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NAIA Women's Soccer Championship Final Site Headed to Decatur Through 2027
KANSAS CITY, Missouri, July 8 -- The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics posted the following news release:
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NAIA Women's Soccer Championship Final Site Headed to Decatur Through 2027
The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) has announced that the final site of the NAIA Women's Soccer National Championship will be held at the Jack Allen Sports Complex in Decatur, Ala., in both 2026 and 2027.
The championship's final site features the 16 teams that advance through the NAIA Women's Soccer National Championship First and Second Rounds, culminating the national
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KANSAS CITY, Missouri, July 8 -- The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics posted the following news release:
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NAIA Women's Soccer Championship Final Site Headed to Decatur Through 2027
The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) has announced that the final site of the NAIA Women's Soccer National Championship will be held at the Jack Allen Sports Complex in Decatur, Ala., in both 2026 and 2027.
The championship's final site features the 16 teams that advance through the NAIA Women's Soccer National Championship First and Second Rounds, culminating the nationaltournament at one of the association's premier championship venues.
Jack Allen Sports Complex has become a familiar destination for NAIA championship competition, currently serving as the host of the NAIA Men's and Women's Lacrosse National Championships. The venue has established a reputation for providing an outstanding championship experience for student-athletes, coaches, administrators, and fans, making it a natural fit to welcome the nation's top women's soccer programs.
"The Jack Allen Sports Complex has demonstrated the ability to deliver a first-class championship experience," said Austin Bennett, NAIA Vice President of Championships. "Its outstanding facilities, experienced local organizing committee, and proven commitment to hosting NAIA national championships make Decatur an ideal home for the Women's Soccer National Championship Final Site. We look forward to building on a successful partnership while creating memorable championship moments for our membership."
The partnership with Decatur Parks & Recreation continues the NAIA's longstanding relationship with the city, which has successfully hosted multiple national championship events and established itself as one of the association's trusted championship destinations.
"We are thrilled to continue our partnership with the NAIA to host the Women's Soccer Championships in 2026 and 2027 in Decatur," said Don Dukemineer, Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Decatur. "This beneficial relationship has proven again and again to be successful for the City of Decatur and the NAIA, and it's our privilege to welcome the top 16 women's teams to our community in November. We look forward to providing a great experience to those teams, as well as the families and visitors who travel to the River City to watch some exciting soccer take place."
The 2026 NAIA Women's Soccer National Championship First and Second Rounds will be played at campus sites, with 16 teams advancing to Decatur for the championship's final site. The national championship will begin on November 30, with a champion being crowned on December 7 at Jack Allen Sports Complex.
Additional information regarding the championship schedule, ticket information, and broadcast details will be announced at a later date.
The championship will air in its entirety on the NAIA family of broadcast networks at www.naia.org/watch.
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About the NAIA
The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), headquartered in Kansas City, Mo., is a governing body of small college athletics programs dedicated to character-driven, education-based athletics. Since 1937, the NAIA has balanced high-level competition with holistic student-athlete development through its commitment to The Right Way to Play(R). Each year more than 87,000 NAIA student-athletes compete in college athletics, earn over $1.3 billion in financial aid, and pursue opportunities to participate in 30 national championships. naia.org | @NAIA | #TheRightWayToPlay
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Original text here: https://www.naia.org/news/womens-soccer/naia-womens-soccer-championship-final-site-headed-to-decatur-through-2027/
[Category: Sports]
IBA bare knuckle bouts added to IBA PRO 19 card in Moscow
LAUSANNE, Switzerland, July 8 [Category: Sports] -- The International Boxing Association issued the following news:
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IBA bare knuckle bouts added to IBA PRO 19 card in Moscow
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IBA PRO 19 will feature a unique blend of professional boxing and bare-knuckle action on 11 July at the VTB Arena, showcasing two highly anticipated IBA Bare Knuckle contests on the main card.
One of the contests will feature Vyacheslav Meshcherkin (RUS), known as "Mad Bull," against Elmar Huseynov (AZE), known as "El Mario."
