Three Goleta Students Killed in Multi-Vehicle Accident Near Lompoc
Sunday’s fatal crash occurred on Highway 1 near San Julian Ranch. | Credit: Santa Barbara County Fire Department By the time students started showing up for Monday morning classes at Dos Pueblos High School, rumors had already been circulating about the deaths of three teenagers in a multi-vehicle collision just 30 miles away on Highway 1 […]
Sunday’s fatal crash occurred on Highway 1 near San Julian Ranch. | Credit: Santa Barbara County Fire Department
By the time students started showing up for Monday morning classes at Dos Pueblos High School, rumors had already been circulating about the deaths of three teenagers in a multi-vehicle collision just 30 miles away on Highway 1 outside of Lompoc the previous evening. The only official information at the time, according to a 60-word statement from the Santa Barbara County Fire Department Sunday night, was that three victims were pronounced dead on scene, and two more taken to the hospital with major injuries, following an incident with at least four vehicles involved.
At 8:59 a.m., Principal Bill Woodard sent out a community-wide message via ParentSquare, confirming to the public that the three killed in the collision were in fact three students from Dos Pueblos High School: 18-year-old senior Jake Curtis, 17-year-old junior Michael Ochsner, and 15-year-old sophomore Alexander Wood. According to sources close to the Dos Pueblos community, the three teens were returning from a lifeguard training course held earlier in the day at Jalama Beach.
“We want to extend our utmost sympathy to the family and friends of these three students,” Woodard said. “The DPHS community is close-knit and supportive, and I thank you all for keeping us and the family and friends impacted in your thoughts.”
Later on Monday morning, California Highway Patrol released more details on the fatal crash, which occurred just after 6 p.m. near San Julian Ranch on Highway 1. According to CHP Officer Gabriel Rodriguez, the preliminary investigation found that all three teens were traveling southbound in a Toyota Yaris driven by Curtis, when at some point their car apparently attempted to make a pass and entered into the northbound lane, colliding head-on with a Tesla Model 3. At least two more vehicles, both driven by teens, were involved in the collision.
The driver of the Tesla, 54-year old Lompoc physician Hafez Nasr, and his passenger, 53-year-old Saghar Golpayegani, were both transported to the Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital emergency room with major injuries. The drivers of the two other vehicles, a 17-year-old swimmer from Dos Pueblos and a 16-year-old water polo player from Santa Barbara High School, were both released with minor injuries.
“This was a tragedy, and local families have lost loved ones,” said CHP Buellton Area Commander Lieutenant Jason Bronson. “We grieve with the families and work every day to prevent this loss of life in our communities.”
The incident is still under investigation. Dos Pueblos High School set up a compassion center for students and staff with grief counselors from the Santa Barbara Response Network.
“Any student or staff member can come to the Wellness Center at any time throughout today if they are needing support or just want to be with others during this difficult time,” Principal Woodard said. “In my message to the DP students, I asked them to honor our students’ memory by striving to be extra-kind and compassionate — especially to those who are struggling with the loss of their friend and student.”
Eight Golden Grizzlies Named to CSC Track and Field/Cross Country Academic All-District Team
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GREENWOOD, Ind. – The Golden Grizzlies showed their ability not only on the track, but also in the classroom this past season as the College Sports Communicators unveiled their 2025 Track and Cross Country Academic All-District Teams. The 2024 Academic All-District® teams, selected by College Sports Communicators, recognize the […]
GREENWOOD, Ind. – The Golden Grizzlies showed their ability not only on the track, but also in the classroom this past season as the College Sports Communicators unveiled their 2025 Track and Cross Country Academic All-District Teams.
The 2024 Academic All-District® teams, selected by College Sports Communicators, recognize the nation’s top student-athletes for their combined performances on the track and in the classroom. The CSC Academic All-America® program separately recognizes soccer honorees in four divisions — NCAA Division I, NCAA Division II, NCAA Division III and NAIA.
Eight Golden Grizzlies were named as honorees this past season. For the men, Michael Hancock, Anthony Hancock, and Simon Griemert were all honored. For the women, Grace Nolan, Ashley Quinn, Erin Hegarty, Jamie Giese, and Ke’Vina Finch were all selected.
