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Utah State University Inducts 2025 Athletics Hall of Fame Class

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LOGAN, Utah – Utah State University held a ceremony Friday night to officially induct its 2025 class into its Athletics Hall of Fame.
 
The seven inductees into the 2025 class include former head football coach Gary Andersen (2009-12, 2019-20), women’s basketball player Devyn Christensen (2010-13), men’s basketball player Shawn Daniels (2000-01), football player Tyler Larsen (2009-13), volleyball player Amanda Orgill-Nielson (2004-07), gymnast Jessica Parenti Otte (2003-07), and soccer player Taryn Rose (2011-14).
 
Since its inception in 1993, nearly 150 student-athletes, coaches, administrators and contributors, along with three teams, have been inducted into the Utah State Athletics Hall of Fame.
 
2025 Utah State University Intercollegiate Athletics Hall of Fame Class
 
GARY ANDERSEN
Salt Lake City, Utah
Head Football Coach (2009-12; 2019-20)
Gary Andersen’s hiring as Utah State’s head coach on Dec. 4, 2008, began a transformation within the program that changed the course of Aggie Football forever. Over two tenures spanning more than five years, he established a foundation of sustained success, turning Utah State into a consistent winner. Andersen built the program on core values and prioritized the development of student-athletes academically, socially and athletically and focused on success both off and on the field, which set the foundation for sustained success.
 
Taking over in December 2008, Andersen inherited a program that had endured 11 consecutive losing seasons, had not reached a bowl game since 1997, and had only two winning seasons in the previous 28 years. Three years later, the 2011 team won five straight games to secure Utah State’s first winning season and bowl appearance in 14 years, finishing 7-6 with a berth in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl. That season also marked the first time in 18 years that the Aggies reached seven wins.
 
In 2012, Utah State fielded one of the best teams in school history, finishing with an 11-2 record to set the school record for wins in a season. The Aggies went 6-0 in Western Athletic Conference (WAC) play to secure their first outright conference championship since 1936. They then won just the second bowl game in school history, claiming the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl Championship.
 
Utah State finished the season ranked No. 16 in the Associated Press Poll, marking only the second time in program history it ended a season nationally ranked. The Aggies also record back-to-back winning seasons for the first time since 1979-80. In recognition of the team’s success, Andersen was named WAC Coach of the Year and was a finalist for the Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year award.
 
Andersen was rehired on Dec. 9, 2018, becoming the only coach in program history to serve multiple tenures as head coach. In 2019, he led Utah State to a berth in the Frisco Bowl, marking his third bowl appearance with the Aggies.
 
Overall, his 33 career wins rank fifth in school history, and his three bowl appearances are tied for the second-most. His teams produced seven All-Americans, 10 NFL Draft picks, 24 players on NFL rosters, four players on CFL rosters, and 45 all-conference selections.
 
Off the field, Andersen prioritized academic and personal development. Utah State earned national Academic Progress Rate (APR) recognition, led the WAC and MW conferences in Graduation Success Rate in multiple seasons, and had over 100 players named to All-Academic teams. In 2019, the Aggies posted a 3.02 GPA, the highest in program history, with 43 players on the Honor Roll and 21 earning a 3.5 GPA or higher.
 
Andersen, and his wife Stacey, along with their children and grandchildren, have all made Logan their home.
 
DEVYN CHRISTENSEN
Union, Oregon
Women’s Basketball (2010-13)
Devyn Christensen earned first-team All-Western Athletic Conference (WAC) honors in her final two seasons at Utah State and was named to the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association All-Region 7 team as a junior. She was named academic All-WAC twice and earned three conference weekly honors.
 
Christensen’s name is all over the Utah State career record lists, ranking first in 3-pointers made (226) and attempted (632), first in free throw percentage (89.6), second in scoring (1,551), second in field goals attempted (1,256), third in free throws made (319), fourth in steals (191), fourth in field goals made (503), sixth in 3-point percentage (35.8), eighth in scoring average (13.3), eighth in assists (235) and ninth in games played (117).
 
Christensen scored 30-plus points three times in her career, including a career-high 37 points against Idaho in the 2013 WAC Championship semifinals, which ties for fourth on the USU single-game record list. She also set the single-game record with nine 3-pointers made in the game against the Vandals.
 
Christensen holds the program single-season record with 107 3-pointers made and 302 3-pointers attempted during her senior campaign. She also holds the top two spots on the free throw percentage single-season record list after shooting 92.4 percent from the stripe as a senior and 89.8 percent as a junior.
 
SHAWN DANIELS
Bakersfield, California
Men’s Basketball (2000-01)
One of the best post players in school history, Shawn Daniels started all 68 games he played in during his two-year Utah State career (2000-01) as he helped the Aggies to a pair of Big West Tournament Championships, two NCAA Tournament appearances and an overall record of 56-12, including back-to-back 28-win seasons, which is tied for the third-most wins in program history.
 
