American Gold Sports Alliance

Archives for November 2023

NOT DONE YET: TWHS’ Rayome primed for next challenge on the mat

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BY: Matthew Ogle | VYPE

Junior Riley Rayome is gradually becoming a staple in a long line of acclaimed athletes at The Woodlands.

After taking gold at the UIL State Tournament last Winter, Rayome has subsequently set the stage for this season with style. This past weekend – her birthday weekend, no less – she won the Preseason National Tournament for USA Wrestling (115 weight class), and became the first TWHS student to earn the title of Most Outstanding Wrestler at the tournament.

Despite the precedent she’s already established, Rayome remains determined.

“I try to stay humble and realize that there are still things that I can accomplish,” she said. “I try to look at it as if I’m not done yet. There will always be someone better than me, so I just need to keep going. Once I accomplish something I just try to set a higher goal, which means I can’t let off the gas.”

Given the presence she has on the mat, it comes as no surprise that this junior Highlander will be the wrestling team’s captain in the upcoming season – a role she doesn’t take lightly.

“The pressure is high, but I do enjoy it,” said Rayome. “There’s a lot that comes with being a potential role model and setting an example for the team, but that’s part of what makes it fun. I like being able to have that control, and being able to say ‘I’ve done these things, I’ve been places’.”

“It also helps me to improve my leadership skills. I just enjoy helping people see what this sport can bring them, in order to help them see out their own visions.”

Considering her father, Jeffery Rayome, is her wrestling coach at The Woodlands, it’s not hard to see where Riley got her dedication to the sport from – dating all the way back when she started in second grade.

Riley Rayome with her father, Coach Jeffery RayomePhoto provided by Riley Rayome

“He (Rayome’s father) is the reason I started wrestling,” she said. “I would watch his practices as a kid, and seeing his passion made me want to go into it. Now that he’s my high school coach, I love having him in my corner. It makes me feel like I have a lot of trust in my matches, because I know that I’ll have the best person possible backing me up.”

Rayome named Brian Keck Preseason Nationals girls high school Outstanding Wrestler during exciting finals

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BY GARY ABBOTT, USA WRESTLING

Many of the nation’s best girls high school wrestlers came out to test themselves at the Brian Keck Memorial Preseason Nationals. While a number of weight classes were won by well-established national stars, some of the champions used this event to make a name for themselves.

The Outstanding Wrestler was Texas star Riley Rayome of JfloTrained, who defeated Kaura Coles of Montana, 11-4 in the 115-pound finals. Rayome broke open a competitive match with some great wrestling, especially on the mat. Rayome came into Des Moines with a No. 7 national ranking, while Coles was at No. 6. It was one of the most competitive weight classes in the tournament.

One of the top wrestlers in the field, No. 2 nationally ranked Eduarda Rodrigues of California, powered through her 155-pound bracket with pins in all five of her matches. She wrapped up the title with a fall over No. 19 Kaylee Davis of Prodigy Wrestling of Oklahoma in 2:56.

The 170-pound finals featured a pair of elite stars, with Iowan Naomi Simon of the Iowa City WC, ranked No. 2 at 170 pounds, against Illinois’ Valerie Hamilton of SOT-C, who is No. 1 at 135 pounds and jumped up for this event. Although Hamilton was able to turn Simon for back points, it was Simon who controlled most of the positions on the way to a 6-3 win.

While the tournament was loaded with nationally ranked high school girls, and most of the champions were high in the rankings, two of the individual champions came to Des Moines unranked, 130-pound winner Riley Hanrahan of Team Nazar Training Center in Wisconsin and 190-pound wrestler Libby Dix of Iowa.

Hanrahan stopped No. 11 ranked Lilyana Balderas of the Sunkist Kids Monster Garage in the finals with a pin in 5:44. Hanrahan beat No. 8 Briney Rueb, No. 30 Chloe Sanders and No. 4 Samantha Sachs on the way to the finals.

Dix scored a 4-0 decision in the finals against No. 6 Mariah Brumley of Lebanon Yellowjackets of Missouri. Her first win in the tournament was over No. 2 ranked Tirza Twoteeth of Montana, by pin in 5:13. Dix won her first three matches by pin.

The first two matches of the finals finished with pins, as No. 3 Katey Valdez of Betterman Elite Wrestling of Colorado (100) and No. 5 Gabrielle Tedesco of Lake Gibson High in Florida (105).

