COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (June 28, 2025) —The U.S. Girls U19 National Team captured the gold medal at the 2025 NORCECA Girls U19 Pan American Cup with a 3-0 (25-21, 25-22, 25-21) victory over Mexico on Saturday on the campus of Queens College in Kingston, Ontario, Canada.

The U.S. Girls U19 National Team also won gold at the Pan Am Cup in both 2022 and 2023 and won gold last year at the NORCECA Continental Championship.

The U.S. dominated the attack as they did all tournament, doubling up Mexico with 48 kills to just 24. The U.S. held an 11-8 lead in blocks while Mexico’s strong serve gave them a 9-5 advantage in aces.

Tournament Most Valuable Player Kari Knotts carried the U.S. offense with 24 points with 19 kills and three aces to go with two blocks. Also named the tournament’s best spiker, the outside hitter totaled 18 points in the final two sets. Knotts added seven digs.

Setter Taimane Ainu’u was named the tournament’s best setter leading the high-powered U.S. offense. She contributed eight digs in the gold medal match. Libero Cala Haffner hit double digits in digs again, leading all players with 13.

Middle blocker Shayla Rautenberg scored nine points on seven kills and two blocks, and opposite Nejari Crooks finished with eight points on five kills and three blocks.

Outside hitters Olivia Henry (seven kills) and Ireland Real (five kills, one block, one ace) each scored seven points. Henry earned all her points on kills and Real, who was named the tournament’s second-best spiker, recorded five kills, a block and an ace.

With the score tied at 12 in the opening set, the U.S. scored four consecutive points to take the lead for good. After a Mexico hitting error, Knotts served an ace and Real notched back-to-back points, first on a block and then with a kill.

Mexico cut the lead to one point on two occasions but could not hold off the U.S. Rautenberg scored to make it 23-10 and after the U.S. gave up one point, Real ended the set with back-to-back kills. Real finished the set with seven points on five kills, a block and an ace, and Knotts also recorded five kills and added an ace for six points.

With the U.S. leading 16-15 coming out of a technical timeout, Kotts scored four of the set’s next five points. She started with a block, scored on an out of system swing, put a ball off the block that hit the antenna and then served an ace for a 20-16 advantage.

A late 4-0 run pulled Mexico within a point, 23-22 and forced a U.S. timeout. On the ensuing play, Henry made a mid-air adjustment before pushing a ball through the block. Her tough serve then led to Knotts’ set-ending kill. Knotts scored eight points, double the next-best total from either team, with six kills, a block and an ace.

The U.S. looked like it might run away with the third set, jumping out to a 7-2 lead. A spirited Mexico comeback, keyed by its strong serving, put the silver medalists one point ahead, 17-16. Westley Matavao, who entered the match in the third set, tied the set with a block before a block and kill by Crooks extended the lead to three points, 20-17.

Knotts scored four of the final U.S. points in the match. A Rautenberg kill on an overpass made it 24-18. After Mexico fought off three match points, Knotts sealed the gold medal with her eighth kill and 10th point of the set.

2025 U.S. Girls U19 National Team for the NORCECA Pan American Cup
(Name, Position, Height, Birth Year, Hometown, High School, Region)

1 Taimane Ainu’u (S, 5-11, 2009, Kapolei, Hawaii, Iolani HS, Aloha)
2 Nejari Crooks (OPP, 6-1, 2009, High Point, N.C., Wesleyan Christian Academy, Carolina)
3 Cala Haffner (L, 5-8, 2009, Fort Wayne, Ind., Carroll HS, Hoosier)
4 Taylor Harrington (MB, 6-3, 2009, Arlington, Va., Wakefield HS, Chesapeake)
5 Olivia Henry (OH, 6-5, 2009, Bayside, N.Y., IMG Academy, Florida)
6 Megan Hodges (MB/OPP, 6-5, 2009, Ladera Ranch, Calif., San Juan Hills HS, Southern California)
7 Marissa Jones (S, 6-2, 2009, Atlanta, Ga., Woodward Academy, Southern)
8 Kari Knotts (OH, 6-3, 2010, Marietta, Ga., Hightower Trail MS, Southern)
11 Westley Matavao (OH, 6-0, 2009, Ontario, Calif., Mater Dei HS, Southern California)
13 Shayla Rautenberg (MB, 6-3, 2009, Pleasant Dale, Neb., Milford HS, Great Plains)
14 Ireland Real (OH, 6-4, 2009, San Clemente, Calif., Santa Margarita Catholic HS, Southern California)
18 Kyla Williams (MB, 6-4, 2009, Cleveland, Ohio, Gilmour Academy, Ohio Valley)