During his senior season, Daniels helped Utah State record its first NCAA Tournament win in 31 years when it defeated fifth-seeded Ohio State (77-68 OT) in the first round of the 2001 NCAA Tournament.
 
Daniels led the Aggies in scoring and rebounding in both of his seasons, averaging 12.0 points and 7.9 rebounds as a junior and 11.8 points and 6.8 rebounds as a senior. He scored in double figures 48 times and had two 20-point games during his career, including a career-high 28 points as a senior, while adding 14 double-figure rebounding games, including a career-high 17.
 
For his career, Daniels averaged 11.9 points and 7.3 rebounds, totaling 809 points and 497 rebounds. He ranks fifth all-time in school history with 117 career blocks, including a career-high and then-school-record seven blocks against Pacific as a senior. Daniels, who ranks second all-time in school history with his 1.8 blocks per game average, also holds two of the top four single season block records in school history with 59 during his senior season and 58 during his junior campaign. Overall, he ranks sixth in single season blocks per game, averaging 1.7 as both a junior and senior.
 
Daniels also led Utah State in field goal percentage both seasons, shooting 58.1 percent (179-of-308) as a junior and 57.6 percent (167-of-290) as a senior, and finished his career shooting 57.9 percent (346-of-598) from the floor, which ranks ninth all-time in school history.
 
TYLER LARSEN
Hometown: Salt Lake City, Utah
Sport: Football
Years: 2009-13
Tyler Larsen earned second-team All-American honors following his senior season in 2013, becoming just the third offensive lineman in school history to earn first- or second-team All-American accolades.
 
Larsen, who was one of six finalists for the Rimington Trophy as the most outstanding center in college football as a senior, is one of just 10 players in school history to be named a three-time first-team all-conference selection as he garnered first-team All-Mountain West (MW) accolades in 2013 and first-team All-Western Athletic Conference (WAC) honors in 2011 and 2012.
 
Larsen played in 54 games and started the final 52 games of his career, both of which were school records at the time. Larsen helped Utah State to a school-record three-straight bowl games (2011-13), including back-to-back bowl wins in 2012 (Famous Idaho Potato Bowl) and 2013 (Poinsettia Bowl). USU won the WAC title in 2012 for its first outright conference championship since 1936 and he helped Utah State to the inaugural MW Championship game as the Aggies won the Mountain Division title in 2013, followed by a win against No. 21 Northern Illinois in its bowl game.
 
Following his collegiate career, Larsen signed an NFL free agent contract with the Miami Dolphins. Larsen spent 10 seasons in the NFL, playing for the Washington Commanders (2015, 2021-23) and Carolina Panthers (2016-20).
 
AMANDA ORGILL-NIELSON
West Valley City, Utah
Volleyball (2004-07)
One of 11 volleyball players in school history to earn All-American honors, Amanda Orgill-Nielson is one of only two players to finish her career in the top five in both career kills and career blocks.
 
As a senior in 2007, Orgill-Nielson finished second in school history with 532 kills, third with 1,406 attempts and 12th with 38 service aces en route to earning first-team All-Western Athletic Conference (WAC) accolades. Orgill-Nielson was also named AVCA All-West Region and academic All-WAC as a senior. That year, she ranked in the top 10 in the nation in kills per set.
 
Utah State also recorded one of its biggest wins in school history during Orgill-Nielson’s senior season as the Aggies posted a 3-0 win at No. 10 Hawai’i to snap a 108-match homecourt winning streak for the Rainbow Wahine that dated back to 1993.
 
As a junior, Orgill-Nielson led the Aggies with 465 kills, 1,390 attempts and 39 aces en route to earning second-team All-WAC honors. Those totals rank sixth, fourth and 11th in school history, respectively, in a single season. Orgill-Nielson also holds the school record with six service aces in a four-set match against Eastern Washington on Aug. 25, 2007.
 
During her sophomore season, Orgill-Nielson helped Utah State to its second-ever NCAA Tournament.
 
Orgill-Nielson ranks fourth all-time in school history in career kills with 1,369 and sixth in career blocks with 359. She also finished her career in the top six in four other statistics, including third in career attempts (3,991), fourth in matches played (121), fifth in career aces (116) and sixth in block assists (337).
 
JESSICA PARENTI OTTE
Glendora, California
Gymnastics (2003; 2005-07)
One of the greatest gymnasts to ever don a Utah State leotard, Jessica Parenti Otte was a three-time all-conference honoree and the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) Gymnast of the Year as a senior in 2007.
 
During her senior campaign, Parenti Otte was named All-WAC on vault, bars, beam and in the all-around. As a junior, she earned All-WAC accolades on vault, bars and in the all-around. As a sophomore, she earned All-Western Gymnastics Conference (WGC) honors on bars and floor and was All-WGC on bars, beam and in the all-around as a freshman in 2003.
 