Valdez pinned Jubilee Rendon of Team Xtreme in Texas in 40 seconds, and Tedesco, a 2023 Junior Nationals champion, pinned Athea Valenzuela of Arizona in 1:42.

At 110 pounds, No. 24 Ava Peters of Aviators needed sudden victory to defeat Alicia Serratos of Wolf Pack WC in California, 9-7.

No. 6 Sierra Chiesa of Bad Karma WC of Pennsylvania was powerful in her victory at 120 pounds, holding a strong lead before pinning No. 5 Lexie Lopez of Victory WC of Colorado.

No. 9 Kaylyn Harrill of The Best Wrestler in Nebraska opened up her offense in a 10-4 win over Brissa Bernal of Oklahoma, who competes for BullTrained Wrestling. Bernal, who has been nationally ranked in the past, is coming back after missing substantial time with injury.

Harrill will be competing in the U15 Pan American Championships later this fall.

No. 27 Emma Chacon of Arizona stopped Iowa’s Isabella Miller of Big Game WC in a competitive final at 135 pounds, by a 5-2 margin.

Taking the 140-pound title was No. 11 Cassandra Gonzales of Minnesota Elite WC, who shut out No. 16 Gianna DiBenedetto of the Swamp Monsters WC of California. Also winning by a shutout was No. 3 Gretchen Donally of Montana, who stopped No. 23 Mackenzie Pratt of Illinois, 7-0.

In a battle of nationally ranked athletes at 235 pounds, No. 12 Mia Cienega of the Ascend Wrestling Academy controlled No. 6 Chloe Hoselton of SOT-C, 5-2.

BRIAN KECK PRESEASON NATIONALS

At Des Moines, Iowa, October 29, 2023

9th-12th Grade Girls results

100 pounds

1st – Katey Valdez (Betterman Elite Wrestling) won by fall over Jubilee Rendon (Team Xtreme Wrestling) (Fall 0:40)

3rd – Zurri Zamora (Texas) won by fall over Brianne Graves (Ohio) (Fall 3:22)

5th – Katie Biscoglia (Ubasa Wrestling Academy) won by fall over Mia Navarro (California) (Fall 2:38)

7th – Mya Hairston (Thoroughbred Wrestling Academy (TWA)) won by decision over Abigail Mendoza (Texas Style Wrestling Club) (Dec 8-2)

105 pounds

1st – Gabriele Tedesco (Lake Gibson High School Wrestling) won by fall over Athea Valenzuela (Arizona Girls Wrestling) (Fall 1:42)

3rd – Elizabeth Valenzuela Smith (Arizona Girls Wrestling) won by decision over Jazmine Turner (Grace M Davis High School Wrestling) (Dec 6-1)

5th – Kendall Moe (Contenders Wrestling Academy) won by decision over Sloane Kruger (Mat Demon Wrestling Club) (Dec 4-2)

7th – Layla Phillips (Immortal Athletics WC) won by fall over Payton Thiele (The Best Wrestler) (Fall 0:47)

110 pounds

1st – Ava Peters (Aviators Wrestling) won in sudden victory – 1 over Alicia Serratos (Wolf Pack WC) (SV-1 9-7)

3rd – Sophia Shultz (The Best Wrestler) won by fall over Sofia Ferran (Golden Bears Wrestling Club) (Fall 5:00)

5th Place Match

Madison Heinzer (Daniel Cormier Wrestling Club) won by decision over Madilyn Enterline (Bad Karma Wrestling Club) (Dec 6-2)

7th Place Match

Cheyenne Frank (Michigan Revolution Wrestling Club) won by fall over Abigail Gindele (Pursuit Wrestling Minnesota) (Fall 0:30)

115 pounds

1st – Riley Rayome (Jflo Trained) won by decision over Kaura Coles (Montana) (Dec 11-4)

3rd – Gigi Bragg (Michigan Revolution Wrestling Club) won by decision over Lindsey Lopez (Victory Wrestling Club – VTC) (Dec 4-1)

5th – Kamdyn Saulter (Summit Wrestling Academy) won by fall over Reanah Utterback (Sebolt Wrestling Academy) (Fall 0:58)