Meshcherkin represents the Storm school founded by Alexander Shlemenko and holds a
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LAUSANNE, Switzerland, July 8 [Category: Sports] -- The International Boxing Association issued the following news:
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IBA bare knuckle bouts added to IBA PRO 19 card in Moscow
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IBA PRO 19 will feature a unique blend of professional boxing and bare-knuckle action on 11 July at the VTB Arena, showcasing two highly anticipated IBA Bare Knuckle contests on the main card.
One of the contests will feature Vyacheslav Meshcherkin (RUS), known as "Mad Bull," against Elmar Huseynov (AZE), known as "El Mario."
Meshcherkin represents the Storm school founded by Alexander Shlemenko and holds aprofessional bare-knuckle record of 9-5, while his opponent enters the bout with a 5-1 bare-knuckle record. The matchup is scheduled for three two-minute rounds at a 73kg catchweight.
Fans will also see Vitaly Starykh (RUS), known as "Ancient," face Maksim Gorbatko (RUS), known as "Scar."
Starykh holds a professional bare-knuckle record of 4-2-1 and has previously challenged for a major bare-knuckle title. Gorbatko enters the bout unbeaten in bare-knuckle competition at 2-0. Their contest will be held at an 89kg catchweight and is also scheduled for three two-minute rounds.
The main classic boxing event of the night features WBA heavyweight world champion Murat Gassiev (RUS) defending his title against Peter Kadiru (GER). Kadiru was confirmed as Gassiev's new opponent after Tony Yoka (FRA) withdrew from the bout due to a back injury.
In the co-main event, Artem Suslenkov (RUS) will face Joe Joyce (GBR) in a 12-round heavyweight bout for the WBA Continental title.
Tickets for IBA PRO 19 are available now via the official ticketing page.
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Original text here: https://www.iba.sport/news/iba-bare-knuckle-bouts-added-to-iba-pro-19-card-in-moscow
Berry Earns ABCA-Rawlings NAIA Coach of the Year Honors After Leading Bulldogs to Third World Series Title
KANSAS CITY, Missouri, July 8 -- The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics posted the following news release:
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Berry Earns ABCA-Rawlings NAIA Coach of the Year Honors After Leading Bulldogs to Third World Series Title
Tennessee Wesleyan's Billy Berry has been named the ABCA-Rawlings NAIA Coach of the Year following the 2026 season that saw the Bulldogs capture their third NAIA World Series title and add another milestone to the program's well-decorated legacy.
The National Coach of the Year was chosen by the NAIA-BCA Past Presidents Committee and current NAIA-BCA officers
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KANSAS CITY, Missouri, July 8 -- The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics posted the following news release:
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Berry Earns ABCA-Rawlings NAIA Coach of the Year Honors After Leading Bulldogs to Third World Series Title
Tennessee Wesleyan's Billy Berry has been named the ABCA-Rawlings NAIA Coach of the Year following the 2026 season that saw the Bulldogs capture their third NAIA World Series title and add another milestone to the program's well-decorated legacy.
The National Coach of the Year was chosen by the NAIA-BCA Past Presidents Committee and current NAIA-BCA officersfrom a ballot that includes all Affiliated Conference/CAC/Unaffiliated Group Coach of the Year winners and NAIA World Series participant coaches. The Rawlings NAIA National Coach of the Year is honored at the annual recognition banquet of the NAIA-BCA each January at the ABCA Convention.
Berry guided Tennessee Wesleyan to a 49-15 record and a championship run at the 69th Avista NAIA World Series in Lewiston, Idaho. The Bulldogs entered the tournament as the No. 8 seed and went 6-1 throughout the World Series, capping off the season with a record-setting 21-3 victory over No. 1 seed Taylor University on Saturday to bring back the red banner for the third time in program history.
The title-clinching win marked the largest margin of victory in Avista NAIA World Series championship game history. With the win, TWU became the third active NAIA baseball program, and fifth overall, to claim three NAIA National Championships.
The 2026 campaign also marked Tennessee Wesleyan's sixth consecutive year with at least 40 wins, as the program has reached the 40-win threshold in 11 of the last 12 seasons. In his 19 seasons leading the Bulldogs, Berry has compiled an 837-277 record.
