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Versatile Sydnei Marshall’s passion and faith lead Mississippi Valley State
Sydnei Marshall, the 5'9 senior guard for Mississippi Valley State, turned a fear-filled New Year’s Day overtime into a dramatic 74-72 win over Alabama A&M, delivering the game‑winning basket that gave the Bulldogs their only SWAC loss. Known for her relentless defense, Marshall attributes her confidence to late‑night gym sessions, a strong faith symbolized by Romans 8:18, and the memory of her late father, whose support still drives her. After two years at Three Rivers College (4.9 ppg), she has emerged as one of the SWAC’s top two‑way players and a candidate for Player of the Year, balancing personal loss with on‑court leadership.
Madison Samoskevich prepares for her sophomore season in the PWHL
Madison Samoskevich, the only Goldeneyes draft pick to stay with Vancouver’s inaugural PWHL team, re‑signed on a one‑year deal ahead of her sophomore season. The former Quinnipiac star (19 goals, 65 assists in five years) highlighted how the Bobcats’ culture and battling style prepared her for the pro game’s physicality. After entering training camp unsigned and scoring her first PWHL goal in 2026, she says the expansion environment fostered a unique rookie experience and strong fan connections. In an interview she reflects on college lessons, the challenges of a debut season and her confidence moving forward.
Ahead of Worlds and her PWHL Hamilton debut, Anna Kjellbin draws on familiarity amidst time of change
Swedish national team captain Anna Kjellbin signs a one‑year deal with the expansion PWHL Hamilton, adding veteran depth to a young blue‑line. After stints with Montréal (2024) and Toronto (2025), she praises Hamilton’s vision and the club’s international roster, which includes players from Germany, Finland, Switzerland, Denmark and Russia. Kjellbin looks forward to teaming up with fellow Europeans Nelli Laitinen and Alina Müller, while preparing for the 2026 World Championships under new Swedish coach Erika Holst. The article highlights Hamilton’s blend of North American and European talent as a unique advantage in the league.
Unrivaled announces Season 3 rosters
Unrivaled rolls out its Season 3 line‑ups ahead of the Jan. 8, 2027 debut in Boston and Inglewood. Eight three‑on‑three clubs combine draft picks, coach input and league guidance to balance talent, with notable returns like Paige Bueckers (Breeze), Breanna Stewart (Mist BC) and Rhyne Howard (Vinyl BC). New faces include Kahleah Copper, Cameron Brink and Gabby Williams, while coaches such as Barb Turner and Teresa Weatherspoon bring WNBA experience. The roster reveals fresh rivalries and continues the league’s focus on competitive balance.
Jack Jensen-Fitzpatrick joins the family business at Iowa
University of Iowa freshman Jack Jensen-Fitzpatrick, son of women’s basketball head coach Jan Jensen, lands a manager role with the Hawkeyes. Opting out of playing college basketball, he applied after a vacancy opened and impressed video coordinator Ben Lober with his basketball knowledge and customer‑service skills. Jensen-Fitzpatrick will handle daily tasks—from court setup and equipment prep to travel logistics—and even scrimmages with players. The position gives him a closer look at his mother’s coaching duties and eases his transition to dorm life. He celebrated the role during Iowa’s 73‑45 win over Towson on Nov. 2, 2026.
Indiana Fever offseason notebook: The latest on Fever’s front office search
The Indiana Fever have hired former Trail Blazers scouting manager Sheri Sam as assistant general manager, focusing on scouting and analytics ahead of the 2027 WNBA Draft. While the franchise continues its search for a permanent GM—handled by Excel Search & Advisory—it will not add a president of basketball operations. The move comes as the team prepares to evaluate prospects for its 10th overall pick. Other updates include the departure of equipment manager Kristin Moore, contract nuances for forward Monique Billings, and Aliyah Boston's season‑ending knee surgery. Star guard Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell also earned All‑WNBA honors.
Rice celebrates a championship, then turns its attention to the ‘Pursuit of More’
Rice women’s basketball celebrates a record‑setting 29‑win 2025‑26 season, unveiled a conference championship banner and handed out rings, then immediately launches the 2026‑27 campaign with a 72‑34 win over Houston Christian. Coach Lindsay Edmonds emphasizes the new “Pursuit of More” mantra—more work, shots, repetitions, joy and wins—after noting the Owls left something on the table despite last year’s success. Star guard Victoria Flores, the reigning American Conference Player of the Year, and preseason All‑Conference second‑teamer Hailey Adams lead the squad, now the overwhelming favorite in the league. The Owls aim to translate their dominant defense and relentless rebounding into another championship run.