7th – Bk Martinez (Ayala High School Wrestling) won by fall over Tessa Urias (ReZults Wrestling) (Fall 2:28)

120 pounds

1st – Sierra Chiesa (Bad Karma Wrestling Club) won by fall over Lexie Lopez (Victory Wrestling Club – VTC) (Fall 5:41)

3rd – Kailey Benson (Missouri) won by major decision over Aiyana Perkins (Oklahoma) (Maj 12-0)

5th – Kylee Kurszewski (Neenah Wrestling) won by decision over Izzy LeVine (Arizona Girls Wrestling) (Dec 10-5)

7th – Ariella Dobin (Toss Em Up Wrestling Academy) won by fall over Madalyn Deiter (North Montana Wrestling Club) (Fall 4:53)

125 pounds

1st – Kaylyn Harrill (The Best Wrestler) won by decision over Brissa Bernal (BullTrained Wrestling) (Dec 10-4)

3rd – Ava Milliner (Heart and Pride Wrestling Club) won in sudden victory – 1 over Dealya Collins (Mineral Point Wrestling Club) (SV-1 11-9)

5th – Jamie Laswell (Arizona Girls Wrestling) won by decision over Lindsey Rywolt (South Side Wrestling Club) (Dec 3-0)

7th – Arianna Ruiz (Golden Bears Wrestling Club) won by fall over Kate Doughty (Lockdown Wrestling Club) (Fall 1:48)

130 pounds

1st – Riley Hanrahan (Team Nazar Training Center) won by fall over Lilyana Balderas (Sunkist Kids Monster Garage) (Fall 5:44)

3rd – Lynn Horn (Oklahoma) won by fall over Camille Rainey (Warrior Trained Wrestling) (Fall 1:52)

5th – Landri VonGonten (Legacy Wrestling Club) won by medical forfeit over Samantha Sachs (Legacy Wrestling Center) (MFF)

7th – Regan Rosseter (The Best Wrestler) won by decision over Chloe Sanders (Big Game Wrestling Club) (Dec 10-6)

135 pounds

1st – Emma Chacon (Arizona Girls Wrestling) won by decision over Isabella Miller (Big Game Wrestling Club) (Dec 5-2)

3rd – Taylor Colangelo (Lions Wrestling Club) won by decision over Lyniann Gusick (Sebolt Women Wrestling Academy) (Dec 3-0)

5th – Dulce Bocanegra (Warrior Trained Wrestling) won by decision over Margaret Buurma (Michigan Revolution Wrestling Club) (Dec 5-1)

7th – Makenzee Neal (Montana) won by fall over Faith Vondy (Victory Wrestling Club – VTC) (Fall 3:37)

140 pounds

1st – Cassandra Gonzales (MN Elite Wrestling Club) won by decision over Gianna DiBenedetto (Swamp Monsters Wrestling Club) (Dec 5-0)

3rd – Harlow Skenandore (Askren Wrestling Academy) won by decision over Audrey Levendusky (Tennessee) (Dec 4-1)

5th – Alex Maday (Swamp Monsters Wrestling Club) won by fall over Hayden Bratland (Ubasa Wrestling Academy) (Fall 4:02)

7th – Kayden Sipp (2 Tuff Gym Wrestling Club) won by decision over Alyssa Keane (Natural Athlete Wrestling Club) (Dec 8-2)

145 pounds

1st – Gretchen Donally (Montana) won by decision over Mackenzie Pratt (Illinois) (Dec 7-0)

3rd – Olivia Davis (Premier Wrestling Club) won by decision over Brijatte Garcia (Spartan Mat Club) (Dec 9-2)

5th – Alyona Rik (Florida) won by fall over Cadie Percy (Colorado) (Fall 0:29)

7th – Hadyn Stine (Best Trained Wrestling) won by medical forfeit over Ciara Riner (West Virginia) (MFF)

155 pounds

1st – Eduarda Rodrigues (Team Thunder Wrestling Club) won by fall over Kaylee Davis (Prodigy Wrestling) (Fall 2:56)

3rd – Desza Munson (Betterman Elite Wrestling) won by decision over Haylee McGrew (Iowa) (Dec 4-0)

5th – Addeline Graser (Nebraska Wrestling Academy) won by fall over Emma Heaton (806 Elite Wrestling) (Fall 2:34)

