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Are living on the 2024 NWSL Championship Recap

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Are living on the 2024 NWSL Championship Recap

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In a clash between the world’s best, the No. 1 USWNT will face No. 2 England for the first time in two years on Saturday, kicking off in front of more than 80,000 fans at London’s iconic Wembley Stadium.

The first of the USWNT’s final two games of 2024, Saturday’s US lineup will be without “Triple Espresso” forwards Mallory Swanson, Sophia Smith, and Trinity Rodman.

The team will also will begin the process of replacing legendary goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher​, who announced earlier this week that this international window will be her last in at US kit.

Lucy Bronze hopes to lead England past their US rivals for a second time at Wembley on Saturday. (Erin Chang/ISI Photos/Getty Images)

The USWNT and England’s transatlantic rivalry

The history between the two standout international squads has fostered a fierce and friendly rivalry.

Saturday’s match will be the 20th meeting between the pair, with the US holding the all-time with a 12-5-2 record. Their last showdown — a 2022 tilt at Wembley — ended in a 2-1 Lioness victory. However, the US won the pair’s most recent world tournament battle by ousting England 2-1 from the 2019 World Cup.

“We’ve somehow created a rivalry across the ocean,” England defender Lucy Bronze commented when the match was announced earlier this year. “We’re always excited when the US come over, the fans are as well…. I’m sure Wembley will be rocking.”

England head coach Sarina Weigman looks on prior to a 2025 Euro qualifying match.
Head coaches Sarina Weigman and Emma Hayes both have ties to England and the US. (Naomi Baker – The FA/The FA via Getty Images)

Two of the best bosses in the business

While the top-ranked rosters will star on Saturday’s pitch, the sideline will feature two women who are arguably the best head coaches in the women’s game — England’s Sarina Weigman and the USWNT’s Emma Hayes. Even more, both have ties to each of the contending countries.

Former Dutch national team player Weigman, who later coached the Netherlands to the 2017 European Championship and the 2019 World Cup final, spent a season playing in the US for the University of North Carolina. Alongside USWNT legends Mia Hamm and Kristine Lilly, she helped lead the Tar Heels to their 1989 NCAA Championship trophy.

England lured Weigman away from the Netherlands in 2021, making her the first non-British manager of the national team. She repeated the same success she had with the Dutch, with the Lionesses becoming 2022 Euros champs before advancing to the 2023 World Cup final.

USWNT head coach Emma Hayes stands in front of her hometown Camden pub in London.
Born in London, Hayes will lead the visiting USWNT at Wembley on Saturday. (Brad Smith/ISI Photos/USSF/Getty Images for USSF)

USWNT boss Emma Hayes’s triumphant return

As for Hayes, who grew up in London, her USWNT tenure is still only a few months old, but she cut her teeth stateside. Hayes coached in the US at the college and pro level, first with the USL and later in the folded WPS. After returning to England, she helmed Chelsea FC, building the club into the championship-winning behemoth it is today.

The return to her old stomping grounds is especially poignant for the 2024 Ballon d’Or Coach of the Year.

“Wembley’s like a second home to me, not just as a kid going there but as a manager [at Chelsea] I had a lot of success there,” Hayes told reporters after the friendly was announced. “It’ll be amazing to go back, play 20 minutes from my house and play against some amazing players in England — I’m looking forward to it.”

The 2027 World Cup trophy sits on a pedestal before a sign announcing Brazil as the host nation.
Saturday’s match is part of Hayes’ plan to lead the USWNT to a 2027 World Cup title. (Thananuwat Srirasant – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

US, England eyeing future titles

Though the stakes in any friendly are always relatively low, a win on Saturday offers the victor a significant momentum boost as each look toward upcoming continental and world competitions.

Gearing up to defend their title in Switzerland next summer, the reigning European champs are aiming to bounce back after a 4-3 loss to Germany last month. Meanwhile, the US is already staring down the 2027 World Cup after earning Olympic gold in Paris last August.

“We’re coming to win at the weekend,” Hayes said ahead of Saturday’s match. “But that’s not my overarching goal. I want to qualify for the World Cup and I want to win the World Cup.”

How to watch the USWNT vs. England international friendly

The USWNT kicks off against England’s Lionesses at 12:20 PM ET on Saturday, with live coverage on TNT.

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NCAAW: A wholesome Azzi Fudd might be the most efficient shooter in 2025 WNBA Draft

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NCAAW: A wholesome Azzi Fudd might be the most efficient shooter in 2025 WNBA Draft

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For UConn Huskies guard Azzi Fudd, the 2024-25 NCAA season will be one of proving that her name belongs among those of the best players in the country.

