May 30, 2025
By Queens University Communications

In 2022, the Queens University of Charlotte women’s rugby team made history, clinching the university’s first National Intercollegiate Rugby Association (NIRA) Division 2 National Championship. Beyond the physical prowess and strategic plays, one influential element in their victory was the mental fortitude cultivated through mindfulness sessions led by university chaplain, Adrian Bird, Ph.D.

In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, Bird reflected on his impactful journey with the team, highlighting the integral role of mental preparation in elite athletic performance and overall student well-being.

A former rugby player and coach, Bird’s involvement with the team began organically. “As a new person to Queens, I was really hoping to connect with athletes so that they would get to know me as the chaplain,” he said. “Almost immediately I had the support of their coaching staff and what evolved was a holistic approach to student-athlete welfare, incorporating elements of sports psychology, mindfulness, and mind-body-spirit balance into weekly sessions.”

The tools provided to the athletes focused on developing mental fortitude and positive self-talk. Bird emphasized preparing athletes to enter a game by repeating, “I am enough, I am equipped, I can perform at an elite level. I have the support of my teammates.” This mental remembering, he stressed, allows athletes to “enter with confidence into the zone of elite performance.”

Bird even facilitated a Zoom session with leading sports psychologist Bill Beswick, who has worked with teams including Manchester United and the English rugby team, to further equip the Queens athletes with strategies for mental preparation.

The impact of the weekly sessions became particularly evident during the championship final, which went into extra time. “As I watched the game on the TV, I knew that that team was equipped mentally, even though they were physically exhausted,” Bird said, recalling the tense moments. “I had no doubt at all that they were going to take that game to victory.”

Beyond the rugby field, Bird recognizes the unique mental health challenges faced by college students today. “It can be a very difficult place to be,” he acknowledged, citing external and internal pressures from academics, sports, family, peers, and the pervasive “imposter syndrome.”

Bird’s approach to these challenges is not about “shutting off the noise,” but rather learning to “tune it out so that you can focus on the task at hand in the moment.” He believes these skills, initially honed for athletic performance, translate into valuable life tools for all students navigating the complexities of campus life.

According to Amber Slack, Ed.D., vice president for student affairs and dean of students, a staggering percentage of students experience physical or emotional symptoms due to stress each month.

“My research shows that college students, especially Gen Z, are struggling to cope with the stress of higher education,” Slack stated. “We know that loneliness, depression, and anxiety are real concerns that directly contribute to psychological distress. This makes student well-being an absolutely critical concern for us, demanding our attention and support.”

Addressing the stigma surrounding mental health support, Bird champions the power of visibility and relationship-building. “If I can be on the field, engaging meaningfully with athletes in their training spaces, it builds a level of trust that makes it much easier for them to seek help when needed – on or off the field,” he said. This presence fosters trust, making it easier for students to seek help when needed.

While still deeply connected to the women’s rugby team, Bird hopes to expand his presence across other athletic programs at Queens. His goal is to collaborate with coaches who see the value in integrating mind-body-spirit balance into their teams’ training, allowing him to “build relationships with students and accompany them on their journey throughout their time at Queens.”

For Bird, this work is immensely rewarding. “I see my role as being very special. It’s an incredibly privileged position,” he shared. “The opportunity to be alongside students through the highs and the lows and everywhere in between is something I don’t take lightly.” Witnessing students thrive, both on and off the field, he said, is “incredibly validating for me.”

Beyond the Chaplain’s Office, the Dean of Students Office provides support to students dealing with mental health crises. Confidential counseling services are also provided to students through the Queens University Health & Wellness Center from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. After hours, virtual counseling and a 24/7 crisis hotline are also available. Additionally, Queens Athletics provides access to a sports psychologist through Atrium Health. Student-athletes do not need a referral and can initiate scheduling through their athletic trainer or by calling 704-512-7578.

The resources provided to students exemplify Queens’ commitment to supporting the holistic well-being of its students. By integrating mental health practices into the student experience, the university empowers its students not only to achieve peak performance in their chosen fields but also to develop resiliency for life’s broader challenges.