2026 Worlds preview: Czechia
Czechia enters the 2026 Women’s World Championship in Denmark aiming for its first medal since 2023 after a fifth‑place finish at the Winter Olympics. New head coach Brian Idalski replaces Carla MacLeod, and a healthy 25‑player roster features standout forward Adéla Šapovalivová (NCAA), teenage prodigy Tereza Gildainová, and solid goaltender Klára Peslarová. The team must avoid a last‑place group finish to stay out of relegation and will target a bronze‑medal game, mirroring its 2022‑23 successes. Notable absences include Tereza Vanišová and Denisa Křížová.
2026 Worlds preview: Finland
The IIHF Women’s World Championship returns after 18 months, and Finland heads in as the 2025 bronze‑medal holder. With veteran defender Ronja Savolainen out and five debutants added, the Finns aim to improve on a 15‑goal offense that barely progressed last year. Star forward Sofianna Sundelin, a 23‑year‑old with 14 points in 10 games for St. Cloud State, emerges as a key player after being omitted from the 2026 Olympic squad. Finland’s group‑stage fixtures at KVIK Arena in Herning—Denmark (Nov 6), Sweden (Nov 8), Japan (Nov 10) and Canada (Nov 11)—will determine if they can reach another medal game.
The IX Sports Podcast Soccer Edition: 2026 NWSL Playoff preview
On the latest IX Sports Podcast, host Kathleen Gier chats with Jacob Mitchell and Kofi about the 2026 NWSL playoffs. They celebrate Gotham FC’s first‑ever Shield title before breaking down the first‑round matchups: Gotham vs. Seattle Reign, Kansas City Current vs. Angel City FC, San Diego Wave vs. Utah Royals, and Washington Spirit vs. Portland Thorns. Mitchell backs the Wave, predicts an Angel City upset, and expects a low‑scoring Gotham‑Seattle game. The trio also previews the season‑end awards. Listen for insider predictions and analysis of women’s soccer’s biggest postseason showdown.
Minnesota’s Chloe Primerano is ready to level up
Minnesota junior defender Chloe Primerano is gearing up for a packed fall, juggling Gophers regular‑season play with Canada’s national team duties. The 19‑year‑old will return to the IIHF Women’s World Championships in Denmark on Nov. 6, her second Worlds appearance, after a summer that saw her break ground at an NHL development camp with the Edmonton Oilers, compete in Hockey Canada’s national women’s camp, and play in the Collegiate Select Series. Primerano praised the NHL coaching experience, scored in a three‑on‑three scrimmage, and highlighted the growing competitiveness of the women’s game.
One Ottawa Charge fan’s thoughts on a new season at a new barn
Ottawa Charge season‑ticket holder Kelly Carruthers welcomes the team's move from TD Place to the Canadian Tire Centre for the 2026‑27 season. After a failed lease renewal at Lansdowne Park, the Charge played playoff games at the CTC, drawing a record nearly 17,000 fans. Carruthers praises the new arena’s player‑focused facilities—lounge, medical and equipment space—and notes that the Senators' support makes the venue feel like home. She renewed her tickets, believing the west‑end location will attract fans from surrounding suburbs despite occasional traffic and transit complaints.
2026 Worlds preview: Germany
Germany heads into the 2026 IIHF Women’s World Championship with a mostly unchanged core, aiming to improve on last year’s eighth‑place finish (2‑2 group record, 3‑0 quarterfinal loss to the USA). The roster features veteran scorer Laura Kluge (Boston Fleet) and rising talents like 17‑year‑old Alexandra Boico and 18‑year‑old forward Hanna Weichenhain, while Olympians Charlott Schaffrath, Katharina Häckelsmiller and Anne Bartsch sit out. Goaltender Sandra Abstreiter returns with a .923 save percentage, hoping to boost her PWHL prospects. Germany lands in Group A with the USA, Czechia, Switzerland and newly promoted Austria, making every game—starting Nov 7 vs. Austria—crucial to avoid relegation and climb back into the top‑six.
