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Tunnel to Towers Foundation Adds Rutgers, Penn State–Behrend Athletes to Growing NIL Program

NEW YORK, NEW YORK [May 20, 2025] — The Tunnel to Towers Foundation today announced the expansion of its T2T Student-Athlete Advocate Program, adding two new students to the growing initiative designed to connect current student-athletes to the foundation’s mission and ensure young Americans “Never Forget” the sacrifices made by first responders and military members. The two students, […]

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NEW YORK, NEW YORK [May 20, 2025] — The Tunnel to Towers Foundation today announced the expansion of its T2T Student-Athlete Advocate Program, adding two new students to the growing initiative designed to connect current student-athletes to the foundation’s mission and ensure young Americans “Never Forget” the sacrifices made by first responders and military members.

The two students, Caitlin Collins, a freshman lacrosse player at Rutgers University and Jack Holl, a senior water polo player at Pennsylvania State University-Behrend, stand alongside an elite roster of student-athletes from across the country representing the Foundation. 

The program, launched in September 2021, is designed to help current student-athletes expand their personal brands while promoting the organization’s mission to honor first responders, military veterans, and their families. To date, 18 student-athletes and young professionals have collaborated with the foundation to participate in the initiative.

“We are excited to expand the Tunnel to Towers Foundation Student-Athlete Advocate Program and have Jack and Caitlin join the ranks of other incredible student athletes across the nation to raise awareness of the Foundation’s mission to do good,” said Tunnel to Towers CEO and Chairman Frank Siller. “Not only are they champions in their respective sports, but they are becoming champions for America’s military and first responder families. Their commitment inspires hope and ensures the legacy of our fallen heroes lives on.” 

On July 1, 2021, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) announced that all student-athletes would have the opportunity to benefit from their name, image, and likeness. Student-athletes can now engage in Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) activities consistent with the state’s law where the school is located. 

Chosen Tunnel to Towers Foundation Student-Athlete Advocates are expected to familiarize themselves with the organization’s mission and talking points, participate in T2T events across the country, and engage with T2T followers through content creation on the Foundation’s website and social media channels.

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation is dedicated to honoring the sacrifice of FDNY Firefighter Stephen Siller, who laid down his life to save others on September 11, 2001. For over 20 years, the Foundation has supported our nation’s first responders, veterans, and their families by providing these heroes and the families they leave behind with mortgage-free homes. 

To date, Tunnel to Towers has delivered over 1,500 mortgage-free homes to our nation’s heroes and committed over $1 billion across all of our programs.  

This year, the Foundation is delivering over 200 mortgage-free homes to catastrophically injured veterans and first responders, Gold Star families, and families of first responders who leave behind young children. Tunnel to Towers is also committed to eradicating veteran homelessness, providing over 10,000 of America’s homeless veterans with housing assistance and services to date.

For more information on the student-athletes:

Caitlin Collins is a freshman at Rutgers University in New Jersey and a first-year student-athlete on the Women’s Lacrosse team this spring. She hails from Morristown, New Jersey, and comes from a long line of firefighters in her family. She is the daughter of a firefighter captain, granddaughter of a retired firefighter and great granddaughter of a former battalion chief. Caitlin’s personal experience growing up with first responders inspired her to become a T2T Student-Athlete Advocate and demonstrate to young Americans what it means to do good.

“I am very passionate about Tunnel to Towers and how they help the families of fallen military and first responders, especially because I grew up visiting my father’s fire station and have seen firsthand how much of an impact the organization makes on families and their communities. I am honored to represent the Tunnel to Towers Foundation as a member of its Student-Athlete Advocate Program, and I am thrilled by the opportunity to continue spreading its mission of doing good among my Gen Z peers.” – Caitlin Collins, Rutgers University Women’s Lacrosse

Jack Holl is a senior at Pennsylvania State University-Behrend, where he is positioned in center forward and spent two years as captain and as a two-time All-American for the Men’s Water Polo team. Jack is originally from Greenwich, Connecticut, and comes from a large family with deep roots in the New York Police Department (NYPD) and the Fire Department of New York (FDNY). His father tragically lost his best friend, FDNY firefighter John Daniel Marshall, on 9/11 and raised Jack to understand the sacrifice of our heroes who gave their lives that day.

