JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – North Florida Director of Athletics Nick Morrow announced on Thursday a multi-year contract extension for Head Coach Doug Wright through the 2029 season. 
 
Wright has compiled a 100-48 record at the helm of the beach volleyball program at North Florida, the fastest to reach the milestone in program history. 
 
“It’s an honor and a privilege to lead this program and represent the University of North Florida,” Wright said. “Our recent success is a testament not only to the dedication of our student-athletes and staff, but also to the invaluable support from the university’s staff and administration. I’m excited about the continued growth of this program and committed to building on the championship culture we’ve established.”
 
“Beach Volleyball has been one of the premier programs at North Florida, and Doug Wright is a major driving force behind that success,” Morrow added. “The program secured back-to-back ASUN Conference Championship titles and maintained a top-20 AVCA ranking in 2025. Coach Wright is deeply committed to creating a first-class experience and a culture where every student-athlete can thrive. The program is in great hands under his leadership, and with continued investment in the program, there is no doubt that North Florida can climb even higher on the national stage.”
 
Wright led North Florida to a program-record 26 wins in 2025 that culminated its second-ever appearance, which have both occured in the last two seasons under Wright, in the NCAA Championship after it added its sixth and second-straight Atlantic Sun Conference Championship title. North Florida earned a program-best No. 12 seed after it secured the No. 16 seed in 2024. 
 
For the third-straight season, North Florida secured the combined selections between the ASUN Conference First and Second Team. With the six in 2025, North Florida has collected 26 honorees under Wright and the most in the conference in his tenure. North Florida has been a top-three seed at the ASUN Conference Championship each season under Wright. 
 
In addition to a program-record win total, North Florida earned its highest ranking in program history at No. 14 in the final AVCA Collegiate Beach Coaches Poll in 2025. The Ospreys were ranked in each installment of the poll in 2025 for the first time in program history. 
 
Wright guided junior tandem Presley Murray and Mackenzie Murphy to AVCA Top Flight Pair 1 honors in 2025. 
 
Wright was named 2023 ASUN Coach of the Year and has won at least 24 matches each of his four seasons.

New Richmond’s second-leading scorer during the 2024-25 season found a college to take his talents to.

Anthony Wolf signed with Ohio Christian University in May to continue his basketball career. Further north in Clermont County, recent Batavia graduate Ni’Asia McCall signed with Voorhees University to resume playing softball.

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In 1975, a motorcycle roared to life in the Mexican sun. Mary McGee was ready to race. Her solo victory in the Baja 500 was more than a win. It was a challenge to all the jokes about women.

McGee didn’t just win; she opened doors for others. She showed that women could conquer the desert. Her victory paved the way for trailblazing women to come.

Today, Under Armour’s training camps feature Diana Flores. She’s a flag football star who speaks out for women’s rights. Her skills are unmatched, and her message is clear.

Both McGee and Flores are changing the game. They’re making Baja a place where women can succeed. They’re rewriting the rules, one step at a time.

Why does this matter? Because McGee and Flores are more than athletes. They’re changing how we see women in sports. They’re facing challenges head-on, proving that women can do anything.

The question isn’t if they’ll break another barrier. It’s how many times we’ll celebrate their victories. We’ll need a lot of champagne when they do.

Introduction

What makes Baja California a hotbed for female athletes who can outrun a border patrol helicopter? It’s not just about physical strength. It’s a mix of grit and reality shaped by the region’s culture. Let’s dive into two key points that shed light on this phenomenon:

Point A: In 2018, motocross legend Amanda McGee was inducted into the AMA Hall of Fame. She broke down stereotypes in Baja’s racing scene. Her approach? “Say yes first, figure out how later.”

Point B: Recently, UA invested $15M in youth flag football programs. This move is not just for the 2028 Olympics. It’s a strategy that mirrors McGee’s success. It’s no coincidence.

This table is more than data; it’s a strategy. The real question is, why are we surprised by these women’s success? Is it the desert’s heat or the border’s culture of finding opportunities?

UA’s investment in youth programs shows they understand Baja’s secret. Female champions aren’t rare; they’re expected. As we explore motocross and Olympic training, we see a pattern. It’s a blend of rebellion and resourcefulness that could power a nation.

