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Volleyball Recruiting Blog: GACA All-Stars returning in 2025

The 2025 volleyball season starts in eight weeks and before the fall arrives, today’s blog will highlight the athletes that were honored to star in this past season’s GACA/BSN All-Star Games. This event was hosted by Jefferson High School and had 38 individuals from around the state that were nominated by the Georgia Athletic Coaches […]

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The 2025 volleyball season starts in eight weeks and before the fall arrives, today’s blog will highlight the athletes that were honored to star in this past season’s GACA/BSN All-Star Games. This event was hosted by Jefferson High School and had 38 individuals from around the state that were nominated by the Georgia Athletic Coaches Association. The all-stars were comprised of mostly juniors and sophomores and gives great insight to some of the top Class of 2026 and 2027 prospects in the state. While it is not a complete picture to what the 2025 season will look like, these athletes will be leaders returning to their respective program that will provide invaluable experience this upcoming season.

Savannah Arts libero Maggie Allen is a Class of 2026 libero that is one of the top servers in the state. Allen posted a career-best 84 aces last year after tallying 81 as a sophomore. Teammate Charlotte Browne was one of the sophomores selected to play in the all-star game last year and is a Class of 2027 Middle Hitter. Last year, Browne helped lead the Panthers with 101 kills and 56 total blocks.  Oconee County was represented by Class of 2027 Middle Hitter Jillian Benning and Class of 2026 Outside Hitter Petra Mooney. Last year, Benning (62) and Mooney (158) accounted for a combined 220 of the Warriors’ kills.

Johns Creek will be another team with returning starpower in 2025. Hana Catic, a 2027 Outside Hitter and Defensive Specialist appeared in the all-star game and will be teaming up with Class of 2026 Adonia Haile next year. Haile—who surpassed 1,000 career assists last September while starring for the Gladiators. Haile and Johns Creek finished 25-9 last season after dropping a tough 3-2 loss to Sequoyah in the first round. In that defeat, Haile matched her season-high with 28 assists. Haile finished her junior season with a team-high 556 assists and had just 16 ball handling errors in 88 sets played. The 5-foot-7 setter tallied 179 assists as a freshman and then posted 485 assists as a sophomore in 114 sets played. Haile has increased her impact, while decreasing the errors and will be a pivotal piece for Johns Creek this season with both Sara Buoni and Hana Catic returning after breakout sophomore campaigns where they led Johns Creek with 275 and 232 kills, respectively.

ROAD TO RECOVERY

Westminster’s Toni Odujebe missed the all-star game due to an injury, but will be back this season to help the Wildcats in their quest for a 10th all-time state title and first since 2020. Additionally, Northside-Columbus will benefit from Blakely Arnold’s recovery from her injury last year. In 2025, Arnold missed eight weeks with an ankle injury before returning to the lineup for the final several matches and provides the Patriots with a 6-foot presence at Middle Hitter.

 

2024 GACA/BSN All-Star Roster 

Maggie Allen, Savannah Arts, Libero 2026

Jillian Benning, Oconee County, MH 2027

Layla Bergman, Appling County, Setter 2026

Siena Berthold, Jackson County, OH/MH 2026

Charlotte Browne, Savannah Arts, MH 2027

Serenity Carter, Valdosta, OH/RH 2026

Hana Catic, Johns Creek, OH/DS 2027

Emory Caylor, Appling County

Fatima Cesaire, Fayette County, OH 2026

Elizabeth Cook, Oglethorpe County, OH 2026

Abby Dennard, Morgan County, Setter 2026

Layla Dunn, Mt. Paran, OH/RH 2027

Alyssa Feder, Brookwood, Setter 2026

Makaila Foster, Fayette County, MH 2026

Carsyn Galligan, Brookstone, MH/OH 2027

Mia Goldbach, North Cobb, OH 2026

Skyy Green, Ware County, OH 2026

Ava Husted, North Forsyth, Setter 2026

Juli McDaniel, Creekview, OH/RH 2026

Prentice McGarvey, Gainesville, L/DS 2026

Claudia Meditz, McIntosh, MH 2026

Petra Mooney, Oconee County, OH 2026

Allie Moore, West Laurens, L/DS 2026

Hannah Nicholson, North Cobb, L 2026

Tonii Odujebe, Westminster, OH 2027

Abby Peppers, Woodstock, MH 2026

Mar’ley Phillips, Seckinger, OH 2026

Olivia Philopt, River Ridge, L/DS 2026

Ryan Presley, Brookstone, Setter 2027

Mia Ray, North Gwinnett, OH 2027

Taylor Reid, Gainesville, MH 2025

Caitlyn Rivers, Richmond Academy, OH 2026

Camryn Scherer, Morgan County, L 2026

Jordynn Skinner, Holy Innocents’, L/DS 2026

Shelby Smith, Lakeside-Evans, OH 2027

Hadley Sparks, Bremen, OH/DS 2026

Addison Stewart, North Oconee, OH 2027

Marley Woodall, North Oconee, MH 2026



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2025 All-Sentinel Girls Track and Field Team

State AlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWashington D.C.West VirginiaWisconsinWyomingPuerto RicoUS Virgin IslandsArmed Forces AmericasArmed Forces PacificArmed Forces EuropeNorthern Mariana IslandsMarshall IslandsAmerican SamoaFederated States of MicronesiaGuamPalauAlberta, CanadaBritish Columbia, CanadaManitoba, CanadaNew Brunswick, CanadaNewfoundland, CanadaNova Scotia, CanadaNorthwest Territories, CanadaNunavut, CanadaOntario, CanadaPrince Edward Island, CanadaQuebec, CanadaSaskatchewan, CanadaYukon Territory, Canada Zip Code Country United States of […]

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Men’s and Women’s Basketball, Volleyball Top NCAA Division III in Home Attendance

Story Links Hope College fans supported the Flying Dutchmen and Flying Dutch at an elite level during the 2024-25 academic year, ranking first in home attendance in three sports and the top four in two more. Hope led the nation in home attendance in men’s basketball, women’s basketball and women’s volleyball, tied […]

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Hope College fans supported the Flying Dutchmen and Flying Dutch at an elite level during the 2024-25 academic year, ranking first in home attendance in three sports and the top four in two more.

Hope led the nation in home attendance in men’s basketball, women’s basketball and women’s volleyball, tied for second in men’s soccer and placed fourth in women’s soccer.

In men’s basketball, Hope topped Division III in both average attendance at 1,622 and total attendance at 19,462 over 12 games. Illinois Wesleyan University finished second in average attendance at 1,409. 

It is the 26th time the Flying Dutchmen have led the nation in home basketball attendance. Hope also led Division III in home men’s basketball attendance in 2023-24, 2022-13, 2021-22, 2019-20, 2018-19, 2017-18, 2016-17, 2015-16, 2014-15, 2013-14, 2012-13, 2011-12, 2010-11, 2009-10, 2008-09, 2007-08, 2006-07, 2005-06, 2004-05, 2003-04, 2002-03, 1998-99, 1995-96, 1990-91 and 1983-84.

In women’s basketball, Hope ranked first in Division III in average attendance at 1,183 and second in total attendance at 15,377 over 13 games. Illinois Wesleyan University was runner-up in average attendance at 1,086. 

The Flying Dutch topped Division III in home attendance for the 18th time overall. They joined national attendance-leading Hope teams from 2023-24, 2022-23, 2021-22, 2019-20, 2018-19, 2017-18, 2016-17, 2015-16, 2014-15, 2013-14, 2012-13, 2011-12, 2010-11, 2009-10, 2008-09, 2005-06 and 1989-90.

In volleyball, Hope topped the nation in average and total attendance for the second consecutive season, averaging 793 and totaling 13,477 fans over 17 games. Anna Maria College (Massachusetts) was second in average attendance at 684.

It is the fourth time the Flying Dutch have led Division III in home attendance, following 2023-24, 2014-15 and 2013-14. 

In men’s soccer, Hope tied for second in Division III in average attendance at 596 and ranked fourth in total attendance at 5,367. Calvin University finished first in average attendance at 623.

In women’s soccer, Hope ranked fourth in Division III in average attendance at 370 and 11th in total attendance at 3,330. Messiah University (Pennsylvania) was first in average attendance at 459.



 



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Chinese swimmers dope-tested the most ahead of World Aquatics Championships

China players line up before the game – Water Polo – World Aquatics Championships – Men – Group D – Greece v China – OCBC Aquatic Centre, Singapore – July 14, 2025. – REUTERS/Tingshu Wang HONG KONG: Chinese swimmers took more anti-doping tests this year than swimmers from any other country ahead of the World […]

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Chinese swimmers dope-tested the most ahead of World Aquatics Championships

China players line up before the game – Water Polo – World Aquatics Championships – Men – Group D – Greece v China – OCBC Aquatic Centre, Singapore – July 14, 2025. – REUTERS/Tingshu Wang

HONG KONG: Chinese swimmers took more anti-doping tests this year than swimmers from any other country ahead of the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore this month, the Aquatics Integrity Unit said in a report.

