Sports

Back to the Big 12: The Origins of CU Conference Play

Anna Tolette — Tue, 12 Nov 2024 20:55:08 +0000

Back to the Big 12: The Origins of CU Conference Play Anna Tolette Tue, 11/12/2024 - 13:55

Dakota Palomo

For the last 13 years, every CU �鶹ӰԺ graduate who has cheered on the Buffs has done so under the banner of the Pac-12 athletic conference.

But why? Perched where the Great Plains meet the Rocky Mountains, �鶹ӰԺ is easily the easternmost school consistently playing against the likes of USC, Stanford, Oregon and other historic teams that make up the traditionally West Coast grouping.

Let’s rewind. In 1947 — the early days of modern conference play — Colorado held its own as a chartering member of the Big Eight. The historic sports conference was composed of geographically contiguous Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Nebraska, Missouri, Colorado, Kansas, Kansas State and Iowa State. But in 1996, the conference realigned and expanded southward to form the Big 12, adding in Texas schools like Baylor and UT Austin.

At the time, the energy around the Big 12 was electric. “It was an iconic combination of Midwest grit and southern resilience,” said former women’s basketball captain Kami Snyder (Psych, Jour’01). “It might be 15 degrees with snow flurries, but there was a game to play, and it was time to ball.”

However, in 2011, on the heels of a shaky Big 12 and shifting revenue priorities, the Buffs were ready to head west, accepting a Pac-10 invitation alongside Utah — creating the Pac-12.

13 years later, it was time to come home. In 2023, the board of regents at CU voted unanimously to approve the conference switch back to the Big 12, effective for the 2024–25 season.

This decision, which followed the announcement that UCLA and USC were leaving the Pac-12, was designed to create future stability for the Buffs, with the added bonus that student-athletes will enjoy better time slots and shorter travel for some road games.

And while the switch comes with a hefty projected annual television revenue package for CU, former chancellor Philip DiStefano and athletic director Rick George maintained after the announcement that money wasn’t the only factor in the decision.

“The national exposure that joining the Big 12 provides will shine a spotlight not only on our incredible student-athletes, but also on our groundbreaking research that really changes the world,” said DiStefano.

Online, the Big 12 celebrated CU’s return with a two-word statement released through Commissioner Brett Yormark: “They’re back.”

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Photo courtesy CU �鶹ӰԺ Athletics

The University of Colorado Buffaloes are officially back "home" again in the Big 12 after a 13-year visit to the Pac-12.

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How the Women's Athletic Association Fought for Women in CU Sports

Anna Tolette — Tue, 12 Nov 2024 17:17:53 +0000

How the Women's Athletic Association Fought for Women in CU Sports Anna Tolette Tue, 11/12/2024 - 10:17

Jessica Winter

In 1933, Wilma Howard Garrison (A&S’35) helped the CU women’s field hockey team win the junior class championship — an accomplishment that gained her praise for an excellent play, and the likely reason why she acquired this laurel wreath pin from the Women’s Athletic Association (WAA).

Established by women students passionate about athletics, the WAA strove to promote interest in women’s sports. Membership was based on points, which were earned by participating and competing in the association’s sports. Members could then acquire accolades such as pins, letters and sweaters.

From its inception in 1905 to Garrison’s membership in the early 1930s, the organization experienced hard-earned growth. It expanded the variety of sports in which CU women could participate, adding options like volleyball, baseball, swimming and dance to the roster.

The association also helped CU women obtain a designated spot for their athletics. In 1912, women began using a space located on The Hill as an athletic facility (before this, they were required to schedule time at the Men’s Gymnasium). In 1928, the university built a dedicated Women’s Gymnasium.

Awards like Garrison’s pin reflect the history of CU women’s athletics and tell the story of women pursuing something greater.

Factoids:

Origins

Wilma Howard Garrison (A&S’35) earned this pin as a wing player in field hockey.

Debut

In 1905 on Gamble Field, CU women competed in athletics for the first time, playing field hockey against the University of Denver.

School Spirit

Garrison’s other student involvements included drama, a sorority, an honorary society and several women’s organizations.

First Four

Four sports originally made up the WAA: basketball, field hockey, gymnastics and tennis.

Est.

The CU Women’s Athletic Association (WAA) formed in 1905.

