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USOPC Announces U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Hall of Fame Class of 2025 Inductees

Courtesy: USOPC COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – The United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee today announced the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Hall of Fame, Class of 2025, which will be honored and inducted in a special ceremony held Saturday, July 12 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Bound by excellence and defined by legacy, the Class of 2025 […]

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Courtesy: USOPC

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – The United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee today announced the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Hall of Fame, Class of 2025, which will be honored and inducted in a special ceremony held Saturday, July 12 in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Bound by excellence and defined by legacy, the Class of 2025 brings together eight individual Olympic and Paralympic athletes, two teams, two legends, one coach and one special contributor, together representing some of the most celebrated names in Olympic and Paralympic history.

The inductees include Steve Cash (sled hockey), Gabby Douglas (artistic gymnastics), Anita DeFrantz (legend: rowing), Allyson Felix (track and field), Susan Hagel (Para archery, Para track and field, wheelchair basketball), Flo Hyman (legend: indoor volleyball), Kerri Walsh Jennings (beach volleyball), Mike Krzyzewski (coach: basketball), Phil Knight (special contributor: Nike founder), Bode Miller (alpine skiing), Marla Runyan (Para track and field), Serena Williams (tennis), the 2010 Four-man Bobsled Team, and the 2004 Women’s Wheelchair Basketball Team.

SwimSwam Note: Two swimmers, Paralympians Cortney Jordan and Sharon Hetrick, along with legendary swim coach James “Doc” Counsilman, were among the nominees to be inducted.

“We’re proud to welcome the Class of 2025 into the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Hall of Fame and to honor the extraordinary accomplishments they’ve made as representatives of Team USA,” said USOPC CEO Sarah Hirshland. “This induction celebrates not only their remarkable performances and lasting impact but also acknowledges the essential contributions of those who supported their journeys every step of the way. Earning a place in the Hall of Fame is no small feat—especially given the incredible talent across this year’s group of finalists.”

The Class of 2025 has represented the United States at a combined 42 Olympic and Paralympic Games, earning 51 medals, including 35 golds. This year also marks the introduction of three new sports or disciplines to the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Hall of Fame: Para archery, represented by Susan Hagel; women’s wheelchair basketball, through the 2004 U.S. women’s team; and women’s rowing, with Anita DeFrantz becoming the first female rower inducted. Additionally, the U.S. men’s four-man bobsled team becomes the first bobsled team honored, and Steve Cash makes history as the first individual sled hockey player selected in the Paralympian category.

National Governing Bodies, alumni, current athletes and additional members of the Olympic and Paralympic community were invited to nominate eligible athletes. From there, a nominating committee comprised of individuals from the Olympic and Paralympic Movement narrowed down the pool of nominees to a set of finalists. The Class of 2025 was determined by a voting process that includes Olympians and Paralympians, members of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic family and an online vote open to fans. The U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Hall of Fame was one of the first national sports halls of fame to include fan voting as part of its selection process, and this year, nearly 300,000 votes were cast across all platforms.

This will be the 18th class inducted into the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Hall of Fame, bringing the total to 210 inductees (individuals and teams). The first class was inducted in 1983, and the most recent class was inducted in 2022. Find the entire list of Hall of Fame inductees here. The weekend will also feature the 2025 U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum’s Festival, taking place July 10-13 in Colorado Springs, known as Olympic City USA. The festival will feature athlete meet and greets, free access to the USOPM, and special events including the Festival Kickoff Celebration, Community Movie Night, and more – all celebrating the legacy of America’s greatest athletes. Learn more at usopm.org/hof.
The distinguished class of 2025 includes:

Steve Cash (Paralympian: sled hockey – 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018)  Steve Cash is a legendary figure in sled hockey, celebrated as a three-time Paralympic gold medalist and five-time world champion. Widely regarded as one of the greatest goaltenders in the sport’s history, Cash made history at the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games by becoming the only goalie ever to record five shutouts in a single tournament. He holds virtually every major goaltending record in sled hockey, both for Team USA and internationally, including most minutes played, highest save percentage, and the second-lowest goals-against average. Off the ice, Cash continues to shape the future of the sport through coaching and mentorship. He has developed specialized training programs for sled hockey goaltenders and remains deeply committed to nurturing the next generation of athletes. He is a passionate advocate for mental health, working to break down the stigma surrounding psychological challenges among elite athletes.

Gabby Douglas (Olympian: artistic gymnastics – 2012, 2016)
Gabby Douglas made history at the Olympic Games London 2012, becoming the first Black woman to win the all-around gold medal in gymnastics. A trailblazer and two-time Olympic team gold medalist (2012, 2016), Douglas also contributed to two world championship team titles, earning a total of six medals across the Olympic and world stages. She was the first U.S. gymnast to capture gold in both the all-around and team competitions at a single Olympic Games—a feat she achieved in London—and is one of only two American women to win back-to-back Olympic team golds. At just 16 years old, Douglas broke barriers and redefined what was possible in the sport. Her groundbreaking achievements helped pave the way for future generations of gymnasts, including Simone Biles, who would go on to continue her legacy of excellence and representation on the global stage.