One of the best vaulters in school history, Parenti Otte holds a share of the school record with a 9.950 on the event, while her 9.815 beam average in 2005 was a school record at the time. She ranks eighth all-time in school history with an all-around score of 39.425 and is tied for the 11th-highest bars score (9.925) ever.
 
Parenti Otte ranks third all-time in school history with 45 career titles, including 13 in the all-around (tied for second in school history), 15 on bars (third), eight on beam (tied for third) and six on vault (tied for 10th). She captured most of her titles during her junior (14) and senior (14) seasons, which rank third and fifth, respectively, all-time in class history. Her 10 titles as a sophomore rank tied for seventh all-time in class history.
 
In 2006, Parenti Otte was the WAC champion on vault with a 9.875 and was the WAC Champion in 2007 on vault, bars and in the all-around. That year, she had the highest all-around score in the conference with a 39.350 and placed 14th in the all-around at NCAA Regionals.
 
Parenti Otte was a four-time academic all-conference honoree and earned CoSIDA Academic All-American accolades in 2006.
 
TARYN ROSE
North Salt Lake City, Utah
Soccer (2011-14)
Taryn Rose is a four-time all-conference honoree who played an integral role in one of the most successful eras of Utah State soccer. During her four years in Logan, the Aggies posted a combined 48-23-15 record with back-to-back Western Athletic Conference (WAC) championships and the first two NCAA Tournament appearances in program history.
 
Rose helped anchor the Aggie defense for four years as she started every match of her career — a then-program-record 86 starts — with over 7,600 total minutes on the pitch.
 
As a senior, Rose earned first-team All-Mountain West (MW) honors and became the first Aggie ever to earn MW Defensive Player of the Year accolades. She also earned second-team All-MW honors as a junior and second-team All-WAC honors as a freshman and sophomore. In 2011, she was named the WAC Freshman of the Year.
 
During the span of her career, the Utah State defense held opponents to just 0.81 goals per game with 40 shutouts. The team’s top two goals allowed averages in program history came during her sophomore (0.55) and junior seasons (0.66). Rose totaled 17 points on seven goals and three assists during her career, with two game-winning goals.
 
Previous Inductees By Class:
Class of 2024: Bob Erickson (wrestling); Rich Haws (men’s basketball); Sid Lane (contributor, football); Liz McArthur-Fisher (volleyball); Bill Munson (football); Natalie Norris (soccer); Clint Silcock (track & field); Gary Wilkinson (men’s basketball).
 
Class of 2023: Tana Call Davis (gymnastics, 1987-90); Shantel Flanary (soccer, 2008-11); Krista Larson Du Plessis (track & field, 2006-09); Jerrie McGahan (women’s basketball, 1977-80); Denae Mohlman Pruden (volleyball, 1997-2000); Christine Thomsen (softball, 2012-13); Marilyn Weiss (woman’s athletics director, 1975-81).
 
Class of 2022: Trever Ball (track & field/cross country, 2002-06); Robert Turbin (football, 2008-11); Tai Wesley (men’s basketball, 2008-11); Barb Zahl (gymnastics, 1988, 1990-92).
 
Class of 2021: Kathy Beasley-Houchen (softball, 1993-96); Jaycee Carroll (men’s basketball, 2005-08); Bobby Wagner (football, 2008-11); Lance White (track & field, 1992-95).
 
Class of 2020: Zuzana Cernianska (volleyball, 2002-05); Eric Franson (men’s basketball, 1991, 1994-96); Russ Paulsen (wrestling, 1972-75); Donald Penn (football, 2002-05); Kevin Robinson (football, 2004-07); Kendall Youngblood (men’s basketball, 1989-92).
 
Class of 2018: Tony Brown (men’s basketball, 1999-2002); Erin Cartwright-Davis (volleyball, 2001-03); Charlie Denson (contributor); Greg Kragen (football, 1980-83); Kevin Nixon (men’s basketball, 1985-88); Kendal Smith (football, 1985-88).
 
Class of 2017: Kent Baer (football, 1970-72; assistant football coach, 1979-85); Gordon “Dutch” Belnap (men’s basketball coach, 1974-79), men’s tennis coach (1969-71); Shane Bingham (track & field, 1993, 1996-98); Chris Cooley (football, 2000-03); Christy Denson-Pettiette (gymnastics, 1997-2000); Jayme Gordy (soccer, 1997-2000); Nate Harris (men’s basketball, 2003-06); Stew Morrill (men’s basketball coach, 1998-2015).
 
Class of 2016: DeAnna Earsley-Bowers (softball, 1990-93); Tom Forzani (football, 1970-72); Jim Helton (track & field, 1966-67); Jim Hough (football, 1974-77); Phil Johnson (men’s basketball/track & field, 1960, 1962-63); Dave Manning (football, 1972-73); Steve C. Mothersell (football/contributor, 1973-74); Rod Tueller (men’s basketball coach/athletics director, 1980-88; 1985-92).
 
