Niagara University women’s soccer head coach Donny George announces its 2025 recruiting class. 

This exceptional group of student-athletes, comprising talented freshmen and impactful transfers, brings skill, determination, and character to the Purple Eagles. With diverse backgrounds and proven abilities, this class is poised to elevate our program in the upcoming season.

Meet the 2025 Recruiting Class:

Incoming Freshmen:

Emily Loudon: Center Back, Wales, UK: A composed and intelligent defender, Emily has represented Wales at various youth international levels, showcasing her tactical awareness and leadership. 

Coach George: “Emily’s international experience and poise on the ball make her a cornerstone for our defense.”

Audrey Posthumus: Wide Player, Toronto, Canada: A powerful and dynamic winger from Vaughan SC, Audrey’s speed and tenacity make her a constant threat on the flanks. 

Coach George: “Audrey’s energy and drive will electrify our attack from day one.”

Kaia Grande: Forward, Aubonne, Switzerland: A dynamic and clinical forward from Yverdon Sport FC, Kaia has represented Switzerland at youth international levels, bringing flair and goal-scoring prowess. 

Coach George: “Kaia’s creativity, relentless hard work ethic and finishing ability will light up our frontline.”

Caitlin Parker: Defender, North Tonawanda, NY: A commanding and physical center back, Caitlin has excelled with RNYFC at both youth and senior levels, known for her aerial dominance and leadership. 

Coach George: “Caitlin’s strength, maturity and presence will anchor our backline.”

Julia Poissant: Goalkeeper, Camillus, NY: A capable and agile goalkeeper from SDA Soccer Club, Julia’s quick reflexes and command of the box make her a rising star.

Coach George: “Julia’s focus and athleticism will be key in guarding our net.”

Grace Janish: Goalkeeper, East Aurora, NY: A high-level goalkeeper from WNY Flash ECNL, Grace combines sharp instincts with technical precision, ready to compete at the collegiate level.

Coach George: “Grace’s work ethic, athleticism and shot-stopping ability are truly elite.”

Andrea Jazvac: Midfielder, Grimsby, Canada: A tireless and hardworking midfielder from Niagara Surf SC, Andrea’s versatility and vision make her a vital addition to the midfield. 

Coach George: “Andrea’s relentless motor will set the tone for our midfield battles.”

Incoming Transfers:

Sandra Swartz: Midfielder, Östergötland, Sweden: A creative and dynamic midfielder transferring from St. Charles Community College, where she earned All-American honors for her playmaking ability. 

Coach George: “Sandra’s vision and technical skill will unlock defenses for us.”

Cicely Spencer-Wickham: Defender, Thornhill, Canada: A top-tier defender joining from Tulsa University, Cicely played significant minutes in both seasons, appearing in 11 games over two years, bringing experience and composure. 

Coach George: “Cicely’s experience and defensive instincts will solidify our backline.”

Mahelie Barbeau: Attacking Midfielder, Montreal, Canada: A direct and attacking midfielder following Coach George from St. Bonaventure, Mahelie played in 12 games, starting nine and going full-time in three, showcasing her offensive spark. 

Coach George: “Mahelie’s boldness and creativity will drive our attack forward.”

Caitlyn Gratton: Forward, Hamilton, Canada (Joined Spring 2025): A proven goal-scoring forward transferring from Providence University, Caitlyn’s knack for finding the net will bolster Niagara’s offense. 

Coach George: “Caitlyn’s clinical finishing and power will be a game-changer for us.”

“We’re beyond excited to welcome this talented and driven group to Niagara,” said George. “Each player brings something unique, and together, they’ll help us build on our tradition of excellence. We can’t wait to see them compete as Purple Eagles!”

Join us in welcoming the 2025 recruiting class to Niagara University! Follow along for updates as they prepare for an exciting season. #EaglesTakeFlight

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WFFT) – Fort Wayne FC’s final USL League Two season came to an end with a Sunday night playoff loss.

The club had already announced their move into the professional USL League One starting in 2026, the same year the team will move into a new stadium.

Just three days removed from the end of the 2025 season, FWFC leaders chose not to harp on the loss or even look too far into the future.