From January 1, Chinese swimmers had an average of 8.8 anti-doping tests versus those from the U.S. who were tested 4.1 times and those from Britain who were tested 2.2 times, the report showed.

Swimmers competing as neutrals – mainly those with Russian nationality – were tested 8.2 times on average.

In total the Aquatics Integrity Unit conducted 4,018 anti-doping tests on athletes participating in the Singapore event scheduled for July 11-22.

“The report underscores World Aquatics unwavering commitment to fair competition and the highest standards of integrity in aquatic sport,” it said.

The China Swimming Association did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

China’s swimming team has faced heightened scrutiny since revelations in April that 23 swimmers had tested positive for a banned heart medication in 2021 but were permitted to compete in the Tokyo Olympics that year.The World Anti-Doping Agency accepted the findings of a Chinese investigation that the results were due to contamination from a hotel kitchen. An independent review backed WADA’s handling of the case.

Testing will remain in force until the end of the event, with 830 samples to be collected during 24 days of competition, the Aquatics Integrity Unit said.

China’s male freestyle sprinter Wang Haoyu was tested 13 times, while 200 metre breaststroke world record holder Qin Haiyang was tested 12 times, the report showed.



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New NCAA historical database provides wealth of information on championships

Story Links The NCAA has released a historical championships dashboard, a first-of-its-kind resource that includes details on the winners of every NCAA championship.  This interactive dashboard, displayed across several tabs, provides a comprehensive visual catalog of championship sports, individual titles and school-level summaries throughout the NCAA’s history.  The NCAA research, library and championships […]

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The NCAA has released a historical championships dashboard, a first-of-its-kind resource that includes details on the winners of every NCAA championship. 

This interactive dashboard, displayed across several tabs, provides a comprehensive visual catalog of championship sports, individual titles and school-level summaries throughout the NCAA’s history.

 The NCAA research, library and championships departments collaborated to create the database, which allows users to view historical championship data by year, division, sport, event and school. Championship data will be updated after the end of the fall, winter and spring sports seasons.

“This new historical championships dashboard is a powerful example of how we’re using data to bring the NCAA’s rich history to life,” NCAA President Charlie Baker said. “It celebrates the achievements of student-athletes across generations and gives fans, alumni and schools a dynamic way to explore our championship history.”

The resource includes data from 1921 through the 2024-25 academic year for over 4,500 team and 23,000 individual championships. Highlights from the database include:

  • The first NCAA championship occurred in 1921, with Illinois winning the men’s outdoor track and field championship.
  • Several of the first individual champions were World War I veterans, including Kansas State’s Ray Watson, who won the mile in 1921.
  • The first NCAA men’s basketball tournament was won by Oregon in 1939.
  • The first women’s championships took place in 1981, with field hockey and cross country titles being awarded in Divisions I, II and III in November.
  • Southern California (86) holds the most men’s championship titles, while Stanford (67) leads on the women’s side.

The dashboard will assist staff and the membership in their historical research pursuits. For questions, reach out to Lee Rathbun (lrathbun@ncaa.org) in research or Michelle Watsky (mwatsky@ncaa.org) in championships.



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Croatia beats Montenegro to go top at water polo World Championships in Singapore

by croatiaweek July 14, 2025 in Sport (Photo credit: HVS/Aniko Kovacs) Croatia’s national water polo team have recorded their second win at the World Championships in Singapore, overcoming a strong Montenegrin side in a tightly contested and physical encounter. After beating China (25-6) in the first group match, Croatia beat Montenegro 13-11 today. It was […]

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Water Polo World Champs Singapore

(Photo credit: HVS/Aniko Kovacs)

Croatia’s national water polo team have recorded their second win at the World Championships in Singapore, overcoming a strong Montenegrin side in a tightly contested and physical encounter.

After beating China (25-6) in the first group match, Croatia beat Montenegro 13-11 today.

It was not an easy or dominant performance, but it was a deserved win that sees the ‘Barracudas’ take the lead in their group ahead of the final round.

The first half of the game was defined by strong defensive displays on both sides. The opening 16 minutes saw only ten goals scored (5-5), which is considered low by today’s standards.

Water Polo World Champs Singapore

(Photo credit: HVS/Aniko Kovacs)

Despite the lack of attacking fluidity early on, Croatia managed to build momentum in the second half. Goalkeeper Marko Bijač stood out with 11 crucial saves, helping keep Montenegro at bay.

Water Polo World Champs Singapore

(Photo credit: HVS/Aniko Kovacs)

Goals were spread across the Croatian squad, with Loren Fatović and Konstantin Harkov each netting twice, while Luka Bukić led the scoring with three. Other scorers included Burić, Lončar, Vukičević, Žuvela, Kržić, Butić, and Biljaka.