“From a young age, my father instilled in me a profound respect for all first responders and members of our armed forces and emphasized the importance of supporting those who protect us. I am proud to join Tunnel to Towers Student-Athlete Advocate Program to honor and Never Forget the memory of his best friend, John Daniel Marshall, and all of the heroes who make sacrifices each and every day to keep our country and communities safe.”– Jack Holl, Pennsylvania State University Men’s Water Polo

Follow @Tunnel2Towers on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Additional assets for coverage are available upon request. 

About the Tunnel to Towers Foundation

Born from the tragedy of 9/11, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation carries out its mission to “do good,” by providing mortgage-free homes to Gold Star and fallen first responder families with young children and by building specially-adapted smart homes for catastrophically injured veterans and first responders. Tunnel to Towers is also committed to eradicating veteran homelessness and helping America to Never Forget September 11, 2001. Visit t2t.org to learn more.

Follow Tunnel to Towers on Facebook, X, and Instagram.

###

MEDIA CONTACT:

Nicholas Diamantis —
Nicholas.Diamantis@t2t.org





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Inverclyde Leisure offering free junior water polo session

The event at Gourock Outdoor Pool on Sunday, August 10, is set to run from 4pm to 5.30pm. It is open to young swimmers aged 11 to 17. Places are limited, and those interested are encouraged to sign up via the online link. Inverclyde Leisure will run the session with Western Baths Water Polo Club […]

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The event at Gourock Outdoor Pool on Sunday, August 10, is set to run from 4pm to 5.30pm.

It is open to young swimmers aged 11 to 17.

Places are limited, and those interested are encouraged to sign up via the online link.

Inverclyde Leisure will run the session with Western Baths Water Polo Club Juniors.

A spokesperson for Inverclyde Leisure said: “Whether you already play or are just curious to try it out, this free taster is the perfect chance to dive in.

“It is a brilliant way to meet new friends and learn the basics of water polo.”





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Nebraska Volleyball Announces Schedule Change for November Trip to USC

Nebraska volleyball will have a slight adjustment to its travel plans in mid-November. The Huskers announced on Thursday that due to scheduling conflicts, Nebraska’s West Coast road trip to USC has been pushed back one day from its original schedule. Nebraska was originally intended to compete against the Trojans on Saturday, Nov. 15, but will […]

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Nebraska volleyball will have a slight adjustment to its travel plans in mid-November.

The Huskers announced on Thursday that due to scheduling conflicts, Nebraska’s West Coast road trip to USC has been pushed back one day from its original schedule. Nebraska was originally intended to compete against the Trojans on Saturday, Nov. 15, but will instead take on USC a day later on Sunday, Nov. 16, at 2 p.m. CST. The game will now be streamed on B1G+.

The Huskers’ road schedule turns tricky in November, beginning with a Friday night road test on Halloween against Wisconsin before returning home Sunday to host Oregon. The Huskers then remain in Lincoln for a Thursday night tilt against Illinois on Nov. 6 before departing for Minnesota for a Saturday afternoon matchup on Nov. 8. The Big Red then begin their West Coast venture on Friday, Nov. 14 at UCLA before their newly scheduled matchup with USC.

Nebraska middle blocker Andi Jackson (15) hits a ball over USC outside hitter Ally Batenhorst.

Nebraska middle blocker Andi Jackson (15) hits a ball over USC outside hitter Ally Batenhorst. / Nebraska Athletics

Last season, Nebraska welcomed both UCLA and USC to the Bob Devaney Sports Center for home matchups on a Friday and Sunday slate. Nebraska would handle both California schools, winning 3-1 over UCLA on Friday, Sept. 27, then sweeping No. 20 USC on Sunday.

Nebraska’s last West Coast trip came in early November of 2024, as the Huskers visited Big Ten newcomers Oregon and Washington for a Thursday and Saturday trip. Nebraska handled business in back-to-back sweeps over the No. 12 Ducks and Washington en route to a national semifinal bid.