Class of 2015: Dr. Stan Albrecht (university president, 2005-16); Lucia Chudy (volleyball, track & field, 1977-79); Ray Corn (gymnastics coach, 1978-2008); Kevin Curtis (football, 2001-02); Spencer Nelson (men’s basketball, 1999, 2003-05); Lloydene Searle (women’s basketball, softball, volleyball, softball head coach, 1972-75; 1981-97).
 
Class of 2014: Cordel Andersen (wrestling, 1981, 1984-86); Yolanda Arvizu (softball, 1979-82); Anthony Calvillo (football, 1992-93); Craig Carter (track & field, 1988-91); Troy Collier (men’s basketball, 1963-64); Dale Mildenberger (athletic trainer/contributor, 1975-2013).
 
Class of 2013: Candy Cashell (track & field, women’s basketball, 1982-84); Jim Laub (contributor); Jimmy Moore (men’s basketball, 1972-75); Corey Murdock (track & field, 1994, 1997-99); Roy Shivers (football, track & field, 1964-65); Jim Turner (football, 1959-62).
 
Class of 2012: Alfred Castro (wrestling, 1984-87); Eric Hipple (football, 1976-79); Brian Jackson (men’s basketball, 1978-81); Shae Jones-Bair (track & field, 1998-2000, 2002); James Murphy (football, 1978-80); James Parker (track & field, 1995, 1999-2001); Kristie Skoglund (softball, 1984-87); Emmett White (football, 1998-2001).
 
Class of 2011: Jerry Cerulla (track, 1965-67); LaVell Edwards (football, 1949-51); Dean Hunger (men’s basketball, 1977-80); Henry King (football, 1965-66); Rick Parros (football, 1976-79); 1980 National Championship Softball Team; 1981 National Championship Softball Team.
 
Class of 2010: Tom Foster (wrestling, football, 1963-66); Louie Giammona (football, 1973-75); Lauren Goebel Keller (volleyball, 1979-82); Shaler Halimon, Jr. (men’s basketball, 1967-68); Earl Lindley (football, men’s basketball, 1951-53); Glenn Passey (track, 1959-62).
 
Class of 2009: Bob Carlson (wrestling, wrestling coach, administrator, 1969-87); Greg Grant (men’s basketball, 1983-86); Dave Kragthorpe (football, baseball, administrator, 1951-54); Tom Larscheid (football, 1959-61); Alisa Nicodemus (cross country/track, 1991-93); John Pappas (football, 1966-68); Ralph Roylance (football, track, 1947-50).
 
Class of 2008: Jay Dee Harris (contributor/advisor); MacArthur Lane (football, 1965-67); Chuck Mills (football coach, 1967-72); Max Perry (men’s basketball, 1959-61); Kelly Smith (softball, 1984-86, 1988); 1978 National Championship Volleyball Team.
 
Class of 2007: Ladonna Antoine-Watkins (track, 1994-97); Robert Broughton (football and wrestling, 1963-65); Rulon Jones (football, 1976-79); John Ralston (football coach, 1959-62); Jay Van Noy (baseball and football, 1946-49); Nate Williams (men’s basketball, 1970-71).
 
Class of 2006: Kris Stano Lilly (gymnastics, 1982-83); Marvin Roberts (men’s basketball, 1969-71); Al Smith (football, 1984-86); John Clyde Worley (baseball, men’s basketball, football, and track, 1917-19); Dr. John Worley (football and track, late 1940’s, team physician).
 
Class of 1995: Tony Adams (football, 1970-72); Jay Don Blake (men’s golf, 1980-81); Karolyn Kirby (volleyball, 1979-81); Clark Miller (football, 1960-61); Bill Staley (football, 1965-67); Conley Watts (men’s basketball, 1933-34); Glen Worthington (football, men’s basketball, and track, 1926-29).
 
Class of 1994: Ladell Andersen (men’s basketball, men’s basketball coach, and athletics director, 1949-51, 1961-71, 1973-83); H. Cecil Baker (men’s basketball, track, and men’s basketball coach, 1922-25, 1950-61); Mark Enyeart (track, 1974-77); Phil Olsen (football, 1967-69); Eddie Peterson (football and track, 1934-36); Len Rohde (football, 1957-59); Elaine Roque (volleyball, 1979); Frank “Buzz” Williams (football, track, wrestling, athletics director, 1942, ’46-48, 1964-1973).
 