Why Ashley Sanchez’s 20-goal season wasn’t enough for North Carolina
The North Carolina Courage’s season ends in heartbreak as a 0‑0 draw with Denver, capped by an own goal in stoppage time, leaves them out of the playoffs despite Ashley Sanchez’s 20‑goal haul. Sanchez tied Temwa Chawinga’s 2024 record but missed the Golden Boot, marking only the second time the award’s winner missed the postseason. Coach Mak Lind’s aggressive, counter‑press style initially boosted the attack after star midfielder Manaka Matsukubo departed for Chelsea, turning Sanchez into the focal point. She surged with eight goals in late August, including a September 6 hat‑trick, but went scoreless in the final four games, and the team’s early‑season momentum faded, costing them a playoff berth.
Inside JuJu Watkins’ return in Las Vegas
JuJu Watkins makes a dramatic return to USC women's basketball after a 588‑day injury layoff, debuting at T‑Mobile Arena on Nov. 3, 2026. The senior guard scores 21 points in 25 minutes as the Trojans rout UNLV 100‑68, leading the first and third quarters (29‑15, 31‑10). Coach Lindsay Gottlieb praises the supportive environment that helped Watkins recover from a torn ACL suffered in the 2025 NCAA tournament, where she averaged 23.9 points. teammates and opponents alike laud her leadership and resilience. The game highlights her immediate impact and hints at a strong senior season ahead.
2026 Worlds preview: Switzerland
Switzerland heads to the 2026 Women’s World Championship in Denmark after a bronze finish at the Milan Olympics, but faces a drastically reshaped roster. Captain Lara Stalder misses the tournament with a knee injury, and veterans Shannon Sigrist, Lena-Marie Lutz, Kaleigh Quennec, Lisa Rüedi, Emma Ingold and defender Lara Christen have all retired. New head coach Shannon Miller replaces Colin Muller, bringing fresh tactics to a young, inexperienced squad. The defensive core—particularly Alessia Baechler, Alena Lynn Rossel and Laure Mériguet—will be crucial as the team strives to stay on the podium despite the turnover.
2026 Worlds preview: Sweden
Sweden’s roster for the 2026 Women’s World Championships blends seasoned veterans and rising stars. Goaltender Ida Boman returns after seizing an Olympic‑injury opening, while defender Josefine Holmgren re‑joins after a strong SDE HF season. Michelle Löwenhielm makes her first major appearance since Beijing, and 18‑year‑old Tilde Sundnäs Grillfors, a Brynäs IF phenom, adds youthful fire after a hat‑trick debut. Forward Mira Hallin, the SDHL’s current goal leader, is the player to watch, accounting for nearly half of MoDo’s points. Sweden enters the tournament building on a bronze finish in Milan and a recent Euro Hockey Tour shutout streak, with group‑stage matches against Canada (Nov 6), Finland (Nov 8), Denmark (Nov 10) and Japan (Nov 11).
Timea Gardiner is the leader UCLA needs
After a rough 81-64 exhibition loss to Texas on Oct. 25, veteran forward Timea Gardiner reflects on her role as UCLA’s emerging leader. Despite scoring just five points, coach Cori Close urges Gardiner to embrace gratitude and her seasoned experience—she missed the 2025 national championship run with a knee injury and now returns with an extra year of eligibility. As the second‑longest tenured Bruin, Gardiner is tasked with delivering hard conversations and guiding teammates alongside fellow comeback player KK Bransford. Her journey from injury to leadership shapes the Bruins’ outlook for the 2026‑27 season.
Valkyries celebrate the love that won them a title, soak in the championship run
The Oakland Valkyries clinched the WNBA championship on a dramatic Game 7 at Chase Center, highlighted by Gabby Williams' 28 second‑half points and a historic Golden State defense. Coach Natalie Nakase praised the team's mantra ‘love wins,’ noting how deep friendships and a roster of once‑overlooked players – from free‑agent signings like Tiffany Hayes to expansion‑draft picks such as Kayla Thornton – forged unparalleled chemistry. While core stars Williams, Veronica Burton, Kiah Stokes and Kaila Charles are returning, key contributors Hayes and Thornton become free agents, leaving the roster's future uncertain. The victory marks a rare blend of on‑court grit and off‑court camaraderie.
