Top-35 forward schedules visit to UVA
By Jerry Ratcliffe
Photo: Corpus Christi Caller-Times
Four-star forward Billy White III announced that he has planned an official visit to Virginia.
Ranked the No. 31 overall prospect in the nation for the recruiting class of 2026 by On3 and No. 33 by 247Sports composite, the 6-foot-8, 195-pound product out of Corpus Christie, Texas, is also rated as the No. 5 overall prospect in the Long Star State.
UVA offered the Texan on June 15.
White has already taken official visits to LSU, TCU, SMU, Maryland and Oklahoma State.
Odom offers top-10 prospect in class of ’27
By Jerry Ratcliffe
Photo: The Daily Hoosier
Ryan Odom has offered one of the top prospects from the recruiting class of 2027 in 5-star Marcus Spears of Dallas, Texas.
Spears is a 6-foot-8, 195-pound power forward, ranked the No. 6 overall prospect in the country in the ‘27 class, the No. 1 power forward prospect in the nation and the top recruit out of Texas.
He has a ton of offers already, including Houston, Tennessee, SMU, Miami, Stanford, Pitt, Texas A&M, LSU, Oklahoma State and Indiana.
Spears’ father was an All-American football player for LSU in 2004 and played for the Dallas Cowboys. His mom, Aiysha Smith, was the No. 7 overall choice by the Washington Mystics in the WNBA Draft in 2003. She was a first-team All-SEC player at LSU.
UVA has offered at least six prospects from the ‘27 recruiting class thus far: SF Baba Oladotun, CG LJ Smith, PG Nasir Anderson, C Obinna Ekezie Jr. and PG Cayden Daughty along with Spears.
Blanco commits to Tennessee
By Jerry Ratcliffe
Photo: UVA Athletics
According to a Knoxville News Sentinel report, former Virginia pitcher Evan Blanco has committed to Tennessee.
The 6-foot-5 southpaw posted a 12-8 record with a 4.17 ERA over his three seasons with the Cavaliers over a 56-game career, including 8 starts in 2025 and 18 starts in 2024.
Blanco, who picked the Vols over Mississippi State, Miami and Texas A&M, is the second former Cavalier to commit to Tennessee. First baseman/outfielder Henry Ford previously joined the Vols but is projected to be selected in the Major League Baseball Draft. Blanco is also eligible for the draft but observers believe he will play next season at Tennessee.
Part of Blanco’s strength was his control, issuing only 46 walks over 162 innings pitched.
Grizzlies sign free agent Ty Jerome
By Jerry Ratcliffe
Photo: Spectrum News
Former Virginia star Ty Jerome, who had a sterling season with the Cleveland Cavaliers, has agreed to a three-year, $28-million free agent contract with the Memphis Grizzlies.
Jerome averaged a career-high 12.5 points, was lethal from 3-point range (44 percent) and made more than 50 percent of his overall field-goal attempts for Cleveland this past season. He was a finalist for the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year award.
Several teams were interested in Jerome after the Cavaliers obtained Lonzo Ball in a trade and retained Sam Merrill in a $38 million, four-year deal. Those two moves didn’t leave Cleveland with enough salary cap to retain Jerome.
Report: UVA to meet Ohio State on Valentine’s Day
By Jerry Ratcliffe
Photo: UVA Athletics
With the ACC cutting back to 18 regular-season games, Virginia has reportedly agreed to face Ohio State this season on Valentine’s Day at a yet-to-be-determined location.
Dropping two league contests has allowed teams a little wiggle room in terms of scheduling strong nonconference opponents to beef up strength of schedules, and Ryan Odom has wasted no time with a game against the Buckeyes, a team projected for the 2026 NCAA tournament field.
Intersport is organizing the game, and according to Matt Norlander of CBS Sports, Nashville is being considered as a neutral site for the game.
Duke is set to play Michigan in Washington, D.C., on Feb. 21, while Louisville will meet Baylor, also on Valentine’s Day, in Fort Worth.
The UVA vs. Ohio State contest should have NCAA Tournament vibes, giving both programs a taste of postseason opponents leading up to March Madness.