Offensively, Tennessee Wesleyan ranked among the nation's top teams throughout the season. The Bulldogs led the NAIA with 735 total hits, finished fifth nationally with a .349 team batting average, ranked fourth in RBIs with 538, and led the country with 170 doubles.
The Bulldogs' pitching staff posted a 4.40 ERA, led by Justin Jackson, who finished the season with 13 wins, a 2.82 ERA, and a nation-leading 108.1 innings pitched.
Following the season, Tennessee Wesleyan garnered four NAIA All-American selections, including one first-team honoree and three second-team honorees.
With another championship season complete, Berry and the Bulldogs add to a program history that now includes three NAIA National Championships.
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About the NAIA
The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), headquartered in Kansas City, Mo., is a governing body of small college athletics programs dedicated to character-driven, education-based athletics. Since 1937, the NAIA has balanced high-level competition with holistic student-athlete development through its commitment to The Right Way to Play(R). Each year more than 87,000 NAIA student-athletes compete in college athletics, earn over $1.3 billion in financial aid, and pursue opportunities to participate in 30 national championships. naia.org | @NAIA | #TheRightWayToPlay
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Original text here: https://www.naia.org/news/baseball/baseball-awards/berry-earns-abca-rawlings-coach-of-the-year-honors-after-leading-bulldogs-to-third-world-series-title/
[Category: Sports]
U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee Appoints Heather McCreery as Chief of Finance
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado, July 7 -- The U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee issued the following news release on July 6, 2026:
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United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee Appoints Heather McCreery as Chief of Finance
The United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) today announced the appointment of Heather McCreery as Senior Vice President and Chief of Finance. McCreery will report to Chief Operating Officer Koby Langley and serve as a member of the organization's leadership team.
In her role, McCreery will lead the USOPC's financial strategy and operations, overseeing
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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado, July 7 -- The U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee issued the following news release on July 6, 2026:
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United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee Appoints Heather McCreery as Chief of Finance
The United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) today announced the appointment of Heather McCreery as Senior Vice President and Chief of Finance. McCreery will report to Chief Operating Officer Koby Langley and serve as a member of the organization's leadership team.
In her role, McCreery will lead the USOPC's financial strategy and operations, overseeingfinancial planning and analysis, accounting, treasury, reporting, internal controls, enterprise risk management, and long-term financial stewardship. She will also serve as treasurer of both the USOPC and the United States Olympic & Paralympic Foundation (USOPF).
McCreery brings more than 25 years of financial and operational leadership experience across nonprofit, corporate, and mission-driven organizations. Most recently, she advised organizations navigating growth and transformation as interim chief financial and operating officer. Prior to that, she served as chief financial officer of Rocky Mountain Institute, helping guide the organization through a period of significant global growth. Earlier in her career, she held finance leadership roles at IHS Markit and Wall Street on Demand, began her career with PricewaterhouseCoopers, and previously served as an internal auditor with the United States Olympic Committee.
"As we continue to strengthen the capabilities that will support Team USA for years to come, Heather brings the strategic perspective, operational excellence, and commitment to stewardship that will help position our organization for long-term success," said USOPC CEO Sarah Hirshland. "Her leadership will be instrumental as we continue building a stronger, more integrated enterprise in service of athletes and the Olympic and Paralympic Movement."
As Senior Vice President and Chief of Finance, McCreery will provide strategic counsel to the CEO and executive leadership team on financial, business, and regulatory matters while helping guide organizational priorities and decision-making. She will oversee the development of annual, quadrennial, and long-range financial plans, support the organization's evolving commercial and revenue-generating initiatives, and lead the continued maturation of the USOPC's enterprise risk management framework.
In addition, McCreery will partner across the organization to strengthen financial planning, drive operational excellence, and advance a culture of accountability, transparency, and sustainable growth.
"I am honored to return to the Olympic and Paralympic Movement and join an organization whose mission I deeply believe in," said McCreery. "The opportunity to help steward the financial future of Team USA while supporting athletes, strengthening the organization, and advancing long-term impact is incredibly meaningful. I look forward to partnering with Koby, Sarah, and colleagues across the movement as we build for the future."