That’s not something often said of players who were at the top of their respective recruiting classes, but Fudd’s circumstances are unique. One of the most highly-touted high school recruits of the social media age, Fudd received her first scholarship offer when she was in sixth grade, and she was widely considered a can’t-miss prospect by the time she finally committed to UConn, thanks to a pristine jumpshot and a mental approach to the game that far exceeded her years.

After an impressive freshman campaign, however, Fudd’s career was been disrupted several times by injury. As a sophomore, Fudd played just 15 games in between knee injuries, and she played in only two as a junior before tearing her ACL—a serious setback that cost her over an entire year of action.

When factoring in ACL and MCL injuries suffered during high school, Fudd has not only missed a significant amount of games over the years, but has also faced mounting doubt about her future availability. It’s difficult for players with a history of lower-body injuries to shed the “injury-prone” tag bestowed upon them—often unfairly—and Fudd is now firmly at a point where she must prove that she can stay on the court, much less make a major impact for the championship-hopeful Huskies.

But, if Fudd can? There’s no telling how much of a boost it would give UConn, which is currently 6-0 and ranked No. 3 in the country by the Associated Press. It would also give Fudd the boost she needs on WNBA Draft boards, because there’s plenty to like about her game at the next level, regardless of whether Fudd herself ends up being a calculated risk.

Honors and statistics

The 2019 Gatorade National Player of the Year and a 2021 McDonald’s All-American, Fudd was ranked as the No. 1 overall recruit in the class of 2021 by ESPN HoopGurlz. She had achieved considerable international success before college, winning gold medals for Team USA in the 2017 U16 Women’s AmeriCup and the 2018 U17 World Cup along other budding talents such as Caitlin Clark, Aliyah Boston and future UConn teammate Paige Bueckers.

Fudd largely lived up the hype as a freshman, her shooting in particular proving to be as good as advertised. She averaged 12.1 points per game, shooting 43 percent on 3-pointers and 91.2 percent on free throws, both of which ranked in the 98th percentile according to Her Hoop Stats. Fudd earned a spot on the Big East’s All-Freshman Team, and was named to the Bridgeport All-Region Team in the 2022 NCAA Tournament.

Even as Fudd spent the next two years rehabbing from injury, she was shown respect by Big East coaches, who voted her to the Preseason All-Big East Team for the 2024-25 season. She was also named to preseason watch lists for the Ann Meyers Drysdale Award, given to the best shooting guard in the country, and the Wooden and Naismith National Player of the Year Awards.

Fudd’s shooting versatility and feel for the game set her apart

To call Azzi Fudd a strong jumpshooter would be an understatement.
Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images

There’s one area of the 5-foot-11 Fudd’s game that stands out immediately to anyone watching her, and that’s her jumpshooting. There are plenty of players who are considered to be elite shooters, but Fudd stands out thanks to a mechanically flawless and lightning-quick release that minimizes the amount of space she needs to get her shot off. Whether she’s spotting up, coming off a screen or pulling up off the dribble, Fudd makes even tightly contested shots look effortless.

It’s worth emphasizing just how versatile Fudd’s jumper is. She’s far more than a catch-and-shoot specialist; according to Synergy Sports, as a sophomore (the last season in which Fudd played more than a handful of games), 17.2 percent of her offensive possessions came on spot-up opportunities, 15.9 percent off screens, 15 percent on handoffs and 12.3 as the pick and roll ball handler. She also knows how to move without the ball—something that often separates good shooters from great ones—which puts pressure on defenses even when she doesn’t get a touch.

This kind of offensive malleability makes Fudd a perfect fit for a UConn program that is rarely short on star power. Though she’s been the star of the show for much of her playing career, Fudd doesn’t need the ball on every possession to help her team, and that’s something that UConn head coach Geno Auriemma is a big fan of.

“People know she’s a great shooter, but I don’t think they realize what a terrific basketball player she is and how many things she can do,” Auriemma commented after Fudd scored 18 points in a UConn win over Ole Miss, needing just 11 shots to do so.

Highlights: Azzi Fudd at the 2023 NCAA Tournament

Part of what Auriemma was likely referring to in his comments is Fudd’s advanced feel for the game, which has been lauded since she was young. Once likened to a hybrid of Kara Lawson and Katie Smith—two outstanding scorers who also had lengthy professional careers due to strong work ethic and mental fortitude—Fudd plays at the pace of a true veteran. She has a knack for playing off each of her teammates, which usually involves her gravity as a shooter, but she’s also a threat going to the basket as a cutter, converting on 65.9 percent of her rim attempts as a sophomore. This adds yet another wrinkle to a UConn offense that likes using its frontcourt players to initiate offense at the top of the key, and Fudd takes full advantage.

