LONG BEACH, Calif. – Chris Acker and his staff announced the addition of a major Division I transfer, welcoming guard Shaquil Bender to the Beach after two seasons at Manhattan.

 

Shaquil Bender | Guard | 6-2, 185 | Philadelphia, Pa.

 

Hailing from Philadelphia where he was All-State as a senior, Bender got his collegiate career started in the junior college ranks in Southern California. As a true freshman, Bender averaged 19.0 points and 2.0 assists per game while earning First Team All-South Coast Conference honors. Transferring to Fullerton College as a sophomore, Bender led the Hornets to a CCCAA State Championship, going 32-1 while averaging 13.6 points and 1.3 assists per game, shooting 47.1 percent from three, and scoring 23 points in the state championship game.

 

Making the move to Division I, Bender led Manhattan in scoring at 13.8 points per game while shooting 34.1 percent from distance. Last season, he averaged 11.2 points per game and over two assists per game for the Jaspers, who made a 10-game improvement.

 

Acker on Bender:

“It was incredibly important for us to secure Shaq, simply because he’s a guy who knows how to win and I know he’s been coached extremely hard. He’s a very good scorer, but most importantly for us, he is an elite competitor. We needed to address toughness, grit, and scoring and he checks all of those boxes.”

 

Bender is Long Beach State’s second Division I addition via transfer this summer, joining Isaiah Lewis of Little Rock and becoming part of the growing group forming the 2025-26 roster.

 

Club Z volleyball club is led by coaches Brianna Wyatt and Madi Edwards. Team members include Cortez’s Tessa Jackson, Anna Tewell, and Mikayla Pena, Dolores’ Aubree Wyatt, Kendall Chavez, and Madison Thornbrugh, Mancos’ Lexi Lyons, Durango’s Devyn Edwards, and rising high schoolers Addyson Wyatt and Layla Mitchell.

Team includes players from Southwest Colorado

Club Z, a new Farmington-based volleyball club, won the 16-and-under division at the Stars and Stripes Festival tournament in Mesa, Arizona, over the weekend of May 24-26 and qualified for the AAU National tournament in Phoenix from June 26-29.

Led by coaches Brianna Wyatt and Madi Edwards, team members include Montezuma-Cortez High School’s Tessa Jackson, Anna Tewell, and Mikayla Pena, Dolores’ Aubree Wyatt, Kendall Chavez, and Madison Thornbrugh, Mancos’ Lexi Lyons, Durango’s Devyn Edwards, and rising high schoolers Addyson Wyatt and Layla Mitchell.

The team is run by directors Shawn and Lindy Edwards, and tryouts for next year’s club season will be from July 15-24. For those interested in getting involved in Club Z can reach out to Shawn Edwards at clubzsce@gmail.com.

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It started in the fall with flag football, then continued with co-ed soccer in the winter. Now, the wildly popular intramurals are coming to an end as the school year wraps up. 

Slow-pitch softball led the way this quarter, with each team having the opportunity to advance to the playoffs. Seven innings, one hour of softball or a 15-run lead determines the winner, whichever comes first. Division D brought the action with two heavy-hitting teams facing off in an elimination game, but it all began with a round-robin style bracket.

The four teams in this group all played each other once. “Portland Pickles” went undefeated but had two close matchups against “Fake Billionaires.” Their first matchup ended 8-7, while the second elimination game was 8-5. Both games went the full seven innings. Despite their two losses to the Pickles, the Billionaires had quite the strong season of their own. They came in second in the division with two thrilling walk-off wins against “Vineyard Vines.” The first came in the first game of the regular season, resulting in a 14-13 win. The second came in the last game of the regular season, resulting in a 15-14 win. 

“The season went well. We got good wins under our belt and built a good community,” Fake Billionaire first baseman Abhinav Shanbhag ’27 said.

Beach Volleyball was another exciting round-robin spring sport. The matches are the best of five sets, with each going to 15 points.

Division F had a dominant performer in “Beach Babes,” who went 4-2 on the season. They played back-to-back games to end the season, winning the first 3-1 but being eliminated after losing the second 1-3.

“We pushed hard in our back-to-back games but ultimately we just fell short,” Beach Babes captain Sophia Alvarenga ’27 said. 

Team “Club Soccer” defeated “NSBE n’ Company” in the single-day kickball tournament, 8-7, while “TNC” defeated “24 Mavs” 15-10 in the single-day 3v3 basketball tournament. 

Want to play intramurals? You’ll have to wait until next fall for dodgeball, flag football and ultimate frisbee, but it’s never too early to start building your team!

The Trojans couldn’t quite keep up with the top-seeded Barons, who captured the District 3 Class 2A title on Thursday night.