McCreery holds an MBA from Warwick Business School in the United Kingdom and a bachelor's degree in business management from Sterling College. She is a Certified Public Accountant and serves on several nonprofit and educational boards.
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Original text here: https://www.usopc.org/news/2026/july/06/united-states-olympic-paralympic-committee-appoints-heather-mccreery-as-chief-of-finance
[Category: Sports]
IBA President Umar Kremlev: IOC had no choice but to accept lifting the restrictions on Russian athletes
LAUSANNE, Switzerland, July 7 [Category: Sports] -- The International Boxing Association issued the following news:
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IBA President Umar Kremlev: IOC had no choice but to accept lifting the restrictions on Russian athletes
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The International Boxing Association (IBA) supports the decision by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to provisionally lift the suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee and declare its neutrality restrictions no longer applicable.
This decision marks the exact outcome the IBA consistently predicted. When the IBA became the first international federation
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LAUSANNE, Switzerland, July 7 [Category: Sports] -- The International Boxing Association issued the following news:
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IBA President Umar Kremlev: IOC had no choice but to accept lifting the restrictions on Russian athletes
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The International Boxing Association (IBA) supports the decision by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to provisionally lift the suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee and declare its neutrality restrictions no longer applicable.
This decision marks the exact outcome the IBA consistently predicted. When the IBA became the first international federationnot to impose the ban of Russian and Belarusian athletes-fully following their right to compete under their national flags and anthems, the global sporting community watched with skepticism.
Yet, the IBA stated clearly from the beginning that the rest of the sporting world, including the IOC, would eventually have no choice but to follow boxing's lead. Today's announcement proves that prediction entirely correct.
IBA President Umar Kremlev issued a definitive statement on the IOC's decision: "The IOC had no choice but to lift the restrictions and admit its mistakes. The new leadership is successfully replacing the previous managers and getting rid of old and erroneous decisions. International associations must protect athletes, and athletes should stand on the podium, not politics.
Russian athletes must fully return to the world stage: under their flag, under their anthem, for their country. For an athlete, the flag and anthem are their heart and soul. Russia was and remains a great sporting power. Our athletes must return with dignity-with the right to defend the honour of their country. The IBA expects that the IOC will finally completely get rid of its past mistakes."
The IBA expresses its expectation that the IOC will continue on its path of reviewing past decisions and definitively rectify its previous mistakes.
The IBA also believes that no athlete should be discriminated against on the basis of their nationality, the country they represent, or their faith and calls on international sports federations to support this approach and ensure that Russian athletes are given the opportunity to compete in world competitions under their national symbols.
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Original text here: https://www.iba.sport/news/iba-president-umar-kremlev-ioc-had-no-choice-but-to-accept-lifting-the-restrictions-on-russian-athletes
Dr. Myron L. Rolle Joins the NFL Players Association as a Strategic Advisor
WASHINGTON, July 7 -- The National Football League Players Association issued the following news release:
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Dr. Myron L. Rolle Joins the NFLPA as a Strategic Advisor
The NFL Players Association (NFLPA) announced on Monday that pediatric neurosurgeon, former NFL safety and Rhodes Scholar Dr. Myron L. Rolle has joined the union in strategic advisory roles focused on player health, brain cognition and preventive care across the player lifecycle.
Dr. Rolle will contribute his clinical expertise and research leadership to several key areas of the NFLPA, including the Mackey-White Health and
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WASHINGTON, July 7 -- The National Football League Players Association issued the following news release:
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Dr. Myron L. Rolle Joins the NFLPA as a Strategic Advisor
The NFL Players Association (NFLPA) announced on Monday that pediatric neurosurgeon, former NFL safety and Rhodes Scholar Dr. Myron L. Rolle has joined the union in strategic advisory roles focused on player health, brain cognition and preventive care across the player lifecycle.
Dr. Rolle will contribute his clinical expertise and research leadership to several key areas of the NFLPA, including the Mackey-White Health andSafety Committee, where he will help guide efforts to protect and enhance the wellbeing of players during and after their professional careers. He will also support research, education and policy recommendations related to neurological health, cognitive performance and long-term outcomes; and help strengthen mental and behavioral health initiatives for active and former players. Dr. Rolle's appointment reflects
the NFLPA's continued commitment to elevating evidence-based approaches to brain health, mental and behavioral health, and long-term quality of life for its members.