Fudd may have been hailed as the nation’s next superstar out of high school, and there’s still a chance she can reach that level. Her strengths, however, lend themselves to being a top-tier complementary player in the WNBA—which, to be clear, is not a bad thing. An off-ball maestro who can shoot it at an elite clip and use that gravity to maximize the talents of her teammates is a kind of player any WNBA team would love to have, and if Fudd can finish her final season at UConn strong, she’ll have plenty of suitors in the 2025 WNBA Draft.

Watch her play

The Huskies will be participating in the Women’s Champions Classic in Brooklyn, NY, an event in which they’ll take on the No. 24 Louisville Cardinals on Dec. 7 (FOX). UConn will then renew its storied rivalry with the No. 3 Notre Dame Fighting Irish in a must-see matchup on Dec. 12 (ESPN); how Fudd plays against Notre Dame’s potent backcourt of Olivia Miles and Hannah Hidalgo will be something to watch.

Towards the end of the calendar year, UConn will play the No. 15 Iowa State Cyclones on Dec. 17 as part of the Basketball Hall of Fame Women’s Showcase (FS1). The Huskies will then wrap up their non-conference schedule with a game against the No. 6 USC Trojans on Dec. 21 (FOX).

All statistics, team records and rankings for the 2024-25 NCAA season are current through Saturday, November 30, 2024.



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Group USA closes out Paralympics with gold-worthy moments

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Group USA closes out Paralympics with gold-worthy moments

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The GIST: And just like that, the 2024 Paris Paralympics have come to an end. Team USA finished with 105 medals (36 gold, 42 silver, 27 bronze) and were carried out of the City of Light by swimmer Ellie Marks and wheelchair basketballer Paul Schulte during yesterday’s Closing Ceremony. Let’s recap a magnifique final weekend.

Women’s sitting volleyball and men’s wheelchair basketball complete three-peats: After falling to the People’s Republic of China to open the tourney, the Americans bounced back in a big way, winning Saturday’s gold medal game in a hard-fought four sets behind five-time Paralympic veterans Katie Holloway and Heather Erickson. Diggin’ it.

  • Speaking of veterans, wheelchair basketball legend Steve Serio led Team USA with 24 points and 10 rebounds as the red, white, and blue became the first men’s wheelchair basketball team to win three straight golds following their 73–69 Saturday dub over Great Britain.

Paralympic favorites Jessica Long and Hunter Woodhall stay golden: Swimming icon Long defended her 100m S8 butterfly title on Saturday, a historic victory that was not only her second gold in Paris, but also her 18th career gold and 31st overall, making her the second-most decorated American Paralympian in history.

Networks saw 125% viewership jump from Tokyo Paralympics: Along with record crowds on-site in Paris, more fans watched the Paralympics from home, too. Peacock, NBC, USA Network, and CNBC averaged 231K viewers throughout the games. Trés bien, indeed.



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Las Vegas Desolate tract Canine: 2024-25 Season Preview

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Las Vegas Desolate tract Canine: 2024-25 Season Preview

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Nick Pietras

Nick Pietras has been coaching lacrosse in the city of Detroit since 2019. He currently serves as the assistant creative director creating content and helping manage the image of Detroit United. He is currently attending Lourdes University pursuing a double major in marketing and business administration. Over the course of his senior year, Nick would tear both of his ACL’s leaving him to miss his senior season. He would play for the Lourdes University Gray Wolves for one year before his lingering knee injuries would abruptly end his college career. This is where his coaching career officially began as he became the offensive coordinator for his alma mater, Cousino High School. He would be one of the main influencers in the creation of Warren Consolidated Schools joint high school program and would oversee fundraising, marketing, and design endeavors. Six months later, Nick would be brought to Detroit to join the Cass Tech High School men’s lacrosse coaching staff as the defensive coordinator.

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NWSL Pronounces Doable Markets, Teases 2026 Growth Group

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NWSL Pronounces Doable Markets, Teases 2026 Growth Group

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In a clash between the world’s best, the No. 1 USWNT will face No. 2 England for the first time in two years on Saturday, kicking off in front of more than 80,000 fans at London’s iconic Wembley Stadium.

The first of the USWNT’s final two games of 2024, Saturday’s US lineup will be without “Triple Espresso” forwards Mallory Swanson, Sophia Smith, and Trinity Rodman.

The team will also will begin the process of replacing legendary goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher​, who announced earlier this week that this international window will be her last in at US kit.

Lucy Bronze hopes to lead England past their US rivals for a second time at Wembley on Saturday. (Erin Chang/ISI Photos/Getty Images)

The USWNT and England’s transatlantic rivalry

The history between the two standout international squads has fostered a fierce and friendly rivalry.