Indiana cancels 2-game series with Virginia
By Jerry Ratcliffe
Photo: UVA Athletics
Indiana has backed out of a home-and-home football series that was scheduled for the 2027 and 2028 seasons according to a Bloomington Herald-Times report.
The Hoosiers, coached by former JMU head coach Curt Cignetti, have agreed to pay Virginia a $500,000 fee for cancelling the series as stated in the contract. Indiana has replaced the 2027 game with Kennesaw State.
The series was set up in 2021 when Bronco Mendenhall coached UVA.
Indiana was scheduled to be the Cavaliers’ season-opening game at Scott Stadium on Sept. 4, 2027, and in return, UVA was set to play in Bloomington on Sept. 16, 2028.
As of now, Virginia has two nonconference games scheduled for 2027, home dates with NC State and William & Mary. For ‘28, UVA has a home game set against nonconference Richmond. All other games for both seasons are ACC games.
Tix no longer needed for UVA soccer, women’s lacrosse and softball home games
Courtesy UVA Media Relations
Photo: UVA Athletics
University of Virginia Athletics announced Tuesday that all men’s and women’s soccer, women’s lacrosse and softball regular-season home contests will no longer be ticketed and will be complimentary to the general public.
These sports join volleyball, field hockey, men’s and women’s cross country, men’s and women’s swimming, wrestling, men’s and women’s tennis, men’s and women’s track and field, men’s and women’s golf, rowing and men’s and women’s squash as sports in which all regular-season home competitions are complimentary.
The complimentary admission to men’s and women’s soccer, women’s lacrosse and softball is the first of a series of campaigns aimed at increasing fan engagement and attendance across all sports for the 2025-26 season and beyond. The strategic decision was made following a thorough review of all operations to determine a comprehensive strategic plan across all 27 sport programs.
“After thoughtful consideration and extensive market research, we’re excited to offer complimentary admission to select sports,” UVA Deputy Athletics Director for External Operations Tyler Jones said. “This strategic decision is designed to increase attendance, expand the fanbase and enhance the fan experience. We believe this initiative will strengthen the sense of community around our programs and provide greater access to the excitement of UVA Athletics.”
UVA Athletics annually boasts one of the top athletic departments in the country, including this year’s 12th-place finish in the Learfield Directors’ Cup. Over 100 home UVA sporting events annually from August to May will now be complimentary to attend and support the Cavaliers’ world-class student-athletes in competition.
Former season ticket members for men’s and women’s soccer, women’s lacrosse, and softball are encouraged to contact the Virginia Athletics Foundation (VAF) at 434-982-5555 to explore other philanthropic opportunities that align with their passions, make a meaningful impact and continue their support of UVA Athletics. Postseason athletic events for all sports may still be ticketed as dictated by the NCAA. VAF Priority Points determine one’s ranking when assigning season and single-game ticket(s) and parking locations for all home-ticketed athletics events, as well as for postseason athletics events for all sports.
Swimming: Walsh named Collegiate Woman Athlete of the Year
Courtesy UVA Media Relations
Photo: UVA Athletics
Virginia swimmer Gretchen Walsh was named the Collegiate Woman Athlete of the Year and presented with the prestigious Honda Cup during the 49th anniversary broadcast of the Collegiate Women Sports Awards (CWSA) presented by Honda on CBS Sports Network, in the CBS Studios in New York City on Monday.
The Honda Sports Award is presented annually by the CWSA to the top women athletes in 12 NCAA-sanctioned sports and signifies “the best of the best in collegiate athletics”. The 12 honorees were chosen by a vote of administrators from over 1,000 NCAA member schools and will compete for the Top Three and the Honda Cup.
Walsh (Nashville, Tenn.) is the second-ever Cavalier to win the Honda Cup, joining Dawn Staley (1991). She is the first athlete from the ACC to win the honor since Mia Hamm (Soccer, North Carolina) in 1994.
“I feel like I’m on cloud nine right now,” Walsh said. “Honestly, being nominated for this award last year was a big deal to me. To win it this year is obviously unreal. It’s interesting this sport, you know, it’s all year round, and it feels like it never stops. But to have these moments of knowing that all the hard work and the never-ending training is coming to fruition, and it’s worth it. It’s really nice to have this recognition and to win this award among such an amazing group of athletes. And these women, all of us, different disciplines, different sports, but just excelling in all fields, it is really cool to be represented in a group like this.”