Anita DeFrantz (Legend: rowing 1980, 1984) 
Anita DeFrantz made history at the Olympic Games Montreal 1976, winning bronze in the inaugural women’s eight event and becoming the first—and still the only—Black woman to earn an Olympic medal in rowing. Her trailblazing legacy extends far beyond the water, however, and in 1986, she became the first African American and first woman elected to the International Olympic Committee, breaking barriers at the highest levels of sport governance. DeFrantz played a pivotal role as vice president of the Los Angeles 1984 Olympic Organizing Committee, helping to deliver one of the most financially and operationally successful Games in Olympic history. For her unwavering commitment to the Olympic Movement, she received the prestigious Olympic Order in 1980, and in 2024, was honored with the NCAA President’s Gerald R. Ford Award. Through two decades of leadership at the LA84 Foundation, DeFrantz has expanded access to sport for underserved youth across Los Angeles, cementing her impact on both the sport of rowing and the broader Olympic and Paralympic Movement.

Allyson Felix (Olympian: track and field – 2004, 2008, 2012, 2016, 2020) 
Allyson Felix is the most decorated athlete in the history of track and field, amassing 31 medals across the Olympic Games and world championships. Over the course of five consecutive Olympic Games appearances, she earned 11 Olympic medals—including seven golds—making her the most decorated female track and field athlete in Olympic history. At the Olympic Games London 2012, Felix captured three gold medals, including anchoring a world-record-setting 4×100-meter relay. She is also a 14-time world champion and holds the record for the most career medals at the World Athletics Championships, with 20 in total. Beyond the track, Felix has become a powerful advocate. She’s been a leading voice for maternity health and gender equity, working to create better pathways for women to succeed in sport, business and family life. In 2024, she was elected to the International Olympic Committee’s Athletes’ Commission and appointed to the USOPC Board of Directors—continuing her legacy of leadership and impact within the Olympic and Paralympic Movement.

Susan Hagel (Paralympian: wheelchair basketball, Para archery, Para track and field – 1976, 1980, 1984, 1988, 1992, 1996) 
Susan Hagel is a trailblazer in adaptive sport, having competed in six Paralympic Games across three different sports where she earned four gold and two bronze medals. Over the course of her decorated career, she earned numerous honors, including the prestigious International Wheelchair Basketball Federation Triad Award in 1998. A 16-time All-Tournament Team selection, Hagel was a cornerstone of 14 U.S. national teams, representing her country at the Paralympic Games, Pan American Games and Gold Cup competitions. As a member of the NWBA Hall of Fame committee, Hagel continues to champion opportunities in sport for individuals with disabilities. A role model to women and junior girls in the National Wheelchair Basketball Association, she holds the distinction of having the longest playing career of any woman in her division. Hagel’s legacy is defined not only by her athletic achievements but also by her unwavering dedication to the growth and inclusivity of adaptive sport.

Flo Hyman (Legend: indoor volleyball – 1980, 1984)
Hyman led the U.S. women’s volleyball team through the boycott of the Olympic Games Moscow 1980 but stayed with the team to lead them the silver medal in 1984, the first Olympic volleyball medal for the United States. Hyman’s tenure as an Olympic athlete was cut short by both the boycott and her death, but her legacy was solidified in just one appearance at the Olympic Games in 1984. After the Olympic Games Los Angeles 1984, she went to play professionally in Japan. Hyman is often credited with the rise of women’s volleyball in America. In 1987, National Girls and Women in Sports Day began and, in the beginning, NGWSD served as a remembrance of Hyman who passed away in 1986. After the 1984 Games, she advocated for women’s sports and testified on Capitol Hill on behalf of strengthening Title IX. This work helped pave the way for the success of women on the Olympic and Paralympic stages today.

Kerri Walsh Jennings (Olympian: volleyball – 2000, 2004, 2008, 2012, 2016)
Kerri Walsh Jennings is one of the most decorated athletes in beach volleyball history. A three-time Olympic gold medalist (2004, 2008, 2012) and bronze medalist (2016), she holds the record for the most career victories in both international and domestic beach volleyball, with 135 wins. A three-time world champion (2003, 2005, 2007), Walsh Jennings also set records for the most consecutive match wins (112) and tournament wins (19). Alongside longtime partner Misty May-Treanor, she achieved an unprecedented 21 consecutive Olympic match victories across three Olympic Games. Walsh Jennings’ resilience, dominance and dedication have left an enduring legacy in the sport of beach volleyball and beyond. Despite undergoing five shoulder surgeries, she returned to win the Rio Grand Slam in 2016. In one of her most memorable feats, she competed at the Olympic Games London 2012 while five weeks pregnant.