Saturday’s match will be the 20th meeting between the pair, with the US holding the all-time with a 12-5-2 record. Their last showdown — a 2022 tilt at Wembley — ended in a 2-1 Lioness victory. However, the US won the pair’s most recent world tournament battle by ousting England 2-1 from the 2019 World Cup.

“We’ve somehow created a rivalry across the ocean,” England defender Lucy Bronze commented when the match was announced earlier this year. “We’re always excited when the US come over, the fans are as well…. I’m sure Wembley will be rocking.”

England head coach Sarina Weigman looks on prior to a 2025 Euro qualifying match.
Head coaches Sarina Weigman and Emma Hayes both have ties to England and the US. (Naomi Baker – The FA/The FA via Getty Images)

Two of the best bosses in the business

While the top-ranked rosters will star on Saturday’s pitch, the sideline will feature two women who are arguably the best head coaches in the women’s game — England’s Sarina Weigman and the USWNT’s Emma Hayes. Even more, both have ties to each of the contending countries.

Former Dutch national team player Weigman, who later coached the Netherlands to the 2017 European Championship and the 2019 World Cup final, spent a season playing in the US for the University of North Carolina. Alongside USWNT legends Mia Hamm and Kristine Lilly, she helped lead the Tar Heels to their 1989 NCAA Championship trophy.

England lured Weigman away from the Netherlands in 2021, making her the first non-British manager of the national team. She repeated the same success she had with the Dutch, with the Lionesses becoming 2022 Euros champs before advancing to the 2023 World Cup final.

USWNT head coach Emma Hayes stands in front of her hometown Camden pub in London.
Born in London, Hayes will lead the visiting USWNT at Wembley on Saturday. (Brad Smith/ISI Photos/USSF/Getty Images for USSF)

USWNT boss Emma Hayes’s triumphant return

As for Hayes, who grew up in London, her USWNT tenure is still only a few months old, but she cut her teeth stateside. Hayes coached in the US at the college and pro level, first with the USL and later in the folded WPS. After returning to England, she helmed Chelsea FC, building the club into the championship-winning behemoth it is today.

The return to her old stomping grounds is especially poignant for the 2024 Ballon d’Or Coach of the Year.

“Wembley’s like a second home to me, not just as a kid going there but as a manager [at Chelsea] I had a lot of success there,” Hayes told reporters after the friendly was announced. “It’ll be amazing to go back, play 20 minutes from my house and play against some amazing players in England — I’m looking forward to it.”

The 2027 World Cup trophy sits on a pedestal before a sign announcing Brazil as the host nation.
Saturday’s match is part of Hayes’ plan to lead the USWNT to a 2027 World Cup title. (Thananuwat Srirasant – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

US, England eyeing future titles

Though the stakes in any friendly are always relatively low, a win on Saturday offers the victor a significant momentum boost as each look toward upcoming continental and world competitions.

Gearing up to defend their title in Switzerland next summer, the reigning European champs are aiming to bounce back after a 4-3 loss to Germany last month. Meanwhile, the US is already staring down the 2027 World Cup after earning Olympic gold in Paris last August.

“We’re coming to win at the weekend,” Hayes said ahead of Saturday’s match. “But that’s not my overarching goal. I want to qualify for the World Cup and I want to win the World Cup.”

How to watch the USWNT vs. England international friendly

The USWNT kicks off against England’s Lionesses at 12:20 PM ET on Saturday, with live coverage on TNT.

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Georgia Swarm: 2024-25 Season Preview

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Georgia Swarm: 2024-25 Season Preview

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Nick Pietras

Nick Pietras has been coaching lacrosse in the city of Detroit since 2019. He currently serves as the assistant creative director creating content and helping manage the image of Detroit United. He is currently attending Lourdes University pursuing a double major in marketing and business administration. Over the course of his senior year, Nick would tear both of his ACL’s leaving him to miss his senior season. He would play for the Lourdes University Gray Wolves for one year before his lingering knee injuries would abruptly end his college career. This is where his coaching career officially began as he became the offensive coordinator for his alma mater, Cousino High School. He would be one of the main influencers in the creation of Warren Consolidated Schools joint high school program and would oversee fundraising, marketing, and design endeavors. Six months later, Nick would be brought to Detroit to join the Cass Tech High School men’s lacrosse coaching staff as the defensive coordinator.

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The whole thing you wish to have to understand concerning the PWHL’s sophomore season

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The whole thing you wish to have to understand concerning the PWHL’s sophomore season

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🏫 The backdrop

From the ashes of a long and complicated pro women’s hockey history, the PWHL officially launched last season with the world’s best talent, a stacked investor group, and a groundbreaking collective bargaining agreement (CBA) — the first-ever CBA to be ratified before the launch of a women’s sports league.

