozy space for patrons. However, transforming the outdoor space has not been without its challenges. It’s basically a wind tunnel. “But we’ve got a plan,” Pippin says.

That plan includes adding large evergreen-filled planter boxes, arborvitae, specifically to break the wind and create a cozy perimeter. They repainted old planter boxes in the bar’s signature blue and orange, added colorful flowers, and upgraded lighting to create a warm, inviting environment. Pippin’s notes, “When the sun comes out, Clevelanders want to be outside. We know how much that matters here.”

Parking is often a pain point for Clevelanders as the city continues to welcome new businesses, however, the W does not see parking being a barrier. Eclarin said, “What’s really cool, though, is women’s sports fans are on a whole other level of dedication, the hoops that we have to jump through to just watch a game in the spaces that we have to travel for, like, people literally travel to go to women’s sports bars. They’ll be more dedicated than your average fan. So I think, I mean, no one has complained to us, like we’ve gotten feedback on things they like to see. No one has, like, batted an eye on the parking situation.”

Eclarin’s sentiments of women’s sports fans being built differently is echoed by Pippin. She said, “Even just the market research of the women’s sports fans in their level of … dedication and loyalty is through the roof. We spend more than men’s sports fans on merch and ticketing and like events. Also, there’s, like, at least, at minimum, 12 to 13 streaming apps you have to have just for [watching] multiple leagues. Usually, most leagues have three to four. So just juggling that is just kind of dedication. And up until very recently, most games weren’t even on TV. So people are used to jumping through hoops.”

Pippin expands further, “I mean, there’s a built-in barrier for women in just about every industry you can think of. And I think the fact that women’s sports, up until fairly recently, wasn’t getting the air time, wasn’t getting the dollars, wasn’t getting the media slots to watch it at convenient times, in convenient ways, and it’s still a challenge. Like what we’re going to have to pay for in streaming here just to be able to have our fans be able to watch sports is astronomical. So there are still barriers.”

Every detail from the aesthetic choices to the merchandise was thoughtfully curated. The existing bar installed by Banter will remain, along with key features like the shelving behind the bar and the open dining layout. Instead of undertaking major renovations, the W team chose simpler yet equally impactful design updates. The W’s logo incorporates the classic colors of the city’s former WNBA team, the Cleveland Rockers, which also echo the vintage hues of the old Cavaliers jerseys. Retro stripes painted along parts of the bar’s side walls extend into the dining area, visually linking the two spaces. Vintage lockers now serve as part of the bar’s shelving, and old, donated high school trophies are proudly displayed as decorative highlights.

A former nook that once held Banter’s wine coolers has been transformed into a cozy podcast corner, where Eclarin and a friend will be recording episodes of Soccer Moms. Pippin explains, “The hope would be that there’ll be remote broadcasts that certain podcasters want to do, like women athletes and stuff. So we’d love to be able to host people here.”

One of the standout features of the bar is its crafted cocktail menu. Beyond offering a wide selection of beer and cider on tap, the cocktail list is a tribute to iconic women in sports. Each drink is named with intention and fandom in mind. Take the cocktail “Of Course She Has a Drink”—a clever nod to WNBA star A’ja Wilson. Or “Mamacita,” named in honor of Gianna “Gigi” Bryant, with proceeds supporting the Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation. Even the zero-proof (non-alcoholic) drinks carry the same spirit of recognition and inclusion, paying homage to figures and themes rooted in women’s athletics. “We wanted the menu to be playful, fun, and something you want to engage with,” Pippin shared. “It’s more than just ordering a Cosmo — it’s about feeling connected to the stories behind the names.”

When it comes to food, the goal was clear: elevated bar bites that complement the sports-watching experience without sacrificing quality. Rather than offering full entrees that require diners to focus more on their plate than the screen, the menu was designed for easy sharing and casual enjoyment. Pippin said, “We really focused on food you can pass around the table, things that make you say, ‘I want to try that, while still being able to keep your eyes on the game.”

The menu is also inclusive. With two dedicated gluten-free fryers, the kitchen is able to safely serve guests with celiac disease and gluten sensitivities. Eclarin expanded on this, “As someone with celiac, I know how tough it is to eat out in Cleveland. A lot of places offer ‘gluten-free’ options but don’t have the protocols to avoid cross-contamination. We’ve heard directly from our community through surveys, DMs, emails asking us to please provide gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options. So we took that to heart.”