Mike Krzyzewski (Coach: basketball – 2009, 2012, 2016)
Widely known as “Coach K,” Mike Krzyzewski is one of the most accomplished and respected figures in basketball history. As head coach of the U.S. Men’s Olympic Basketball Team, he led the program to three consecutive Olympic gold medals (2008, 2012, 2016), and six overall golds as head coach of the U.S. Men’s National Team. His international coaching résumé also includes silver at the 1987 World University Games, bronze medals at the 1990 and 2006 FIBA World Championships, and gold at the 2007 FIBA Americas Championship, 2010 FIBA World Championship, and 2014 FIBA World Cup. He played a pivotal role in restoring Team USA’s dominance on the world stage, taking over after bronze in 2004 and leading the “Redeem Team” to Olympic gold at Beijing 2008. Under his leadership, Team USA reestablished itself as a global powerhouse. During his 42-season tenure at Duke University, he guided the Blue Devils to five NCAA championships and a record 13 Final Four appearances—the most in NCAA men’s basketball history. A three-time Naismith College Coach of the Year, he remains the winningest coach in NCAA Division I men’s basketball history. A graduate of West Point, Krzyzewski served in the U.S. Army from 1969 to 1974, reaching the rank of Captain before beginning his legendary coaching career.

Phil Knight (special contributor) 
As the visionary founder of Nike, Phil Knight has been a transformative force in the world of sport—particularly for Team USA and the realm of track and field. A steadfast partner of USA Track & Field since 1991 and Team USA since 2005, Knight’s impact has been defined by innovation, advocacy and unwavering support for athletes. From selling running shoes out of his car in the early days to building one of the most iconic athletic brands in history, Knight has consistently championed athletes and their pursuit of excellence. Knight’s commitment to sport reflects the very spirit of the Olympic and Paralympic movements. Nike is a proud partner or sponsor of numerous National Governing Bodies, and in 2014, the company signed one of the largest sponsorship deals in sports history at the time—extending its partnership with USA Track & Field for an additional 23 years. Today, Knight and Nike continue to outfit Team USA athletes during the world’s biggest sporting moments, delivering custom-designed gear for Olympians and Paralympians across both the Summer and Winter Games. Through ongoing innovation in performance apparel and global marketing campaigns that spotlight athletes’ achievements, Nike has helped Team USA athletes push boundaries and inspire audiences worldwide.

Bode Miller (Olympian: alpine skiing – 1998, 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014)
Bode Miller is one of the most accomplished alpine skiers in history. He claimed a gold medal in the alpine combined at the Olympic Winter Games Vancouver 2010 and earned three medals at the same Olympic Winter Games, leading Team USA to a record eight alpine medals. Miller’s success spanned multiple world championships, where he won back-to-back double golds in 2003 (giant slalom, alpine combined) and 2005 (downhill, super-G). He also secured two FIS overall world cup titles in 2005 and 2008. Miller is the only U.S. male skier to win world cup races in all five events—downhill, super-G, giant slalom, slalom and combined—accumulating 33 victories. With six Olympic medals, he ranks second behind Apolo Ohno for the most individual Winter Olympic medals by any Team USA athlete. His decade-long success helped propel the U.S. Alpine Ski Team to its most successful era. Since retiring in 2017, Miller has remained deeply engaged in the worlds of sport and innovation, cofounding the ski company Bomber to bring his vision for high-performance gear to life. Committed to giving back, he leads the Turtle Ridge Foundation, which supports youth and adaptive sports through annual fundraising events such as a ski race at Cannon Mountain and a golf and tennis tournament at Tamarack. In 2018, he joined NBC as an alpine skiing analyst for the Olympic Games, sharing his expertise with a global audience.

Marla Runyan (Paralympian: Para track and field – Paralympian – 1992, 1996 | Olympian: track and field – 2000, 2004)  
Marla Runyan made history as the first visually impaired athlete to compete in the Olympic Games and remains the only U.S. athlete to have competed in both the Olympic and Paralympic Games. At the Barcelona 1992 Paralympic Games, she achieved remarkable success, winning gold in the 100-, 200-, and 400-meter races as well as the long jump, while also competing in cycling. She added a fifth gold medal at the Atlanta 1996 Paralympic Games with a victory in the pentathlon, along with a silver in the shot put. In 2000, Runyan became the first blind athlete to qualify for the U.S. Olympic team, competing in the 1,500m event in Sydney. In Paralympic sport, Runyan held the women’s T13 400-meter world record for an astounding 29 years, until it was broken in 2024. Over the course of her career, she earned six Paralympic medals—five of them gold—and claimed three national titles in outdoor track and field and three in road 5K events. In 2001, she co-authored her autobiography, No Finish Line: My Life as I See It, offering an inspiring account of her journey. Since 2013, she has continued to make an impact as a teacher and ambassador for the Perkins School for the Blind in Watertown, Massachusetts.