7th – Grace Alagbo (Pinnacle Wrestling Club) won in sudden victory – 1 over Isabelle Olesen (Askren Wrestling Academy) (SV-1 6-4)

170 pounds

1st – Naomi Simon (Iowa City Wrestling Club) won by decision over Valerie Hamilton (SOT-C) (Dec 6-3)

3rd – KyLee Lindsley (Bozeman Wrestling Club) won by fall over Alison Evans (Betterman Elite Wrestling) (Fall 2:32)

5th – Alexandria Ray (Edmond North High School Wrestling) won by decision over Chloe Harris (Lawrence Elite Wrestling Club) (Dec 4-1)

7th – Sophia Bassino (Team Nazar Training Center) won by decision over Madison Ward (Midwest Xtreme Wrestling) (Dec 5-4)

190 pounds

1st – Libby Dix (Iowa) won by decision over Mariyah Brumley (Lebanon Yellowjacket Wrestling) (Dec 4-0)

3rd – Tirza Twoteeth (Kalispell Wrestling Club) won by fall over Juliana LeFort (Best Trained Wrestling) (Fall 3:56)

5th – Morgan Miller (Kansas) won by medical forfeit over Avey Mitchell (Texas) (MFF)

7th – Nicole Fernandez (Missouri) won by fall over Calise McCandless (Power Training Center) (Fall 3:48)

235 pounds

1st – Mia Cienega (Ascend Wrestling Academy) won by decision over Chloe Hoselton (SOT-C) (Dec 5-2)

3rd – Alexis Stinson (Victory Wrestling) won by fall over Kelbey Brewer (Darkhorse Wrestling Club) (Fall 1:36)

5th – Lorelei Hartman (Wolf Pack WC) won by fall over Ariana Chavez (Borger Youth Wrestling) (Fall 3:50)

7th – Caitlyn Sohm (Nebraska) won by fall over Reese Baxter (Ubasa Wrestling Academy) (Fall 2:38)

Sophia Smith, Angel Reese make Forbes’ ‘30 under 30’ list

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By: Emma Hruby | Just Women’s Sports

A number of women’s sports stars have made this year’s Forbes “30 Under 30” list, including Sophia Smith and Angel Reese.

Forbes features 30 people who are changing the game in sports, including Smith, who helped lead the U.S. women’s national team in the 2023 World Cup. Despite a disappointing finish at the tournament, the 23-year-old forward represents the future of the national team, and she also won the NWSL Golden Boot with 11 goals for the Portland Thorns.

Reese led the LSU basketball team to its first national title in April 2023. The Most Outstanding Player of the 2023 Final Four, the 21-year-old’s national profile skyrocketed, and she has endorsement deals with Reebok, Coach and more. While Reese is off to a rocky start to the new season, including an unexplained four-game absence, she remains among the biggest stars in the college game.

Other honorees from the world of women’s sports include:

  • Napheesa Collier, 27, Minnesota Lynx forward
  • Jessica Pegula, 29, tennis player
  • Kate Douglass, 22, Team USA swimmer
  • Sha’Carri Richardson, Team USA sprinter
  • Olivia Dunne, 21, LSU gymnast
  • Diana Flores, 26, flag football quarterback
  • Maddie Musselman, 25, Team USA water polo player

Several more names included on the list come from the business side of women’s sports, including Robyn Brown, who is the senior manager of brand and content strategy for the Phoenix Mercury, and Natalie White, who founded women’s basketball shoe brand Moolah Kicks.

‘A breath of fresh air’: Can trailblazer Emma Hayes revitalise the USWNT?

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The Chelsea coach has been a trailblazer in English football and her next task will be to transform the fortunes of the US women’s national team.

By Manasi Pathak | Al Jazeera

After their early exit at the 2023 Women’s World Cup, the United States national team is in dire need of renewal and Chelsea coach Emma Hayes has been tasked with the job.

The 47-year-old has been a trailblazer in England and observers say the “outsider” could be the breath of fresh air that the US women’s game needs.

For decades, the US team has been a leader in women’s football, having won the World Cup four times.

After successive triumphs in 2015 and 2019, there had been high hopes from them to complete a “three-peat” of titles at this year’s World Cup, but the Americans were knocked out in the last 16, losing to Sweden on penalties.