By: Don Rebel


Friday, May 30, 2025 | 5:44 PM

WPIAL champions North Allegheny in Class 3A and Shaler in 2A lead six district teams into the 2025 PIAA boys volleyball playoffs.

Thanks to those two elite programs, District 7 has captured a state championship in all but one of the last six seasons.

Shaler won 3A gold last season and NA captured PIAA titles in 2018, 2019, 2021 and 2022.

The Titans lost in the 2023 Class 3A finals to Parkland, and there was no season in 2020.

Here are the first round matchups in the PIAA postseason starting next week.

Class 3A

Tuesday, June 3

Palmyra (15-3) at North Allegheny (15-1) at 4:30 p.m.

Penn-Trafford (13-7) at State College (9-5) at 5 p.m.

Seneca Valley (14-4) at Central York/Cumberland Valley loser TBD

Spring-Ford (17-5) at Northeast (16-3) at 4 p.m.

Governor Mifflin/Northeastern York loser at Pennsbury (19-1) at 6 p.m.

Governor Mifflin/Northeastern York winner at Emmaus (20-1) at 6 p.m.

Bethlehem Freedom (17-5) at Abington Heights (15-4) at 6 p.m.

Unionville (17-4) at Central York/Cumberland Valley winner TBD

Class 2A

Tuesday, June 3

Saegertown (12-3) at Shaler (16-1) at 6 p.m.

Brandywine Heights (18-3) at West Shamokin (12-0) at 5:30 p.m.

Ambridge (15-2) at Obama Academy (8-6) at 6 p.m.

South Fayette (16-5) at Meadville (15-0) at 7 p.m.

Palumbo (11-11) at Manheim Central (19-0) at 6 p.m.

Crestwood (14-4) at Dock Mennonite (5-15) at 5 p.m.

York Suburban (16-3) at Lansdale Catholic (13-5) at 6 p.m.

Carver E&S (12-7) at Holy Redeemer (19-0) at 6 p.m.

IRVING, Texas – The American Athletic Conference directors of athletics have approved the venues and host cities for the American Athletic Conference Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championships for the next three seasons.

The 2026 Championships will be held at Legacy Arena at the BJCC in Birmingham, Alabama. The 2027 and 2028 championships will be held at the Yuengling Center in Tampa, Florida.

Both venues will host the American championships for the first time.

“We are thrilled to bring our basketball championships to Birmingham and Tampa,” said American Athletic Conference Commissioner Tim Pernetti. “Our top priority when we began this bid process was to deliver the best possible experience for our student-athletes. The ability of Birmingham and Tampa to accommodate both championships and the year-round support that we will receive from their respective local committees will help to make these events an unforgettable experience for our players and fans.”

Legacy Arena at the BJCC is an 18,000-capacity arena that hosts national and international touring concerts, productions and sporting events each year and underwent a $125 million modernization in 2021. Most recently, the venue hosted the 2025 NCAA Women’s Basketball Regionals and the 2025 SEC Women’s Gymnastics Championships. The arena previously hosted the 2023 NCAA Men’s Basketball First and Second Rounds and will host that event again in 2028.

“We’re incredibly excited to welcome the American Athletic Conference to Legacy Arena,” said Tad Snider, executive director & CEO of the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex. “With the recent NCAA Women’s Regionals, the 2023 Men’s First and Second Rounds, and another set of Men’s Rounds scheduled for 2027, Birmingham has firmly established itself as a premier destination for championship basketball. We’re proud to showcase our vibrant city and world-class venue, and we look forward to delivering an unforgettable experience for student-athletes, fans, and the entire American Athletic Conference community.”

The Yuengling Center hosts more than 300 events each year, including sporting events, concerts and family shows. It includes a 10,500-seat arena and has undergone more than $43 million in renovations since 2000. The Tampa Bay area has hosted the 1999 NCAA Men’s Final Four, four NCAA Women’s Final Fours (2008, 2015, 2019, 2025), NCAA Men’s First and Second Rounds (1983, 2003, 2008, 2011) and NCAA Men’s Regional Semifinals and Finals (1998).