CU Soulmates

Wilma married fellow CU alum, William Garrison (ElEngr’33).

Design

Prior to the 1930s, the university was typically referred to as UC.

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Photo courtesy Mona Lambrecht/ CU Heritage Museum

Established by women students passionate about athletics, the WAA strove to promote interest in women’s sports.

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Setting Up Success: A Q&A with CU Volleyball's Taylor Simpson

Anna Tolette — Tue, 12 Nov 2024 17:16:52 +0000

Setting Up Success: A Q&A with CU Volleyball's Taylor Simpson Anna Tolette Tue, 11/12/2024 - 10:16

Andrew Daigle

Taylor Simpson (Fin’25) is in her final season as setter for CU women’s volleyball. While she calls the plays and touches the ball on nearly every point, Simpson says she is only one of “19 leaders on the team,” and that life after graduation might have to include some volleyball.

As a senior, how do you lead and mentor your teammates?

Communication is key. We have a high standard of holding each other accountable, whether it’s something we want to celebrate or something to improve. We have 19 leaders on the team — a freshman or sophomore can hold a senior accountable. Leadership is cyclical. We’re all kind of leaders, all with different roles and strengths.

Off the court, what helps the team to gel together?

We like to spend as much time together off the court as possible. We eat every meal together — seriously, I’ve eaten every meal in the last three years with my teammates. We appreciate each other as friends, whether that’s hanging out, going to the pool, watching a movie, whatever.

What stands out to you about this year’s team?

We are so close. We have 19 girls who are best friends, and that’s hard to come by. We have a lot of fun. We’re here to work, but we don’t forget our personalities. Last spring, our head coach Jesse Mahoney started “task Tuesdays.” We would get a paper with three tasks on it. Two would be volleyball related and one would be funny. One time, the third task was “Start dancing after you get a kill.” That stuff helps the team stay close.

Why did you choose CU �鶹ӰԺ?

An initial reason was CU being in the Pac-12, because I grew up on the West Coast. But honestly, I could totally see myself here when I came to visit. It’s so beautiful. Plus, the team culture has made it a home away from home. And now, with the move to the Big 12, I am excited to see new places. The conference switch has been great for the university.

What is something you’ve learned from coach Mahoney?

It’s hard to pick one. Coach Jesse is one of the most patient people I’ve met. Being patient is something that I’ve struggled with. He’s calm and collected. That attitude reflects onto the players. That’s helped me a lot in games when I’m frustrated or not playing my best.

How does the setter position work?

People compare the setter to a football quarterback. You run the court. You’re the one controlling everything. Ideally, you touch the ball every play. I find the best hitters to set the ball to and hope we can get a kill.

How do you communicate plays to your teammates?

My coaches pretty much give me free rein with play calls. We have about 20 plays, each with a different hand signal. I call them before serving. If it’s a chaotic situation, the hitters adjust to something simpler. We also watch a lot of film on our opponents — if they’re weak at blocking on the outside, we’ll set the outside as much as possible. Same if we see weaknesses in other areas.

In a match, you might have to set the ball up to 100 times. What kind of training program do you follow to sustain your health and strength?

We’re doing strength, cardio, circuits, power lifts, jumping. Working all parts of our bodies helps keep us in top condition. Nothing is getting too stiff. Nothing is getting weak. Communication with our trainers is so important. If I do something 100 times and it feels off once, I’m communicating that. Recovery and treatment are key as well.

What is your favorite part about playing volleyball?

I love the sport. It’s awesome how rapidly it’s growing. I met all my best friends through volleyball. I’m so grateful for this opportunity. I started playing when I was 9, and it’s hard to imagine my life without it.

How does your team maintain such positive energy on the court?

Staying positive and supportive is one of the hardest skills to learn, even though it’s not physical. It’s something a lot of us have worked on. We do team workshops with our sports psychology staff to learn how to be better teammates. We are truly a family. These are my sisters. We want the best for each other.

What do you like to do off the court?

I love the ocean. The beach is my escape, my happy place. And I love to laugh with friends. It’s super important to joke and have fun.

Do you have plans for after graduation?

I have a wealth management internship. I’ll be taking exams once I graduate to get my financial planner license and my financial advisor license, along with a few others. Right now, that’s my plan. But I could see more volleyball in my future. I don’t know if I’ll be ready to give it up. Ask me in six months.