  • So it was no surprise that the league’s inaugural season was a rousing success, smashing viewership and attendance records for pro women’s hockey games (multiple times), among many other historic firsts. If you build it.

And all that momentum translated into a transformative offseason, where the league released long-awaited team names for each squad along with new jerseys in partnership with Bauer, further cementing the identity of the Original Six.

  • Other off-ice wins include a multi-year partnership with EA Sports, under which PWHL players will be featured in EA Sports NHL 25, venue upgrades in Toronto, Montréal, and New York to meet demand, and news of expansion for the 2025–26 season.

⚙️ The set-up

Everything you need to know about the PWHL’s sophomore season

Source: The Ice Garden

The regular season runs from today through May, with the six teams — Toronto Sceptres, Ottawa Charge, Montréal Victoire, New York Sirens, Boston Fleet, and Minnesota Frost — each playing 30 games (up from 24 last season).

  • As part of the exciting PWHL Takeover Tour, nine games will be played at neutral-site venues, primarily hosted at NHL rinks. HYFR.

Then comes the reason for the season: the playoffs, which begin on May 6th and will feature the top four regular-season teams. The postseason will again consist of two best-of-five series, with the No. 1 seed choosing whether to face the No. 3 seed or No. 4 seed in the first round. Can’t wait to see how the drama pans out this year.

🏒 The teams

Everything you need to know about the PWHL’s sophomore seasonEverything you need to know about the PWHL’s sophomore season

Source: Barry Chin/The Boston Globe via Getty Images

💜 Minnesota Frost: The inaugural Walter Cup champs descended into turmoil just days after lifting the trophy, releasing their general manager amid reports of tension between her and the head coach, and veteran players. Minnesota also came under fire for using their No. 9 draft pick to select Britta Curl, despite her controversial social media activity.

  • But this squad is as stable as ever on the ice, bringing back playoff MVP (and friend of The GIST) Taylor Heise (pronounced HIGH-see), their dynamic goalie tandem of Nicole Hensley and Maddie Rooney, and captain, speed-demon, and movie star Kendall Coyne Schofield.

💚 Boston Fleet: Last year’s runners-up also return most of their original core, including brickwall goalie Aerin Frankel and Second All-Star team defender Megan Keller. That said, Boston’s biggest problem last year was their offense — watch for veteran and hockey legend Hilary Knight to increase her production alongside fellow forward Alina Müller. Pucks on net, baby.

💙 Toronto Sceptres: Toronto finished first in last year’s regular season, steamrolling the competition with their juggernaut offense. The trouble is, reigning MVP Natalie Spooner — who led the league in scoring in 2023 — will miss the start of the season while recovering from knee surgery.

  • But have no fear, Toronto faithful — the Sceptres still have plenty of firepower, including Sarah Nurse and offseason free agent acquisition Daryl Watts, a college superstar and the highest-paid player in the now-defunct Premier Hockey Federation.

❤️ Montréal Victoire: Montréal contended with Toronto down the stretch to finish second in the regular season last year, but was shockingly bounced by Boston come playoff time. Expect the aforementioned Captain Canada and hometown hero Marie-Philip Poulin, 2023 Defender of the Year Erin Ambrose, and Quebec native, netminder Ann-Renée Desbiens, to dominate once again.

💛 Ottawa Charge: After narrowly missing the playoffs last season, Ottawa loaded up in the draft, selecting forward Danielle Serdachny with the No. 2 overall pick and defender Ronja Savolainen with the eighth selection. The young talent will be complemented by veteran captain Brianne Jenner, Ottawa’s top scorer last season.

🧜 NY Sirens: Following last year’s last-place showing, NY’s turnaround relies heavily on 2024 No. 1 overall draft pick Sarah Fillier, a generational talent whose goal-scoring abilities are expected to make an immediate impact in the Big Apple.

  • And while wins were hard to come by last season, points were not: Forward Alex Carpenter and defender Ella Shelton ranked fourth and fifth, respectively, in scoring last season. Perhaps the concrete jungle will be where playoff dreams are made this time around.

📺 How to tune in

Everything you need to know about the PWHL’s sophomore seasonEverything you need to know about the PWHL’s sophomore season

Source: Getty Images

Clear your cal because it all begins today at 2 p.m. ET when Boston travels to face Toronto at the Sceptres’ new digs before Ottawa and Montréal meet in an all-Canada tilt at 5 p.m. ET. Then come reigning champs Minnesota, who host NY tomorrow at 6 p.m. ET to round out the opening weekend.