For Montenegro, Baničević and Radović were the top scorers with three goals each. Despite putting up a strong fight, they were unable to overturn Croatia’s late push.

Water Polo World Champs Singapore

(Photo credit: HVS/Aniko Kovacs)

The final scoreline was Croatia 13, Montenegro 11 (3-2, 2-3, 3-2, 5-4).

Croatia now sit at the top of their group heading into their last group match against Greece.

The match against Greece, scheduled for Wednesday, will determine who finishes first in the group and secures a more favourable draw in the knockout stage.


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Team USA wears silver | News, Sports, Jobs

OSIJEK, Croatia — Former Crestview High School All-Ohioan and University of Pittsburgh freshman Abbey Emch got a medal in her first international volleyball competition. Emch is one of 12 players on the United States Girls U19 National Team that earned the silver medal at the 2025 Girls U19 World Championship after falling in the final […]

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OSIJEK, Croatia — Former Crestview High School All-Ohioan and University of Pittsburgh freshman Abbey Emch got a medal in her first international volleyball competition.

Emch is one of 12 players on the United States Girls U19 National Team that earned the silver medal at the 2025 Girls U19 World Championship after falling in the final to Bulgaria, 3-1 (21-25, 25-16, 25-17, 29-27) on Sunday.

The U.S. has medaled in the last four World Championships for the age group. The 2023 World Championship, where the team won gold, was the first one contested as a U19 championship. Previously, FIVB held Worlds as a U18 event, and the U.S. won bronze in 2021 and gold in 2019.

The match was close statistically as the U.S. finished with a one-point advantage in kills (46-45) and blocks (11-10), while Bulgaria served eight aces compared to five for the U.S. The key statistic was Bulgaria committing 14 fewer errors (37-23).

It is the first time in Bulgaria won a World Championship title in women’s volleyball at any age category and the first women’s team to become world champion across all team sports in Bulgaria.

The U.S. finished with a 6-3 record in the tournament, two of the losses to Bulgaria.

Outside hitter Suli Davis led the U.S. in points (17), kills (13), aces (3), digs (16) and successful receptions (4). Libero Lily Hayes finished with 14 digs.

Outside Cari Spears totaled 12 points on 10 kills and two blocks, while middle blocker Jordan Taylor shared match-high honors with four blocks to go with seven kills for 11 points.

Six-foot-three middle blocker Abbey Emch made some big plays in big moments to finish with four points on three kills and a block

The U.S. led the entire first set, jumping out to a 6-1 lead. A Davis kill extended the lead to six, 10-4. Spears and Davis provided back-to-back kills to make it 14-7 and force Bulgaria to use its final timeout. Bulgaria used a late 7-2 run to cut the margin to three points, 23-20, but kills by Anderson and Davis sealed the opening set.

Davis led all players in the with six points on four kills, a block and an ace. Taylor scored five points on three kills and two blocks. The U.S. doubled Bulgaria’s kill total in the set, 14-7.

Bulgaria scored seven consecutive points to break a 7-7 tie and take early control of the second set. The U.S. got no closer than five points. Davis and Spears each scored three points on kills.

Bulgaria never trailed in the third set, using a 5-0 run to take a 7-2 lead. After the U.S. closed the gap to four points, 13-9, Bulgaria scored the next seven points. Davis scored three points.

The U.S. fell behind 7-4 in the fourth set before using a 5-2 run to even the score at nine apiece on Kelly Kinney kill off hands. A Davis ace and a Taylor block gave the U.S. a three-point lead 13-10 but Bulgaria went on a 10-1 run. The U.S. responded with its own 10-3 run to earn set point on a block by Taylor.

Each team had two set points before Bulgaria converted on its third set point with a block to capture the gold medal.

In Sunday’s third-place match, Poland swept Turkey 3-0 (25-21, 25-21, 25-20) for the bronze medal. There were 24 teams in the tournament.

In a semifinal Saturday, U.S. defeated Poland 3-0 (25-14, 25-18, 25-19).

Outside hitter Suli Davis led the U.S. with 18 points on 13 kills, three blocks and two aces. Opposite Henley Anderson had six kills, three blocks and two aces for 11 points, and middle blocker Jordan Taylor had seven kills and one block for eight points.

Gabrielle Nichols and Cari Spears also scored eight points, with Nichols collecting four kills, three blocks and an ace, and Spears notching six kills, one block and an ace. Devyn Wiest had one ace.



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