Serena Williams (Olympian: tennis – 2000, 2008, 2012, 2016) 
With four Olympic gold medals and 23 Grand Slam singles titles, Serena Williams is widely regarded as one of the greatest tennis players in history. She ranks fifth in all-time career titles and boasts a remarkable 84% win percentage. Williams held the world No. 1 ranking in women’s singles for a total of 319 weeks, finishing as the year-end No. 1 on five occasions. Throughout her storied career, Williams revolutionized women’s tennis, redefining the sport with her unmatched power, athleticism, and mental toughness. Alongside her sister Venus, she helped usher in the power era of the women’s game, setting new standards for excellence. Together, the Williams sisters claimed 14 Grand Slam doubles titles and captured Olympic gold in Sydney 2000, Beijing 2008, and London 2012, becoming the most successful doubles team in Olympic history. From the public courts of Compton to the pinnacle of global sport, Serena Williams’ legacy transcends her records and championships—she remains an enduring symbol of determination, resilience, and inspiration.

2010 Four-Man Bobsled (Olympians: Steven Holcomb, Justin Olsen, Steve Mesler, Curt Tomasevicz)
Team Night Train, the 2010 U.S. four-man bobsled team, made history at the Olympic Winter Games Vancouver 2010 by winning gold and ending a 62-year drought in the event, Team USA’s first Olympic title since 1948. The team earned its medal at the Whistler Sliding Centre, known for its challenging course and infamous Turn 13, where six sleds crashed during the first two runs. Before Vancouver, the team won gold at the 2009 world championships in Lake Placid, marking the first U.S. victory in that event in 50 years and setting the stage for their Olympic triumph. They were later featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated, marking only the second time bobsledding appeared on the magazine’s cover. The four were named Team USA’s Team of the Year in both 2009 and 2010, the first to earn the honor in back-to-back years, a feat not repeated until the U.S. women’s hockey team in 2017 and 2018. Throughout their journey, the team supported pilot Steven Holcomb as he battled and overcame a degenerative eye disease first diagnosed in 2002. The procedure he would go through, C3-R, would eventually be renamed to Holcomb C3-R, marking the first time a medical procedure was named after an Olympic athlete.

2004 Women’s Wheelchair Basketball Team (Paralympians: Susan Katz, Christina Ripp, Renee Tyree, Janna (Crawford) Mizens, Carlee Hoffman-Schwarz, Stephanie Wheeler, Teresa Lannon, Jennifer (Howitt) Browning, Jennifer Warkins, Emily Hoskins, Patty Cisneros Prevo, Jana (Stump) Shelfer)
The U.S. women’s wheelchair basketball team won its first gold medal in 16 years at the Paralympic Games Athens 2004. Christina (Ripp) Schwab and Stephanie Wheeler went on to coach future national teams, Wheeler in 2016 and Schwab in 2024. Both are members of the National Wheelchair Basketball Association Hall of Fame. Six members of the 2004 team (Emily Hoskins, Patty Cisneros Prevo, Carlee Hoffman-Schwarz, Wheeler, Schwab, Jennifer Warkins) returned to win gold again at the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games, marking the first back-to-back titles for the program. In 2004, the U.S. defeated five-time defending champion Canada in the semifinal and avenged a narrow group-stage loss to Australia with a 56–44 victory in the gold-medal game, setting the stage for continued success in future Paralympic Games.

The U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will take place on Saturday, July 12 in Colorado Springs. For more information on the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Hall of Fame, visit . Red-carpet arrivals, interviews and the induction awards will be open to the media. Access information will be available soon.





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Making a splash: Water polo standout is part of Olympic development program

Pictured is the Staples co-op squad members and coaches. Photos from Christina Di Carlo Ferrari By Andy Hutchison WESTPORT – Westport is home to water polo enthusiasts, including Staples High sophomore standout Virginia Ferrari and her Staples co-op club teammates and captains Stella Savone and Olivia Kulga, also of Westport. The rest of the lineup […]

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Pictured is the Staples co-op squad members and coaches. Photos from Christina Di Carlo Ferrari

By Andy Hutchison

WESTPORT – Westport is home to water polo enthusiasts, including Staples High sophomore standout Virginia Ferrari and her Staples co-op club teammates and captains Stella Savone and Olivia Kulga, also of Westport. The rest of the lineup comprises student-athletes from surrounding/ nearby communities.

Water polo continues in the school club offseason for Ferrari. She is in her fourth year playing club water polo and in her second as part of the Olympic Development Program (ODP) North East zone team.

The ODP is a training program designed to identify and develop athletes for the U.S. National Teams. It serves as the primary pathway for athletes that want to represent the country in water polo, meaning Ferrari has aspirations to advance in her career.