  • TSN, RDS, CBC, and Prime Video have Canadian viewers covered throughout the regular season, while those stateside can once again tune in on the league’s YouTube channel. Drop — and we cannot stress this enough — that puck.



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NCAAW: Hailey Van Lith spurs comeback as TCU takes down Notre Dame

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NCAAW: Hailey Van Lith spurs comeback as TCU takes down Notre Dame

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The No. 3-ranked Notre Dame Fighting Irish arrived at the Cayman Islands Classic riding high. Fresh off an upset of the then-No. 3 USC Trojans in Los Angeles, the Irish had an argument for being the best team in the nation, and maybe having the best player in the nation.

On Friday afternoon, the No. 17-ranked TCU Horned Frogs punctured Notre Dame’s perfection and knocked them off their pedestal, coming back from 14 points to win 76-68.

However, with just over three minutes remaining in the third quarter, it appeared that the Irish were poised the cement their case of the nation’s best team. After a jumper from senior guard Olivia Miles, the Irish led by 14 points, 39-53, seeming slated to cruise to 6-0.

TCU grad guard Hailey Van Lith then responded with a jumper of her own. To that point, Van Lith had only made one field goal and scored just six points. That made shot shifted things for Van Lith, as she netted two more jumpers on the Horned Frogs’ next two possessions. Still, the Irish duo of Miles and sophomore guard Hannah Hidalgo were matching Van Lith’s flurry with scores of their own, giving the Irish an 11-point lead, 56-45, heading into the final frame.

Back-to-back triples from TCU grad guard Madison Conner to open the fourth quickly cut Notre Dame’s advantage to five points. Game on! If the Irish had begun to imagine some postgame beach time in the Bahamas, they needed to immediately disabuse themselves of any such daydreams. Following a messy few minutes of play, Notre Dame was unable to reclaim momentum. TCU grad guard Agnes Emma-Nnopu nailed a 3 with under four minutes to go to give the Horned Frogs a lead they would not relinquish, as, after an empty Irish possession, junior guard Taylor Bigby made it back-to-back triples for the Frogs.

A pair of made jumpers from Van Lith and grad center Sedona Prince extended TCU’s lead to nine points with under two minutes remaining, enough of a cushion to seal the comeback and secure the upset. The Horned Frogs shot better than 61 percent from the field and over 44 percent from 3 in the fourth, a spate of timely hot shooting necessary for their triumph.

Van Lith ended up scoring 19 of her 21 points in the second half, serving as the engine that drove TCU’s turnaround. She also continued to show off her improved distribution skills, finishing with seven assists.

A number of those dimes set up Prince, who was solid from the jump for the Horned Frogs. She tallied a 20-20 game, scoring 20 points and grabbing 20 boards, along with swatting eight shots. She effectively neutralized Notre Dame’s starting frontcourt of freshman Kate Koval, who was scoreless and fouled out, and senior Liatu King, who had eight points on nine shot attempts.

While Notre Dame’s backcourt has received much attention, consistent production from their frontcourt also has been important to their early season success. Without it on Friday, a greater offensive burden was levied on the Irish guards, with Hidalgo, Miles and senior guard Sonia Citron all having less efficient afternoons. Hidalgo did still stuff the stat sheet with 27 points, nine rebounds, five assists and three steals. Miles finished with 16 points, four assists and four boards, while Citron scored 14 points.

In addition to Van Lith and Prince, TCU was boosted by Conner, who made three 3s on her way to 18 points. Bigby also added a trio of triples for nine points.

With their second win over a ranked opponent, having beaten the then-No. 13 NC State Wolfpack in mid-November, TCU will be under pressure to prove that they belong in the top-10 conversation by closing out the Cayman Islands Classic with a victory over South Florida on Saturday night (7:30 p.m. ET, FloSports). Notre Dame will look to bounce back on Saturday afternoon when they meet Utah (5 p.m. ET, FloSports).

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Bulgaria Lacrosse: Taking part in from the Middle

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Bulgaria Lacrosse: Taking part in from the Middle

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The first question that may come to mind for many when reading this headline could be “Where is Bulgaria?”

Bulgaria is a gorgeous country located in the Balkans region nestled next to Serbia, Romania, and Greece among many other European Countries. It is a country full of rich culture, incredible history, and gorgeous scenery that seems to have stepped right out of an Indiana Jones film. From the Black Sea Coast Line to the Rila Monastery in the hills, this country is sure to impress. With a population of just over six million and a sports culture dominated by soccer, you might be pleasantly surprised to hear of the lacrosse growth occurring in the country.