Think this is just about sports? Wait until we share how a 16-year-old flag football QB from Ensenada outsmarts MIT engineers. The desert teaches physics with dirt as its chalkboard.

History of Women in Baja Sports

Imagine a time when the biggest risk for a woman at a motorsport event was not spilling the pit crew’s coffee. In the 1950s, Baja racing saw women as mere decorations. But a few bold women changed that.

This isn’t just sports history. It’s about challenging gender norms at high speeds.

From Sidecar Passengers to Solo Champions

In 1962, Mary McGee rode her CL72 Honda scrambler like it was her shield. She crashed the AMA’s all-male club. The AMA had banned women unless they were literally attached to a man.

McGee, just 5’4”, treated snowstorms in Jawbone Canyon like a warm breeze. Her secret? Pure determination and a few tools.

Today, athletes have it easy with climate-controlled RVs and hydration experts. But could today’s stars handle the era when “safety gear” was just a bandana? McGee and her friends didn’t just race; they became legends in Baja California.

They weren’t after trophies. They were paving the way for future athletes. Every skid mark they left paved the path for today’s Baja California athletes. So, what’s your excuse for skipping leg day?

Barriers and Breaking Stereotypes

Imagine a world where talent needed a co-signer, and women’s sports needed a male stamp. Welcome to mid-century Baja motorsports. Here, gender in sports was a real barrier.

When the Checkered Flag Was a Glass Ceiling

Denise McGee tried to race in 1967. She was talented, but had no sponsors until Steve McQueen and James Harris helped. Back then, male validation was like venture capital. Today, athletes face similar issues, but in more subtle ways.

Three big changes helped:

• Sponsorship Alchemy: McGee’s story vs. Kelsey Plum’s self-funded UA desert bike campaign
• Media Narratives: From “girl racer” jokes to serious coverage
• Institutional Gaslighting: The 72% funding gap for female athletes before 2020

The desert doesn’t care about your gender when you’re racing at 120mph. Kelsey Plum’s 2023 win got triple the media attention of men. It was a real shift, not just a show.

But, there are gaps. Women are 3 times less likely to participate in motorsports. And they get 68% less in equipment budgets. Yet, every video of women mechanics and every scholarship application is a step towards change.

Iconic Women Athletes

Baja California is home to legends, not just dust devils. Female athletes here don’t just compete; they break rules with their own hands. Let’s explore the paths of these desert warriors.

The Desert Valkyries

These modern heroes didn’t ride horses; they rode motorcycles. They faced sandstorms head-on. Their battleground was a 1,000-mile desert stretch.

Mary McGee: Original Baja Queen

Before social media stars, there was Mary McGee. She was the “two-wheeled Sacagawea” of the 1960s. Her story is told in the documentary “Queen of the Desert”.

• She raced with broken ribs, using duct-tape as armor.
• She outsmarted rivals who tried to sabotage her.
• She was a trailblazer in getting sponsors for women in racing.

McGee’s secret? A toolbox and sharp comebacks for her critics.

Modern Mavericks: From UFC to UA

Today, Baja athletes trade tools for tech. Sharon Lokedi, for example, is a marathon star at UA. She set records in the 2023 NYC Marathon, proving she’s more than just altitude excuses.

Jessica Flores is another example. She coaches flag football and teaches teens about physics. Her motto? “If boys can throw 40-yard missiles, girls can calculate their parabolic trajectories.”

So, who’s the new Mary McGee? Maybe a teen doing donuts in her dad’s truck, live-streaming to thousands. The desert remains unchanged, but the cameras have evolved.

Interview Highlights

Imagine a 1960s motorcycle rebel teaming up with a Gen-Z soccer star. It’s a mix of grit and tech, where old-school wisdom meets new training apps. These local sports heroes Baja California show that champions speak the same language, no matter their age. They say, “Show up, shut up, and outwork the doubters.”

Wisdom From the Winner’s Circle

Motorsport legend Carla McGee (72) is full of energy, just like her 1965 Triumph Bonneville. She says, “Brake pads fail – determination shouldn’t. My motto? Say yes to every race, every sponsorship meeting, every chance to prove we belong.” On the other hand, UA soccer star Jayde Riviere talks about her modern approach at youth camps. She believes, “Data tells me when to pivot – but my gut says when to charge. Tech’s just another tool, like McGee’s wrench set.”