"As a former player who now treats complex neurological conditions, Dr. Rolle brings a rare combination of lived experience, medical authority, and a deep commitment to service," NFLPA medical director Thom Mayer said. "He understands both the demands of the game and the science required to safeguard those who play it. His voice will strengthen our work and expand our capacity to advocate for players' health and safety."
Dr. Rolle described the opportunity as a full-circle moment, noting how football shaped his life and the lives of his older brothers. "This sport gave my family joy, discipline, and community," he said. "To return now, as a physician, researcher and former player, and contribute to the wellbeing of the men who make this game what it is, feels deeply meaningful. I am honored to support the NFLPA's mission and help advance a future where every player's health is protected with the highest standard of care."
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About the NFL Players Association
The National Football League Players Association (NFLPA) is the union for professional football players in the football players in the NFL and headquartered in Washington, D.C. Established in 1956, the NFLPA has a long history of protecting the health, safety and financial future of its more than 2,000 player members, who are the backbone of North America's most popular and highest revenue-generating sport. Through a wide offering of programs, resources and engagement opportunities, the NFLPA provides world-class service to players throughout their career lifecycle and builds solidarity to advocate on their behalf in the areas of healthcare, revenue, compensation and working conditions. The current CBA will govern the sport through the 2030 season. Learn more at nflpa.com.
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Original text here: https://nflpa.com/press/dr-myron-l-rolle-joins-the-nflpa-as-a-strategic-advisor
[Category: Sports]
American Association of Independent Professional Baseball: Railroaders' Tostado, Monarchs' Garcia Named Carbliss Batter and Pitcher of the Week
DURHAM, North Carolina, July 7 -- The American Association of Independent Professional Baseball issued the following news release on July 6, 2026:
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Railroaders' Tostado, Monarchs' Garcia Named Carbliss Batter and Pitcher of the Week
The American Association of Professional Baseball (@AA_Baseball) announced today that Cleburne Railroaders infielder Frankie Tostado and Kansas City Monarchs right-hander Ryan Garcia have been named the Carbliss Batter and Pitcher of the Week for the week ending July 5.
Tostado paced the Railroaders' offense with an outstanding six-game stretch, batting .417
... Show Full Article
DURHAM, North Carolina, July 7 -- The American Association of Independent Professional Baseball issued the following news release on July 6, 2026:
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Railroaders' Tostado, Monarchs' Garcia Named Carbliss Batter and Pitcher of the Week
The American Association of Professional Baseball (@AA_Baseball) announced today that Cleburne Railroaders infielder Frankie Tostado and Kansas City Monarchs right-hander Ryan Garcia have been named the Carbliss Batter and Pitcher of the Week for the week ending July 5.
Tostado paced the Railroaders' offense with an outstanding six-game stretch, batting .417(10-for-24) while collecting five doubles and three home runs. The veteran infielder drove in 12 runs, scored eight times and finished the week with a 1.000 slugging percentage and a 1.407 OPS.
One of the league's most productive hitters during the week, Tostado consistently came through in run-producing situations, recording eight extra-base hits among his 10 hits. His power surge helped fuel Cleburne's offense as the Railroaders continued their climb in the American Association standings.
Garcia was dominant in two starts for the Monarchs, earning victories in both outings while posting a 0.64 ERA across 14.0 innings. The right-hander surrendered just one earned run on seven hits, walked two and struck out eight while limiting opposing hitters to a .152 batting average.
Garcia also authored a complete-game performance during the week, finishing with an outstanding 0.64 WHIP while consistently keeping opposing lineups off balance. His pair of quality starts provided Kansas City with two crucial victories and anchored the Monarchs' rotation.
The Carbliss Batter and Pitcher of the Week awards are selected by the American Association of Professional Baseball.
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The American Association of Professional Baseball is a Major League Baseball Partner League operating in communities throughout the United States and Canada. For more information, visit AABaseball.com.
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Original text here: https://aabaseball.com/railroaders-tostado-monarchs-garcia-named-carbliss-batter-and-pitcher-of-the-week/
[Category: Sports]