Seattle clinches last playoff spot, ends Ashley Sanchez’s golden season
On NWSL Decision Day, higher‑seeded teams held steady, but Seattle Reign clinched the final playoff berth with a 20‑minute‑earlier goal from defender Jordyn Bugg against Orlando Pride. A late own‑goal by Denver’s Kaleigh Kurtz handed North Carolina Courage a 0‑0 draw, eliminating them from the postseason for the second straight year and ending Ashley Sanchez’s record‑tying Golden Boot chase (20 goals, tying Temwa Chawinga’s mark and setting an American record). Seattle now eyes a Championship run led by veteran Jess Fishlock, while the bracket is set for quarterfinal matchups including Gotham, San Diego Wave, Angel City, Kansas City Current, Portland Thorns and Washington Spirit.
Gotham display resilience, togetherness in first Shield win
Gotham FC clinches its first NWSL Shield on Decision Day, beating Utah Royals 2‑0 at home in Harrison, NJ. Goals come from Guro Reiten (assist by Midge Purce) and Jaedyn Shaw (again set up by Purce) as the team secures the league’s best regular‑season record despite injuries and a late‑season challenge from San Diego Wave. Defender Tierna Davidson praises the squad’s resilience, while captain emphasizes the collective effort. The win ends a decade‑long wait for a top‑finish and sets Gotham’s sights on the championship, with players noting the Shield’s significance alongside the ultimate title.
Your Ottawa Charge pre-season primer
The Ottawa Charge start pre‑season camp on Nov. 18 after losing captain Brianne Jenner, alternate Emily Clark and several key players to free agency and expansion. Coach Carla MacLeod looks to veterans like Jocelyne Larocque, Kateřina Mrázová, Rebecca Leslie and Gabbie Hughes to fill leadership gaps while integrating new talent. First‑round pick Vivian Jungels (11th overall) and physical defender Tory Mariano aim to shore up a defensive unit thinned by the loss of rookie Rory Guilday. Scoring will lean on rookies Jordan Ray, who posted 17‑32 at Yale, and other fresh faces. GM Mike Hirshfeld stresses a competitive camp to forge chemistry across all three lines.
Meet the six new Washington Huskies
The Washington Huskies women’s basketball program rebuilds after losing five key players by adding six newcomers for the 2026‑27 season. Senior guard Sayvia Sellers and junior Avery Howell remain on a Naismith Trophy watchlist, while freshman Amayah “Sunshine” Garcia joins them. Transfer portal haul includes 6’6 Swedish center Tilda Trygger, who posted 10.6 points, 7 rebounds and a top‑10 ACC block total at NC State and lands on the Lisa Leslie Center of the Year watchlist, plus forwards Kaelyn Carroll (a former McDonald’s All‑American from Kentucky), Brooke Carlson, Macey Huard and Petra Toman. Coach Tina Langley hopes the added size and experience will balance a guard‑heavy roster and push the Huskies back into NCAA contention.
2026 Worlds preview: Japan
Japan arrives in Herning as the defending Asian champion and a World #8, hoping to finally break its six‑year streak of quarter‑final exits. New head coach Tomohito Okubo leads a partially rebuilt 23‑player squad that includes PWHL pioneer Akane Shiga, who posted four points at the recent Asia Championship. Japan opens Group B against host Denmark on Nov. 7, a must‑win after a 3‑0 victory in 2024, before facing Sweden (Nov. 11) and Canada (Nov. 8). A top‑four finish and a quarter‑final win are the only realistic goals, with success measured by more than a single goal against Canada.
The IX Sports Podcast College Basketball Edition: College basketball tips off!
The IX Sports Podcast launches its College Basketball Edition, with hosts Melissa Triebwasser and Michael Waterloo unveiling a final preseason ranking of players and programs. Waterloo backs Notre Dame, citing their 99‑point performance at the Eternal City Tip‑Off versus Villanova, and highlights Hannah Hidalgo’s defensive prowess. Their preseason First Team All‑American picks include Hidalgo, Sarah Strong, JuJu Watkins, Madison Booker and Olivia Olson (Triebwasser swaps Olson for Mikayla Blakes). Rookie of the Year contenders differ—Waterloo favors Iowa’s McKenna Woliczko, while Triebwasser selects Kate Harpring. Watch for breakout picks like Duke’s Aaliyah Crump and TCU’s Lara Somfai, plus predictions for Player of the Year and Second Team All‑Americans.
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