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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.”


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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.


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“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.


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“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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North Jackson alum Haynes named Chiefs head volleyball coach | Sports

The North Jackson volleyball program is technically under new leadership, but that new leader is a familiar face at the school. Arielle Haynes, a former three-sport standout and 2022 North Jackson graduate, was recently named the school’s new head volleyball coach. She will be the head coach for both the Chiefs’ varsity and junior varsity […]

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The North Jackson volleyball program is technically under new leadership, but that new leader is a familiar face at the school.

Arielle Haynes, a former three-sport standout and 2022 North Jackson graduate, was recently named the school’s new head volleyball coach. She will be the head coach for both the Chiefs’ varsity and junior varsity teams.

“The goal is to build a competitive and respected program,” Haynes said. “Clear objectives have been set for this year’s team. Our focus this season is to strengthen team culture, establish a strong identity and develop leadership qualities. These goals will help us grow into a more competitive and successful team. I want these girls to succeed both as athletes and as students at North Jackson. I want them to hold each other accountable, compete in every set and take pride in wearing the NJ logo every match.”

Haynes was an all-county basketball player and a state champion softball player for the Chiefs before playing one season at Calhoun Community College. She served as the North Jackson junior high volleyball head coach last season — players from Bridgeport and Stevenson Middle Schools play together under the North Jackson banner at the junior-high level — as the Chiefs went 16-1 and won a Jackson County Tournament championship. 

Haynes also served as a varsity/junior varsity assistant for Melissa Brown, who stepped down as head coach last spring after two seasons. Haynes also is an assistant softball coach for the Chiefs.

North Jackson volleyball competes in Class 4A Area 16 with DAR, Madison County, New Hope and Plainview. 

Haynes said the Chiefs must “demonstrate discipline, consistency, energy and a coachable mindset” and being “team players” and working “well together under pressure” will be pivotal to their 2025 campaign and beyond.

Haynes said coaching at her alma mater is added extra motivation for her.

“Coaching at the school where I once played and graduated from carries a greater responsibility and a deeper emotional connection for me,” she said. “I’m now coaching in the same gym where I played, made mistakes and discovered who I was. Now I have the privilege of teaching and guiding the next generation through that same journey. I understand the culture of North Jackson and the expectations that come with it. I hold myself and this team to a higher standard so that the players can experience the pride and success I once did. I am not just here to coach this volleyball program. I’m here to build teams that stand for something greater. I’ve been blessed with this opportunity and can’t wait for the season to begin. I care deeply about these players, this school and this community and I’m ready to give back to all that North Jackson has given me.”



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Gauchos Historic 2024-25 Athletic Season Capped Off With All-Sport Trophy

Story Links CLEVELAND – UC Santa Barbara Athletics has won its first-ever Division I-AAA Athletics Directors Association (DI-AAA ADA) All-Sports Trophy, tallying 235.00 points to claim the prestigious title for the 2024-25 school year. “What an honor for our UC Santa Barbara campus and department to be recognized with the All-Sport Trophy […]

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CLEVELAND – UC Santa Barbara Athletics has won its first-ever Division I-AAA Athletics Directors Association (DI-AAA ADA) All-Sports Trophy, tallying 235.00 points to claim the prestigious title for the 2024-25 school year.

“What an honor for our UC Santa Barbara campus and department to be recognized with the All-Sport Trophy by the D1-AAA Athletic Directors Association,” said Arnhold Director of Athletics Kelly Barsky. “It is a reflection of the incredible efforts and grit showcased by our Gaucho Student-Athletes, the leadership and expertise of our head coaches, and the incredible service and care provided by our coaches, staff, and community across the board.”

 

According to the DI-AAA ADA, the All-Sports Trophy is awarded to the institution that has the highest point total in all sports in which at least 25% of the eligible I-AAA membership sponsor the given sport. In layman’s terms, this trophy is given to the best all-around Division-I athletics program that does not sponsor Football, of which there are 98 institutions. The 21 sports included in the points total are Baseball, Men’s and Women’s Basketball, Men’s and Women’s Cross Country, Men’s and Women’s Golf, Men’s and Women’s Lacrosse, Men’s and Women’s Soccer, Softball, Men’s and Women’s Swimming and Diving, Men’s and Women’s Tennis, Men’s and Women’s Indoor Track, Men’s and Women’s Outdoor Track, and Women’s Volleyball.

 

Three Gaucho programs finished atop the DI-AAA ADA standings in their respective sport—Softball, Women’s Tennis, and Men’s Outdoor Track & Field.

 

Overall, the Gauchos were lifted by having five conference-championship teams. Along with Softball and Women’s Tennis, Women’s Soccer, Men’s Swimming, and Women’s Swimming all claimed Big West titles; it was the first time since the 2004-05 school year that four women’s programs won conference championships. Men’s Soccer and Men’s Tennis also earned at-large berths to the NCAA Tournament.