Lacrosse has been played in Bulgaria for over 10 years, led by the founder of Bulgaria Lacrosse, Nikolay Cholakov. Nik and his core group have dedicated endless hours to growing the game all over the country in order to foster a competitive atmosphere of lacrosse that could one day produce a Bulgarian National team to compete on the global stage.

This is where my journey with Bulgaria Lacrosse began. My name is Tucker La Belle, I’m a 25 year old College Lacrosse Coach, content creator, and lover of international lacrosse. When the opportunity to lead The Bulgarian National team came up, I jumped at the opportunity head first with no hesitation. After my first call with Nikolay I could see that something incredible was forming for lacrosse in Bulgaria faster than many other European Countries. The people of Bulgaria have latched onto lacrosse rapidly in a gorgeous way through media, pop culture, and following the sport played here in the United States and Canada. Fun fact, Bulgaria Lacrosse was even featured years ago in a popular music artists’ commercial reaching huge numbers of viewers exposing them to the game of lacrosse.

After some extensive research into the culture of Bulgaria, zoom calls with the team, and endless hours of YouTube videos about Bulgaria, My Fiance and I began our journey from Iowa to Bulgaria. My heart was full of a hunger for adventure and a desire for the moment I would finally get to meet my new team. After some long flights and several layovers across Europe we finally landed in the capital city of Sofia, Bulgaria. Walking out of the Airport we were warmly greeted by Nikolay who was full of enthusiasm and a desire to introduce us to his incredible culture. Our first stop was a small neighborhood restaurant where we would quickly learn to love the Bulgarian Cuisine. Nikolay claimed this was one of the best spots in town, as he claimed about every spot we visited. He wasn’t wrong. The food at each small restaurant seemed to

get better and better. The Shopska salads and constant barbeque became a staple of our time there. After our quick stop for lunch, the tour of the city began before we would later attend the first day of the national team training camp. We jumped back into Nik’s car and sped around the city as Nik called out each historic landmark, each more interesting than the last. While Nik is a lover of lacrosse, we also learned he was truly a historian and a prideful lover of Bulgarian Culture. The parks were beautiful, the people were full of personality, and the city contained endless scenes that felt like they belonged in a movie. It didn’t take much to fall in love with the city of Sofia.

After our first tour of the city and a brief break at our hotel in the city center, Nikolay once again arrived to pick us up for practice. The moment was finally here. With american pop music blasting and Nikolay’s car loaded up with a mix of lacrosse gear and sponsored protein products we embarked for the field. Rolling up to the field the first thing to notice was the view. Surrounding the field was the most gorgeous mountain range I had ever seen with several soviet era apartment buildings adding context to where we were and the history of the area. The field was scattered with players of all ages, skill levels, and lacrosse experience all eager to meet us for the first time. Each player promptly greeted us with excitement and a desire to learn more about the game. This was the moment it all sank in. I was blessed with the opportunity to help these players and this country reach the global lacrosse stage for the first time in history. What a powerful moment.

After the introductions, practice began and the journey truly got its start. I was amazed by the skill of many of the players. When I asked how long or where these players had gotten their experience the answers ranged from local pickup lacrosse to long weekends traveling europe just to have the opportunity to play a few games. The dedication was remarkable. We take for granted the access to lacrosse here in the United States, that became very clear. These players were willing to pour their funds into any opportunity or chance to play this game which fueled their international and Olympic aspirations.

After our first night we truly settled into the country and culture and got to work through the following days. From film breakdowns in the Bulgaria Lacrosse office to a walking tour of popular wall ball spots it was all so incredible. Outside of lacrosse we saw so many stunning historic landmarks like the Rila Monastery which was founded in the 10th century, The St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral, and the National Palace of Culture among many other breathtaking landmarks. To see these locations was to truly gain an education and understanding of the country I was helping represent on the global lacrosse stage. When the time comes it will be a privilege and honor to dawn the Bulgarian Flag as a coach of this fine team during competition.

Following a full week of National team camp, sightseeing and a diplomatic trip to the Embassy we engaged in a wonderful team dinner and celebration. There couldn’t have been a more perfect night to cap the remarkable first ever Bulgarian National Lacrosse Camp. A feeling of success, happiness, and optimism for the future of Bulgarian lacrosse fueled the night’s conversations. While the trip may have been coming to an end it was just the start of my journey with Bulgarian Lacrosse. Now focus has shifted to remote coaching, practice planning, logistical planning, and recruiting my staff for the upcoming European Championships to take place in Hungary next summer. There is a long road ahead but I now know that there is nothing that Bulgaria Lacrosse cannot accomplish.