The Future of Sports Bars

As women’s sports continue to grow both in popularity and profitability, spaces like The W are becoming more essential. It is projected that by the end of September 2025 there will be 29 women’s sports-focused bars opened across the country, a fact that Eclarin shared.

Places like the W reflect a broader cultural shift toward inclusion, equity, and shared experience. This is so much more than a bar, it is a safe space for people, especially women, to celebrate without the fear that could at times be present in other establishments, the founders said.

Pippin added, “That’s such a big piece too is just the ability to have a space , and I think that’s like a secondary mission that this is fulfilling. And we’ve heard this from people from the jump, how nice it’ll be to go somewhere and be like, “Oh, I can just feel comfortable,” We will not forget that there’s women’s sports on the TV, because obviously that’s our mission. For some people[they] just want to go somewhere where I can feel comfortable and hang out with my friends and know that I’m in an environment that feels welcoming, safe, and I feel confident to just have a good time, and I don’t have to worry about variables that I have to worry about in other bars, right?”

Whether you’re a die-hard fan of women’s soccer, a loyal Guardians follower, or just looking for a safe, welcoming place to catch a game, The W is where Cleveland comes together — one screen, one cheer, and one community at a time.

Sports

St. John Fisher Lands E8-High 257 Student-Athletes On Spring President’s List

General | 7/2/2025 1:56:00 PM Story Links 2025 Empire 8 Spring Semester President’s List Report PITTSFORD, N.Y. – St. John Fisher University had an Empire 8-high 257 student-athletes named to the conference’s President’s List for the spring 2025 semester, the league office announced on […]

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20 seconds ago

July 3, 2025

Your Sports Nation

General | 7/2/2025 1:56:00 PM

PITTSFORD, N.Y. – St. John Fisher University had an Empire 8-high 257 student-athletes named to the conference’s President’s List for the spring 2025 semester, the league office announced on Wednesday. The Cardinals also had 25 teams honored as E8 All-Academic Teams, the second most in the conference behind Nazareth (26).

President’s List honorees include E8 student-athletes who achieved at least a 3.75 grade-point average during the spring semester. Teams that earned E8 All-Academic honors logged a 3.20 GPA or higher.

A total of 1,660 student-athletes and a league-record 190 teams earned recognition from the E8 for their academic excellence this past semester.

St. John Fisher All-Academic Teams (25)

Team	Grade-Point Average
Baseball	3.32
Men’s Basketball	3.47
Women’s Basketball	3.27
Cheer	3.50
Women’s Rowing	3.48
Men’s Cross Country	3.49
Women’s Cross Country	3.62
Field Hockey	3.62
Football	3.35
Men’s Golf	3.29
Women’s Golf	3.31
Men’s Lacrosse	3.45
Women’s Lacrosse	3.61
Men’s Soccer	3.55
Women’s Soccer	3.51
Softball	3.42
Men’s Tennis	3.51
Women’s Tennis	3.52
Men’s Indoor Track/Field	3.45
Women’s Indoor Track/Field	3.39
Men’s Outdoor Track/Field	3.45
Women’s Outdoor Track/Field	3.39
Men’s Volleyball	3.58
Women’s Volleyball	3.48
Wrestling	3.66

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Sports

Running with the big Dawgs in Georgia

Football 7/2/2025 2:42:00 PM Michael Abdella – Assistant AD for Strategic Communications Story Links There are many ways collegiate student-athletes can spend their summers: staying in shape, gaining first-hand experience for the future career, and learning skills that […]

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18 minutes ago

July 3, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Football
7/2/2025 2:42:00 PM

Michael Abdella – Assistant AD for Strategic Communications

There are many ways collegiate student-athletes can spend their summers: staying in shape, gaining first-hand experience for the future career, and learning skills that will set them up for post-college life, to name a few. This summer, rising junior William Howell has found a way to do both each of these through an internship with the one of the top NCAA Division I football programs in the country.

Since the end of May, Howell has been a football strength and conditioning intern with the University of Georgia football program, which won the Southeastern Conference (SEC) championship and finished the season ranked No. 2 in the College Football Playoff rankings. As a kinesiology major, this internship has allowed Howell to gain valuable hands-on experience in his field in a setting with some of the biggest names and faces in the college football world.