The shock exit raised questions over the performance of coach Vlatko Andonovski, who later resigned, with Twila Kilgore taking over as interim coach.

Earlier this month the US Soccer Federation announced that Hayes will take charge of the US team two months before the 2024 Paris Olympics after she leaves Chelsea at the end of this season.

The US job will be the first time Hayes has taken charge of a national team. But as one of the most influential coaches in the women’s game, she boasts a highly impressive CV.

Hayes has helped turn Chelsea into the dominant force in English women’s football, guiding them to six Women’s Super League titles – including the last four in a row – five Women’s FA Cups and two Women’s League Cups since she took charge in 2012.

She also led them to the Women’s Champions League final in 2021, the same year she was named FIFA Women’s Coach of the Year.

Before Chelsea, Hayes worked in US football with Long Island Lady Riders, Iona Gaels and the Chicago Red Stars.

Brandi Chastain, a two-time world champion with the US, said it’s an “intriguing” appointment that will challenge the USWNT, who have slipped from first to third in the FIFA world rankings since the World Cup.

“I’ve heard she’s a stickler for the details about the growth and development of the players, and a certain style of play,” she said.

“I think it will be a great challenge for the players. I don’t know if they’ve been challenged outside of their comfort zones in a long time.”

Hayes is known for her direct and attacking approach but adapts tactics and formations to the players at her disposal, and observers say she boasts excellent people management skills.

“Hayes’s style of football is very much like her, direct,” Canadian sports journalist Mariam Kourabi said. “There is a heavy emphasis on quick movement of the ball, making the most out of possession and being clinical everywhere.

“Fast and effective football is what made the USWNT terrifying for many years, which is exactly what they have lost, but is what Hayes enforces.”

Kourabi, also the founder of the SHE scores bangers podcast, praised Hayes’s willingness to make bold decisions – something she said ex-USWNT coach Andonovski failed to do, particularly with substitutions.

“Hayes is particularly known to turn things around when trailing behind, even if it means taking a player off only 30 minutes in.”

American sportswriter Jeff Kassouf said that Hayes is uniquely positioned as someone familiar with the US setup and player pool but something of an “outsider” at a time when the team needs new ideas.

“Hayes has proven herself to be one of the best managers in the world. She is unafraid of failure in the short term if it means finding the right long-term answers, as she has shown with her tactical flexibility at Chelsea,” Kassouf said.

“The USWNT needs that more than ever. The Americans have recently looked rigid and almost afraid of improvisation, which is needed in big games.”

Team in transition

The US team is currently in a transitional phase after veteran players Megan Rapinoe, Julie Ertz and Ali Krieger announced their retirements. The Americans boast a wealth of young talent in Sophia Smith, Trinity Rodman and others, but they are yet to reach their peak.

The onus now lies on Hayes to ensure the US can perform at the Paris Olympics, held in July and August next year.

“Hayes has developed plenty of youngsters into stars under her guidance such as Niamh Charles, Ji So-yun, Hannah Blundell and Lauren James now,” Kourabi said.

“She has also played a huge role in unleashing potential from already established players like Sam Kerr, Guro Reiten and Magdelena Eriksson.

“She is one of the most versed in coaching both the rookies and the veterans, which is exactly what the current USWNT in transition needs.”

While ex-USWNT player Chastain believes that Hayes will bring “a breath of fresh air” to the team, she said that the English coach will also face a huge challenge in implementing her methods in just two months before the Olympics.

“If the communication starting now towards that date is open, it’s clear, it helps the players who are either on the roster right now, or she believes should be on the roster, then they can get an idea of what she wants all the positions to look like,” Chastain said.

Kassouf, founder of The Equalizer, a website on women’s football in North America, said Hayes might not have enough time to prepare the team for the Games, but an Olympic medal should not be ruled out.

“The coach and player talent is there. Crazier things have happened,” Kassouf said. “[But] this hire is clearly about winning the 2027 World Cup, and that’s a fine concession to make.”

Trailblazer

While Hayes’ appointment will change things for the US team, it is also a landmark moment for the women’s game.

US Soccer has announced Hayes will become the highest-paid women’s football coach in the world, though the governing body did not reveal details about her salary.

The Athletic reported last week that Hayes will be paid 1.6 million pounds ($2m) – the same as the US men’s national team coach Gregg Berhalter.