If you would like to support Bulgaria Lacrosse and our journey to the European Championships we have set up a GoFundMe link. Funds will go towards uniforms, player travel, accommodations, and the overall operation of the team’s trip to Hungary.

We are also actively seeking several North American based Bulgarian Passport holding players to join our journey next summer. If you have a parent or grandparent who was born in Bulgaria we would love to hear from you! Please reach out to bulgariaheritagelax@gmail.com

Go Bulgaria!

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Orlando Delight Wins 2024 NWSL Championship

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Orlando Delight Wins 2024 NWSL Championship

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In a clash between the world’s best, the No. 1 USWNT will face No. 2 England for the first time in two years on Saturday, kicking off in front of more than 80,000 fans at London’s iconic Wembley Stadium.

The first of the USWNT’s final two games of 2024, Saturday’s US lineup will be without “Triple Espresso” forwards Mallory Swanson, Sophia Smith, and Trinity Rodman.

The team will also will begin the process of replacing legendary goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher​, who announced earlier this week that this international window will be her last in at US kit.

Lucy Bronze hopes to lead England past their US rivals for a second time at Wembley on Saturday. (Erin Chang/ISI Photos/Getty Images)

The USWNT and England’s transatlantic rivalry

The history between the two standout international squads has fostered a fierce and friendly rivalry.

Saturday’s match will be the 20th meeting between the pair, with the US holding the all-time with a 12-5-2 record. Their last showdown — a 2022 tilt at Wembley — ended in a 2-1 Lioness victory. However, the US won the pair’s most recent world tournament battle by ousting England 2-1 from the 2019 World Cup.

“We’ve somehow created a rivalry across the ocean,” England defender Lucy Bronze commented when the match was announced earlier this year. “We’re always excited when the US come over, the fans are as well…. I’m sure Wembley will be rocking.”

England head coach Sarina Weigman looks on prior to a 2025 Euro qualifying match.
Head coaches Sarina Weigman and Emma Hayes both have ties to England and the US. (Naomi Baker – The FA/The FA via Getty Images)

Two of the best bosses in the business

While the top-ranked rosters will star on Saturday’s pitch, the sideline will feature two women who are arguably the best head coaches in the women’s game — England’s Sarina Weigman and the USWNT’s Emma Hayes. Even more, both have ties to each of the contending countries.

Former Dutch national team player Weigman, who later coached the Netherlands to the 2017 European Championship and the 2019 World Cup final, spent a season playing in the US for the University of North Carolina. Alongside USWNT legends Mia Hamm and Kristine Lilly, she helped lead the Tar Heels to their 1989 NCAA Championship trophy.

England lured Weigman away from the Netherlands in 2021, making her the first non-British manager of the national team. She repeated the same success she had with the Dutch, with the Lionesses becoming 2022 Euros champs before advancing to the 2023 World Cup final.

USWNT head coach Emma Hayes stands in front of her hometown Camden pub in London.
Born in London, Hayes will lead the visiting USWNT at Wembley on Saturday. (Brad Smith/ISI Photos/USSF/Getty Images for USSF)

USWNT boss Emma Hayes’s triumphant return

As for Hayes, who grew up in London, her USWNT tenure is still only a few months old, but she cut her teeth stateside. Hayes coached in the US at the college and pro level, first with the USL and later in the folded WPS. After returning to England, she helmed Chelsea FC, building the club into the championship-winning behemoth it is today.

The return to her old stomping grounds is especially poignant for the 2024 Ballon d’Or Coach of the Year.

“Wembley’s like a second home to me, not just as a kid going there but as a manager [at Chelsea] I had a lot of success there,” Hayes told reporters after the friendly was announced. “It’ll be amazing to go back, play 20 minutes from my house and play against some amazing players in England — I’m looking forward to it.”

The 2027 World Cup trophy sits on a pedestal before a sign announcing Brazil as the host nation.
Saturday’s match is part of Hayes’ plan to lead the USWNT to a 2027 World Cup title. (Thananuwat Srirasant – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

US, England eyeing future titles

Though the stakes in any friendly are always relatively low, a win on Saturday offers the victor a significant momentum boost as each look toward upcoming continental and world competitions.

Gearing up to defend their title in Switzerland next summer, the reigning European champs are aiming to bounce back after a 4-3 loss to Germany last month. Meanwhile, the US is already staring down the 2027 World Cup after earning Olympic gold in Paris last August.

“We’re coming to win at the weekend,” Hayes said ahead of Saturday’s match. “But that’s not my overarching goal. I want to qualify for the World Cup and I want to win the World Cup.”

How to watch the USWNT vs. England international friendly

The USWNT kicks off against England’s Lionesses at 12:20 PM ET on Saturday, with live coverage on TNT.

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