The country is divided into 13 regions and the athletes compete to be selected for a spot in the team of their zone. The program starts at the beginning of the fall season with ODP Zone camps, followed by regional championships and, potentially, national championships. 

“I enjoy playing with the development team very much. Playing with them gives me the opportunity to learn new plays and challenge myself even more. Also playing with different people every year is very exciting and fun,” Ferrari said.

Whether she is on the pool representing the Staples co-op club squad or competing for ODP Ferrari enjoys water polo because “it is a team sport and even if it is very tiring and I need to sacrifice the time with my friends and most of my weekends, I really enjoy spending my time in the water,” she said.

Ferrari is a utility player. In practice she asks the coaches to help her master different positions so the coaches and the team can rely on her ability to perform across the pool. “For this, I practice to my very best everywhere and try to be prepared when I have a game,” she said.

Sophomore Virginia Ferrari, left, and junior Olivia Kuliga are two Westport representatives on the Staples co-op club team. Photo by Christina Di Carlo Ferrari

“I love playing on the Staples Water polo co-op team, because first, I’m very proud to represent Staples and second, because it is an opportunity to make new friendships with kids from other schools in the area. But mostly because of the team spirit. Ever since I have joined the Staples team, the electricity and enthusiasm that the team brings to every game or practice is amazing,” Ferrari said.

Global experience to bring back to the local team

Ferrari was part of the Staples swim team her freshman year but unfortunately, due to an injury could not join the team at the beginning of her sophomore year. Ferrari plans to be part of the swim team again in the fall of 2025.

During the Staples offseason Ferrari practices water polo at Greenwich Aquatics which is the most competitive level you can play water polo in the state, she said. “I travel a lot with them also because most of the tournaments are in California.”

During the last spring break Ferrari also played in Italy with a team from Sicily. “It was an incredible experience for me because in addition to learning different plays, I also met amazing players that made me feel immediately part of the team and I’m looking forward to the next opportunity to play with them,” she said.

Ferrari said she would like to convince others to join the Staples club water polo team because even it requires a lot of effort and stamina, it is a lot of fun. The more experienced players combine efforts with coaches to help the newer player develop.

“Together with the Staples coaches we have taught kids from all different grades how to learn to play the sport just by taking it step by step but definitely you need to have a strong background in swimming,” Ferrari said.

The Staples co-op is led by coaches Danillo Sierra and Kade Ramirez. Sierra notes that the sport has grown tremendously in Westport and the area.

“Water polo has taken a turn in the last three years at Staples High School and Fairfield County. Since 2004 when water polo started as a club program at Staples it has been a challenge increasing the popularity and level of the sport. Two seasons ago, things changed when Staples opened the door to athletes from other schools that wanted to take part in their program and train, play, and travel against other schools — mostly private and club teams — all over the county and New England region,” Sierra said.

The level of play and popularity has increased leading to the formation of the Northeast Water Polo Club, a local program that has been targeting and helping young athletes to learn more about water polo and helping their transition to high school and college, Sierra said.

“Our main goal is to keep growing and make sure all athletes can have an easy transition from middle to high school and create more opportunities for scholarships so they can play water polo at a collegiate level,” Sierra added.

Ferrari certainly has enjoyed her water polo playing experience and is hopeful of continuing at the next level.

“One thing I’m sure about is that I would like to go to a college that has a high level of water polo but that also has very good academics. It won’t be easy since there are not many colleges with women’s teams but I will definitely work hard to achieve this goal,” she said.

Many water polo student-athletes from the Staples program have gone on to play the sport at schools including Connecticut College, the University of Connecticut, Fordham, Boston College, Brown University and the University of Southern California.

“We would like to invite more young athletes to join our water polo program so we can share with them the passion we feel from the sport,” Sierra said.

Andy Hutchison has been covering school sports — including Staples athletics — as well as news and feature stories in Fairfield County, since the 1990s.



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Record crowd watches Canada drop tough Volleyball Nations League match to France

QUÉBEC — The fans broke a record, but Canada came up just short in Volleyball National League action on Saturday at Centre Videotron. QUÉBEC — The fans broke a record, but Canada came up just short in Volleyball National League action on Saturday at Centre Videotron. More than 12,030 spectators watched Canada fall to France […]

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QUÉBEC — The fans broke a record, but Canada came up just short in Volleyball National League action on Saturday at Centre Videotron.

QUÉBEC — The fans broke a record, but Canada came up just short in Volleyball National League action on Saturday at Centre Videotron.

More than 12,030 spectators watched Canada fall to France 3-2 in the best-of-five match, including the tense 15-6 tiebreaker. The fan count is the largest audience the Canadian senior men’s team has entertained on home soil, and is a VNL North American record.

Brodie Hofer and Xander Wassenaar Ketrzynski led the scoring for Canada with 15 points apiece. France’s captain Trevor Clevenot, part of the Paris 2024 gold-medal winning team, led all scorers with 24 points.