MANHEIM — The York Suburban boys’ volleyball team knew it was not that far away from knocking off a heavyweight like Manheim Central. The two premier heavyweights in District 3 Class 2A had already played May 5, with the Barons escaping with a narrow sweep of the Trojans.

LiveOak Fiber has announced its June lineup of LiveOak Locale events, a monthly community series designed to connect residents across Okaloosa, Walton and Santa Rosa counties through local partnerships and neighborhood gatherings.

• The fiber internet provider will support six community events throughout June, ranging from established local traditions to customer appreciation gatherings.

“This is about connection—real people, real stories, and real fast internet,” said Tiffany Orner, community engagement manager for LiveOak Fiber. “From coffee shops to festivals, LiveOak Locale is where real locals meet, real connections happen, and LiveOak Fiber brings the speed to match.”

Downtown Crestview Food Truck Friday – June 6

The month begins with downtown Crestview’s monthly Food Truck Friday, a community tradition that transforms Main Street into a lively hub of savory bites, sweet treats, and local connections. LiveOak Fiber will join the festivities as part of the LiveOak Locale initiative with a fully branded tent stationed at Main Street and Beech Avenue.

“Main Street’s getting delicious—and connected,” Orner said. “Whether you’re already part of the LiveOak family or just discovering us for the first time, we’re here to add real value to your evening through fast fiber, friendly faces, and a little food truck love.”

Attendees can scan LiveOak Fiber’s QR code to receive a $15 food truck voucher, with one voucher per household while supplies last. Vouchers must be redeemed by 8 p.m. and are accepted at most food trucks throughout the event.

Event Details:

• Date & Time: Friday, June 6, 5-8:30 p.m.
• Location: Main Street, Crestview
• Features: Multiple food trucks, community gathering
• LiveOak Offering: $15 food truck vouchers via QR code

LiveOak Fiber will support the 7th Special Forces Group at their annual Red Empire Community Day, an on-post celebration honoring military families. The event features military displays, family activities, and food trucks, with thousands expected on the parade field.

“This activation is part of our ongoing commitment to show up with purpose, build trust with military-connected households, and bring value to the communities we serve,” Orner said.

As part of the LiveOak Locale initiative, the company will offer $15 food truck vouchers to attendees who scan their QR code and share contact information. Branded tent and yard signage will help families locate the LiveOak Fiber activation area.

Event Details:

• Date & Time: Monday, June 9, 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
• Location: Camp Bull Simons Parade Field
• Features: Military displays, family activities, food trucks
• LiveOak Offering: $15 food truck vouchers via QR code

LiveOak Locale Social at Juana’s Pagodas and Sailors’ Grill – June 11

LiveOak Fiber will host a summer social that brings together the Juana’s Volleyball League and The Key Community’s Florida Panhandle Chapter, which supports transitioning service members and local veterans. The event blends regular volleyball league play with professional networking in a relaxed beachside environment.

• “We’re not here to take over, we’re here to show up the right way for the people already at the heart of it all,” Orner said. “Flexible, authentic, and always community first.”

League players and community guests can step into the air-conditioned clubhouse overlooking the courts, where they can scan the LiveOak QR code to receive food and their first drink compliments of LiveOak Fiber.

“In a region where military families, long-time locals, and purpose-driven organizations live side by side, LiveOak Fiber doesn’t try to choose one audience,” Orner said. “We serve them all with respect, intentionality, and a commitment to showing up meaningfully at every level.”

Event Details:

• Date & Time: Wednesday, June 11, 4-7 p.m.
• Location: Juana’s Pagodas and Sailors’ Grill, 1451 Navarre Beach Causeway, Navarre
• Features: Volleyball league play, networking for veterans and service members
• LiveOak Offering: Heavy appetizers and first drink

LiveOak Locale Social at Papa’s Smokehouse – June 19

LiveOak Fiber will partner with Papa’s Smokehouse in Niceville for a double activation during both lunch and dinner service. The locally-owned BBQ restaurant represents the legacy of Jim Wells, who served his community for over 30 years as a nurse before teaming up with his son Colby to open the smokehouse just over a year ago.

“Papa’s is everything LiveOak Locale stands for: local ownership, neighborly service, and a passion for doing things the right way,” Orner said. “You’ll find Jim at the shop most mornings by 5:15 a.m., no shortcuts, just consistency, quality, and care.”

Guests can choose their preferred time slot and scan LiveOak Fiber’s QR code during either lunch or dinner service to receive a $15 food voucher. Vouchers are available while supplies last and must be redeemed by 7 p.m.