“Tampa Bay has a rich tradition for hosting amazing college basketball events and this announcement in tandem with our friends at the American Athletic Conference is an exciting next chapter for us,” said Rob Higgins, executive director of the Tampa Bay Sports Commission. “Coming off the heels of our record-setting fourth NCAA Women’s Final Four in April and in anticipation of hosting the 2026 NCAA Men’s First and Second Rounds next March, our community is ready to roll out the red carpet for the members of the American Athletic Conference for an exciting run of men’s and women’s championship basketball at the Yuengling Center.”

The American’s membership in men’s and women’s basketball includes UAB, Charlotte, East Carolina, Florida Atlantic, Memphis, North Texas, Rice, South Florida, Temple, UTSA, Tulane, Tulsa and Wichita State. The American has produced four NCAA championship teams in basketball (three women, one men) as well as two Men’s Final Four teams, six Women’s Final Four teams and an NIT championship team. Five current members of The American (Charlotte, Florida Atlantic, Memphis, Temple, Wichita State) have reached the Final Four in men’s basketball, most recently Florida Atlantic in 2023.

COLUMBIA, S.C. – The 2025 Gamecocks volleyball roster is finalized, head coach Sarah Rumely Noble announced on Friday, May 30. South Carolina added six new members during the spring, four collegiate transfers and two high school prospects, to go along with six signed during the fall semester.

“I am really excited how our roster came together heading into the fall,” Noble said. “Our returners made huge strides in the gym in the short time we had together in the spring and they set the tone for our team this fall. They did a great job of creating and maintaining our culture every day. I’m excited to integrate our new players into our system and culture. They will collectively bring a great deal of athleticism, competitiveness, and desire to win.”

The newcomers join six letter winners from the 2024 roster, including starting setter Sarah Jordan (9.91 assists per set, 8^th in the SEC), SEC All-Freshman honoree Victoria Harris (4.04 digs/set, 6^th in the SEC) and senior Alayna Johnson (500 career kills).

The team’s 2025 spring signees are:

Ava Leahy

• 6-1 middle from Charlotte, N.C.
• Spent two seasons at Appalachian State, appearing in 52 matches and 195 sets in Boone.
• Named second-team All-Sun Belt Conference in 2024.
• Totaled 365 kills (1.87 k/s) with a hitting percentage of .243.
• Defensively, had 150 total blocks.
• Recorded double-figure kills in 11 matches as a sophomore, including a career high 22 kills against Marshall on Nov. 9, 2024.
• Played for the Carolina Union Volleyball Club.
• Daughter of Margaret and Brian.
• Has three siblings: Grace, Will, and Violet.

The group joins four incoming freshmen that signed in the November period and two mid-year transfers that trained in Columbia during the spring semester:

Lina Merz

• 6-2 pin hitter from Dresden, Germany.
• Played at the club level for VC Olympia Dresden since 2020-21.
• Helped her team win the national U20 championship and Vice-Champion at the U18 level in 2022. Her team finished third at this year’s German U20 National Championship.
• Intends to major in International Business.
• Daughter of Gerit and Steffen.
• Has one brother, Jonas.
• Her grandfather was a member of the German National Team in rowing, winning Olympic gold medals at the 1968 and 1972 games.

Sydney Davis

• 6-0 middle from Orlando, Fla.
• Played at the club level for Gamepoint Volleyball, helping the team to a top finish of 2nd place at the 2021 AAU Nationals.
• Named to the 2023 Junior Volleyball Association’s World Challenge All-Tournament Team, a 2024 Triple Crown tournament Show Stopper and 2024 USA Volleyball Nationals Supernova.
• Attending Timber Creek high school in Orlando, coming off a senior season where she hit .474 with 211 kills.
• Set her high school record for blocks in a season in 2021.
• Florida Athletic Coaches Association 2024 all-state honoree.
• Intends to major in Public Health.
• Daughter of Daryl and Cathy.
• Has one brother, Daryl.
• Her father Daryl is in the UCF athletics hall of fame for basketball, as is her cousin Jermaine Taylor, who also played in the NBA.