“We let the game slip away from us, I think, we played well and maintained a pretty good level, but I don’t think this is anywhere near our maximum capabilities,” said Canada captain Fynn McCarthy. “We played a pretty good solid base level but that’s not good enough against France.

“(Trevor) Clevenot kind of ran away with it in the end and he’s a really good player, so credit to him, but we should be doing a better job against his service pressure … I’m proud of the guys. Lots of our guys have never played in front of crowd like that so it was amazing.”

France, which won the VNL title last year, led overall in attack points (72-67), blocks (8-4) and made a couple fewer errors. Canada led in aces 5-2.

Canada’s head coach Dan Lewis said: “I’m extremely proud of the guys, they never quit and they are growing with every game. We need a good start in the fifth and make better choices. But it’s great that we’re learning to execute at a higher level on a regular basis. I’m super proud.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 14, 2025.

The Canadian Press





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Wisconsin volleyball recruiting preview

Kelly Sheffield’s short list of recruiting targets is a really short list this year. With his University of Wisconsin volleyball roster loaded with young players, Sheffield figures he will be making at most four zoom calls Sunday, the first day that college coaches are allowed to speak to recruits for the 2027 class. “There’s a […]

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Kelly Sheffield’s short list of recruiting targets is a really short list this year.

With his University of Wisconsin volleyball roster loaded with young players, Sheffield figures he will be making at most four zoom calls Sunday, the first day that college coaches are allowed to speak to recruits for the 2027 class.

“There’s a lot of really good kids across the country,” Sheffield said. “But what is our need? Who do we think is going to fit? There were a lot of people on our list at the start of the club season and we start whittling that down as we’re learning more about them. So you just kind of get to this number.”


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A year ago, Sheffield made eight calls June 15 and one the following day and came away with what is widely regarded as the No. 1 class in the country. Two players, middle blockers Kymora Scott and Lynney Tarnow, committed that first day. Two others, outside hitters Audrey Flanagan and Halle Thompson, jumped onboard within the next couple days. Tarnow is considered the top middle in the country and Flanagan and Thompson are among the top three outside hitters.

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That group followed an even bigger 2025 class consisting of outside hitter Madison Quest, middle blocker Natalie Wardlow, setter/right side Addy Horner and liberos Kristen Simon and Aniya Warren.

“These last two classes were pretty big,” Sheffield said. “We’ve got a pretty young team, so we don’t lose a lot the next year or two.”


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Sheffield added that there is talk of the NCAA allowing all student-athletes five years of eligibility  a proposal he supports but one that could further complicate roster calculations.

As things stand now, the Badgers have just one spot available for 2027, given the 18-player roster limit that is part of the settlement of three antitrust cases that gained final approval June 6. But considering the fluid nature of rosters in the transfer portal era, it’s quite possible that the Badgers could line up more than just one recruit.

Focus on the front row

Sheffield said he and his staff still were deciding whether to bring in another libero to provide some depth to the backcourt, but their top priority with the 2027 class is to add talent to the front row.

“There’s not a lot of depth on the right side,” Sheffield said. “But I feel like we can take a left, middle or right. The goal is to be able to bring in elite talented players and hopefully they’re here for their career.”


Wisconsin volleyball adds some much needed help in the middle via the transfer portal

At the same time, Sheffield wants to maintain enough roster flexibility that he can pursue a top transfer prospect should one come along in the future.

“I think there’s a really good balance of high school recruiting, but also being able to stay flexible in order to get in the transfer game,” he said. “So you want to allow some flexibility if a game-changer goes into the portal that you’re able to bring them in.”

One position that won’t be addressed in this class is setter. The Badgers will have at least three more seasons with Charlie Fuerbringer and four with Horner on the roster, with sophomore Morgan Van Wie providing additional depth.

“So I think we’re in a very good spot,” Sheffield said. “We could’ve gone with a setter this year or next and we’ve decided we’re going to wait until ’28. The elite players at that position, they’re wanting to play right away, and I understand that. The elite quarterbacks aren’t going to wait till their third year. The elite setters aren’t going to wait till their third year when other really good programs can offer them a quicker pathway. I feel really good with our setting situation right now. We thought we might be going after one this year for ’27, but we’ve decided to punt that for a season.”

Lots of front row talent

According to PrepDig, a national recruiting service, eight of the top 10 players in the nation play somewhere across the front row, with the other two being setters. Those attackers in the top 10 are:


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1. Kendall Omoruyi, a 6-4 MB from Arizona; 2. Olivia Henry, a 6-4 OH/RS from New York (attending prep school in Florida); 3. Westley Matavao, a 6-foot OH from California; 4. Ireland Real, a 6-4 OH from California; 5. Isabel Incinelli, a 6-5 MB/OH from Florida; 8. Tessa Larkin, a 6-1 OH from Arizona; 9. Brynn Stephens, a 6-3 outside hitter from Texas; 10. Shaye Witherspoon, a 6-3 OH from Missouri.