Walsh is the ninth swimmer to win the Honda Cup, joining Simone Manuel (2018), Katie Ledecky (2017), Missy Franklin (2015), Tara Kirk (2004), Christina Teuscher (2000), Mary T. Meagher (1987), Tracy Caulkins (1982, 1984) and Jill Sterkel.
“I feel like this is a win for swimming as well, as much as it is for myself,” Walsh said. “I feel like I always take a lot of pride in representing the people who have come before me in the sport, especially women who have, so to be amongst that list of names is so cool. I know Katie Ledecky is still swimming, but she’s always been such a great mentor for me, especially on these team trips that we take. Missy Franklin, amazing. I mean, she’s just got the personality that everyone dreams to have in such a difficult sport. And then, of course, I used to swim back in the same pool that Tracy Caulkins grew up swimming in. So that’s definitely a full circle moment for me.”
Paige Bueckers (Basketball, UConn) and NiJaree Canady (Softball, Texas Tech) were the other two named as the Top Three finalists. The Top Three award began in 2009-10. Prior to that, the committee recognized a Top Five starting in 2004-05. Walsh is the first Cavalier to be named to the Top Three.
Walsh has cemented her legacy as one of the most decorated swimmers in collegiate history. A two-time Honda Award winner for Swimming & Diving and two-time CSCAA National Swimmer of the Year, Walsh played a pivotal role in leading Virginia to the NCAA team title in each of her four seasons. She captured seven NCAA titles in 2025, including individual victories in the 50 Free, 100 Free, and 100 Fly, bringing her career total to 25 NCAA Championship titles, with nine individual wins. Walsh’s dominance extended to relay events, where she went a perfect 16-for-16 in NCAA relay competitions over her four-year career. She currently holds four NCAA individual records (50 Free, 100 Free, 100 Back and 100 Fly) and is part of all five NCAA relay records.
Her impact on the sport reaches beyond the NCAA. Walsh has set 17 world records and 38 American records. She won four medals at the 2024 Paris Olympics (two gold, two silver), helping set two relay world records and one individual Olympic record at the Games. At the 2024 World Aquatics 25m Championships, she won seven world titles en route to being named the Best Female Swimmer (MVP Award). Last month, she won three golds and a silver at the US National Championships to qualify for four events at next month’s World Aquatics Championships.
In addition to her athletic honors, she has also been lauded for her academic acumen. She is a three-time CSC Academic All-American, being named the 2025 CSC Academic All-America Team Member of the Year for swimming. She is also a two-time ACC Scholar-Athlete of the Year, graduating in May with a bachelor’s degree from the McIntire School of Commerce, minoring in mathematics.
“This year’s Honda Cup winner, Gretchen Walsh, is nothing short of world-class,” said Chris Voelz, Executive Director of the Collegiate Women Sports Awards. “Her performance at the national championships was extraordinary—shattering collegiate, American, and even world records.
“We are incredibly proud of her accomplishments both in the pool and in the classroom, and we look forward to watching her continue to rise as she prepares for the World Championships and the 2028 Olympic Games. We’re thrilled to welcome Gretchen to the CWSA family, joining the elite group of swimmers who have earned this prestigious honor before her.”
In addition to the three finalists, nine others were honored as the individual sport recipients of the Honda Sports Awards: Olivia Babcock, (Volleyball, Pittsburgh) Jordan Bowers (Gymnastics, Oklahoma), Aaliyah Butler (Track & Field, Georgia), Kate Faasse (Soccer, North Carolina), Chloe Humphrey (Lacrosse, North Carolina), Maria José Marin (Golf, Arkansas) Doris Lemngole, (Cross Country, Alabama), Darja Vidmanova (Tennis, Georgia) and Maddie Zimmer (Field Hockey, Northwestern).
“On behalf of Honda, I am thrilled to congratulate Gretchen Walsh on winning the 2025 Honda Cup. Her dedication, talent, and sportsmanship truly embody the spirit of excellence that the Collegiate Women Sports Awards celebrate,” said Monica Oliverio, vice president of General Administration, American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “We also extend our congratulations to all the remarkable athletes of The CWSA Class of 2025. It’s an honor to support such outstanding individuals.”