Shawano Alum Deb Sazama Returns to Lead Volleyball Camp at Her Alma Mater
SHAWANO, WI – Shawano volleyball players had a chance to learn from one of the school’s best this week as Deb Sazama, a Shawano Community High School graduate and former Division I athlete, returned home to host a summer volleyball camp. “Coming back to Shawano is really special,” Sazama said. “This is where I […]
SHAWANO, WI – Shawano volleyball players had a chance to learn from one of the school’s best this week as Deb Sazama, a Shawano Community High School graduate and former Division I athlete, returned home to host a summer volleyball camp.
“Coming back to Shawano is really special,” Sazama said. “This is where I grew up, this is where I played, and it’s really cool to give back to a program that helped shape who I am today.”
Players and coaches alike were excited to learn from someone who had reached the next level in the sport. For many in attendance, Sazama was not only a skilled coach, but also a role model who proved what’s possible for local athletes.
Campers included 4th graders up to seniors on this year’s Shawano Volleyball team.
Hibbett Sports launches new ecommerce site, app for kids products
Less than a decade after Hibbett Sports launched its first ecommerce website and successfully used that site to drive in-store traffic and loyalty program sign-ups, the retail chain is launching a new website and mobile app to boost sales of products for kids. The new Hibbett Kids site at KidsHibbett.com spotlights new releases from major […]
Less than a decade after Hibbett Sports launched its first ecommerce website and successfully used that site to drive in-store traffic and loyalty program sign-ups, the retail chain is launching a new website and mobile app to boost sales of products for kids.
The new Hibbett Kids site at KidsHibbett.com spotlights new releases from major brands. Those include Nike, Crocs and Adidas, featuring apparel, footwear and sports gear for children. The site, which includes Hibbett Rewards integration, customer service chat and buy now, pay later options with Klarna, marks a major digital launch for Hibbett after it was acquired by JD Sports in 2024.
JD Sports is No. 22 in the Europe Database, Digital Commerce 360’s ranking of the largest online retailers in the region. Hibbett is No. 294 in the Top 2000. The database is Digital Commerce 360’s ranking of the largest North American online retailers. There, it falls under the Sporting Goods category. Digital Commerce 360 projects Hibbett’s total online sales in 2025 will reach $314.04 million
Hibbett Sports web sales by year
Why Hibbett Sports is launching a website for kids’ products
“We’re expanding our digital footprint to better serve today’s busy families and offering a more convenient, seamless, curated shopping experience from the nursery years through the teen stage,” said Bill Quinn, chief information officer at Hibbett. “We’ve built a thriving and successful kids business and in our next phase with Hibbett Kids, we will continue to engage with parents and caregivers in a more personalized way.”
The site features footwear and apparel for ages 13 and under, according to Hibbett. The company framed its approach to the site as prioritizing families. In addition, it noted the retailer focused on efficiency and search options that would be quick and easy. Its search results can be filtered by numerous options. Among those are new arrivals, gender, size, color, brand, price, clothing or shoe type and trend.
Its mobile app is available on both Android and iOS devices.
Hibbett’s role at JD Sports
“The Hibbett acquisition enhances our presence within North America and aligns with our objective of strengthening our existing community businesses — Shoe Palace on the West Coast and DTLR on the East Coast — with a highly complementary footprint, giving the Group access to hundreds of underserved communities across the U.S.,” wrote Andrew Higginson, chair at JD Sports, in a June 2025 letter to investors.
Meanwhile, in a review of the company’s fiscal year that ended on Feb. 1, 2025, Régis Schultz, the CEO at JD Sports, wrote that its North America revenue increased 27% year over year to $5.8 billion (£4,2 million). That period included six months of Hibbett ownership.
“While our roots are in the U.K., and our head office remains in Bury [England] where the company was founded, this acquisition makes the U.S. our largest market by revenue,” Higginson stated.