Class of 1993: Annette Viola Cottle (volleyball, women’s basketball, volleyball coach, 1976-79, 1982-84); Wayne Estes (men’s basketball, 1963-65); Mary Lou Ramm Flippen (softball, 1981-83); Fern Gardner (women’s basketball, softball, tennis, volleyball, women’s basketball coach, softball coach, volleyball coach, 1972-79); Cornell Green (men’s basketball, 1960-62); Ralph Maughan (men’s basketball, football, track, men’s basketball coach, football coach, track coach, 1942-46, 1951-88); George “Doc” Nelson (athletics director and wrestling coach, 1923-58); Merlin Olsen (football, 1959-61); E.L. “Dick” Romney (athletics director, baseball coach, men’s basketball coach, football coach, track coach, 1919-49); Kent Ryan (men’s basketball, football, track, 1934-37); L. Jay Silvester (track, 1956-59); Elmer “Bear” Ward (football and track, 1932-35).
 



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Texas A&M Volleyball scores big with two transfer portal commitments

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December 24, 2025

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Dec. 23, 2025, 4:10 p.m. CT

Winning championships is always the top goal for any athletic program. However, when you go deep into the postseason, especially in volleyball, it can interfere with the staff’s ability to recruit. That’s a good problem to have when you’re bringing home hardware, and Texas A&M head coach Jamie Morrison is already getting work done in the NCAA transfer portal.

Needing to reload a roster that’s losing nine seniors, including four All-Americans and two future professional players, Coach Morrison received some major news on Tuesday. It was announced that former Ohio State middle blocker Kaia Castle and Marquette outside hitter Natalie Ring have committed to Texas A&M. This gives him both a young talent to develop and a proven veteran with high-level production.





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Pacific Hires Alumnus Jeff Hendershot as Head Women’s Volleyball Coach

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December 24, 2025

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STOCKTON, Calif. – A former student-athlete and assistant coach, Pacific brought back volleyball alumnus Jeff Hendershot as head women’s volleyball coach, announced Tuesday by Director of Athletics Adam Tschuor.
 
“I am honored and energized to return to my alma mater as the head coach of Pacific women’s volleyball. This is truly a dream opportunity for me, and I want to thank Adam Tschuor, President Christopher Callahan, and the university administration for their belief in me and their trust in my leadership,” Hendershot said.
 
Hendershot, who graduated cum laude from Pacific in 2009 with a degree in sports management, was a four-year letterwinner on the men’s volleyball team from 2006–09. He recorded 605 kills, 281 digs, 142 blocks, and 47 assists across 98 career matches. As a senior in 2009, he started 20 matches and led the squad with 256 kills.
 
Hendershot returned to campus as the men’s assistant coach for Pacific’s final season in 2014 before the program was discontinued, prior to the university’s announcement of the men’s volleyball program’s return in 2027.
 
“What excites me the most is the chance to connect with our athletes every day, to help them grow and to continue building a program that reflects the very best of Pacific,” Hendershot said. “This program has a proud and distinguished legacy, and we are here to win on the court, in the classroom, and in the community. I am committed to carrying that legacy forward while creating a new, vibrant chapter that unites our alumni, campus community and supporters. I can’t wait to get to work.”
 
Hendershot most recently spent six seasons as the head women’s volleyball coach at the University of La Verne, a Division III institution in the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. This past season, he led the Leopards to one of the best years in program history, capturing a regional championship, advancing to the national championship match and finishing with a 30-3 overall record.
 
“Coach Hendershot is a proven leader, an outstanding teacher of the game, and someone who deeply understands what it means to represent Pacific,” Tschuor said. “His success at La Verne speaks for itself, but just as important is his commitment to student-athlete development and building a program. Bringing Coach Hendershot back to Pacific is a special moment for our department, and we are confident he will lead our women’s volleyball program to sustained success.”
 
La Verne’s historic season followed the program’s first-ever SCIAC Tournament Championship in 2024 and an Elite Eight appearance. Hendershot also guided the Leopards to a Sweet 16 finish in 2023.
 
During his six seasons at the helm, Hendershot coached one National Player of the Year, eight All-Americans, 10 All-Region selections, 12 All-SCIAC honorees, nine First-Team All-SCIAC selections, two Region 10 Players of the Year, and two SCIAC Athletes of the Year. Hendershot and his staff were named SCIAC Coaching Staff of the Year twice (2023, 2025).
 
Under Hendershot’s tutelage, Mya Ray emerged as one of the most accomplished athletes in La Verne history. Ray became a four-time All-American, three-time first-team All-American, and a two-time SCIAC and Region 10 Athlete of the Year, among numerous additional accolades.
 
Hendershot earned his 100th career victory on Sept. 12, 2025, leading La Verne to a comeback win after trailing 2–0 to defeat No. 3 UW–Oshkosh on the road. In the same match, Ray became the program’s all-time leader in kills.
 
Hendershot spent a total of 15 seasons at La Verne across two stints, first joining the staff as an assistant coach in 2011. He returned to Pacific for the 2013–14 season before rejoining La Verne, where he was promoted to associate head coach in 2017. He helped guide the program to NCAA Tournament appearances in 2012, 2014, and 2016.
 
