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Women's Soccer Introduces Star

Published

6 months ago

July 16, 2025

ROCHESTER, Mich. – Oakland Women’s Soccer is fully reloaded for the 2025 season with a dynamic influx of talent, announcing a high-powered class of transfer student-athletes set to make an immediate impact as the Golden Grizzlies gear up for a return to the Horizon League Championship.

“I’m excited to welcome this talented group of transfer student-athletes to Oakland University,” said an excited Oakland Head Coach Devin Zvosec. “A huge thank-you to my incredible staff for their hard work in helping assemble such a talented and diverse class from across the country. These players bring valuable experience from both Power Five and Group of Five programs, adding leadership, skill, and versatility to every position. Their ability to contribute in multiple ways, paired with an ultra-competitive mindset, aligns perfectly with the GRIT-driven culture we’re building. We can’t wait to see the impact they’ll make this fall as we work to put Oakland University Women’s Soccer back on the map.“

See the full list of spring transfers below:

Mallory Anderson
Position: Forward
Previous Institution(s): Florida Atlantic University
Devin Zvosec Quote: “Mallory is a fun attacking player who joins us from Florida Atlantic University, in the highly competitive American Athletic Conference. She’s an athletic and technical threat on the flank, thriving when she’s running at defenders. Mallory plays with urgency, always looking to get to goal quickly and has a natural instinct for finding the back of the net. On the defensive side, she’s relentless, pressing opponents and winning the ball high up the field. Mallory brings grit, bite, and a never-give-up mentality. We’re beyond excited to welcome her skillset and energy into our program.”

Rose Gevanthor
Previous Institution(s): University of Massachusetts Amherst
Position: Defender/Midfielder
Devin Zvosec Quote: “I’m extremely excited to add Rose to our team. She brings high-level experience from her time at UMass, where she competed in two Atlantic 10 Tournament finals. Her lead-by-example mentality truly stands out. Rose is a technical player who helps control possession and offers valuable versatility, with the ability to play both in the backline and midfield. Rose is a highly intelligent player on both sides of the ball, and we’re thrilled to see how her mindset and skill set will elevate our play and team culture.”

Grace Harvey
Position: Defender/Midfielder
Previous Institution(s): UMBC and University of Delaware
Devin Zvosec Quote: “Grace is another fantastic addition to our program. At UMBC, she earned All-America East Conference honors before serving as captain at the University of Delaware. Her relentless work ethic sets her apart; she stops at nothing to grow and improve. Grace is an ultra-technical player who thrives both centrally and on the flank. She loves having the ball at her feet and can contribute effectively across all three lines, with the ability to be a playmaker from anywhere on the field. We’re excited to add her leadership and skill to our program this fall.”

Dakota Jarrett
Position: Defender/Forward
Previous Institution(s): University of Mississippi and Colorado State University
Devin Zvosec Quote: “Dakota joins us from the University of Mississippi and Colorado State University. She earned valuable minutes competing in the SEC as a vital contributor to a powerhouse squad. A highly versatile player, Dakota can contribute as both a forward and a defender. She’s confident on the dribble and consistently creates opportunities for her teammates in the final third. Defensively, she’s a relentless presser who excels at winning the ball high up the field and transitioning quickly to goal. We’re beyond excited to see how she impacts our culture and elevates our performance this fall.”

Allison Leonard
Position: Midfielder/Forward
Previous Institution(s): Butler University
Devin Zvosec Quote: “I’m thrilled to welcome home Alli Leonard for her final season. She had a standout career at Butler University, recording 12 goals and 11 assists, earning All-Big East honors, and helping lead her team to both the Big East Tournament Final and the NCAA Tournament. A Michigan native and product of the prestigious Nationals Girls Academy, Alli is a dynamic attacker with the versatility to play as a forward or drop into the midfield, bringing the ability to both score goals and create opportunities for her teammates. She embodies a GRIT-filled mindset, and I’m excited to see the impact she’ll make in elevating our program both on and off the field.”

Ella Shapiro
Previous Institution(s): University of South Florida
Position: Midfielder
Devin Zvosec Quote: “I’m really excited about the addition of Ella to our team. She joins us from a top-45 program in the country in USF and brings with her a strong competitive background during her youth and collegiate career. Ella is a natural leader with a top-notch work ethic. As a central midfielder, she thrives under pressure, always wanting to be on the ball. She can control the rhythm of play in possession while also breaking up dangerous opportunities defensively. We’re excited to add her to our talented midfield group and look forward to seeing the impact she’ll make both on the field and within our team culture.”