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Twenty-One Empire 8 Student-Athletes Named to 2024-25 CSC Women’s Track & Field Academic All-District® Team
Women’s Indoor Track and Field | 6/25/2025 1:00:00 PM
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2024-25 College Sports Communicators Academic All-District® Women’s Track & Field Teams
Twenty-one Empire 8 Student-Athletes from five different institutions were selected to the 2024-25 College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District® Women’s […]
Women’s Indoor Track and Field | 6/25/2025 1:00:00 PM
Twenty-one Empire 8 Student-Athletes from five different institutions were selected to the 2024-25 College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District® Women’s Track & Field/Cross Country NCAA Division III Team, which recognizes the nation’s top student-athletes for their combined performances on the field of play and in the classroom.
The 2024-25 Academic All-District® Women’s Track & Field/Cross Country Teams, selected by College Sports Communicators, recognize the nation’s top student-athletes for their combined performances on the field of play and in the classroom. The CSC Academic All-America® program separately recognizes track & field/cross country honorees in four divisions — NCAA Division I, NCAA Division II, NCAA Division III and NAIA. In order to be eligible for both All-District and All-American consideration, student-athletes must be at least a sophomore academically, hold a 3.30 cumulative GPA or above and be a starter or important reserve for their respective teams.
Academic All-District® honorees advance to the CSC Academic All-America® ballot. First-, second- and third-team Academic All-America® honorees will be announced on July 15. The CSC Academic All-District® teams include the student-athletes listed on the following pages.
Below are the Empire 8 selections.
ALFRED UNIVERSITY
Briana Dorr, So., Clifton Park, NY – Mechanical Engineering
Natalya Ryckman, Sr., New Eagle, PA – Health Fitness Management
SUNY GENESEO
Jillian Ambler, So., Fairport, NY
Ann Brennan, Jr., Honeoye Falls, NY
Sierra Doody, Jr., Webster, NY
Janelle Eckl*, Sr., Pittsford, NY
Brynn Mooney, Jr., Honeoye Falls, NY
HOUGHTON UNIVERSITY
Kyra Binney, Jr., Lewisburg, PA
Victoria Brewster*, So., Montour Falls, NY
Jenna Fischer, So., Rocky Hill, NJ
Noelle Linenfelser*, Jr. Grand Island, NY
Rachael Smith, Jr., Reading Station, PA
NAZARETH UNIVERSITY
Lauren Bendall, Gr., Syracuse, NY – Physical Therapy
Katie Jacques, Gr., Rexford, NY – Inclusive Adolescence Education, MSED
Samantha Luba, Jr., Buffalo, NY – Public Health and Dance Studies
Isabel Morse, Jr., Ithaca, NY – Environmental Science and Sustainability
Lea Richard*, Gr., Gansevoort, NY – Physical Therapy
ST. JOHN FISHER UNIVERSITY
Ciarra Franz, Sr., Pittsford, NY – Nursing
Olivia Grinnell, Jr., Elmira, NY – Nursing
Sophia Leach, So., Rochester, NY – Psychology
Caitlin Voloshen, Jr., Bethlehem, PA – Pharmacy
*Note: Student-athletes selected as CSC Academic All-America finalists are denoted with and asterisk; they will advance to the national ballot to be voted on by CSC members.
The Division II and III CSC Academic All-America® programs are partially financially supported by the NCAA Division II and III national governance structures to assist CSC with handling the awards fulfillment aspects for the 2024-25 Divisions II and III Academic All-America® programs. The NAIA CSC Academic All-America® program is partially financially supported through the NAIA national office member.
ABOUT THE EMPIRE 8 CONFERENCE
The members of the Empire 8 Conference are committed first and foremost to the pursuit of academic excellence and the league is regarded as an outstanding NCAA Division III conference. The membership has distinguished itself among its peer group for its quality institutions, spirited and sportsmanlike competition, outstanding services and highly ethical policies and practices. Its commitment to serve the educational needs of its student-athletes is the hallmark of the E8. For more on the Empire 8 visit www.empire8.com.
Raquel McDonald enters her first season as head coach Dylan Lasher’s top assistant for the Slippery Rock University volleyball program in 2025.