Nebraska is 3-1 all-time against the Trojans, as USC claimed the first win of the series in 1992 in a 3-1 victory on Nov. 13. Prior to the 2024 matchup, all of Nebraska and USC’s volleyball matches had been on neutral sites in Westwood, Calif. in 1992, Long Beach, Calif. in 1997, and in Omaha in 2008. The Huskers have won the previous three meetings.

Former Nebraska volleyball outside hitter Ally Batenhorst becomes emotional in her return to Lincoln with USC.

Former Nebraska volleyball outside hitter Ally Batenhorst becomes emotional as the Bob Devaney Sports Center crowd loudly welcomes her back with USC. / Nebraska Athletics/@HuskerVB on X

Emotions won’t run as high in the 2025 matchup as they did in Lincoln last September. Former Nebraska hitter Ally Batenhorst made her return to Nebraska after transferring from the program following the 2023 season. Batenhorst received a standing ovation from the Husker crowd leading into the contest and received a pregame embrace from Nebraska’s Lexi Rodriguez, Kennedi Orr, and Harper Murray.

Batenhorst would finish with 13 kills in the match while Nebraska settled in for their sixth-ranked victory at that point in their season. Murray finished with 12 kills, a pair of aces, and six digs in the contest, while Lexi Rodriguez had a match-high 13 digs.

Nebraska volleyball opens its 2025 season with the Red-White Scrimmage on Saturday, Aug. 9 followed by the Nebraska Alumni Match the following Saturday. The Huskers’ regular season begins on Friday, Aug. 22, against Pittsburgh as part of the AVCA First Serve, and awaits the start of Big Ten play until Wednesday, Sept. 24, against Michigan. The Big Red will appear on 19 regular-season national television appearances across the Big Ten Network, FOX, FS1, NBC, ABC, and ESPN, as well as having select games streamed on Nebraska Public Media and B1G+.

Nebraska Volleyball 2025 Schedule

Home matches are bolded. All times central

Stay up to date on all things Huskers by bookmarking Nebraska Cornhuskers On SI, subscribing to HuskerMax on YouTube, and visiting HuskerMax.com daily.



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MSU Earns Team Academic Honors from USTFCCCA

The Murray State women’s track & field program was honored by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) as part of their national All-Academic Team awards for the 2024-25 school year.   “Our team members had a great year in the classroom,” said Murray State head coach Adam Kiesler. “We put […]

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The Murray State women’s track & field program was honored by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) as part of their national All-Academic Team awards for the 2024-25 school year.
 
“Our team members had a great year in the classroom,” said Murray State head coach Adam Kiesler. “We put our academics at the top and to see their hard work pay off is very rewarding. We’re looking forward to the start of the fall semester and look for great performances on and off the field of play in 2025-26.”
 
The criteria for inclusion to the All-Academic Team awards includes all student-athletes on the institution’s NCAA Squad List for
Indoor and/or Outdoor Track and Field must be 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
 
For more information on the Murray State track and field team, visit GoRacers.com or follow @RacersXCTF on Instagram and X.
 



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Takeways From Media Day – University of Maryland Athletics

Maryland’s transfers bring SEC, international experience  Adam Hughes and the Terps’ coaching staff welcomed four transfers over the offseason. Three of the newcomers, including Ajack Malual, Haley Melby and Olivia Ruy, transferred from SEC programs.  Malual, a transfer from Tennessee, boasts international experience, having grown up playing volleyball in Italy. The native of Rome attended […]

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Maryland’s transfers bring SEC, international experience 

Adam Hughes and the Terps’ coaching staff welcomed four transfers over the offseason. Three of the newcomers, including Ajack Malual, Haley Melby and Olivia Ruy, transferred from SEC programs. 

Malual, a transfer from Tennessee, boasts international experience, having grown up playing volleyball in Italy. The native of Rome attended Tambosi ETI and was a member of the Italian U18 National Team. Her sister, Adhu, competes professionally in Italy, while her brother, Dhiu, previously competed professionally there. 

The senior explained how transitioning to play in the United States has had a positive impact on her game. 

“I feel like it has been such a beautiful experience for me,” Malual said. “I feel like I have something extra in my luggage of experiences in life. I get to see how people in America play. … It kind of taught me to adapt to change very quickly.”