The CWSA, entering its 49th year, has honored the nation’s top NCAA women athletes for their superior athletic skills, leadership, academic excellence and eagerness to participate in community service. Since commencing its partnership in 1986, Honda has provided more than $3.4 million in institutional grants to the universities of the award winners and nominees to support women’s athletics programs.
Scattershooting: Carlisle visits UVA practice & much more
By Jerry Ratcliffe
Photo: UVA Athletics
Scattershooting late on a Friday night, while Sir Elton sang Saturday night’s alright for fighting …
Let’s start off the weekend with a feel-good. Virginia basketball coach Ryan Odom started off his week by reconnecting his new basketball team to Cavaliers from the past. Odom invited some names from Wahoos past to talk to his team in an attempt to ingrain some Virginia basketball culture last Monday.
Ricky Stokes, who was a point guard for Terry Holland in the early to mid-80s, appeared on “The Jerry & Jerry Show,” live last Tuesday morning (podcast available at JerryRatcliffe.com, with some great stories down memory lane) and noted how cool it was to have Wahoos from past generations at JPJ to take in the workout and shared a photo of Ryan and his dad, Dave Odom, a longtime Holland assistant at UVA, having a moment at the practice.
Virginia posted a couple of videos of the session and we spotted Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle, fresh off the seven-game NBA Championship series, addressing the team, along with Stokes, Dave Odom, Ralph Sampson, John Crotty, Wally Walker, Jimmy Miller and Ann Holland. There may have been others, but that’s all we could spot in the video.
Carlisle, who played guard at Virginia for Holland, talked about his experience at UVA after having transferred from Maine in the early ‘80s.
“We’re really blessed,” Carlisle told the present-day Cavaliers, referring to the group of visitors. “What I want to say to you guys is that this place changed my life. Changed my life and 40 years later, I’ve been so blessed. I’ve had a 41-year career in the NBA.
“This place is special. Treat it that way and lean into the educational aspect of this. This is one of the greatest educational institutions in the entire world. You’re wearing this uniform now, so you stand for something. Stand for playing hard, playing together, doing your schoolwork and winning. We expect that from you guys. You know, our predecessors, it was always important to us to carry the torch they handed us and in today’s world of fleeting stuff, you guys should try to lean into this and be here for the duration. I promise you, it’ll change your life the way it changed mine.”
Pretty good advice coming from someone as accomplished as Carlisle, who has remained strongly connected to UVA, sending his daughter to school here as well.
Update on De Ridder
Wahoo fans are holding their collective breath about the outcome of Belgium big man Thijs de Ridder, who flew to America more than a week ago and removed his name from the NBA Draft process. De Ridder, who I’m told by Twitter follower Rex Saunders, De Ridder pronounces his first name with a silent ‘H,’ and silent ‘J,’ as is Ti – i – es, wants to play for Virginia.
The 22-year-old visited UVA last week and our spies tell us there’s no obstacles on Virginia’s end in having the power forward enrolling. Can you imagine the Cavaliers’ frontcourt with de Ridder and German forward Johann Grunloh, along with 7-foot center Ugonna Onyenso from Kentucky/Kansas State?
Here’s what our spies told us Friday about de Ridder’s status:
“His NCAA eligibility is still awaiting clearance, but that should be done within the next couple of weeks.”
If that is the case, and that’s from strong sources, then expect de Ridder to be in Charlottesville sometime in July to join Virginia’s team. What a boost that will be for Odom.
Hoos Odom recruiting?
Virginia has made a boatload of offers over recent weeks. Here’s a list:
2026 OFFERS
C Latrell Allmond
G Jayden Hodge
PF Cody Peck
C William Stevens
SF Cameron Holmes
PG Deron Rippey Jr.
PF Cameron Williams
SF Fred Smith Jr.
SG Christian Gibson
PF Trey Thompson
SF Bo Ogden
SF Cole Cloer
SF Luca Foster
SG Junior County
SF Billy White III
C Davion Adkins
SG Lucas Morillo
C Arafan Diane
G Bryson Howard
G Dylan Mingo
G Jayden Hodge
2027 OFFERS
SF Baba Oladotun
CG LJ Smith
PG Nasir Anderson
C Obinna Ekezie Jr.