A native of Southern California, Hendershot played at Claremont High School where he was a three-year letterwinner with the Wolfpack.
 
He and his wife, Sarine Dadourian, have two children, Amelia and Alex.
 
Stay Social
For all the latest on Pacific Volleyball, be sure to follow the team on X (@PacificVball), Instagram (@pacificvolleyball) and Facebook page (Pacific Volleyball).
 
#PacificProud 
 





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24 Hour Vigil Walk Represents a Service Mainstay Within the Kean Track & Field/Cross Country Family

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December 24, 2025

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UNION, N.J. (12/23/25) – In honor of Veterans Day during the month of November, the Kean Track & Field/Cross Country programs organized a 24-Hour Vigil Walk/Run. The event took place around the track inside Harwood Arena.
 

24 Hour Walk Poster

 

The effort put forth was in support of our nation’s veterans and Mission 22 – a program dedicated towards bringing, healing and hope to veterans and their families. The goal, for the duration of the event, was to have someone either run or walk around the track every single hour for 24 hours consecutively. Donations were sent to the Mission 22 foundation by those who participated.



Several members of the Track & Field/Cross Country programs not only participated in the event, but are either active or non-active members of the military, starting with their ever-impressive Head Coach Danielle Todman.
 

Todman Cross Country HC Hire

Coach Todman has over two decades of experience serving in the U.S Air Force. Since 2006, she’s a non-commissioned officer in-charge for the Mortuary Affairs and a Honor Guard. A graduate of Bucknell University, Todman is a track athlete in her own right, holding top 10 records in three different events. More recently, she’s competed on the national level in the sport of powerlifting, while being a mentor, leader, and best friend, for her athletes.
 

Todman Lift
(U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Danielle Todman, 177th Force Support Squadron Services Flight base fitness manager, competes in a powerlifting competition June 9, 2022, in Sun City, South Africa)

When asked on what it meant to know that she has a group of athletes and coaches that want to serve on the greatest of scales, Todman admitted that it gave her a level of internal perspective.
 
“It’s humbling, especially to know that, considering what’s going on in the world, my athletes still choose to submit themselves to service, a core value that will call them outside of themselves.”
 
Current members of the program who have enlisted, or are enlisting into the military, include Assistant Coach Patrick Manturi, senior Callens Desrameaux, freshman Ava Blount and freshman Gavin Hall.

 

Todman in Army

 

(Coach Todman & two athletes posing for a picture in Harwood Arena)

 
Todman believes it’s a full circle moment knowing that she’s leaving a legacy of service to her team at Kean.
 
“Now I’m passing the baton. I’m 21 years in! To see this 21 years later, it’s a full circle moment.”

 

Manturi, who is an active member of the NJ Air National Guard, is another coach that others on the inside the programs can lean on as a source of guidance and leadership. A 2016 graduate from the University of Scranton, Manturi is a highly credited exercise specialist, with an extensive experience in coaching populations that include, but are not limited to, populations of professional sports, collegiate strength, the special population, and military development training.

 

Patrick Manturi
(Patrick Manturi posing in his “M1B” branded shirt representing his fitness business)

 

“My reason for serving is to lead by example and continue the legacy of those that have served before me, says Manturi. Since being in, my reason to continue is to be a good role model for my daughter and to build a career that allows me to accomplish my personal goals and to continuously help others.”

 

Manturi shared what it means that his team was able to participate in such a special event on Veterans Day.

 

“It means a lot to me personally. Simply showing up to be at the event provides awareness and an environment to reflect on what serving for your country truly means”. Their presence is felt and there is always strength in numbers so having a good turnout makes me proud to see the team come together and unify since our team has so many veteran ties between coaches and athletes.” 

 

When asked about the mental makeup required to serve in the military, Manturi alluded to a combination of several important traits.

 

“It’s a combination of strength, discipline, growth, and compartmentalizing. Being able to put one foot in front of the other, no matter what obstacles are in front of you. To keep showing up for yourself and for others, while having the ability to organize thoughts and tasks to stay calm when things get hectic. That will ultimately lead to success.”

 

Desrameaux, who was an infantry sergeant deployed to Syria in 2024, shared how his experience in the military impacted him as an athlete on the track team.

 

“As an infantry sergeant who was deployed to Syria in 2024, I have acquired the highest level of discipline, resiliency, and mental toughness. My training and competing while fulfilling leadership responsibilities, have taught me how to manage fatigue, remain collected under pressure, and perform when it counts. These experiences carry over to the track, particularly in events where confidence and concentration are crucial.”

 

 

 

When asked what it’s like competing for Coach Todman, Callens didn’t shy away from acknowledging how Todman’s experience in the Air Force plays into her coaching style.