Interview by Andrew Daigle

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Photos by the University of Colorado

Taylor Simpson (Fin’25) is in her final season as setter for CU women’s volleyball. While she calls the plays and touches the ball on nearly every point, Simpson says she is only one of “19 leaders on the team,” and that life after graduation might have to include some volleyball.

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Buffs Hit NBA Draft Success

Anna Tolette — Tue, 12 Nov 2024 17:13:42 +0000

Buffs Hit NBA Draft Success Anna Tolette Tue, 11/12/2024 - 10:13

Andrew Daigle

After men’s basketball made a postseason run that included the program’s first back-to-back NCAA Tournament wins since 1955, the tireless Buffaloes made unprecedented headlines this summer: Three Forever Buffs were drafted to the NBA, Derrick White (Mgmt’17) earned an NBA Championship and Olympic gold, and two hoops legends joined Colorado’s coaching staff.

On June 26, for the first time in Buffs history, two CU �鶹ӰԺ players were chosen during the NBA Draft’s first round. Cody Williams (IntPhys ex’27) went No. 10 to the Utah Jazz and Tristan da Silva (Fin’24) went No. 18 to the Orlando Magic. In the second round, KJ Simpson (LeadCommEngmt’25) was drafted at No. 12 (42nd pick overall) — giving the Buffs their highest-ever ranked draft class.

“You want to help kids achieve their dreams,” said head coach Tad Boyle, who attended the draft. “That’s what college basketball is about.”

Four days later, 2017 first round pick Derrick White kept the Buffs in the headlines when he agreed to a four-year, $125.9 million contract extension, just two weeks after winning the NBA Championship with the Boston Celtics. Soon after, he was named to the U.S. Olympic team, earning a gold medal when the U.S. defeated France 98-87 in the Paris Games.

Following a summer of accolades for past Buffs, Colorado’s 2024–25 squad is reloading in its return to the Big 12 with a coaching staff bolstered by NCAA champion and NBA All-Star Danny Manning and former “Mayor of �鶹ӰԺ” Evan Battey (Jour’21, MSOL’23).

“I’ll bring the energy, the emotion, the experience,” Battey said.

Cody Williams

KJ Simpson

Tristan Da Silva

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Photos credit NBA/ Getty Images

The tireless Buffaloes made headlines this summer: three NBA draft picks, an NBA Championship, Olympic gold and more.

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Anthony Pham on Coaching CU Tennis: It's All �鶹ӰԺ the Players

Anonymous — Tue, 16 Jul 2024 06:00:00 +0000

Anthony Pham on Coaching CU Tennis: It's All �鶹ӰԺ the Players Anonymous (not verified) Tue, 07/16/2024 - 00:00

Andrew Daigle

Anthony Pham was named Colorado tennis associate head coach in February 2021 and head coach just five months later. Since then, the team has seen a remarkable program turnaround, and they’ve become like family.

What attracted you to Colorado?

We were living in Madison, Wisconsin, and it was the thick of COVID. We were trying to figure out where to live long term. The opportunity at CU was fate. My wife is a CU graduate. When she heard about the coach opening, she said we needed to jump at it. I've never met anyone who went to CU and had a negative experience. And with the tennis program, there was so much potential.

Quickly after arriving, you became the seventh head coach in program history. How did that change your responsibilities and relationships?

I was previously a head coach at a small Division 1 school. Coaching at a mid-major compared to a Power 5 school, budgets and responsibilities are different, but that job prepared me a lot. You have to gain the players’ trust, and they have to know you always have their best interests in mind. Getting the opportunity to become head coach is something I don’t take lightly. As head coach, you’re scheduling, recruiting, doing everything an assistant coach does, but it’s tenfold. The number-one priority doesn’t change. It’s all about the players.

How do you find good people, not just good players?

We try to be as thorough as possible. The team is an extended part of my family. We spend so much time with these players. On a small team, one person can upset the balance. In terms of recruiting, we visit with them and their family. We talk to their coaches and other coaches. There are a lot of good tennis players, but there aren’t as many tennis players who are also good people and good students.

What goes into building a competitive Power 5 conference tennis program?