 

“On behalf of our Association, I would like to congratulate UC Santa Barbara for capturing its first-ever DI-AAA All-Sports championship this year,” said Shaney Fink, DI-AAA ADA president and current vice president for athletics at Seattle University.

 

UC Santa Barbara edged out Pepperdine (212 points), Providence (202.5), Creighton (198), and the University of Denver (174.5). For more information about this award, visit nacda.com.

 



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St. John Fisher Lands E8-High 257 Student-Athletes On Spring President’s List

General | 7/2/2025 1:56:00 PM Story Links 2025 Empire 8 Spring Semester President’s List Report PITTSFORD, N.Y. – St. John Fisher University had an Empire 8-high 257 student-athletes named to the conference’s President’s List for the spring 2025 semester, the league office announced on […]

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General | 7/2/2025 1:56:00 PM

PITTSFORD, N.Y. – St. John Fisher University had an Empire 8-high 257 student-athletes named to the conference’s President’s List for the spring 2025 semester, the league office announced on Wednesday. The Cardinals also had 25 teams honored as E8 All-Academic Teams, the second most in the conference behind Nazareth (26).

President’s List honorees include E8 student-athletes who achieved at least a 3.75 grade-point average during the spring semester. Teams that earned E8 All-Academic honors logged a 3.20 GPA or higher. 

A total of 1,660 student-athletes and a league-record 190 teams earned recognition from the E8 for their academic excellence this past semester. 

St. John Fisher All-Academic Teams (25)





























Team Grade-Point Average
Baseball 3.32
Men’s Basketball 3.47
Women’s Basketball 3.27
Cheer 3.50
Women’s Rowing 3.48
Men’s Cross Country 3.49
Women’s Cross Country 3.62
Field Hockey 3.62
Football 3.35
Men’s Golf 3.29
Women’s Golf 3.31
Men’s Lacrosse 3.45
Women’s Lacrosse 3.61
Men’s Soccer 3.55
Women’s Soccer 3.51
Softball 3.42
Men’s Tennis 3.51
Women’s Tennis 3.52
Men’s Indoor Track/Field 3.45
Women’s Indoor Track/Field 3.39
Men’s Outdoor Track/Field 3.45
Women’s Outdoor Track/Field 3.39
Men’s Volleyball 3.58
Women’s Volleyball 3.48
Wrestling 3.66

 



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Running with the big Dawgs in Georgia

Football 7/2/2025 2:42:00 PM Michael Abdella – Assistant AD for Strategic Communications Story Links There are many ways collegiate student-athletes can spend their summers: staying in shape, gaining first-hand experience for the future career, and learning skills that […]

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Will Howell - Georgia Internship



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Michael Abdella – Assistant AD for Strategic Communications






There are many ways collegiate student-athletes can spend their summers: staying in shape, gaining first-hand experience for the future career, and learning skills that will set them up for post-college life, to name a few. This summer, rising junior William Howell has found a way to do both each of these through an internship with the one of the top NCAA Division I football programs in the country.

Since the end of May, Howell has been a football strength and conditioning intern with the University of Georgia football program, which won the Southeastern Conference (SEC) championship and finished the season ranked No. 2 in the College Football Playoff rankings. As a kinesiology major, this internship has allowed Howell to gain valuable hands-on experience in his field in a setting with some of the biggest names and faces in the college football world.

Howell’s path to the internship started in an Intro to Kinesiology class he took in the fall when a speaker from a private performance training facility came in one day to talk to the class and answer questions. At the end of the class, Howell introduced himself and told him he was interested in an internship, which led to an internship during St. Olaf’s January Term, a one-month period where students focus on one class or internship.

During January, Howell learned that one of the coaches he was working with had done the internship at the University of Georgia and asked for more information. After reviewing the opportunities that were available for internships, Howell decided he was most interested in the one at Georgia. Before applying, he visited the Piper Center for Vocation and Career – which helps St. Olaf students explore careers, gain experience outside of the classroom, and pursue meaningful post-graduate work – to develop a resume, cover letter, and references. Later, he received a call from the intern coordinator at Georgia and was offered the position.

Howell credits St. Olaf Assistant Athletic Director for Athletic Performance John Waters and the Kinesiology Department for helping him secure the internship.

“Coach Waters introduced me to a high standard for the operations of a collegiate strength program,” Howell said. “With his help, and advising from others in the Kinesiology Department, I feel that I was prepared to take on this internship.”

In Georgia, Howell is part of a staff that includes five full-time strength coaches and roughly 15 interns, who help run the summer strength program for the Bulldogs. Most days, Howell arrives at the facility around 6 a.m. to prepare for the workouts or runs the team will complete that day. This may mean preparing power racks for lifts, setting out cardio equipment and stations for team conditioning, or preparing hydration stations for the athletes.

Once the team arrives, Howell and the other interns direct them to their stations, ensure they have the correct weight loaded for their exercises, spot for the lifts, and help with whatever else is most urgent. When the workout is complete, they clean up and reset the room, so it is ready for the next day.