Alternates
9 Pulelehua Laikona (L, 5-8, 2009, Gilbert, Ariz., Mesa HS, Arizona)
10 Leilani Lamar (OH, 6-2, 2009, Tampa, Fla., Tampa Preparatory School, Florida)
12 McKenna McIntosh (OH, 6-1, 2009, Stockton, Calif., St. Mary’s HS, Northern California)
15 Josalyn Samuels (S, 6-1, 2009, Harrisburg, S.D., Harrisburg HS, North Country)
16 Marlee Steiner (MB, 6-4, 2009, St. Louis, Mo., Lindbergh HS, Gateway)
17 Caroline Ward (OPP, 6-0, 2009, Lizton, Ind., Tri-West Hendricks HS, Hoosier)
19 Shaye Witherspoon (OH, 6-3, 2009, Wildwood, Mo., Lafayette HS, Gateway)

Coaches
Head Coach: Jamie Morrison (Texas A&M)
Assistant Coach: Michelle Chatman Smith (LOVB)
Assistant Coach: Maggie Eppright (LOVB)
Performance Analyst: Michael Bouril (Mississippi State)
Athletic Trainer: Rebecca Himes (PVF)
Team Lead: Alex Purvey (NTDP)

2025 Girls U19 Pan American Cup Schedule
All times Pacific
All matches will be livestreamed on Volleyball Canada YouTube

June 24:  USA def. Venezuela, 3-0 (25-9, 25-23, 25-21)
June 25: USA def. Mexico, 3-0 (25-21, 25-21, 25-23)
June 26: USA def. Puerto Rico, 3-1 (20-25, 25-20, 25-14, 27-25)
June 27: USA def. Dominican Republic, 3-0 (25-22, 25-14, 25-20)
June 28: Gold Medal Match, USA def. Mexico, 3-0 (25-21, 25-22, 25-21)

The Australian Institute of Sport (AIS), Central Queensland University (CQUniversity) and the Queensland Academy of Sport (QAS) developed the world-leading AIS Best Practice Recommendations to Support Elite Athletes from Preconception to Parenthood.

“The more mums and aspiring mums we see thriving in sport, the better,” Minister for Sport, The Hon Anika Wells MP said.

“Athlete mums are among our best athletes, just look at marathon mum Jess Stenson or world record holder Vanessa Low, both of whom actually achieved greatness as parents.

“There shouldn’t have to be a choice between motherhood and athletic success and in fact, the qualities developed through being a mum, including resilience, are ideal for elite competition.

“The Albanese Government wants our athletes to be treated as individuals and supported with tailored programs that can drive them to 2032 success.”

AIS Female Performance Health Initiative Project Lead Dr Rachel Harris said the recommendations will help more women thrive.

“No athlete should have to choose between a career in sport and being a parent, but unfortunately that’s the reality for a growing number of female athletes,” Dr Harris said.

“Many athletes are reaching their late 20s, early 30s and are wanting to start a family, however a lack of support is leading them to early retirement.

“These evidence-based recommendations will help sports retain great athletes who have the potential to perform for another 10-15 years.”

The recommendations underpin Australia’s High Performance 2032+ Sport Strategy: Win Well in which 62 sports and organisations have pledged to prioritise athlete wellbeing.