Event Details:

• Date & Time: Thursday, June 19, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. and 4:30-6:30 p.m.
• Location: Papa’s Smokehouse, 205 John Sims Parkway, Niceville
• Features: Local BBQ, family-owned business
• LiveOak Offering: $15 lunch or dinner vouchers

LiveOak Locale Social at Willingham Seafood Company – June 26

LiveOak Fiber will team up with Willingham Seafood Company for an old-school shrimp boil featuring Gulf Coast classics prepared on-site. The pop-up event will serve shrimp, potatoes, corn and bold flavors with seating available both inside and outside.

• “The kids have been out of school for a month and are eating like garbage disposals, and honestly, we’re here for it,” Orner said. “Let us help you keep them full while allowing you to kick back and connect.”

The event serves as an opportunity for residents to learn about LiveOak Fiber’s services while enjoying a traditional seafood meal. Take-home options will also be available.

Event Details:

• Date & Time: Thursday, June 26, 4:30-7 p.m.
• Location: 153 N John Sims Pkwy, Valparaiso
• Features: On-site shrimp boil, Gulf Coast seafood
• LiveOak Offering: Free food

LiveOak Locale Lineup – June 29

The month concludes with the LiveOak Locale Lineup, a monthly customer appreciation event created specifically to celebrate LiveOak Fiber customers in their neighborhoods. The pop-up style gathering features local partners Rolling Embers Brick Oven Pizza and The Thirsty Ranch, with drinks available for all ages.

“Each Lineup is a small token of appreciation to the individuals who trust us to power their homes,” Orner said. “No sales pitch, just solid fiber energy.”

The company plans to continue the monthly Lineup events, with July tentatively scheduled for Navarre Beach, depending on weather and vendor availability.

“It’s all part of LiveOak Locale’s mission to keep it local, keep it real, and keep it connected,” Orner said.

Event Details:

• Date & Time: Sunday, June 29, noon-4 p.m.
• Location: Navarre Beach
• Features: Local food trucks, customer appreciation
• LiveOak Offering: Free mocktails and pizza for LiveOak Fiber customers

All events are part of LiveOak Locale, which the company describes as “a movement” focused on pop-up events, local partnerships and community appreciation in the neighborhoods it serves. Complete event details and updates are available on the LiveOak Fiber website.

BRIDGEPORT, Pa. — 12 Collegiate Water Polo Association (CWPA) athletes are among 66 selections to the 2025 Association of Collegiate Water Polo Coaches (ACWPC) Division I All-America team.

Divided into eight First Team, eight Second Team, eight Third Team and 42 Honorable Mention honorees, the ACWPC Division I All-America team is selected based on nominations and voting by the head coaches of each Division I varsity program.

2025 CWPA Champion Harvard University earns the most All-America awards among CWPA institutions with five, while Princeton University (three), Brown University, Bucknell University, Saint Francis University and the University of Michigan round out the honored institutions.

Princeton’s Kayla Yelensky (Sr., Stamford, Conn./Greenwich Academy) and Harvard’s Niki Piovan (Fr., Vouliagmeni, Greece/HAEF Athens College) lead the CWPA selections as the duo claim Third Team recognition.  The award marks the third All-America accolade for Yelensky who previously claimed Second (2024) and Third (2023) Team status, while Piovan collects her inaugural All-America nod.

10 athletes post Honorable Mention awards with Princeton goalkeeper Lindsey Lucas (Jr., Orinda, Calif./Miramonte) becoming a three-time All-America on the heels of prior Second (2024) and Third (2023) Team status.

2024 Honorable Mention selections Emma Gilbert (So., Santa Barbara, Calif./Dos Pueblos), Ruby Hodge (Jr., San Juan Capistrano, Calif./Santa Margarita Catholic) and Maya O’Dea (So., Long Beach, Calif./Woodrow Wilson) of Harvard also repeat as All-America honorees, while Brown’s Claire Poissonnier (Sr., Santa Ana, Calif./Foothill), Bucknell’s Olivia Hopper (Fr., Greenwich, Conn./Greenwich), Princeton’s Rachael Carver (Sr., Laguna Beach, Calif./Laguna Beach), Saint Francis’ Caylah Olay (Jr., Redondo Beach, Calif./Redondo Union), Michigan’s Ariadne Karampetsou (Fr., Athens, Greece/Costeas Geitonas School) and Harvard goalkeeper Orli Cooper (Fr., Greensboro, N.C./Guilford Home Educators) collect their inaugural All-America honors.

Since 2005, the mission of the ACWPC is to promote the development and advancement of collegiate water polo.  This shall be accomplished by providing its membership with professional education, services, training and a united voice.