 

“Competing for Coach Todman adds an additional level of incentive. She applies the same military responsibilities, including structure, accountability, and attention to detail to her coaching style. Athletes are pushed to give their best because of her leadership, which promotes trust and high standards. Every time I get onto the track, I am motivated to compete with discipline, pride, and a service mindset thanks to coach.”

 

Todman Coaching

(Coach Todman coaching an athlete during a track and field competition)

 
Once Callens returned from service, Coach Todman noticed a stark change in her star athlete.
 
“He came back not only dynamically focused, but a dynamic man and a dynamic leader in how he supports the team. The evolution from his freshman year until now, along with his military service, it’s almost like two different people. It really impacts a lot of things around the team.”
 
The results have shown that Coach Todman has gotten her athletes to perform at some of their highest levels, since she took over the program.
 
After Todman was hired in 2022 to coach the Cougars Cross Country teams, she successfully re-instated the outdoor track and field programs for the first time since 2010. In 2024, during her first inaugural season, Todman helped the men and women’s teams record top 10 finishes at both the NJAC and ECAC championships. 

During the 2025 ECAC Championships, the women’s track team broke five school records in the modern era.

 

A winning culture is brewing within the Track & Field / Cross Country programs and with Danielle Todman at the helm, the sky is the limit, and service is the standard.
 



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Aggies Sign All-American Natalie Ring to 2026 Class – Texas A&M Athletics

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December 24, 2025

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BRYAN-COLLEGE STATION – The Texas A&M volleyball team added graduate transfer outside hitter Natalie Ring to the 2026 roster, head coach Jamie Morrison announced Tuesday.
 

Joining the Maroon & White from Marquette, Ring brings a nationally touted arm and a wealth of experience to Aggieland. She led the Golden Eagles to the second round of the NCAA Tournament this season and dropped a career-high 29 kills in their narrow defeat to No. 2 seed Louisville. Her performance throughout the season earned her Third Team All-America honors, making her the third player in program history to earn spot on the first, second, or third team All-American lists.
 
“We are excited to add Natalie to our Aggie family here in Aggieland,” coach Morrison said. “She brings a wealth of experience as a well-rounded outside hitter and is a relentless competitor who consistently raised her level against the best competition. The 12th Man is going to love her fire, spirit and the way she plays the game.”
 
The outside hitter has tallied 754 kills in her career and recorded 497 this past season which averages out to 4.60 per set. Both her kill total and kills per set in the 2025 campaign ranked in the top-25 nationally. Ring’s versatility was on display all season, as she racked up 197 digs, 46 blocks and 34 aces which accounted for 557.5 points on the year.
 
The Madison, Wisconsin, native’s performances throughout the year earned her a plethora of honors to go with her All-America recognition. She was also named a unanimous All-Big East selection and is a three-time All-Big East Academic Team selection.
 
FOLLOW THE AGGIES
Visit 12thMan.com for more information on Texas A&M volleyball. Fans can keep up to date with the A&M volleyball team on Facebook, Instagram and on Twitter by following @AggieVolleyball.





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Dutch runner Feldmann chases down two big goals

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December 23, 2025

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PELLA — Central College track and field junior Gabe Feldmann (Mount Pleasant) hasn’t let Cystic Fibrosis slow him down on the track or his generosity off the track to raise support for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

An inherited genetic disease, cystic fibrosis impacts the lungs, digestive system and other organs in the body. A build up of thick, sticky mucus can lead to breathing problems, infections and digestive issues by blocking ducts and airways.

Depending on the weekend, Feldmann typically competes in races that range from the 200-meter dash up to the way 800-meter run. His focus is on the 400 meters, an event he has completed 13 times in his first two years at Central. Breathing is an important part of all running events, but especially the 400.

           

“You breathe hard in a 400,” he said. “You feel it right in the chest.”

           

He completed the lap around the track in 51.62 seconds at the 2025 American Rivers Outdoor Championships in 2025, placing 22nd. He also was on the fifth place 4×400-meter relay squad at that same meet.

           

Feldmann was approach by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation about using his college athletic experience as a platform to raise money. Starting earlier this fall and running through the end of the Dutch season in early May, Feldmann is posting content on his Instagram account (@gabetracksdowncf) and thanking supporters who have donated to the foundation.

           

“It was the option that really stuck out to me,” he said. “I work out every day no matter what for track but I’m still raising money doing what I do normally.”

           

He’s working towards clocking in at 48 seconds in the 400 this year.

           

“My goal is to run a 48 this year,” he said. “If I’m able to do that, I’ll be able to tell everybody who supported me in this that they were there with me.”

           

Raising money for the foundation is not new to the Feldmann family, who ran fundraising events in Mount Pleasant from 2016-2023.

           

Money isn’t the only motivation for Feldmann, who also wants to inspire other people with cystic fibrosis to chase big goals.