Tianna Sidtikun
Previous Institution(s): University of Arizona and Long Beach State University
Position: Midfielder
Devin Zvosec Quote: “We’re excited to welcome Tianna to our program. She brings a wealth of experience, having accumulated over 1,300 minutes at the University of Arizona. Tianna is a very technical midfielder who thrives with the ball at her feet. She drives the midfield by controlling the rhythm of play. Defensively, she is very good at breaking up dangerous counterattacks and has a high soccer IQ. We’re looking forward to seeing her experience in high-performance environments elevate our program both on and off the field.”

Maryn Weiger
Position: Goalkeeper
Previous Institution(s): Mercer University
Devin Zvosec Quote: “Maryn rounds out our goalkeeper union, joining us from Mercer University. She brings with her a highly regarded youth background, having been ranked the No. 135 player in the country during her development years. Maryn is an incredibly technical goalkeeper with a solid foundation and the unique ability to make difficult saves look routine. She also has excellent technical ability, which will be a key asset when building out of the back. Most importantly, she brings an ultra-competitive mindset and a strong hunger for success. Her talent and drive make her a fantastic final addition to our goalkeeper group.”

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Emerald Acres Volleyball Tournament | MyRadioLink.com

Published

3 hours ago

January 2, 2026

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Emerald Acres Volleyball Tournament | MyRadioLink.com

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Former Illini basketball sharpshooter Luke Goode engaged to Illinois volleyball star Kayla Burbage

Published

3 hours ago

January 2, 2026

Your Sports Nation

Love is in the air for two of Champaign’s top athletes in recent years. Former Illini men’s basketball wing Luke Goode popped the question to Illinois volleyball middle blocker Kayla Burbage, the couple shared via Instagram on Wednesday.

“Proverbs 18:22: ‘He who finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favor from the Lord,’” Goode wrote. “Going into the New Years as future Mr. and Mrs. Goode!”

Goode spent the first three years of his college career in Champaign, graduating from the Gies School of Business in 2024 with a bachelor’s degree in finance. After his sophomore season was cut short due to a foot injury, Goode bounced back as a junior, playing in all 38 games for the 2024 Elite Eight team. That season, the 6-foot-7 sharpshooter averaged 5.7 points and shot 38.9% from three on just over four attempts per game.

Last season, Goode spent his final year of eligibility playing for his home state Indiana Hoosiers before turning pro. He is currently suiting up for the South Bay Lakers in the NBA G League. In 11 games so far as a rookie, Goode is putting up 7.6 points and 3.0 rebounds in just above 20 minutes per game.

Burbage just finished up her final season of college volleyball. After spending her freshman campaign at Missouri, Burbage decided to make the move to Champaign. As a sophomore and junior, Burbage played in every match on Illinois’ schedule: 60 total. A shoulder injury sidelined the 6-foot-4 North Carolina native for her senior season, but she returned for a graduate year in 2025. In her final season at Huff Hall, Burbage ranked second in total blocks (82.0) for the Illini and had the fifth-most kills on the team (98).

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Hawkeyes Knock Down Nebraska – Iowa Hawkeyes Athletics

Published

4 hours ago

January 2, 2026

Your Sports Nation

IOWA CITY, Iowa – No. 14 Iowa (12-2, 3-0) defeated No. 20 Nebraska (12-2, 1-2) on New Years Day inside Carver-Hawkeye Arena, 86-76.

Sophomore Chit-Chat Wright dominated the day for the Hawkeyes with a career-high 24 points, three assists, and two steals. Senior Hannah Stuelke followed with 21 points, 10 rebounds, and four assists to notch her third double-double of the season.

The Huskers came out to a fast-paced 8-0 run to start the game. Stuelke got the scoring started for Iowa by getting to the line, sinking both free-throws. Three minutes into gameplay, the Hawkeyes began to capitalize on Nebraska miscues. Sophomore Ava Heiden led a 7-0 run for Iowa to bring the gap to 9-12 with 4:46 left in the quarter. The Huskers contained a narrow 21-18 lead headed into the second quarter.

Wright drained a three-pointer to start the second period, tying up the score for the first time on the day. The Hawkeyes went on to gain nine points on seven forced Husker turnovers in the half. Heiden led the quarter with eight points going 4-for-4 on field goals. A combined 26 points, shooting 66.7 percent in the quarter, left Iowa behind 44-45 at half.