McGee tells young athletes to forget about Instagram likes. She says, “Start counting blisters.” Riviere offers a digital twist: “Use analytics like oxygen – but never let metrics extinguish your fire.” Their words show the heart of inspiring athlete stories Baja: it’s about adapting and staying stubborn.

When talking about legacy, McGee is blunt: “Legacy’s what losers discuss at retirement parties. I’m too busy mentoring girls who rebuild carburetors.” Riviere’s team, on the other hand, dives deep into game footage like chess experts. They’re changing the game before the next generation even knows it.

Impact on Society and Youth

Victory laps in Baja California are more than celebrations. They are big changes in how we see the world. When young athletes win, they do more than just race. They change the way we think and act.

When Dust Clouds Clear, New Roads Appear

Take McGee’s International Female Ride Day. It started as a fun ride but now helps fund UA’s Flight School. Rising stars athletes Baja California camps have seen a huge increase in girls joining. Why? Girls see that if they can ride fast in Baja, they can handle tough math too.

• If a woman can ride the “Corkscrew of Death” fast, math is easy
• Sponsorships are more exciting than proms
• Winning in dirt is more important than online fame

UA’s Next All-America camps now have more girls than ever before. A 15-year-old motocross star said, “I stopped asking ‘Can I?’ and started demanding ‘Where’s my helmet?’”

This isn’t just sports getting better. It’s a big change in how we think. When Baja California youth athletes race, schools start to see new possibilities. Girls learn math by figuring out the best racing lines.

The real victory? These rising stars athletes Baja California programs show that hard work pays off. Skills learned racing fast are useful in school and life. Who needs role models when you can be the change?

Current Initiatives for Women in Sports

Baja California’s sports scene is changing its game plan. Now, it includes things like eco-friendly jerseys and funding for sports education. Gone are the days of lone heroes; today, equality is a team effort.

This effort includes big sponsorship deals, green technology, and mentorship programs. These programs are so strong, they make Yoda look like a slacker.

The Corporate Enduro: UA’s Equality Gambit

Under Armour is teaming up with CRFA to make a big impact. They’re not just writing checks; they’re making a sports comeback happen. Their latest moves are impressive.

• They’ve made a deal with China for rugby equipment, giving 22% of profits to women’s cycling leagues in Baja.
• They’ve created jerseys made from algae that can regenerate, just like a lizard’s tail. These jerseys are pricey but worth it.
• They’re using VR to coach women in motorcycle racing, with help from retired champions.

The real magic is turning veteran programs into a talent pipeline. It’s like NASCAR pit crews training desert racers. Last season, women’s races saw a 41% drop in DNFs.

But here’s the big question: Can big business really help Baja’s local sports heroes more than they did before? When a big company starts funding the same rebels they ignored, is that progress or just corporate taking over?

The Next Generation: Future Female Stars

Marvel, step aside. Baja’s young athletes are creating their own stories. These Baja California youth athletes are changing the game before they can legally drink. Take Eli Ellis, a 16-year-old basketball star, who outshines players four years older.

Training the Tiger Cubs

Coaches here don’t just teach the basics. They create sporting hyperdrives. McGee’s documentary “Sand to Stadium” shows how they mix Olympic training with modern psychology. A 14-year-old motocross star said his warm-up playlist is more complex than his algebra homework.

The region’s rising stars athletes Baja California train with a smart approach. They use advanced technology and strategies to improve their skills.

• Biomechanics labs use AI to improve sprint times
• Esports coaches teach reaction-time hacks to junior boxers
• Nutrition plans are tailored through DNA testing

But these teens aren’t missing out on childhood. They excel in sports and enjoy their youth. Coach Mariana Vázquez said, “We’re raising complete humans, not just athletes.”

Don’t mess with these tiger cubs. They’ll beat you in basketball and discuss Encanto while doing it. You’ve been warned.

Conclusion: Inspiration for Young Women

Baja California’s desert is more than just a test for engines. It shapes legacies. Ana McGee’s ghost bike now leads a group of athletes across the desert. They follow paths where barriers once stood.

Under Armour has funded twenty refurbished courts in Tijuana. These courts glow under the sunset, holding more than just basketballs. They carry the dreams of Baja California’s sports ambition.