           

“I said I was never going to let being born with Cystic Fibrosis limit me.” He said. “I’ve been an athlete my whole life. If I could show any other kid that having cystic fibrosis doesn’t have to hold them back, that would be super cool. It’s the entire goal.”

 



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Flavia Siqueira Named FIU Volleyball Head Coach

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December 23, 2025

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MIAMI– A proven winner and one with two decades of experience building winning cultures, Flavia Siqueira has been named the next head coach of FIU volleyball, Director of Athletics Scott Carr announced.

“I am incredibly grateful and excited to accept the opportunity to serve as head coach at FIU. I want to sincerely thank the athletic directors and the administration for their belief and trust in me,” Siqueira said. “FIU has tremendous potential, and I am honored to be a part of this program. I embrace the strength of Conference USA and I am committed to the growth of our student-athletes, developing them as competitors, students, and people. I am eager to get to work and build something special together.”

Siqueira, who spent the last two seasons at Georgia State of the Sun Belt, led the Panthers, who hadn’t won more than 15 games since 2009 and 10 games since 2019, to consecutive 17+ win seasons as the head coach. In 2025, the Panthers went 18-10 and 9-7 in conference play, their best record since joining the Sun Belt.

“On behalf of everyone with FIU Athletics I’d like to welcome Flavia to the Panther Family,” said FIU Director of Athletics Scott Carr. “Flavia has a tremendous amount of head coaching experience at various collegiate levels, but regardless of where she has been the one constant is that she’s a proven winner. Her teams not only win on the court, but they win off it as well. Flavia has established a strong program culture built on relationships with her student-athletes and an emphasis on academics. We cannot wait for her to get started and we’re excited about the future. Paws Up!”

Under her guidance, Marta Lazzarin won Sun Belt Libero of the Year and Maria Cecilia De Pinho was named to the All-Conference Second Team. In addition, Lazzarin was tabbed an AVCA Southeast Region Honorable Mention for her performance during the 2025 campaign.

2024 was also strong for Siqueira’s Panthers, who went 17-10 and won their opening-round game in the conference tournament in five sets and nearly upset top-seeded App State in the semifinals.

Before her time in Atlanta, Siqueira guided Auburn Montgomery, an NCAA Division II school, to a 24-9 mark, setting the program record for victories in 2023. AUM was ranked as high as No. 10 in the NCAA South Region rankings in 2023, the school’s first-ever appearance in the poll, and the Warhawks notched the program’s first-ever win over a ranked opponent, a 3-2 victory over then-no. 16 West Florida.

 

With a record of 81-59, including four winning seasons in five years at AUM, Siquera led the Warhawks to three consecutive appearances in the Gulf South Conference postseason tournament, reaching the semifinals the last two years.

 

She coached four AUM student-athletes to all-conference honors, and Kaleigh Fitzgerald earned the program’s first-ever AVCA All-Region nod in 2023.

No stranger to South Florida, Siqueira two seasons as the top assistant coach at Lynn University.

 

Before going to Lynn, Siqueira had tremendous success in the junior college ranks, compiling a record of 278-97 in nine seasons as a head coach in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA). In 2009 she earned the ’30 Under 30′ Award from the American Volleyball Coaches Association, one of two coaches from two-year programs to garner the honor.

 

Siqueira served as the inaugural head coach of the College of Central Florida’s volleyball program in Ocala, Fla., from 2011-16. During her tenure, the Patriots went 188-59 overall and 47-3 in the Mid-Florida Conference. The program also claimed a FCSAA State Championship, two runner-up finishes and one NJCAA District P Championship.

 

For her efforts she was named the league’s Coach of the Year in each of her six seasons while winning the MFC Championship six years in a row. Known for her player development, Siqueira helped produce five NJCAA All-Americans, three Mid-Florida Conference Players of the Year, two FCSAA State Players of the Year and one NCJAA National Player of the Year during her time at CCF.

 

Before starting the program at CCF Siqueira spent three seasons as head coach at Northwest College in Powell, Wyo., where she led the Trappers to a 90-38 overall record. While at Northwest her squad won a regional championship while also earning a berth in the NJCAA National Tournament in 2009.

 

She served as the head coach of Team Florida of USA Volleyball High Performance Girls Select volleyball club, which won five consecutive national titles.

 

Siqueira began her coaching career in 2007 as the head coach at the University of the Southwest in Hobbs, N.M.

 

As a player, Siqueira was part of two top four national finishes at Western Nebraska Community College, where she earned All-Region and Academic All-American honors. She went on to become a NCAA Division II All-American at the University of Mary in Bismarck, N.D., leading the program to its first ever national top-10 ranking.

 

A three-time All-Conference and All-Region selection in college, Siqueira played Confederation Volleyball in Brazil for Sao Paulo from 1997-1999 prior to her arrival in the U.S.

 

Siqueira graduated from the University of Mary with a B.S. in physical education with a minor in coaching before earning her master’s degree in college teaching.



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