Howell’s path to the internship started in an Intro to Kinesiology class he took in the fall when a speaker from a private performance training facility came in one day to talk to the class and answer questions. At the end of the class, Howell introduced himself and told him he was interested in an internship, which led to an internship during St. Olaf’s January Term, a one-month period where students focus on one class or internship.

During January, Howell learned that one of the coaches he was working with had done the internship at the University of Georgia and asked for more information. After reviewing the opportunities that were available for internships, Howell decided he was most interested in the one at Georgia. Before applying, he visited the Piper Center for Vocation and Career – which helps St. Olaf students explore careers, gain experience outside of the classroom, and pursue meaningful post-graduate work – to develop a resume, cover letter, and references. Later, he received a call from the intern coordinator at Georgia and was offered the position.

Howell credits St. Olaf Assistant Athletic Director for Athletic Performance John Waters and the Kinesiology Department for helping him secure the internship.

“Coach Waters introduced me to a high standard for the operations of a collegiate strength program,” Howell said. “With his help, and advising from others in the Kinesiology Department, I feel that I was prepared to take on this internship.”

In Georgia, Howell is part of a staff that includes five full-time strength coaches and roughly 15 interns, who help run the summer strength program for the Bulldogs. Most days, Howell arrives at the facility around 6 a.m. to prepare for the workouts or runs the team will complete that day. This may mean preparing power racks for lifts, setting out cardio equipment and stations for team conditioning, or preparing hydration stations for the athletes.

Once the team arrives, Howell and the other interns direct them to their stations, ensure they have the correct weight loaded for their exercises, spot for the lifts, and help with whatever else is most urgent. When the workout is complete, they clean up and reset the room, so it is ready for the next day.

As someone who aspires to have a future career in strength and conditioning, Howell has gained significant insight into the field during his time in Georgia.

“This opportunity has shown me a lot about what it takes to be a strength coach,” he said. “You need to be passionate, punctual, and dependable. At this level of competition, there are very high expectations for everyone involved. From the head coach to the student support staff, everyone is expected to give their best every day. Additionally, my time here has enabled me to practice many skills that I can use in the future, and I have improved my communication skills and attention to detail.”

Howell’s internship runs through July 31 and has cemented his hope to one day work with athletes at high levels of competition, while helping him learn important skills that will carry over when he returns to The Hill.

“The emphasis on dependability and accountability that I am practicing this summer will surely help my down the line as a student-athlete,” he said. “Being proactive and having the ability to adapt to difficult circumstances are essential to being successful as a student and as a football player at St. Olaf.”

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Sports

Coppin State track star aims for world championships after NCAA success

BALTIMORE — Jarrett Gentles set a school record at Coppin State in the 400m hurdles before qualifying for the NCAA track and field championships in Eugene, Oregon, where he finished in 9th place. “My first time being there felt like I belonged there, stepping on the track. Definitely electrifying stadium. Everybody was loud and it […]

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37 minutes ago

July 3, 2025

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BALTIMORE — Jarrett Gentles set a school record at Coppin State in the 400m hurdles before qualifying for the NCAA track and field championships in Eugene, Oregon, where he finished in 9th place.

“My first time being there felt like I belonged there, stepping on the track. Definitely electrifying stadium. Everybody was loud and it was a great run,” Gentles said.

The senior athlete also received 2nd team All-American honors, becoming only the 3rd Coppin State Eagle in that event to achieve that distinction.

Hear from Jarrett Gentles while he prepares to reach his goals

Coppin State athlete who earned All-American nod says he is not done yet

“That accolade means everything because like as I said, like looking back in high school I was able to become an all-American my last year also in high school like senior year so like knowing that it was my last year collegiately competing,” Gentles said.

But the grind doesn’t stop for Gentles. There’s an even bigger goal he’s shooting for.

“One of my biggest goals was to try for the world championship team and stuff like that, get a chance at it. With the time I ran this season, I did qualify to go to U.S. trials, so I’m taking my chances with that. It starts, I think July 31st, August 1st, so I’m training for that right now until I get a chance to make the world team,” Gentles said.

His hard work is paying off as he pursues his dreams.