Another website, VB Adrenaline, also has eight front row players in its top 10 with Real at No. 1, and Omoruyi, Henry, Larkin and Witherspoon also on the list. Other top 10 hitters include: 8. Mckenna McIntosh, a 6-1 OH from California; 9. Lauren Forelli, a 6-2 OH from Arizona; and 10. Peyton Kubik, a 6-2 OH from Kansas.

Whether any of those players are on Sheffield’s call list is not known — NCAA rules prohibit him from discussing potential recruits until they sign with the school. But it’s clear he has plenty of options for his select list.

How much does money talk?

The big headline of the House vs. NCAA settlement agreement is the roughly $20.5 million in revenue sharing that schools can distribute to its student-athletes. Wisconsin, like most other schools, has not said how that money will be divided between sports. But the perception in volleyball circles is that Wisconsin will be among the top tier when it comes to available finances.

Sheffield couldn’t be specific about his budget, but he didn’t dispute that presumption.


Wisconsin finishes season by extending contracts of 8 head coaches

“Volleyball is very important to our administration, our university and to this community,” he said. “I would say the support we’re getting is indicative of how important this program is.

“That’s primarily because we’ve been elite for a while and the incredible fan base of the people who just keep showing up and being a part of this. Not only is it important to everybody that we maintain, I think everybody sees an opportunity where there’s another level for us to get to. I think we’re all trying to do that and the administration is making decisions that will allow us to be in the ballgame with that.

“I would think that we’re well-positioned moving forward. You won’t find a single coach in any sport who thinks they’re getting the right amount. Every coach thinks they should be getting more. Every one. But if we’re making really good decisions, there’s no reason why we shouldn’t continue to be in the ballgame.”

While the Badgers figure to be competitive or have a financial advantage in recruiting, Sheffield doesn’t expect it to be a major part of his conversations Sunday. Last year the topic of NIL or the anticipated revenue sharing didn’t come up with any of the nine players with whom he spoke.


Wisconsin's plan to change policy on student tickets altered by Athletic Board

“I would anticipate our calls being somewhat similar,” Sheffield said. “The dialog in the public forum is so much about money, but to me, it’s still about building relationships and being open and honest about who we are and how I see them fitting in and talking about our university and elevating lives. At the end of the day, we’re still teachers and we’re still helping people in their late teens and early 20s, providing an education and being a part of an elite program.

“That narrative is not going to be lost when we’re talking with recruits and their families and the people around them. If the money is their No. 1 thing, they’ll be choosing other schools because that just is not going to be the main part of our dialog.”

Sheffield said his top priorities remain finding players who best fit the program in terms of talent and character.

“I still think it comes back to recruiting really good kids that are talented, that are a good fit for our program and not just going after people for whom it’s just a money grab,” he said. “What we’re looking for is still very similar. We’ve been very strategic in our recruiting and the type of people that are able to have some success and fit in here.

“Even though there’s a financial element for some of the players right now, hopefully we’re still able to bring in people that are high character and very motivated and team-first players and that our fan base is passionate about following.”



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Frank highlights final day of NCAA Championships

EUGENE, Ore. – The Texas Tech women’s track and field team wrapped up its season scoring 22 points Saturday evening at Hayward Field. The women end the year 12th overall in the team standings. In the first event of the day, the discus throw, Shelby Frank finished a career-high at the meet third place throwing […]

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EUGENE, Ore. – The Texas Tech women’s track and field team wrapped up its season scoring 22 points Saturday evening at Hayward Field. The women end the year 12th overall in the team standings.

In the first event of the day, the discus throw, Shelby Frank finished a career-high at the meet third place throwing a PB 63.37m (207-11) – new PB by just over four feet. Over two days, Frank scored 14 points for the Red Raiders – second in the hammer throw Thursday. She finishes her career in the discus with three-straight First Team All-America honors.

In the high jump, Temitope Adeshina placed fifth clearing 1.87m (6-1 ½). Meanwhile in the triple jump, Victoria Gorlova finished fifth bounding 13.53m (44-4 ¾).

Notables

·      Zoe Burleson finished 13th in the discus

·      Tamiah Washington finished 10th in the triple jump



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Concord Monitor – Boys’ volleyball: Coe-Brown wins program’s first championship, completes perfect season

NASHUA – With the top seed and an undefeated record, the Coe-Brown Northwood Academy boys’ volleyball team consistently showed it was the best in the state. On Saturday, the Bears finished the job.  Coe-Brown (19-0) was able to neutralize Hollis-Brookline’s Ethan Norris, arguably the best player in the state, and dropped a set for only the […]

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NASHUA – With the top seed and an undefeated record, the Coe-Brown Northwood Academy boys’ volleyball team consistently showed it was the best in the state. On Saturday, the Bears finished the job. 