The move would be a major victory in a long struggle towards pay parity for women in football.

In February 2022, the US national women’s team won a $24m payout and a pledge from US Soccer to equalise pay for the men’s and women’s national teams in all competitions, in a landmark settlement that ended a six-year legal battle over equal pay.

Chastain said the move to ensure pay parity for male and female coaches was “a long time coming”.

“There have been stumbling blocks earlier … but now, we don’t have to justify it to anyone that a woman should be paid for equal work to her counterpart.”

Kourabi said Hayes has long been a trailblazer in raising the standards in women’s football by advocating for increased prize money for competitions, pushing for games in big stadiums for larger crowds, and breaking transfer records with signings such as Pernille Harder and Lauren James at Chelsea.

“The US Soccer Federation was the first, after many fights, to strike equal pay, equity, and increased pay for their international teams. This is two torchbearers coming together,” she added.

While the US is at the forefront of pay parity for coaches, other higher-ranked teams have a long way to go.

The German women’s coach reportedly makes 300,000 pounds ($377,000) annually, while the men’s coach is paid 5.6 million pounds ($7m). England’s women’s head coach is paid 400,000 pounds ($503,000), while the men’s coach earns 5 million pounds ($6.3m).

Chastain said US Soccer’s move to pay Hayes the same as her male counterpart will push other federations to do the same.

“I do believe that every country or governing body will have to take note and sit up and say, ‘Okay, this matters. We can’t pretend like women’s football isn’t viable, isn’t important, or doesn’t meet the standard of our men’s side.’”

300 Matches and Counting: Celebrating Drea Casillas’ Legendary Footy Journey

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By: Tara Miller | AGSA

Groundbreaker. History Maker. Legend.

October marked a monumental occasion for the New York Magpies as they celebrated Drea Casillas’ incredible achievement of playing her 300th Aussie Rules footy match. A true pioneer in the sport, Casillas etched her name into the annals of history as a trailblazer, an inspiring athlete, and an absolute legend on the field.

Meet Andrea “Drea” Casillas

Hailing from Albuquerque, NM, and having called Brooklyn, NY home, Drea Casillas stood tall at 5’07” and weighed 135 pounds. Her journey in Aussie Rules football commenced in 2005, marking the genesis of a remarkable career that transcended boundaries and redefined limits.

A Remarkable Journey

Casillas’ dedication to the sport had been unwavering since her inaugural year, blossoming as a player and becoming an integral part of the New York Lady Magpies. Her resilience and commitment saw her don the number 11 jersey, standing firm in the defense position, showcasing remarkable skills and an unwavering passion for the game.

Notably, Casillas had been an invaluable asset to the USA Freedom, representing her country at prestigious events such as the 2011 International Cup, 2010 49th Parallel Cup, and the 2009 Tour Down Under. Her contributions to the national team had been monumental, solidifying her reputation as an exceptional athlete and a symbol of sporting excellence.

Casillas’ love for footy was palpable, evident in her dedication to her team and the sport itself. Her infectious enthusiasm for the game transcended borders, evident in her anticipation for her upcoming journey to Australia, a place where her distinctive accent became a conversation starter.

In the words of Chris Adams, “Casillas loves her footy,” a sentiment echoed by all who had witnessed her grace the field with her remarkable skills and unyielding spirit.

A Legacy in the Making

As Casillas geared up for her 300th match, she stood as a testament to perseverance, dedication, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. Her unwavering commitment to Aussie Rules footy had not only shaped her journey but had also inspired countless individuals within the sport and beyond.

Her milestone was not merely a numerical feat but a testament to her enduring love for the game and her enduring impact on the sport’s landscape. Casillas’ legacy as a groundbreaker, history maker, and true legend of Aussie Rules footy was etched in the hearts and minds of all who had had the privilege to witness her remarkable journey.

The New York Magpies, alongside the footy community, saluted Drea Casillas on this momentous occasion and extended heartfelt congratulations on her incredible achievement of 300 games. Here’s to the legacy of a true sporting icon and many more milestones to come!

Who is Marie-Louise Eta? Champions League winner blazing a trail in men’s game

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By Megan Feringa | Mirror

Union Berlin are familiar with making history, so while Urs Fischer’s departure as a head coach might mark the end to the club’s most successful chapter in its history, it simultaneously brings forth a new chapter of history to write.