PG Cayden Daughtry
2028 OFFERS
Isaiah Carter
A Look at Chris Pollard’s Contract
Thanks to a FOIA by Augusta Free Press, details of new UVA baseball coach Chris Pollard have been revealed.
It’s a seven-year deal worth $1.2 million in his first year with 3-percent raises annually, certainly a better paycheck than his reported $800,000 at Duke. Certainly, the more he wins, the more his UVA salary will rise down the road.
Brian O’Connor was getting $1.4 million after 22 years on the job here, but was rewarded with a $2.9-million deal by Mississippi State, making him the second-highest paid college baseball coach in America, behind the guy at Tennessee.
Virginia also gave Pollard $750,000 to pay his coaching staff, $181,000 for support staff and $650,000 for an annual operating budget, along with the use of a new car. That’s not to mention performance bonuses such as $50,000 for reaching the College World Series and $100,000 for winning it.
UVA’s annual baseball budget ($6 million in 2023-24) is believed to be second in the ACC only to Clemson (6.5 million).
Pollard’s Style
We asked Pollard about his style of play, what Virginia fans can expect. Here’s what he said:
“We want to be a club that’s known for our toughness,” Pollard noted. “We want to be a gritty club. Year to year, how much we steal, how much we bunt, I think all that depends on your personnel, but ultimately we want to be known for our resilience and our toughness.
“Oh, and I want pitchers who throw strikes.”
Hootie’s Golden Nuggets
- In case you missed it, Missouri has hired former Virginia pitching coach Drew Dickinson for the same position.
- Former UVA assistant basketball coach Brad Soderberg has been hired as an assistant at Millikin University (about 2,000 student enrollment) in Decatur, Ill. Millikin is a Division-III school.
- Pairings have been announced for the 2025 Greenbrier Tip-Off at Greenbrier Resort in White Sulphur Springs just over the Virginia/West Virginia border. UVA will take on Northwestern on Friday, Nov. 21, and Butler on Sunday the 23rd.
- Former Virginia quarterback Bryce Perkins, who set career yardage records in only two seasons under Bronco Mendenhall in 2018-2019, was named the 2025 UFL Most Valuable Player. He was also named the league’s Offensive Player of the Year. Perkins led the Michigan Panthers to the UFL Championship Game, losing to D.C. Perkins finished fourth in the league in passing yards (1,342 in 7 games … he missed three regular-season games due to an injury), tied for second in TD passes (9), second in completion percentage (.690) and second in efficiency rating (69.0). He also tied for first in rushing TDs by QBs (5). He also threw only two interceptions and had 269 yards rushing on 47 carries along with 5 more TDs.
- Former UVA pitcher Andrew Abbott is having a MLB All-Star season thus far. The third-year Cincinnati Reds hurler is 7-1 with an ERA of 1.79 with 72 strikeouts. He’s coming off a strong performance against Cleveland, allowing only three hits, one walk and five strikeouts.
- Virginia’s high school recruiting for 2026 isn’t getting much attention from the national recruiting services. On3’s industry team recruiting rankings has UVA’s current 9-man class ranked as No. 16 in the 17-team ACC. The only team worse? Virginia Tech.
- According to a report out of Denver, the Nuggets will sign former Virginia guard Reece Beekman to an Exhibit 10 contract. Beekman, 23, signed a two-way deal with the Golden State Warriors last summer after going undrafted. He played briefly with the Warriors and was sent to the Brooklyn Nets last December. He played in 34 games and averaged about 14 minutes per game, 2.7 points, 1.8 assists per game.
- Did you see what the new Florida State QB said to rile early-season (Aug. 30) opponent Alabama? Thomas Castellanos, who played the previous two seasons at Boston College, transferred to FSU. Asked about facing Alabama, Castellanos said this: “They don’t have Nick Saban to save them. I just don’t see them stopping me.” Think Bama might be plastering all over its bulletin boards?
- A heartfelt thank you to all of you that have supported JerryRatcliffe.com. This week is our 7th anniversary and you are most appreciated for your interest. Our readership has grown every year and it’s at an all-time high. We don’t have a paywall or subscriptions or any of that stuff, because we wanted everyone to be able to read about their Cavaliers. The only way we can do that is if advertisers support us. We need more advertising in order to continue you to bring our work to you for free. If you own a business and read our site, please consider supporting us (we have great advertising deals) and dropping me a line, so we can continue to deliver for Wahoo fans.