Coe-Brown (19-0) was able to neutralize Hollis-Brookline’s Ethan Norris, arguably the best player in the state, and dropped a set for only the second time this season, but responded to defeat the Cavaliers (16-3) in four sets, 25-17, 25-18, 22-25, 25-19, to win the program’s first championship.

The result halted Hollis-Brookline’s bid for a fourth consecutive state championship, but not before the Cavaliers handed Coe-Brown its third dropped set all season and pushed the unbeaten Bears deeper than most opponents had managed all year.

The only other time Coe-Brown dropped sets was in a 3-2 victory over Dover on May 8.

“We played with a lot of heart and intensity,” said Cavaliers head coach Jake Balfour. “Taking a set from Coe-Brown, which has only happened once this season, I couldn’t be prouder. It just wasn’t our day.”

The first set was evenly matched through the opening points, with both teams tied at 8-8. Coe-Brown pulled ahead following a pair of Hollis-Brookline attack errors and an ace from senior Carter Brown. That short surge forced a timeout from Balfour, but the Bears kept applying pressure. Senior Bruce Marshall delivered two straight kills to give Coe-Brown a 16-12 advantage.

Hollis-Brookline responded with a block from senior Mateo Morel to trim the deficit to 17-16, but Coe-Brown regained control late as junior Tyler Fuller closed the set with three kills in the final stretch, powering the Bears to a 25-17 win.

Coe-Brown carried that momentum into the second set, opening on a 4-0 run that included two aces from junior Oliver Ford. Hollis-Brookline never fully recovered, allowing three separate 5-0 scoring runs in the frame. Struggling to gain traction, the Cavaliers dropped the second set 25-18 and found themselves facing a two-set deficit.

“They changed their offense, and we weren’t ready,” Balfour said. “Once we figured out how to get them out of system, we started gaining momentum.”

That turning point came in the third set, led by the play of senior captain Ethan Norris. Norris recorded four straight kills to give Hollis-Brookline a 10-9 lead, energizing both the team and the fans in the stands. Morel added another timely block, and Norris continued to dominate at the net, ripping four more kills and combining for three shared blocks to stretch the lead to 18-13. That run prompted Coe-Brown to burn their first timeout of the match.

Although the Bears responded with back-to-back kills from junior Luke Corriveau to cut the margin to 19-17, the Cavaliers held firm. Norris tallied three more kills down the stretch to seal the set 25-22. The victory marked just the third time all season that Coe-Brown had dropped a set, and Hollis-Brookline became only the second team to do so.

With a spark ignited, Hollis-Brookline came out firing in the fourth set. Norris picked up where he left off, delivering three of the team’s first five kills as the Cavaliers grabbed a 6-4 lead. An ace from senior Jamil Patel extended the advantage to 9-6. Coe-Brown answered behind Marshall and Fuller, who helped even the score at 9-9.

From there, the teams traded points up to 12-12 before Corriveau sparked a decisive Coe-Brown push. He recorded two kills and an ace during a 5-0 run that gave the Bears a 17-12 cushion. Hollis-Brookline made one final rally, cutting the lead to 18-16 after a kill from Morel, but it was not enough. Marshall and junior Istvan Miko combined for five of Coe-Brown’s final six kills as they closed out the match 25-19 to claim the Division I state title.

Corriveau led the Bears with 15 kills and four blocks. Norris finished with 25 kills, three blocks, and an ace, while Morel contributed seven kills and five blocks to lead the Cavaliers.

“Great game. We knew it was going to be a grind,” said Coe-Brown head coach Ryan Smith. “After the third set, we got in our heads a little. Coming into the fourth, we told the kids to be confident, get swings on the ball, and play connected.

“We have five senior leaders who are experienced, but it was a team effort – all 15 players contributed at some point. Ten years ago, we were 0-16, and now we’re champions. These kids deserve it.”

(Dan Attorri contributed to this report.)



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Jada Joseph Earns Honorable Mention All-America at NCAA Championships

EUGENE, Ore. – Brown track and field senior Jada Joseph competed at the NCAA National Championships in the triple jump on Saturday. She finished 20th with a leap of 12.58 meters and earned Honorable Mention All-American as a result.  Joseph returned to Eugene for the second consecutive year after she earned Honorable Mention All-American in the same […]

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EUGENE, Ore. – Brown track and field senior Jada Joseph competed at the NCAA National Championships in the triple jump on Saturday. She finished 20th with a leap of 12.58 meters and earned Honorable Mention All-American as a result. 

Joseph returned to Eugene for the second consecutive year after she earned Honorable Mention All-American in the same event a season ago. 

In her final outdoor season, she tied the second best marks in Brown history in the triple jump (13.15m) and long jump (6.29m). She ends her career as a two-time All-American. 

 

 
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