The Hawkeyes came out of the locker room with an 8-2 run to put them in front. Iowa forced four Husker turnovers in the first three minutes of the third quarter, capitalizing five points off of them. Stuelke continued to be a difference maker for Iowa with seven points and two rebounds. This momentum pushed Iowa up 64-61 heading into the fourth.

In the final quarter, the Hawkeyes continued their defensive pursuit, forcing five more turnovers, adding to their total of 18 on the day. Senior Taylor McCabe hit a three-point basket at 4:32 to power Iowa to the end. The Hawkeyes pushed out a 15-6 run to secure a Hawkeye victory.

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Dallas Pulse set to make history in season opener at Comerica Center

Published

5 hours ago

January 2, 2026

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North Texas’ first women’s professional volleyball team will officially launch its inaugural season on Saturday, Jan. 10.

DALLAS — For North Texas volleyball fans, Saturday’s season opener represents more than just a first serve, it’s the beginning of something the region has been waiting for.

The Dallas Pulse, the region’s first women’s professional volleyball team, will open its inaugural season Saturday, Jan. 10, hosting the Indiana franchise at Comerica Center in Frisco.

The matchup marks the first Major League Volleyball game played by a Dallas-based team and is a milestone moment for the metroplex.

The Pulse will play 14 home matches during the 2026 Major League Volleyball season, giving local fans a consistent opportunity to support a women’s pro team built in their own backyard.

Saturday, Jan. 10 – Indy
Thursday, Jan. 15 – San Diego
Thursday, Feb. 5 – Omaha
Sunday, Feb. 8 – Grand Rapids
Thursday, Feb. 19 – Indy
Sunday, Feb. 22 – Grand Rapids
Friday, Feb. 27 – Orlando
Friday, March 13 – Columbus
Sunday, March 15 – Atlanta
Saturday, March 21 – San Diego
Thursday, March 26 – Atlanta
Friday, April 17 – Columbus
Friday, May 1 – Omaha
Sunday, May 3 – Orlando

Leading the team into its first season is head coach Shannon Winzer, who was named to the role in September. The January debut places Dallas at the center of the league’s early growth as women’s professional volleyball continues to gain momentum nationwide.

The timing feels right for North Texas. The region has long been a volleyball hotbed, producing elite athletes through nationally recognized club programs, championship high school teams and top-tier collegiate programs. Until now, many of those players, and the fans who followed them, had no local professional team to rally behind.

Dallas Pulse leadership told WFAA that they hope to change that.

Season ticket deposits are currently open, and the Pulse holds the No. 1 overall pick in the Major League Volleyball Draft scheduled for Nov. 24, giving the team a chance to add a cornerstone player ahead of its debut season.

Major League Volleyball is also preparing for future growth, announcing plans to add expansion teams in Washington, D.C. and Northern California in 2027.

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Iola outside hitter takes top honor on Texas 2A all-state volleyball team | APG State News

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6 hours ago

January 2, 2026

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Tritons Set for Preseason North American Challenge

Published

7 hours ago

January 2, 2026

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LONG BEACH, Calif. — UC San Diego men’s volleyball will prepare for the upcoming season with four exhibitions this weekend as part of the North American Challenge. The event will be hosted by Long Beach State on Friday and Sunday at the LBS Financial Credit Union Pyramid.

The Tritons will play two Canadian sides, Alberta and Calagry. They will play each team once on both days of the challenge.

SCHEDULE

Friday, Jan. 2

2 PM – vs Calgary

4:30 PM – vs Alberta

Sunday, Jan. 4

12:30 PM – vs Alberta

3 PM – vs Calgary

Live stats for all four matches will be available HERE. Fans interested in attending matches can purchase tickets through Long Beach State HERE.

UP NEXT
The Tritons open the 2026 season at home next Tuesday, Jan. 6. Jessup will visit LionTree Arena for a match that begins at 7 PM.

About UC San Diego Athletics
After two decades as one of the most successful programs in NCAA Division II, the UC San Diego intercollegiate athletics program has begun a new era as a member of The Big West in NCAA Division I. The 24-sport Tritons earned 30 team and nearly 150 individual national championships during its time in Divisions II and III and helped guide 1,400 scholar-athletes to All-America honors. A total of 83 Tritons have earned Academic All-America honors, while 39 have garnered prestigious NCAA Post Graduate Scholarships. UC San Diego scholar-athletes exemplify the academic ideals of one of the world’s preeminent institutions, graduating at an average rate of 90 percent, the highest rate among public institutions in NCAA Division I or II. For more information on the Tritons, visit UCSDtritons.com or follow UC San Diego Athletics on social media @UCSDtritons.