The club’s former under-19s assistant coach Marie-Louise Eta is poised to become the first female coach in the Bundesliga after being appointed first team assistant coach with under-19s coach Marco Grote taking over as interim manager of the senior side.

Fischer was dismissed following a nine-game losing streak that leaves Union rooted to the bottom of Germany’s top-flight, a stark collapse in position for a side that qualified for the Champions League last season.

Eta, 32, will be tasked alongside Grote to lead Union out of those depths starting with Augsburg on November 25, before taking on the Champions League against Braga the following week.

Eta is more than familiar with the joys and woes of life in German football. A former defensive midfielder, Louise-Eta plied her trade in the Frauen Bundesliga with Turbine Potsdam with whom she claimed three successive league titles and the Women’s Champions League.

Her playing history, conducted mostly under her maiden name of Bagehorn, also includes spells with Hamburg, Cloppenburg and Werder Bremen and saw her become an under-20 world champion with Germany.

A self-confessed “football manic”, the former European champion developed her passion for football as a small child while growing up in Dresden. Her latent talent went undiscovered for only so long, and by the age of 13, Eta was fielding various entreaties from interested clubs, including Potsdam, with whom she eventually signed.

(L-R) Marie-Louise Eta, assistant coach and Germany women under-15s head coach Bettina Wiegmann

Eta didn’t need long to prove how prescient the signing was as she helped the club’s under-17s to successive league titles in 2005 and 2006, and eventually again in 2008. Her impressive performances were rewarded with a call-up to Germany’s under-15s side in 2006.

Two years later, Eta broke into Potsdam’s first team, with whom she promptly won the league on the season’s final matchday. Two more championship titles followed, as well as the Champions League title in 2010 as the German side defeated French giants Lyon in a dramatic penalty shootout that finished 7-6.

That same year, the under-20s World Cup was held in Germany and 20-year-old Eta relished the euphoria of a tournament on home soil. The hosts eventually won after a 2-0 victory over Nigeria in the final in front of a crowd just under 25,000, with goals arriving from Alexandra Popp and an own goal from Osinachi Ohale.

Marie-Louise Eta of Bremen is presented with the championship trophy for the Second Bundesliga Nord after the match between Werder Bremen and VfL Wolfsburg II

Marie-Louise Eta is presented with the Bundesliga 2 championship trophy during her time at Bremen ( 

Image: Photo by Lukas Schulze/Bongarts/Getty Images)

Eta eventually moved to Hamburg for two seasons before gaining promotion to the women’s Bundesiga with second-division club BV Cloppenburg. A move to Werder Bremen followed, where Eta, who eventually captained the side, experienced an extreme gamut of emotions, from promotions and relegations.

Aged just 26, however, Eta decided to end her playing career after the 2017/18 season in order to concentrate fully on her coaching career, beginning with Bremen’s under-15s boys team. While doing so, Eta worked with the age groups of the German women’s national team.

After completing her pro-coaching licence, Eta stepped up to Germany’s under-17s before being brought onboard at Union to work with Grote as assistant coach with the club’s under-19s side.

Erin Matson, 23, becomes the youngest college head coach to win a national championship

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By Ben Church, CNN

Erin Matson became the youngest college head coach to win a national championship, according to the NCAA.com, after the 23-year-old guided the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill (UNC) to the field hockey title on Sunday.

In what one US newspaper touted as “arguably the greatest story in college athletics,” the Tar Heels needed a double-overtime penalty shootout to beat the Northwestern Wildcats 2-1 at the Karen Shelton Stadium, securing the program’s 11th national championship and its fifth in six years.

“I don’t know how to put it into words,” Matson said, having won the same competition as a UNC player last year.

“I don’t know what more you’d want in a national championship matchup than tied at the end of regulation, two overtimes, sudden death shootout, just a phenomenal atmosphere.

“Northwestern gave it their all. It was a great game, so props to them.”

CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA - NOVEMBER 19: Head Coach Erin Matson of the North Carolina Tar Heels can't look after defeating the Northwestern Wildcats for the national title during the Division I Women's Field Hockey Championship held at Karen Shelton Stadium on November 19, 2023 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Jamie Schwaberow/NCAA Photos via Getty Images)

The Hollywood storyline started during Maston’s five years as a player, where she won four national championships at UNC, before taking up the head coach role this season shortly after graduating.