We focus on development. We find people for whom the best tennis is still ahead. Kids start playing tennis early, and sometimes they burn out. We want student-athletes who want to keep improving, to be part of a program that is making headway and doing things that haven’t been done before.

How would you describe your leadership style?

I empower players to know that when they play, they are prepared. They are going to compete in a first-class manner. We want to win like crazy, but it’s not all about winning. It’s about doing the right things every day. You can’t really control winning and losing, but you can control a lot of variables that go into winning. Obviously, if we don’t have success, we reassess some things and try again.

Can you coach players during matches?

If you go to a normal junior tournament as a coach, you’re not allowed to coach at all. You can only cheer. But with college, it’s completely different. We can sit on the sideline with our players and talk to them at every changeover. You have to know when to talk, which buttons to push and when to keep your mouth shut if your player is rolling.

How are the fall and spring seasons different?

Spring is the championship season. It’s when we play our dual and conference matches. Fall is shorter. It’s our developmental season. We bring a player in, and we will make some minor adjustments to their game. We start setting our standards, creating expectations with players, building the bond within the team. In the fall, we’re giving them two or three things to focus on. And the hope is when the spring season comes around, those things that were uncomfortable in the fall are now strengths.

What stands out to you about CU Athletics?

It starts at the top. Rick George is the most personal athletic director I’ve been around. At matches, he’s fired up, he knows all the players, and all the players know him. And we have great academic support, nutrition, trainers, an amazing strength coach. CU offers the best of three worlds: great location, great academics, top-notch athletics.

Can you speak to what college tennis offers that differs from training academies or private coaching?

Tennis is a very individual sport. Growing up, if you’re playing a tournament, it’s usually you and your coach or a parent. College is completely different. You’re on a team, and everyone is committed. The more you improve as individuals, the more it helps the team. When we play a match, there’s energy from court to court. Your teammates are pumping you up, supporting you. When you’re playing a tournament by yourself, whether you win or lose affects maybe a couple people. With college tennis, there are so many others affected.

What’s something you like to do off the court?

I love spending time with my wife and son. They come to all our matches, they’re great supporters. Whether I’m with our team here or my family at home, that's where I find the most enjoyment.

Interview by Andrew Daigle.

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Photos by Glenn Asakawa

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Shedeur Sanders Readies for Second Season

Anonymous — Tue, 16 Jul 2024 06:00:00 +0000

Shedeur Sanders Readies for Second Season Anonymous (not verified) Tue, 07/16/2024 - 00:00

Andrew Daigle

On April 27, 2024, Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders (Soc’25) made a welcome return to Folsom Field for the team’s annual Black and Gold Game. Sanders finished 10-14 for 116 yards and a touchdown in the rain-shortened scrimmage.

“We were comfortable, seeing everything eye-to-eye. Everybody got to showcase their talents today,” said Sanders.

Sanders was one of 57 transfers to join the Buffs in 2023. While this offseason has had similar turnover with more than 40 transfers, the difference is elevated personnel.

“We have a plethora of receivers, and I cannot wait to see them work together this summer. Shedeur is going to be the happiest man in the building,” said head coach Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders.

Four months stand between the Spring Game and August 29 opener against North Dakota State, giving Shedeur Sanders the opportunity to connect with new receivers and a revamped offensive line.

“I talk a lot to the receivers about the reads and progressions. I hang out with my offensive linemen. We go eat. We cook. We do everything together. That’s where we build our bond,” said Sanders.

Sanders, projected to be ranked as high as No. 1 in the 2025 NFL Draft after throwing for 3,230 yards and 27 touchdowns in 2023, is intent on improving his off-the-field leadership.

“I can become more vocal. On the field, they know what they’re getting. But off the field, you need to let guys know they’re always valued,” said Sanders.

With Colorado returning to the Big 12 this season, Coach Prime has promised a talent overhaul and a bowl game to famed CU superfan Peggy Coppom (A&S’46).

"[We have] another caliber of player, a player that truly expects to go to the next level," Coach Prime said. “They want the physicality, they want all the smoke.”

But the offseason is far from over.

"This summer is definitely going to be a grind," said Sanders.

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Photo courtesy University of Colorado

As football’s QB1 gears up for a second year leading the Buffs, he’s focused on embracing change and building on a transcendent debut season.

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How Michael Washington is Uncovering Nature in L.A.