Three-time Olympic kayaker Alyce Wood is among a long lineup of Australian athletes who have soared to career-best performances after having children.

Wood achieved her best ever performance in the K1 500 at 35 weeks postpartum before competing at the 2023 World Championships, followed by the Paris Olympics with daughter, Florence, by her side.

“At that point in my life it was the strongest and happiest I’d ever felt, but that wouldn’t have been possible without a supportive team,” Wood said of Paddle Australia.

Olympic Water Polo player and mum Keesja Gofers also returned to training eight weeks postpartum before making history in Paris.

“I had people who advocated for me within my sporting organisation and I am very grateful for the support I received,” Gofers said of Water Polo Australia.

Both Wood and Gofers were among more than 60 athletes, coaches, high performance support staff and medical professionals who helped shape the recommendations.

CQUniversity Associate Professor Melanie Hayman highlighted that even sports with small budgets can make a real impact.

“Some of these recommendations can be implemented with little to no resources such as offering flexible training options, protecting categorisation or modifying uniforms,” Associate Professor Hayman said.

“While sports with bigger budgets can consider covering medical bills, contract extensions or childcare.”

Queensland Minister for Sport and Racing and the Olympic and Paralympic Games, Tim Mander MP, said the return to sport for postpartum and parenting athletes was critical.

“The Queensland Academy of Sport has taken a strong lead in championing female athlete research, and this research is a clear example of its commitment to driving progress in this important space,” Mr Mander said.

“With more female athletes returning to elite sport after childbirth, the QAS has played a critical role in supporting their successful return.

“To do this well, they’ve focused on understanding the real barriers and enablers so we can strengthen policies, systems and support where it matters most.

“We are incredibly proud of these recommendations and look forward to supporting our athletes in continuing to thrive as we continue on our journey to 2032 and making it our most successful Games yet.”

Gofers agreed that this will change the future of women’s sport for the better.

“Women that choose to be mum athletes are determined and resilient, which is exactly the type of athlete coaches want to achieve those one percenters,” Gofers said.

The AIS Best Practice Recommendations to Support Elite Athletes from Preconception to Parenthood can be downloaded here.

By the Australian Institute of Sport
Posted 29/6/2025

One county, two state champions.

Bureau County had a state track finals this spring like none other when it produced not one but two state champions in the same event.

Ian Morris won Princeton’s first state discus championship in 34 years, taking the Class 2A title, the 10th state championship in track and field in school history,

In the ring next to him, Bureau Valley senior Landon Hulsing made off with the 1A state discus crown, the Storm’s first state champion in 13 years.

Both were amazed to take part in such a historic moment, even if they didn’t get to watch one another.

“We were throwing at the same time, so we didn’t really get to watch each other. Would have been sweet to watch him,” Morris said. “It was awesome just to represent our community. We have great support. It’s a testament to both of our coaches. We have great programs. I’m glad to bring it back to a community that supported us so much.”

“I think it’s amazing. That’s not typical. It’s crazy to have one, but to have two in the same event is just crazy. Just goes to show we have good throwing around here,” Hulsing said.

For their shared accomplishment as state champions, Morris and Hulsing are the 2025 NewsTribune Boys Track & Field Co-Athletes of the Year.

On a mission

Morris made state in each of the past two years, but left empty handed. This year he was determined to make it happen.

“Went down there past two years throwing not great. This year, something changed,” he said. “Our coaches put in my mind we could do it and it clicked. It was amazing. It was a really good feeling.”

He knew his winning throw of 175-9 (53.38 meters) was good, but not that good.

“It felt good, I didn’t think it was that far, though,” he said. “Technique was getting better throughout the year, and at the end there it felt really good. Felt good out of the hand. The mark was awesome. Felt super excited.”

What made it interesting was Morris was looking up at freshman teammate Landen Hoffman until the last throw.

“When he threw that 52 (meters), we were like, ‘Oh my God, he’s going to win this thing,’” Morris said. “He is insane. I’m excited to see how far he goes. I felt a little bad taking out from him, but he’s got three more years.”

