The IX Sports
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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.
Why Ronja Savolainen loves being an underdog
Finland defender Ronja Savolainen, now with the Ottawa Charge, embraces her underdog role after rehabbing a hip surgery that ended in June. While her fiancée Anna Kjellbin heads to the 2026 IIHF Women’s World Championships with Sweden, Savolainen prepares for her PWHL camp, recalling a playoff season with four points in eight games and earning a protected draft slot. She reflects on the Charge’s recent challenges—back‑to‑back Walter Cup final losses, major roster turnover, and a move to the renovated Canadian Tire Centre—seeing them as growth opportunities. Savolainen stays optimistic, hoping the new venue includes a sauna for recovery and that the team can thrive as perpetual underdogs.
From small town to Salt Lake, how Cloé Lacasse has helped lead the Royals’ revival
The Utah Royals clinch their first NWSL playoff spot, propelled by forward Cloé Lacasse’s standout season. Lacasse posts eight goals and ten assists—tied for second in the league—and is praised for her versatility, vision, and set‑piece impact. Teammates Tatumn Milazzo and captain Paige Cronin highlight her relentless work ethic and ability to create scoring chances beyond the stat sheet. After back‑to‑back bottom‑table finishes in 2024‑25, Utah flips to a 14‑10‑5 record, crediting Lacasse’s confidence‑boosting leadership as the team overcomes low expectations and re‑energizes the Salt Lake community.
Dream feel the devastation in WNBA Finals loss, but 2026 is a season to celebrate
The Atlanta Dream fell short in Game 7 of the 2026 WNBA Finals, losing to the Golden State Valkyries 28‑point second‑half heroics from MVP Gabby Williams. Despite a strong season—ranked No. 3 in preseason polls and bolstered by new signings Angel Reese, DeWanna Bonner and Isobel Borlase—the Dream managed only 14 combined points from Reese and Rhyne Howard. Coach Karl Smesko praised the team's effort, while Jordin Canada and the roster vow to return stronger, having already secured multi‑year contracts for key players. Off‑court, The IX Sports announces two new women’s‑sports podcasts.
2026 Worlds preview: Denmark
Denmark returns to the top‑division Women’s World Championship as host in November 2026, marking its first appearance at that level since 2024. After a second‑place finish in Division 1A last season, the Danes earned promotion and now aim to avoid relegation, targeting a finish better than 10th. Key players include forward Silke Lave Glud (4 goals, 7 points) and playmaker Nicoline Jensen (5 assists), while 19‑year‑old goaltender Emma‑Sofie Nordström – a former PWHL draft pick – must guard the net against powerhouses like Finland, Canada and Sweden. Their group‑stage slate features Finland (Nov 6), Japan (Nov 7), Canada (Nov 9) and Sweden (Nov 10).
2026 Worlds preview: Austria
Austria makes its historic debut in the top division of the 2026 IIHF Women’s World Championship after winning the 2025 Division IA tournament and climbing to 11th in the IIHF rankings. After a heated dispute with the Austrian Ice Hockey Association over equipment, locker rooms and pay—resolved in September—the team heads to November with a clean slate. Key player Emma Hofbauer of Providence (NCAA) and veteran captain Anna Meixner lead a squad aiming simply to avoid relegation, facing Czechia, Germany, USA and Switzerland in the group stage.
The Valkyries believed in who they were and won a WNBA championship
In their sophomore season, the Golden State Valkyries clinch the WNBA championship with a gritty 68-63 Game 7 win over the Atlanta Dream. Despite a low 37.5% shooting night, the Valkyries relied on defense—forcing 12 turnovers—and a surge from Finals MVP Gabby Williams, who scored 30 points, including three crucial threes in the second half. Coach Natalie Nakase and point guard Veronica Burton emphasized the team’s “undervalued mentality” and love‑driven culture that carried them through a comeback from a nine‑point deficit. The victory marks the franchise’s first title, underscoring the mantra that defense wins championships.
Williams’ ‘unbelievable’ performance is the stuff of WNBA legend
Gabby Williams delivers a record‑setting performance in Game 7 of the WNBA Finals, scoring 28 second‑half points and finishing with 30 to lead the Golden State Valkyries to a 68‑63 championship over the Atlanta Dream. The victory caps the Valkyries' meteoric rise from a $50 million concept in 2023 to league champions in just their second season, making them the most valuable team in women’s sports. Williams, who was named Finals MVP, turned a quiet 2‑point first half into a historic scoring feat, hitting four threes, all six free throws, plus four blocks and two steals. Her clutch display underscores the synergy with coach Natalie Nakase and owner Joe Lacob’s bold vision for Bay Area basketball.
Ève Gascon broke UMD’s shutout record — now she’s eyeing the World Championship with Canada
University of Minnesota Duluth goalie Ève Gascon shatters the program’s all‑time shutout record with her 25th career shutout on Oct. 16 after a sweep of Bemidji State, despite running on little sleep following Team Canada camp. The 23‑year‑old, a back‑to‑back WCHA Goaltender of the Year, has posted four shutouts in five starts this season and earns a spot on Canada’s Women’s World Championship roster—her second international tournament and the first she secured outright at camp. After a silver medal last year and a missed Olympic cut, Gascon cites hard work, support from family and coaches, and lessons from pro and PWHL netminders as she aims for gold in 2026.
Kennedy Smith embodies ‘dog’ mentality for USC
USC associate head coach Beth Burns describes a “dog” mentality—relentless, hungry defense—and says junior wing Kennedy Smith epitomizes it. Smith’s intensity, honed from playing boys and reinforced by Burns’s coaching, has made her a defensive anchor, earning her a spot on the Big Ten All-Defensive team and a career‑best 11.5 points per game. With star JuJu Watkins injured and several seniors gone, Smith is stepping into a vocal leadership role, balancing her usually soft‑spoken nature with on‑court example. Her growth reflects USC’s push for gritty, versatile play as the Trojans prepare for tough non‑conference matchups.
Quinnipiac’s Keara Parker on transferring schools and embracing a new environment
Keara Parker, a Winnipeg native who transferred from St. Thomas to Quinnipiac for her senior year, sparks the Bobcats' offense with a fifth‑season point—a first‑period goal in a 10‑0 win over Post on Oct. 6. In just five games she’s matched her junior‑year totals, tallying two goals and three assists, and credits Quinnipiac’s structured yet creative system and supportive teammates for reigniting her offensive instincts. Parker, alongside fellow St. Thomas transfer Ilse Lindaman, appreciates the personalized development plans and weekly coach check‑ins that emphasize shooting, playmaking, and overall growth. Her blend of speed, physicality from the WCHA, and renewed confidence positions her as a key depth winger for the ECAC‑rival Bobcats.
‘I want to dominate’: Transfer Mary Ashley Stevenson gives Columbia an extra EDGE
Junior forward Mary Ashley Stevenson, a 6‑foot‑2 New York City native and former ESPN No. 97 recruit, transfers to Columbia, becoming head coach Megan Griffith’s first city‑born player since 2017. After starring at Purdue—Big Ten Freshman of the Year 2023‑24—and a limited role at Stanford, Stevenson seeks a better basketball fit and a trusted coach. She brings three state titles, 24+ points and 10 rebounds per game in high school, and a reputation for hustle and playmaking. Griffith praises Stevenson’s talent and city roots, hoping her arrival will attract more local athletes to the Lions.
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