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Men’s Volleyball Welcomes Gabriel Vergés as Inaugural Signee

Story Links RIVERDALE, NY – Manhattan Men’s Volleyball Head Coach Chris Schortgen has officially announced his first-ever signing with freshman setter Gabriel Vergés, on Thursday afternoon. “We are very excited to welcome Gabriel Vergés as our first international commit for our inaugural men’s volleyball season.” said Schortgen. “Gabriel comes to us from Barcelona where […]

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RIVERDALE, NY – Manhattan Men’s Volleyball Head Coach Chris Schortgen has officially announced his first-ever signing with freshman setter Gabriel Vergés, on Thursday afternoon.

“We are very excited to welcome Gabriel Vergés as our first international commit for our inaugural men’s volleyball season.” said Schortgen.

“Gabriel comes to us from Barcelona where he left his home at 13 to train at one of the top volleyball academies in Spain. He’s a very technical setter with a high IQ and proven leader throughout his career. We look forward to building with him.”

Vergés, the 6-4 setter who hails from Vilanova I la Geltru, Barcelona in Spain, attended INS Dolors Mallafré I Ros School, where he played six years of high school volleyball.

The incoming freshman was presented a high-performance athlete scholarship during his time at Vilanova I la Geltru, while helping his team to a third-place finish in back-to-back years in the Spanish Primera División Championships.

On the club circuit, Vergés most recently played for CEVOL Torredembarra. Prior to CEVOL, Verges competed with Club CV Barberá, Get BLUME, and VC Sant Martí as early as 2021-22.

Additionally, the Spaniard competed in Taekwondo for eight years in grade school in Barcelona.

In the classroom, Vergés was among the top three in his graduating class.

Vergés will be pursuing his bachelor’s degree in physics in Riverdale.

Follow Manhattan Men’s Volleyball on X and Instagram (@ManhattanMVBall).



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Weightlifting Set to Return to Commonwealth Youth Games

British Weight Lifting is thrilled to learn that Weightlifting will be included in the sport programme of the 2027 Commonwealth Youth Games to be held in Malta. This marks a celebratory return for the sport, having last been featured at the 2015 Commonwealth Youth Games in Samoa. With over 1,150 athletes aged 14–18 expected to […]

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British Weight Lifting is thrilled to learn that Weightlifting will be included in the sport programme of the 2027 Commonwealth Youth Games to be held in Malta.

Weightlifting Set to Return to Commonwealth Youth Games in Malta 2027

This marks a celebratory return for the sport, having last been featured at the 2015 Commonwealth Youth Games in Samoa.

With over 1,150 athletes aged 14–18 expected to participate from across the Commonwealth Youth Games, the 2027 edition in Malta promises to be one of the most exciting yet. The sports programme includes athletics, para athletics, swimming and para swimming, water polo, netball, triathlon, sailing, squash—and, proudly, weightlifting.

Why This Matters to Weightlifting

  • A welcome milestone: This marks the sport’s return after a 12 year gap.
  • Pathway for youth athletes: The Commonwealth Youth Games has launched the careers of many past champions. Take Chris Murray, who earned his first international medal—a bronze—in the men’s 62kg category at Samoa 2015, before going on to become Commonwealth Games Champion in 2022.
  • Spotlight on our next generation: The Malta platform will offer young UK weightlifters the invaluable experience of international competition in a multi-sport environment much like the stepping stones ahead of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.

Weightlifting’s return to the Commonwealth Youth Games in Malta 2027 is a momentous and welcome development. 12 years on from Samoa 2015, this edition offers young British weightlifters a powerful launchpad and fans a chance to cheer on the stars of tomorrow on an international stage.

Chris Murray commented “I am so pleased to see Weightlifting back on the programme for the Commonwealth Youth Games. Opportunities like this offer young athletes an important international experience where they can build confidence for future competitions. I had a fantastic time competing at the Commonwealth Youth Games in Samoa and look forward to other athletes having the same experience in Malta.”

Chris Murray with his Bronze medal, Samoa Commonwealth Youth Games 2015

Chris Murray with his Gold medal, Birmingham Commonwealth Games 2022





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