Anne Bradley Bing

• 5-8 defensive specialist from Gastonia, N.C. Played at the club level for Stars Volleyball Club, which were two-time Mideast Qualifier champions and two-time Southern Exposure tournament champions.
• Stars made the USA Volleyball National tournament four years in a row and had multiple top finishes in the gold bracket at AAU Nationals. Most recently, her Stars team finished third in their division at USA Volleyball’s 18s Junior Nationals.
• Helped Gaston Day School win the North Carolina 2A state championship as a senior, the second state title of her career.
• Leaves her high school as one of the most well-rounded players in its volleyball program’s history, holding school records for career digs, single-season kills and single-season assists.
• A four-time all-state honoree.
• Intends to major in Public Health.
• Daughter of Derek and Rebekah.
• Has two sisters, Sidney and Emily Charles.

Kaia Pixler

• 6-0 setter from Phoenix, Ariz.
• Played at the club level for Arizona Storm Elite VBC, winning five USA Volleyball nationals titles in a six-year span (13s, 14s, 16s, 17s and 18s).
• While leading her club team to the open division title at USA Volleyball’s 18s Junior Nationals, she also made the division’s All-Tournament team.
• Was a four-year varsity letterwinner at Sunnyslope High School, finishing her career with a number of major statistical milestones, most notably going over 2,500 assists and 100 service aces.
• Daughter of Chris and Michael.
• Has one brother, Kal.
• Her mother Chris played volleyball at Texas Tech and her father Michael played volleyball at Arizona State and Long Beach State.

Emily Beeker

• 6-5 middle blocker from Hendersonville, N.C.
• Spent four seasons at Tennessee, playing in 47 matches.
• Played in 43 sets during the 2024 campaign, totaling 60 kills with a .396 hitting percentage.
• Has one season of eligibility remaining.
• Daughter of Angela and Thomas Beeker.
• Her brother, Ben, played basketball at Carson-Newman and her father played basketball at Mars Hill.

Laiya Ebo

• 6-1 pin hitter from Washington, D.C.

• Played for two seasons at Butler, highlighted by a 2024 season with 154 kills over 85 sets played.
• Has two seasons of eligibility remaining.
• Majored in political science at Butler, recently earning a place on the College Sports Communicators’ Academic All-District team.
• Daughter of Milford and Lois Ebo.
• Has two siblings, Mark and Lauren.
• Her brother Mark played football at Holy Cross from 2016-19 and her sister Lauren played college basketball at Penn State, Texas and Notre Dame between 2018 and 2023.

For continued updates on the team, follow Gamecockvolley on X/Twitter and GamecockVB on Instagram.

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. – Five members of the Harvard women’s water polo team – Niki Piovan, Ruby Hodge, Orli Cooper, Maya O’Dea, and Emma Gilbert – have earned ACWPC All-American honors, the association announced today. The five selections mark the most in a single season in program history.

Rookie Niki Piovan led the way with a third-team selection, becoming the program’s first to earn that distinction since 2023 and only the third in Harvard history. Piovan was one of two standout first-years on the Crimson roster this season, finishing with 58 goals and 48 assists. Her 106 points helped earn her CWPA Rookie of the Year and CWPA Tournament Rookie of the Tournament honors.

Hodge, Cooper, O’Dea, and Gilbert were all named ACWPC Honorable Mention selections. Hodge, O’Dea, and Gilbert earned the honor for the second consecutive year after playing pivotal roles in Harvard’s historic season.

Cooper, the second standout rookie on the team, was recognized following a record-setting season in goal. She broke the program’s single-season saves record and was named the Most Outstanding Player at the CWPA Tournament.