UVA gets four pitchers as Augustin returns
By Jerry Ratcliffe
Photo by Nikolozi Khutsishvili
Virginia’s baseball roster has continued to grow, particularly its pitching staff, after the announcement that Matt Augustin is returning from the portal, a new high school commitment and two more additions from the portal from outside programs.
First, Augustin announced Thursday that he is returning to UVA after a lengthy discussion with new Cavaliers coach Chris Pollard.
Augustin is a sophomore reliever who made 22 appearances for the Wahoos, compiling a 4.13 ERA, including 25 strikeouts over 28.1 innings.
Virginia also added incoming commitment Chris Worley of Grand Blanc, Michigan. Worley, who committed to Notre Dame in 2023, announced Thursday that he will instead pitch for UVA.
The 6-foot, 185-pound, right-handed pitcher (also can play first base and third base), has a fastball that averaged 88 mph, but has reached 94, along with an effective slider.
Pollard also will welcome two players from the transfer portal, both pitchers.
Tyler Kapa, a right-handed pitcher who has steadily climbed his way from Division-III Alma to Mott Junior College, to Division-II Davenport, to Division-I Eastern Michigan, will finish his career at one of the ACC’s top programs in Charlottesville.
The right-handed reliever has a fastball that measures in the mid-90s and has touched 95-96 mph. His 90 strikeouts in 66 innings for Eastern Michigan this past season (12.27 strikeouts per nine innings) ranked 24th in the nation and No. 1 in the Mid-American Conference.
Kapa only walked 23 while posting a 5-7 record and a 6.82 ERA out of the bullpen.
He also drew interest from Notre Dame and Michigan State.
Another pitcher from the portal to commit to the Cavaliers is Frank Willius from Division-III Cal Lutheran.
The 6-foot-4 southpaw caught the eye of Pollard’s staff with his 53 strikeouts in 32.2 innings, with only 12 walks. He had a 3-2 record with a pair of saves and a 2.76 ERA. Willius depends heavily on a fastball and slider.
A Denver native, Willius drew interest from Washington and Oregon.
Hoos post 12th-place finish in final LEARFIELD Directors’ Cup standings
Courtesy UVA Media Relations
Photo by Nikolozi Khutsishvili
The fifth consecutive NCAA women’s swimming and diving championship and runner-up finish in men’s golf propelled Virginia to 12th place with 966 points in the final 2024-25 Learfield Directors’ Cup competition, announced Thursday by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA).
The 12th-place showing marked UVA’s sixth consecutive top-15 finish (18th overall) in the 32-year existence of the program (not awarded in 2020 due to the pandemic). The Cavaliers finished fifth in 2023-24.
Virginia placed in the top 25 for the 18th consecutive time and is one of 10 schools to rank in the top 30 of the final Directors’ Cup standings in every year of the competition.
Points in the Directors’ Cup standings are awarded by a school’s NCAA postseason finish in 19 sports, four of which must be men’s and women’s basketball, baseball and volleyball.
“This year brought significant change and challenges, yet we continued to excel in both competition and the classroom,” Virginia Director of Athletics Carla Williams said. “Our student-athletes, coaches, and staff consistently performed at the highest level, representing themselves and the University of Virginia with honor, integrity, and unwavering dedication. Their hard work is the foundation of our sustained excellence, and we are truly grateful for the privilege of representing this remarkable institution.”
In addition, men’s indoor track and field tied for sixth, women’s golf finished eighth and field hockey and men’s tennis each advanced to the NCAA quarterfinals and rowing placed 10th. Women’s cross country finished 14th at the NCAA Championships, while men’s soccer, women’s tennis and women’s lacrosse advanced to the NCAA Tournament round of 16. Men’s cross country finished 21st at the NCAA Championships and women’s soccer, softball, men’s swimming and diving, men’s and women’s outdoor track and field, women’s indoor track and field made NCAA postseason appearances. Wrestling advanced four wrestlers to the NCAA Championships for the second straight year.