She replaced Karen Shelton who retired in December 2022 after a successful 42 years in charge of the program.

The 23-year-old’s coaching journey comes off the back of an impressive playing career, in which she was part of three undefeated seasons with the Tar Heels.

She had played for the US national team since she was 17 and was awarded the Honda Sport Award for Field Hockey – given to the best female collegiate player – three times.

Matson has sporting success very much in her blood. Her mother played softball and hockey at Yale University, her father played baseball for Delaware and her younger brother plays baseball at Havard, according to UNC.

Tense night

According to the UNC, 3,200 people – the biggest crowd in the program’s history – were in attendance to watch the nail-biting encounter.

Freshman Charly Bruder opened the scoring for UNC in the third quarter, but the Wildcats hit back through Peyton Halsey’s penalty stroke.

The scores remained 1-1 through two periods of overtime as the match went to a penalty shootout.

The tension racheted up with the shootout heading into sudden death. UNC goalkeeper Maddie Kahn then made an important block to allow sophomore Ryleigh Heck to win UNC a consecutive national championship.

“Right then and there my mind just went blank,” Heck said.

“I don’t even remember spinning or scoring, I just remember being with my teammates just cheering. One of the greatest feelings ever.”

Like CNN, NCAA.com is owned by Warner Bros. Discovery.

Greving Named USAFL International Program General Manager

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The USAFL is proud to announce that Cari Greving has agreed to become the new General Manager of the USAFL’s International Program. The Program includes the USA Freedom and the USA Revolution, the respective National Women’s and Men’s international teams.

Cari has been involved in the USAFL since 2018. She is a member of the current USAFL’s National Tournament team and the current Manager of the USA Freedom. Cari is looking forward to her expanded role to drive the reset of the USAFL International Program. “It has always been an honor to be part of the USAFL. I would do pretty much anything to support and grow this organization and it’s people. Being the General Manager of the International Programs is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I am honored and I am ready,”

The role of one General Manager overseeing the international program has newly been established by the USAFL. This role is designed to provide management support for the international teams and to relieve the coaching staff of the administration layer that is required to have an international representative team. We are excited that Cari will be the first person to lead the program and to drive the systems and process that will support the international program over the next decade.

USA Lacrosse Launches Speaker Series for Women’s Game Officials

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USA LACROSSE

USA Lacrosse has announced a new speaker series designed to offer excellent information and insights for women’s game officials. 

Coordinated by the Officials Development Program (ODP), the series features 10 live online presentations that discuss varied topics aimed at supporting the continued growth and development of women’s game officials at all levels.

Covering both on-the-field and off-the-field issues, topics range from eating healthy to penalty administration. Each presentation will be hosted by a highly-accomplished women’s game official, including Jodi Michna, Barb Martinichio, and Hall of Famer Lynn Bowers.

Early registration for the speaker series is being offered via a $45 Season Subscription, which provides access to all 10 presentations.  The series will also be available shortly as an a la carte option, with participants able to register for individual presentations of interest.

● Get Season Subscription Here

Following the purchase of the Season Subscription, individuals will receive registration links for each session. Each session includes a speaker-led presentation followed by live questions and answers with the presenter.

The series begins on Monday, December 11 and continues through February. Dates, topics, and speakers are listed below. All presentations begin at 8 p.m. EST.

The Schedule

12/11/2023 — Eating Healthy to Stay Fit on the Run (Anne Carr)

12/18/2023 — Sportsmanship in the Girls’ Game (Barbara Martinichio)

1/15/2024 — Penalty Administration: Simple to Complex Scenarios (Karen Blaine)

1/18/2024 — 2024 Girls’ Points of Emphasis (Barbara Martinichio)

1/22/2024 — A Closer Look at Shooting Space (Colleen Spiegelhoff)

1/25/2024 — Teamwork for a Successful Crew (Jodi Michna)

2/1/2024 — The Draw (Lynn Bowers)

2/5/2024 — Managing Repeated Fouls (Colleen Spiegelhoff)

2/19/2024 — Goal Circle and Goalkeeper Play (Karen Blaine)

2/27/2024 — Attack Fouls  (Lissa Fickert)


Questions regarding the Season Subscription may be directed to [email protected]. 

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