Anonymous — Tue, 16 Jul 2024 06:00:00 +0000

How Michael Washington is Uncovering Nature in L.A. Anonymous (not verified) Tue, 07/16/2024 - 00:00

Kiara Demare

A decade after graduating, Michael Washington (Jour’12) longed for the outdoor community he had found at CU �鶹ӰԺ. In 2022, he left his career in the music industry to become founder and CEO of Usal, a community-based program helping Los Angeles residents participate in unique outdoor activities, workshops and trips. Usal hosts about 20 to 30 events per month, including woodturning, astronomy, fly-fishing, foraging, surfing and cooking.

How did you come up with the idea for Usal?

I felt there was a missing link between people who wanted to get into outdoor hobbies and activities, and a place for them to go. A group setting didn’t exist that felt safe, accessible and approachable, while also providing resources and education on how to learn to do those types of outdoor activities and experiences.

Where does the name come from?

It’s a place near and dear to my heart: Usal Beach is a dispersed beach campground at the southern tip of the coast in Northern California that I would go to from time to time. It inspired me a lot, especially when trying to figure out my next career move.

How did your time in �鶹ӰԺ influence Usal’s creation?

Having those four years in �鶹ӰԺ was crucial. I was given the opportunity to explore and be curious — both in a social sense with meeting new people, and also adventuring in the foothills of the mountains. As I grew my career in Los Angeles, I began to lose my connection to nature. Thankfully, I made a point to find it again when I realized how important it was to me.

Where do you see Usal in five years?

The obvious thing I think about is growth. Growth to me is being able to offer what we do to more people and taking what we do here in Los Angeles and bringing that to another location.

Any final thoughts?

Before anything and everything else, this endeavor feels very true to the person I am and the person who I want to continue to be. I think stumbling over the past 10 years — coming out of college and trying to understand what that means — were important steps to feeling competent and learning what interests me, what excites me and what fulfills me. All those steps led me to eventually leave the music industry to start Usal at age 32. It’s finally coming together.

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Photo courtesy Usal Project

A decade after graduating, Michael Washington (Jour’12) longed for the outdoor community he had found at CU �鶹ӰԺ. In 2022, he left his career in the music industry to become founder and CEO of Usal, a community-based program helping Los Angeles residents participate in unique outdoor activities, workshops and trips.

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In the Breakaway: Sepp Kuss's Unlikely Path to World Tour Cycling

Anonymous — Tue, 16 Jul 2024 06:00:00 +0000

In the Breakaway: Sepp Kuss's Unlikely Path to World Tour Cycling Anonymous (not verified) Tue, 07/16/2024 - 00:00

Kelsey Simpkins

When Sepp Kuss (Advert’17) made his move and broke away from a group of fellow cyclists, gaining a significant lead on day six of the three-week-long Vuelta a España last September, his competitors weren’t concerned.

They should have been.

Kuss didn’t just win that day’s stage — he gave it his all to maintain his lead every day over the next two weeks — up and down steep mountain climbs, across long flat sprints and through all-out time trials.

When he crossed the finish line first in Madrid, Kuss not only won his first Grand Tour, he also made history three times over: as the first American cyclist in 10 years to win a Grand Tour; the second American to win the Vuelta a España; and the first cyclist in over 65 years to ride all three, three-week-long Grand Tours and win one in the same season. His team, Jumbo-Visma, swept the podium and became the first in history to win all three Grand Tours in a single season.

“I’m living the dream today,” Kuss said to Velo after the race. “Usually, I’m on the other side. I’m often on the winning teams, but to be the one wearing the jersey is just incredible.”

In multi-stage cycling races, the winning cyclist is the rider who achieves the fastest total time when each day’s times are added together. The strategy that drives cycling teams is that by working together instead of individually, a group of support riders can give one pre-chosen leader the best chance to make the best overall time, and to win the entire race.

Kuss has long been a dedicated support rider — and his team’s secret sauce for success. But this year, for the first time in his career, he will ride as the team lead in several one-week races, as a key team player alongside recent two-time champion and teammate Jonas Vingegaard in the Tour de France, and to defend his title in Spain.