Hulsing even surprised himself at state with his winning toss of 187 feet,7 inches (57.19m).

“My best this season going in was a 51-something and then to throw a 57 (meters) was just insane,” he said. “I didn’t even hear the mark … I knew it was a good throw. I knew it was above 50 (meters). Heard my parents freaking out, and my coaches were super excited. And I was super excited.

“It didn’t feel any different. Your best throws never feel like your best throws. Then I heard the mark and I was just super happy. Was afraid somebody would come back to beat it later but it was pretty safe.”

Breaking the school record held by 2001 state champ Mike Behrens (169-7) by 18 feet was icing on the cake.

“Beginning of year, my goal was to qualify for state in high jump and discus and then it kind of changed to break the school record in discus because I was close,” he said. “Going into state, I didnt know if this was possible because I wasn’t there yet. I knew it would take just one good throw. When I found out I exceeded it by quite a bit I was super excited.

“To have the school record is huge. I’ll come back and see that in a couple years.”

Going to state in shot put was also an unexpected bonus.

“Shot put was interesting. Me and my coach (Dan DeVenney) didn’t have any expectations in shot put,” he said. “We wanted to focus on discus because that’s my main event. So really in shot put, I just went down there to have fun. I did better than sectionals, which is really all I can ask for and for throwing the past couple years it was fun.”

Strong in tradition

Both the Storm and Tigers have strong tradition when it comes to the throws.

Bureau Valley has produced eight state medalists in throws with 13 state medals since it formed in 1995-96. PHS has produced 17 state individual medalists in throws dating back to 1980 with a total of 29 state medals.

“Bureau Valley has a good history in track. I saw I was the fourth state champion,” Hulsing said. “Our team has been really good this year. Just competing for them is an honor. I know there’s a lot of eyes looking at me, a lot of younger kids, older kids, people who graduated, the community.

“Everybody’s really connected and track’s not the most popular sport. Winning a state championship … they’re excited about it.”

Morris became the third state champion in throws in school history, just the second in discus since Greg Groat won both throws in 1991.

“We have a very rich history. Our throwing’s always been great,” Morris said. “Our coaching is just next level. [Curtis Odell] knows exactly what works best for us. It’s awesome to be able to carry on that after Payne [Miller], Bennett [Williams], [Grant] Foes and Greg Groat back in the day. It’s just awesome to keep that tradition going.”

Next chapter

Morris has been accepted into the Air Force Academy and is hopeful to make the track and field team as a walk-on in the shot put next year.

“I’ve talked to the coach and he said I’ve met the walk-on’s standards. So, I’m just going to go there and try out and see how I do. See if they take me. It’d be a real good opportunity if I could do that,” Morris said, who is excited to be reunited with former teammate Bennett Williams, who is on the Air Force football team.

Hulsing’s next chapter is a bit up in the air. He gave some consideration to playing basketball in college, but believes track is his best ticket, most likely throwing for Sauk where his sister Jillian ran.

“I would like to go somewhere. I’m just kind of seeing my options right now,” he said. “Part of me still wanted to play basketball, but I think winning state definitely helps push for track more. My coach has been reaching out for me. I thank him for that.”

The Kenyan Championships drew to a close on Friday (27) at Nairobi’s Ulinzi Sports Complex with Mercy Oketch, George Mutinda, and Reynold Cheruiyot among the standout performers.

The event, initially scheduled for three days, had to be condensed into two days following the Gen Z commemoration protests on Wednesday. Kenya’s World Championships Trials will be held on 1-2 August, while trial races for the women’s 5000m and men’s 10,000m will be staged during the Prefontaine Classic.

The men’s 400m produced one of the standout moments as the top three finishers – George Mutinda, Brian Tinega and Kevin Kipkorir – attained the qualifying time for the World Championships.