These stories from Baja aren’t just tales. They’re sparks that ignite change. When McGee said “The starting grid’s clear,” she meant more than just racing. She spoke of a cultural shift, where teenage girls see motocross as a symbol of power.

Youth clinics in Playas de Rosarito teach more than just backhands. They build confidence. Every tackle on UA’s turf adds to the equation: Athletic skill + defiance = change.

14-year-olds now quote Serena Williams and Soraya Jiménez together. This shows the power of Baja’s influence. It’s a place where tomorrow’s champions are already making history.

The checkered flag now waves in both directions. It’s not just about winning races. It’s about starting movements. Your turn, future.

A matchup between Montgomery area volleyball powers Trinity and Prattville Christian always stirs interest.

Prattville Christian won last year’s Class 4A title and the Class 3A crown in 2022 while Trinity captured the Class 3A championships in 2020 and 2021. Trinity holds a 9-4 advantage in matches since 2020, but the Panthers earned a split with Trinity last season.

Trinity parent Dave Reichert approached coach Sarah Dubberley with an idea to create even more excitement for the Oct. 4 match against Prattville Christian.

Reichert proposed playing the match outdoors, calling it Showdown at Sunset.

“I think it’s super exciting,” Dubberley said. “Bringing some attention to volleyball in general and Alabama will be awesome overall.

“We’re trying to make it a big thing not just for the school, but for girls volleyball. Volleyball is growing rapidly, but I don’t necessarily see that reflection in Montgomery, and I mean, girls are playing, but I don’t see the girls getting a lot of attention for it.”

The original idea was to play on the football field like Nebraska did against Omaha in 2023 when more than 92,000 fans came to see the match, but Trinity’s football field has a crown so the court will be brought in and set up on the softball field. Trinity is adding lights and more bleachers.

It’s the first AHSAA sanctioned outdoor match in the state while high schools in Texas and Ohio have also played outdoors.

“This just adds to the fun of it,” said Prattville Christian coach Kaylon Cantrell. “Obviously both of us want to win, but I think it’s more than winning for this event. Hopefully it gets our area really excited about the sport, just getting our girls exposure, just letting people know that volleyball has some really amazing athletes.

“We’re excited. It’s going to be a really neat thing.”

Volleyball is the top high school and college girls participatory sport, but this experience should be special. Outdoors, the lights, the elements and fans all add to the event.

“A lot of the girls play beach just for fun in the summer, but it will be different,” Dubberley said. “They’ll be used to the outdoor elements minus the stands so I’ll be intrigued. Who knows how it’ll go, but they’ll get out there and they’ll have fun.”

JAMESTOWN, N.D. —University of Jamestown Director of Athletics Austin Hieb announced Toby Rens as the new Jimmie men’s volleyball head coach.
 
Rens, who has an overall collegiate coaching record of 425-309 in 22 seasons, spent mostly at the NCAA Division I level, comes to Jamestown following the 2024-25 season as the head coach at Poudre High School in Fort Collins, Colo.
 
“Toby comes to us with a wealth of experience at various levels of volleyball,” Hieb said. “We think he is going to be a great addition not only for men’s volleyball, but for our department as a whole. We’re excited to get him to campus and see what the future of Jimmie men’s volleyball looks like!”
 
In his most recent collegiate season, Rens went 17-11 at NCAA Division III Oswego State University.
 
“I am honored and humbled to join the University of Jamestown staff and lead the Jimmie volleyball program,” said Rens. “This is a tremendous opportunity, and I am thrilled to become part of the Jimmie family.” 
 
Prior to coaching at Oswego State, Rens coached 19 seasons at the Division I level, posting a record of 127-102 at University of Maryland Eastern Shore in seven seasons; one season at Chicago State; seasons at University of Pittsburgh with a record of 85-72; four years at Long Island University Brooklyn with a record of 106-46; and two seasons at Georgetown (30-32). He began his head coaching career at NCAA Division II Northern Michigan, finishing with a record of 58-17 in two seasons.  
 
A graduate of Morningside (Iowa) College, Rens spent time as an assistant coach at his alma mater, along with stints at Tennessee Tech, Texas Tech, and George Washington from 1994-98.