As someone who aspires to have a future career in strength and conditioning, Howell has gained significant insight into the field during his time in Georgia.

“This opportunity has shown me a lot about what it takes to be a strength coach,” he said. “You need to be passionate, punctual, and dependable. At this level of competition, there are very high expectations for everyone involved. From the head coach to the student support staff, everyone is expected to give their best every day. Additionally, my time here has enabled me to practice many skills that I can use in the future, and I have improved my communication skills and attention to detail.”

Howell’s internship runs through July 31 and has cemented his hope to one day work with athletes at high levels of competition, while helping him learn important skills that will carry over when he returns to The Hill.

“The emphasis on dependability and accountability that I am practicing this summer will surely help my down the line as a student-athlete,” he said. “Being proactive and having the ability to adapt to difficult circumstances are essential to being successful as a student and as a football player at St. Olaf.”

 



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Coppin State track star aims for world championships after NCAA success

BALTIMORE — Jarrett Gentles set a school record at Coppin State in the 400m hurdles before qualifying for the NCAA track and field championships in Eugene, Oregon, where he finished in 9th place. “My first time being there felt like I belonged there, stepping on the track. Definitely electrifying stadium. Everybody was loud and it […]

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BALTIMORE — Jarrett Gentles set a school record at Coppin State in the 400m hurdles before qualifying for the NCAA track and field championships in Eugene, Oregon, where he finished in 9th place.

“My first time being there felt like I belonged there, stepping on the track. Definitely electrifying stadium. Everybody was loud and it was a great run,” Gentles said.

The senior athlete also received 2nd team All-American honors, becoming only the 3rd Coppin State Eagle in that event to achieve that distinction.

Hear from Jarrett Gentles while he prepares to reach his goals

Coppin State athlete who earned All-American nod says he is not done yet

“That accolade means everything because like as I said, like looking back in high school I was able to become an all-American my last year also in high school like senior year so like knowing that it was my last year collegiately competing,” Gentles said.

But the grind doesn’t stop for Gentles. There’s an even bigger goal he’s shooting for.

“One of my biggest goals was to try for the world championship team and stuff like that, get a chance at it. With the time I ran this season, I did qualify to go to U.S. trials, so I’m taking my chances with that. It starts, I think July 31st, August 1st, so I’m training for that right now until I get a chance to make the world team,” Gentles said.

His hard work is paying off as he pursues his dreams.

“I’ve been working so hard that now it’s finally like blossoming into something that is the deserving and I feel like I stay the same, like stay down, stay committed to the goals of like, you know, training every day max potential 100%, and I just keep grinding,” he said.

Even though he’s no longer running for Coppin State, Gentles has one more year left as a grad student. He’ll still be around aiming for a professional career.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.





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Cignal, UAAP Renew Broadcast Partnership for Five More Seasons

The University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) and sports broadcaster Cignal have agreed to extend their partnership for another five years, covering UAAP Seasons 89 through 93. This renewal continues a collaboration that began in 2020, positioning Cignal as the official broadcast partner of the country’s premier collegiate sports league. Cignal has been delivering […]

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The University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) and sports broadcaster Cignal have agreed to extend their partnership for another five years, covering UAAP Seasons 89 through 93. This renewal continues a collaboration that began in 2020, positioning Cignal as the official broadcast partner of the country’s premier collegiate sports league.

Cignal has been delivering extensive UAAP coverage through multiple platforms, including free-to-air broadcasts on One Sports and the high-definition UAAP Varsity Channel, the nation’s only 24/7 channel dedicated to varsity sports. In 2023, the partnership expanded to over-the-top (OTT) streaming via Pilipinas Live, enabling Filipino fans worldwide to follow UAAP action.

UAAP Season 88 President Fr. Rodel S. Cansnacio highlighted the impact of Cignal’s coverage, saying it has elevated the league by offering high-quality broadcasts and telling the stories of student-athletes with passion and depth. “Our student-athletes deserve the biggest stage possible,” he said, emphasizing the shared goal of growing varsity sports.

Cignal President and CEO Jane Jimenez-Basas expressed enthusiasm for the renewed deal, noting the company’s commitment to showcasing the UAAP and enhancing the experience for sports fans everywhere. “This collaboration is all about sharing the journey of our young student-athletes,” she said.

UAAP Executive Director Atty. Rene Andrei Q. Saguisag acknowledged the challenges overcome during the initial partnership, which launched amid the pandemic, and expressed eagerness to strengthen the union further in the coming years.

The renewed agreement ensures continued focus on marquee sports such as men’s basketball, women’s volleyball, and cheerdance, while also spotlighting emerging sports including women’s basketball, men’s volleyball, football, beach volleyball, baseball, softball, streetdance, badminton, and esports.

Moving forward, Cignal plans to deepen its coverage of the UAAP calendar with more live events, original features, documentaries, and digital-first content designed to bring fans closer to the action both in the Philippines and abroad.

ALSO READ: Over 500 Players to Compete in PH National Badminton Open



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