“We’re very excited to have Raquel join our program,” said Lasher. “She will bring a great deal of energy, work ethic and […]
Raquel McDonald enters her first season as head coach Dylan Lasher’s top assistant for the Slippery Rock University volleyball program in 2025.
“We’re very excited to have Raquel join our program,” said Lasher. “She will bring a great deal of energy, work ethic and commitment to SRU. Raquel’s passion, successful playing career and coaching ability will be extremely beneficial to our players, staff and community.”
McDonald assists in all facets of the program as Lasher’s lead assistant.
CAREER AT A GLANCE
• McDonald comes to The Rock after spending two successful seasons at Thiel College where she assisted in all facets of the men’s and women’s volleyball programs.
• During her time at Thiel, McDonald helped Lasher turn around the Tomcats’ women’s team that after going just 3-22 in 2023 compiled an impressive 17-9 record in 2024.
• The 2024 season not only marked the second-highest victory total inside the Thiel women’s program since 2012, The 14-win improvement from 2023 to 2024 was the second-best year-to-year improvement among all 419 NCAA Division III women’s volleyball programs.
• McDonald was also an assistant for the Thiel men’s program which concluded its 2025 season with a 22-7 record that included a perfect 12-0 showing in the Presidents’ Athletic Conference, a PAC Tournament championship and an NCAA Tournament berth.
COACHING TIMELINE
• 2018-22: Club SyrV
• 2023-25: Thiel College (Women’s Assistant Coach)
• 2023-25: Thiel College (Men’s Assistant Coach)
• 2025-Present: Slippery Rock (Assistant Coach)
ATHLETIC CAREER
• Prior to embarking on her coaching career, McDonald was a standout middle blocker for Thiel from 2019-22.
• Over 95 career matches, McDonald totaled 208 blocks, 660 kills and a .247 attack percentage. • Named an All-PAC honoree on three occasions in addition to earning a spot on the College Sports Communicators Academic All-America Team as a senior.
• Graduated from Thiel ranked second in program history in career attack percentage and ninth in total blocks.
PERSONAL
• Native of Syracuse, New York
• Earned bachelor’s in cognitive psychology, sociology and criminal justice while minoring in Spanish from Thiel in 2023.
• Holds a master’s in special education from Slippery Rock (2025).
Five Rams Named to the 2025 CSC Academic All-District Team
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WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – Five Rams from the Winston-Salem State University track and field team was named to the College Sports Communicators All-Academic Team. The 2025 Academic All-District® Women’s Track & Field teams, selected by College Sports Communicators, recognize the nation’s top student-athletes for their combined performances on the track, […]
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – Five Rams from the Winston-Salem State University track and field team was named to the College Sports Communicators All-Academic Team.
The 2025 Academic All-District® Women’s Track & Field teams, selected by College Sports Communicators, recognize the nation’s top student-athletes for their combined performances on the track, in the field, and in the classroom. The CSC Academic All-America® program separately recognizes women’s track& field honorees in four divisions — NCAA Division I, NCAA Division II, NCAA Division III and NAIA.
For WSSU, Daijion Lee, Jasmine Higgins, Kamauree Randolph, Zoe Chesson and Tinasia Davis were all selected to the team.
The entire list of all honorees from all divisions can be found Here.
Academic All-District® honorees were considered for advancement to the CSC Academic All-America® ballot. Student-athletes selected as CSC Academic All-America® finalists are denoted with an asterisk and will advance to the national ballot to be voted on by CSC members.
Daijion Lee and Kamauree Randolph have been considered for the CSC Academic All-America ballot.
First-, second- and third-team Academic All-America® honorees will be announced July 15, 2025.
The Division II and III CSC Academic All-America® programs are partially financially supported by the NCAA Division II and III national governance structures to assist CSC with handling the awards fulfillment aspects for the 2024-25 Divisions II and III Academic All-America® programs.
The NAIA CSC Academic All-America® program is partially financially supported through the NAIA governance structure.
For more information about CSC Academic All-District® and Academic All-America® Teams program, visit www.AcademicAllAmerica.com.
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