Team leaders hosted a futsal community event in Fort Wayne’s Packard Park Wednesday morning.

The second annual Open Futsal Soccer Play event welcomed dozens of young athletes to learn about futsal and soccer while testing their skills on the court.

The event made use of the Beasley Courts, dedicated to DaMarcus Beasley, who helped lead the community day of play.

“This is amazing. You see all these kids out here having fun, learning the game. A lot of them don’t know each other. That’s what soccer brings to this game, to the world. Different cultures, different ethnicities, it doesn’t matter. What matters is that little ball right there and how much happiness that brings out in some of these kids’ faces,” Beasley said.

Beasley – a National Soccer Hall of Fame member and current FWFC Director of Football Operations – grew up and attended high school not far from where these courts now reside.

“It’s not just about soccer. It’s about much, much more than that. If we can inspire these kids, especially this next generation, through this game, through that little ball right there, that makes us happy. So that’s what we try to do. Our community is huge for our success,” Beasley said.

Joining Beasley on the sidelines Wednesday morning was FWFC Head Coach Mike Avery.

He says he enjoys being able to make an impact on the community which has supported his team all season, and he hopes to inspire the next generation of local athletes.

Avery notes that youth sports have become quite exclusive and expensive, so he hopes events like these can encourage people of all backgrounds to find a passion for sports like soccer.

“This is the people’s game. This is the world’s game. All over the world, they’re played on the streets in every city across the globe. The fact that we can come out here and give them an introduction to it, – and just a fun way to play – I think that’s really the most important thing,” Avery said.

Avery is aware of Beasley’s impact on the community and wants to see other kids develop the drive to follow in his footsteps.

“Obviously, you would love to find the next DaMarcus Beasley. That would be the dream of that, but not even really the goal of it,” Avery said. “The goal is just to give them an opportunity to come out and enjoy the game in their community and us bringing the game to them.”

Neil Miller with Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation says he’s aware that futsal itself isn’t a well-known sport in the community, but its close relation to soccer and easy accessibility could spark an interest in local kids.

For those who do find passion for either sport, the Beasley Courts are ready for play at Packard Park.

“We want those stories coming out of Fort Wayne. We want people who grew up here, who played on this court, to go on and do what DaMarcus did,” Miller said. “The courts are here. They’re always here. We hope that these kids come back and play more.”

Today’s Segments

Reclaiming Youth Sports – Restoring Fun, Fairness, and Inclusion
Dr. Brad Strand, longtime professor at NDSU, explores how youth sports have veered toward exclusion, specialization, and commercialization. He makes a persuasive case for shifting the focus back to fun, development, and equitable participation—so all children, regardless of skill or income, can thrive. His insights challenge parents, coaches, and communities to prioritize play over pressure.

Bluegrass Goes Pink – A Day of Music, Memory, and Meaning
Organizer Jill Wiese shares the heartfelt inspiration behind Bluegrass Goes Pink, a vibrant daylong event at Cross Ranch State Park. From a community 5K and homemade church supper to a glow hike and evening bluegrass concert, the gathering honors loved ones lost to cancer—and Wiese’s sister—and supports the Bismarck Cancer Center Foundation. It’s a celebration of life, legacy, and togetherness.

Dave Thompson News Review
Prairie Public News Director Dave Thompson offers his trusted review of recent headlines from across the region and tells us what the next big story is that we will be talking about next week.

Matt’s Movie Review – AJ Goes to the Dog Park – Quirky Fargo Comedy Fetches Film Fest Buzz
Film critic Matt Oliene takes a walk through AJ Goes to the Dog Park, an offbeat indie comedy created by Fargo-area filmmakers. With its roots in a past Cartoon Network short and a nostalgic nod to local friendships, the movie is now gaining national traction through a grassroots tour. Oliene explores the film’s charm, the cast’s hometown ties, and why it’s more than just a shaggy dog story.

Trevor Michael Swangard, 85, passed away on June 27, 2025, in Redmond, Washington, from complications related to pancreatic cancer. After his diagnosis, he spent his final days connecting with friends, family, and former colleagues and making sure his flowerpots were properly planted for their summer blooms. He died peacefully surrounded by his family and with a full heart of a life well-lived.