Originally from Durango, Colorado, Kuss began mountain biking in 6th grade. Kuss’ childhood trainer Chad Cheeney has described him as a “natural explorer” who also tried skiing, running, ice hockey and kayaking. Compared to his peers, he wasn’t a stand-out on two wheels, but things started to change after he joined the CU �鶹ӰԺ cycling community.

During his time as a Buff, he won several Collegiate National Championships in mountain biking and road racing — and finally committed to professional road cycling before graduation, signing his first WorldTour contract.

Since joining his current international team in 2018, he has become one of the most beloved cyclists in the sport; his persistent, hard-working, humble nature is the common denominator in his team’s seven victorious Grand Tours.

Kuss will compete in the Tour de France for the fifth time this summer on (now-titled) “Team Visma Lease a Bike.” He’ll be a contender, especially after finishing in 12th place in 2023, but whether or not he gets a shot at the podium won’t be up to him. It will be a matter of team strategy.

“I’ve realized that I am capable of leading a Grand Tour and being very consistent on almost every stage, but now I know more than ever how hard it is to be a team leader,” Kuss said in a post-Vuelta a España interview.

Leading a cycling team is about commitment, consistency and the ability to perform under continual pressure. Last fall, Kuss proved his ability — leveraging the element of surprise. This year, his competitors won’t be so keen to let him break away.

But Kuss still has something up his sleeve that no one else can beat: the many years he has dedicated to supporting his teammates. When he is asked to lead, not only will he be ready, they'll be ready to ride for him.

*Editor’s note: Sepp Kuss announced he would not be competing in the 2024 Tour de France due to COVID-19. According to Sepp’s social media, he plans to support from home and “refocus on the next part of the season.”

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Photo courtesy Team Visma Lease a Bike

How international cycling’s best-kept secret learned to lead from behind.

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Sports News Briefs — Fall 2022

Anonymous — Mon, 07 Nov 2022 07:00:00 +0000

Sports News Briefs — Fall 2022 Anonymous (not verified) Mon, 11/07/2022 - 00:00

Plati to Semi-Retire

Associate athletic director and sports information director (SID) David Plati (Jour’82) will semi-retire Jan. 1, 2023.

Plati began as a student assistant at CU in 1978, became assistant SID in January 1983 and was named SID in July 1984. In addition to leading the SID office and covering over 500 CU football games, he also has worked for the Denver Broncos, Colorado Rockies and Denver Bears (Minor League Baseball).

“David has been an icon at CU and in this industry for over 40 years,” said athletic director Rick George.

Over 100 of Plati’s former student assistants have established careers in sports information or team media relations.

“That’s probably the one thing I’m most proud of — seeing the CU SID tree grow and grow,” Plati said.

Assistant athletic director Curtis Snyder (Jour’98) was named interim SID. Plati will continue to serve as SID-Emeritus, Program Historian and men’s golf SID.

Buff’s Bits

Soccer’s Shyra James’ (IntPhys’24) goal-scoring streak reached 10 games, stretching from the 2021 season until she went scoreless in the Buffs’ 1-1 draw at Michigan on Sept. 8. … Taylor Kornieck (StComm’20) was named to the U.S. Women’s National Team for the 2022 women’s championship for the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football. … Men’s golf’s Dylan McDermott (Bus’25) won the season-opening Fighting Irish Classic in South Bend, Indiana, on Sept. 5 after a four-hole playoff . McDermott’s 10-under par, three-round score of 200 is the lowest gross score in Colorado golf history. … Men’s basketball head coach Tad Boyle led the USA Basketball Men’s Under 18 National Team to its sixth consecutive International Basketball Federation Under 18 Americas Men’s Championship on June 6–12 in Tijuana, Mexico. Boyle was named to the National Association of Basketball Coaches Board of Directors in June.

Coach Talk

“I’m a little embarrassed because I’ve had so much help. In the 51 years since i started, dozens of people have encouraged and helped me.”

— Mark Wetmore, cross-country and track and field head coach on Aug. 18 after learning he will be inducted into the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association Hall of Fame.

Stats

3-0

Women’s basketball during August’s tour of Spain.

19th

Season men’s and women’s cross-country opened the year both ranked in the top five nationally.

Blocks by volleyball’s Alexia Kuehl (SLHSci’23) during the first two weeks of the 2022 season.