Mutinda won the race in a time of 44.51 seconds, with Tinega and Kipkorir finishing second and third in 44.67 and 44.80, respectively. The trio will clash again at the Kenyan Trials in August when they will look to secure their place on the national team for the World Championships.

“I was not expecting to attain the time today, but when I woke up today morning (Friday), I prayed for a personal best,” said Mutinda. “The competition was tough because everyone was in their top shape.”

Mercy Oketch won the women’s 400m in 50.32, just 0.18 shy of the Kenyan record she set at the end of last month. Mercy Chebet (51.80) and Lanoline Aoko (51.81) finished second and third.

Kelvin Loti stole the show in the men’s 800m, clocking 1:43.61 – a PB by more than a second – to finish ahead of Laban Chepkwony (1:43.64) and Alex Ngeno (1:45.55).

In the men’s 1500m, 2019 world champion Timothy Cheruiyot was caught at the finish line by 2022 world U20 champion Reynold Cheruiyot. The 20-year-old won in 3:37.23, with Timothy Cheruiyot, the 2021 Olympic silver medallist, stopping the clock at 3:37.28. 2022 world indoor bronze medallist Abel Kipsang was third, clocking 3:40.20.

Ferdinand Omanyala claimed top honours in the men’s 100m in 10.08 ahead of Steve Odhiambo (10.27) and Meshack Babu (10.31). The 200m was Zablon Ekwam’s time to shine as he caught Omanyala at the finish line, clocking a PB of 20.47 to win by 0.06.

“It’s crazy, I didn’t expect to win,” said Ekwam, who represented Kenya in the 400m at last year’s Olympics. “Competing among the best is something I’ve always wished for. I think we are headed in the right direction. I have a series of international races to compete in before the World Championships.”

Sylvia Abigael Wafula for World Athletics
Produced as part of the World Athletics Media Academy project

Ayden Keeter of Yorktown and Carson Barnes of Ocean View, Delaware, beat a pair of higher-seeded teams Saturday to earn their way into the men’s elimination bracket of the Association of Volleyball Professionals’ Contender Series event at Virginia Beach’s Oceanfront.

Play will resume Sunday morning. The women’s quarterfinals are at 9 a.m., the semifinals at 11 a.m. and the championship match at 1:30 p.m.

The men’s quarterfinals are at 10 a.m., the semifinals at noon and the final at 2:45 p.m.

Keeter and Barnes have been college beach volleyball teammates for Webber International in central Florida. Seeded 16th in the main draw of 24 men’s pairs, they beat No. 9 Chase Frishman and Ian Satterfield 20-22, 21-13, 15-9 and No. 4 Marcus Carvalhaes and David Wieczorek 21-14, 24-22.

Keeter and Barnes were to face No. 11 Ian Bicko and Jacob Landel in the round of 16.

The winners and runners-up in the $60,000 event at 12th Street and Atlantic Avenue will gain wild-card berths into the AVP’s Manhattan Beach Open in California in August. There’s $30,000 in the prize pool for men and women.

Former Cox High and University of Hawaii player Brett Rosenmeier of Virginia Beach and Nick Drooker of Henrico, who qualified into the bracket, went 0-2 in their pool and were eliminated. They fell 21-15, 21-16 to No. 1 seeds Derek Bradford and Evan Cory and 21-13, 28-30, 15-11 to No. 13 Guille Jimenez and Charlie Siragusa.

Keeter’s younger sister, former Grafton High star Alexis Keeter, competed in women’s pool play with Florida Gulf Coast teammate Elaina Millaway of Greenwood, Delaware. They fell 21-11, 21-15 to second seeds Marine Kinna and Chloe Loreen and 21-14, 23-21 to No. 14 Reilly Allred and Kristi Tekavec.

Qualifiers Mariana Feliciano and Taylor Pierce, the lowest-seeded pair, upended top-seeded Maya Gessner and Jacinda Ramirez 18-21, 21-19, 15-12 to open pool play, though Gessner and Ramirez then won to ensure their spot in the final 16.