Trevor was born September 4, 1939, in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, and raised in Vancouver, British Columbia. A standout 3-sport athlete in high school, he enrolled at the University of Oregon, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in physical education in 1962 and a master’s degree in administration in 1965. In his senior year at Oregon, he led the Ducks’ baseball team in runs, doubles, and stolen bases. After graduation, he played in the Los Angeles Dodgers’ minor league system from 1962 to 1964.

After spending time as a coach and teacher at Southern Oregon Community College, Trevor returned to Eugene in 1965, where he began working at Luby’s Sporting Goods, which specialized in both retail and team sporting goods sales. Trevor would eventually become a dealer for Team Athletic Goods (TAG), and in 1984, he became their first Executive Director, a position he held until 2005. For much of that period, Trevor and Marianne relocated to St. Louis, Missouri. The company grew significantly under Trevor’s leadership, including launching a line of football shoulder pads, which has become one of the top-selling brands in the industry. He remained an owner of TAG until 2009 and returned briefly in 2010 as a consultant.

During the time he and Marianne were raising their two children in Eugene, Trevor was deeply committed to youth sports. He served on the board of the Eugene Boys Athletic Association, later known as the Eugene Sports Program (ESP), from 1969 to 1978. He was named ESP Volunteer of the Year in 1975 and served as board president from 1975 to 1976. He also served on the Marist High School Foundation from 1983 to 1985. Part of a loyal group of former UO baseball players, Trevor was a founding donor for the construction of PK Park when the University re-established the program in 2009.

Trevor married Marianne Swangard on September 19, 1964, in Vancouver, British Columbia. They were introduced through mutual family friends and shared 60 years of marriage. In articles announcing his retirement from TAG, Trevor was quick to credit Marianne for supporting his professional success.

After retirement, Trevor and Marianne relocated to the Seattle area to be near their daughter Jill and their two grandchildren. Trev would become the model grandfather, golf marshal, gardener, and loyal friend to all who knew him.

He is survived by his wife, Marianne; his son, Dan Swangard; his daughter, Jill Swangard; two grandchildren, Gabriel and Courtney, all of Redmond, WA; and his brothers, Randy (Abbie) of Eugene, OR, and Graham of Kitchener, Ontario.

Two celebrations of life will be held: the first in Eugene on Sunday, August 17th, at 2 p.m. at the Eugene Country Club, and then in Redmond on Sunday, September 7th, at 3 p.m. in the Cedar Lodge at Trilogy at Redmond Ridge. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Trevor’s memory to an endowment set up by the family to provide youth scholarships at Kidsports in Eugene. Checks made out to the Oregon Community Fund with a “Trevor-for-Kids” memo line can be mailed to the OFC office at 1221 SW Yamhill St, Suite 100, Portland, OR 97205. Online donations can be made at www.oregoncf.org/trevor-for-kids.

PITTSFORD, N.Y. — Gov. Kathy Hochul signed Desha’s Law on Thursday, a bill requiring every public school in New York State to have a cardiac emergency response plan in place.

Desha’s Law mandates that school safety plans include a cardiac emergency response. The plans must include the use of trained personnel and strategies for sudden cardiac arrest or similar emergencies at school sites or school-sponsored events.

The governor was joined by Senator April Baskin and her family at the Buffalo Bills Training Camp to sign the legislation. The bill is named after Senator Baskin’s cousin, Desha, who passed away at school due to cardiac issues.

Bills Safety Damar Hamlin, the Bills, and the NFL have been advocates for heart health and implementing training and resources in schools and youth sports following Hamlin’s cardiac arrest during a game in 2023.

“To know that my experience is leading to real change — not just for people I know, but for lives I may never meet — means the world to me. This is bigger than football. We’re putting the right systems in place to save lives, and that’s a legacy I’m proud to be part of,” says Hamlin.

Hochul has previously signed legislation requiring camps and youth sports programs to have an automated external defibrillator, or AED. In addition, at least one person must be trained to use the AED at camps, games, and practices.