“I’ve been working so hard that now it’s finally like blossoming into something that is the deserving and I feel like I stay the same, like stay down, stay committed to the goals of like, you know, training every day max potential 100%, and I just keep grinding,” he said.

Even though he’s no longer running for Coppin State, Gentles has one more year left as a grad student. He’ll still be around aiming for a professional career.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

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Cignal, UAAP Renew Broadcast Partnership for Five More Seasons

The University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) and sports broadcaster Cignal have agreed to extend their partnership for another five years, covering UAAP Seasons 89 through 93. This renewal continues a collaboration that began in 2020, positioning Cignal as the official broadcast partner of the country’s premier collegiate sports league. Cignal has been delivering […]

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44 minutes ago

July 3, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Cignal has been delivering extensive UAAP coverage through multiple platforms, including free-to-air broadcasts on One Sports and the high-definition UAAP Varsity Channel, the nation’s only 24/7 channel dedicated to varsity sports. In 2023, the partnership expanded to over-the-top (OTT) streaming via Pilipinas Live, enabling Filipino fans worldwide to follow UAAP action.

UAAP Season 88 President Fr. Rodel S. Cansnacio highlighted the impact of Cignal’s coverage, saying it has elevated the league by offering high-quality broadcasts and telling the stories of student-athletes with passion and depth. “Our student-athletes deserve the biggest stage possible,” he said, emphasizing the shared goal of growing varsity sports.

Cignal President and CEO Jane Jimenez-Basas expressed enthusiasm for the renewed deal, noting the company’s commitment to showcasing the UAAP and enhancing the experience for sports fans everywhere. “This collaboration is all about sharing the journey of our young student-athletes,” she said.

UAAP Executive Director Atty. Rene Andrei Q. Saguisag acknowledged the challenges overcome during the initial partnership, which launched amid the pandemic, and expressed eagerness to strengthen the union further in the coming years.

The renewed agreement ensures continued focus on marquee sports such as men’s basketball, women’s volleyball, and cheerdance, while also spotlighting emerging sports including women’s basketball, men’s volleyball, football, beach volleyball, baseball, softball, streetdance, badminton, and esports.

Moving forward, Cignal plans to deepen its coverage of the UAAP calendar with more live events, original features, documentaries, and digital-first content designed to bring fans closer to the action both in the Philippines and abroad.

ALSO READ: Over 500 Players to Compete in PH National Badminton Open

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USA Water Polo Reveals Men’s Roster for World Championships

USA Water Polo Announces Men’s Roster for World Championships USA Water Polo Men’s National Team head coach Dejan Udovicic has announced the roster of 15 athletes selected for competition at the upcoming 2025 World Aquatics World Championships set for July 11-24 in Singapore. Only 14 athletes will be eligible for each match and they will be determined prior to each game […]

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49 minutes ago

July 3, 2025

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USA Water Polo Announces Men’s Roster for World Championships

USA Water Polo Men’s National Team head coach Dejan Udovicic has announced the roster of 15 athletes selected for competition at the upcoming 2025 World Aquatics World Championships set for July 11-24 in Singapore. Only 14 athletes will be eligible for each match and they will be determined prior to each game day.

Team USA has been drawn into Group C where the action begins Friday, July 11 when the United States opens play against Canada at 7:35 p.m. (pacific time). They’ll also meet Brazil and Singapore in group play. Live streaming of the World Championships will be available on Peacock (login required). It’s already been an exciting summer for the Men’s National Team program as the USA Men’s Junior National Team earned silver at the World Aquatics U20 World Championship last month in Croatia.

USA Water Polo

This event marks the Senior World Championship debut for seven athletes on Team USA including: Dominic Brown, Ryan Ohl, Connor Ohl, Jack Larsen, Ben Liechty, Bernardo Herzer and Nicolas Saveljic. Two-time Olympians Max Irving, Dylan Woodhead, Marko Vavic and Hannes Daube anchor a squad that features seven returners from the 2024 Olympic Team that won bronze last summer in Paris.

For more information on the 2025 World Aquatics World Championships, click here to visit the homepage. Be sure to follow @USAWP on social media for updates throughout the competition.