Undrafted Buffs standout Nate Landman (Mktg’21) survived the final round of cuts on Aug. 30 and made the Atlanta Falcons’ initial 53-player roster for the 2022 NFL season.

57th

Jabari Walker (Comm ex’24) selected overall in the NBA draft by the Portland Trail Blazers.

115

Soccer head coach Danny Sanchez’s career wins after the Buffaloes beat Valparaiso 3-0 on Aug. 26. With the victory, Sanchez became soccer’s all-time leader in wins.

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Photo courtesy David Plati

David Plati’s semi-retirement, Mark Wetmore’s hall of fame induction and more.

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Colorado Athletics Visibility Award

Anonymous — Fri, 11 Mar 2022 07:00:00 +0000

Colorado Athletics Visibility Award Anonymous (not verified) Fri, 03/11/2022 - 00:00

Andrew Daigle

CU announced the creation of the Colorado Athletics Visibility Award (CAVA) Dec. 1, 2021. The $20,000 scholarship, the first of its kind in collegiate athletics, recognizes student-athletes who use their platform, power and visibility to support LGBTQ+ participants in sports. CAVA was founded by Buff Club development intern Nicholas Turco (PolSci’22). Turco conducted a study about sports climate and culture for LGBTQ+ members in CU Athletics, which identified challenges for transgender student-athletes and the difficulty of being one’s authentic self in male-identified revenue-generating sports.

In partnership with the College of Arts and Sciences, Turco coordinated raising over $80,000 towards a goal of covering attendance at CU for two recipients annually, while also funding other student-athletes’ projects. Volleyball’s Alexia Kuehl (SLHSci’24) and men’s basketball’s Evan Battey (Jour’21; MSOL’23) are the first CAVA recipients. Kuehl hopes to promote awareness and inclusion for LGBTQ+ identities in local schools and create an anti-bullying video to be shared in the schools. Battey wants to create change for LGBTQ+ individuals in CU Athletics specifically, while raising awareness and funds for future CAVA recipients.

“My hope is to bring both my communities together with sports and LGBTQ+, and help raise awareness for younger generations so they don't have to be afraid to be who they are,” Kuehl said. Battey added, “We need more proud allies in the community. It is incredibly important to me and the people around me that we must have a basic understanding of LGBTQ+ rights and acceptance of them.”

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Photo by Matt Tyrie

CU announced the creation of the Colorado Athletics Visibility Award (CAVA) Dec. 1, 2021. Alexia Kuehl and Evan Battey were the first recipients.

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Sports

Back to the Big 12: The Origins of CU Conference Play

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How the Women's Athletic Association Fought for Women in CU Sports

Factoids:

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Setting Up Success: A Q&A with CU Volleyball's Taylor Simpson

As a senior, how do you lead and mentor your teammates?

Off the court, what helps the team to gel together?

What stands out to you about this year’s team?

Why did you choose CU �鶹ӰԺ?

What is something you’ve learned from coach Mahoney?

How does the setter position work?

How do you communicate plays to your teammates?

In a match, you might have to set the ball up to 100 times. What kind of training program do you follow to sustain your health and strength?

What is your favorite part about playing volleyball?

How does your team maintain such positive energy on the court?

What do you like to do off the court?

Do you have plans for after graduation?

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Buffs Hit NBA Draft Success

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Anthony Pham on Coaching CU Tennis: It's All �鶹ӰԺ the Players

What attracted you to Colorado?

Quickly after arriving, you became the seventh head coach in program history. How did that change your responsibilities and relationships?

How do you find good people, not just good players?

What goes into building a competitive Power 5 conference tennis program?

How would you describe your leadership style?

Can you coach players during matches?

How are the fall and spring seasons different?

What stands out to you about CU Athletics?

Can you speak to what college tennis offers that differs from training academies or private coaching?

What’s something you like to do off the court?

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Shedeur Sanders Readies for Second Season

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How Michael Washington is Uncovering Nature in L.A.

How did you come up with the idea for Usal?

Where does the name come from?

How did your time in �鶹ӰԺ influence Usal’s creation?

Where do you see Usal in five years?

Any final thoughts?

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In the Breakaway: Sepp Kuss's Unlikely Path to World Tour Cycling

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Sports News Briefs — Fall 2022

Plati to Semi-Retire

Buff’s Bits

Coach Talk

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