2025 World Aquatics World Championships Roster (14 athletes to be selected prior to each match)
Adrian Weinberg (Los Angeles, CA/California/Panathinaikos/Pride)
Ryan Ohl (Greenwich, CT/Stanford/Greenwich Aquatics)
Benjamin Liechty (Newport Beach, CA/UCLA/Newport Beach WPC)
Nicolas Saveljic (Kotor, Montenegro/UCLA/The Olympic Club)
Hannes Daube (Long Beach, CA/USC/Apollon Smyrnis/NYAC)
Dominic Brown (Concord, CA/California/LA Athletic Club)
Jack Larsen (Orinda, CA/UCLA/Pro Recco)
Dylan Woodhead (San Anselmo, CA/Stanford/Vouliagmeni/SHAQ)
Jake Ehrhardt (Camarillo, CA/USC/LA Athletic Club)
Chase Dodd (Long Beach, CA/UCLA/Vanguard)
Ryder Dodd (Long Beach, CA/UCLA/Mission WPC)
Max Irving (Long Beach, CA/UCLA/Pro Recco/NYAC)
Bernardo Herzer (Los Angeles, CA/USC/LA Athletic Club)
Marko Vavic (Rancho Palos Verdes, CA/USC/Savona/NYAC)
Connor Ohl (Newport Beach, CA/Newport Beach HS/Newport Beach WPC)

Head Coach – Dejan Udovicic
Assistant Coaches – Gavin Arroyo, Matt Ustaszewski, and Jack Kocur
Video Coach – John McBride
Team Manager – Paulina Bui
Sports Medicine Manager – Chris Bates

2025 World Aquatics World Championships Schedule (subject to change)
July 11 – vs Canada 7:35pm pt
July 13 – vs Brazil 6:00pm pt
July 16 – at Singapore 4:10am pt
July 18 – Crossover Round
July 20 – Quarterfinal Round
July 22 – Semifinal Round
July 24 – Final Round

The above press release was provided to Swimming World by USA Water Polo

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This Summer, Don’t Let Dehydration Ruin Your Workout

Exercising in the warmer weather is a welcome respite from winter, but summer workouts bring their challenges, including dehydration. For most people, 64 ounces of water each day is recommended for good health, but this varies with activity level, climate, and individual needs, according to sports medicine physician Hallie Zwibel, D.O. However, according to data […]

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1 hour ago

July 3, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Exercising in the warmer weather is a welcome respite from winter, but summer workouts bring their challenges, including dehydration.

For most people, 64 ounces of water each day is recommended for good health, but this varies with activity level, climate, and individual needs, according to sports medicine physician Hallie Zwibel, D.O.

However, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, American adults average a daily water consumption of just 44 ounces, while children and adolescents average only 23 ounces.

“Being dehydrated is more than just feeling thirsty—it means your body doesn’t have enough water to function properly,” says Zwibel, assistant dean of clinical operations, associate professor, and director of the Center for Sports Medicine at the College of Osteopathic Medicine. “It’s important to listen to your body’s signals and adjust your water intake based on factors like activity level and weather conditions.”

Signs of serious dehydration include extreme thirst, dark urine, dizziness, confusion, and rapid heartbeat, according to Zwibel. “If you experience these symptoms, drink water immediately and seek medical attention if symptoms persist,” he says. Chronic dehydration (when dehydration appears for longer periods) may indicate serious underlying health issues such as diabetes, kidney problems, or certain medications affecting your body’s fluid balance, he adds.

Zwibel emphasizes that while electrolyte packets can help replenish essential minerals lost through sweat, they should not replace daily water intake. Electrolyte-infused water should be consumed in addition to the daily recommended amount.

For those ages 21 and older, alcohol can contribute to dehydration as well because it strips the body of fluids, Zwibel says. “To counteract these effects, I recommend having a glass of water every 30 minutes, which will help continually replenish any fluids lost,” he advises.

“This summer, whether you’re playing an outdoor sport like pickleball or beach volleyball, or headed out for a run, it’s essential to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water before, during, and after the activity,” says Zwibel.

The physician notes that wearing sunscreen, a hat, and light-colored clothing can also protect against the sun’s rays and reduce the risk of overheating; while taking regular breaks in the shade can help you stay cool and safely maintain exercise performance. “On the hottest days, try to schedule your workout or activity for the early morning or evening when temperatures are cooler,” he adds.

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