UVA captured three Atlantic Coast Conference championships during the year and its 98 conference titles since the spring of 2002 are the most of any ACC school during that time. In 2024-25, UVA claimed its sixth straight women’s swimming and diving league title, men’s golf earned its first ACC championship and women’s outdoor track and field won its first conference title since 1987.
Individually, Gretchen Walsh was named the Honda Sport Award winner for Swimming & Diving for the second straight year. Walsh earned Division I Women’s Swimmer of the Year honors by the College Swimming and Diving Coaches Association of America’s (CSCAA) and was selected as the recipient of the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame Steve Guback Sportsperson of the Year Award. Walsh (50 Free, 100 Free, 100 Fly, 200 Free Relay, 400 Free Relay, 200 Medley Relay, 400 Medley Relay), Claire Curzan (100 Back, 200 Back, 200 Free Relay, 400 Free Relay, 200 Medley Relay, 400 Medley Relay), Alex Walsh (100 Breast, 400 Free Relay, 200 Medley Relay, 400 Medley Relay), Anna Moesch (200 Free Relay, 400 Free Relay, 400 Medley Relay) and Maxine Parker (200 Medley Relay, 200 Free Relay) earned gold medals at the 2025 NCAA Women’s Swimming and Diving Championships.
The Virginia men’s distance medley relay (DMR) team of Wes Porter, Alex Sherman, Conor Murphy and Gary Martin won the first NCAA title in the indoor DMR in program history, breaking the meet record and facility record crossing the line in 9:15.12. Women’s tennis seniors Elaine Chervinsky and Mélodie Collard won the 2024-25 NCAA Doubles Championship
Todd DeSorbo (women’s swimming), Sara O’Leary (women’s tennis) and Bowen Sargent (men’s golf) earned ACC Coach of the Year honors. DeSorbo earned Women’s Division I Swim Coach of the Year, Vin Lañanna was named the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) Southeast Region Men’s Coach of the Year and Ria Scott (women’s golf), Andres Pedroso (men’s tennis) and Sargent earned region coach of the year honors. Steve Garland was inducted into the Virginia Chapter National Wrestling Hall of Fame in recognition of his dedication to the sport.
Texas finished first in the NCAA Division I Directors’ Cup standings with 1,255.25 points, while USC was second with 1,253.75 points.
UVA was one of six ACC programs to finish in the top 25 of the Directors’ Cup standings, joining Stanford (3rd), North Carolina (4th), Duke (10th), NC State (20th) and California (24th).
There are five LEARFIELD Directors’ Cup awards, one to honor the institution with the best overall athletics program in each of the NCAA’s Divisions I and I-AAA, II and III, and the NAIA.
Additional highlights of Virginia’s 2024-25 athletics year included:
• Ryan Odom (men’s basketball) and Chris Pollard (baseball) were hired as new head coaches
• Virginia student-athletes matched their highest Graduation Success Rate at 96 percent for the second consecutive year
• Seven Cavalier programs – women’s golf, women’s lacrosse, softball, baseball, men’s cross country, men’s golf and men’s tennis – posted perfect multi-year Academic Progress Rate (APR) scores of 1,000.
• Gretchen Walsh was named the CSC Academic All-America Team Member of the Year for swimming and diving
• Walsh was joined on the CSC Academic All-America first team by Alex Walsh and Claire Curzan, while Cavan Gormsen was named to the third team
• Elaine Chervinsky (first team), Melodie Collard (second team) and Annabelle Xu (third team) were named 2025 College Sports Communicators Women’s Tennis Academic All-Americans
• Shortstop Jade Hylton was name to CSC Academic All-America second team*
• Gary Martin (men’s cross country), Jans Croon (field hockey) and Gretchen Walsh (swimming & diving) were named Scholar-Athlete of the Year for their respective sports
• Eden Bigham (softball) and Griffin Schutz (men’s lacrosse) earned 2025 Weaver-James-Corrigan-Swofford Postgraduate Scholarships
• Virginia football received the 2024 American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) Academic Achievement Award for the fifth time
• Will Bettridge and Brian Stevens were named to the CSC Academic All-District® Football team for the second consecutive year
• Kymora Johnson was named All-ACC First Team and earned All-America honorable mention accolades from the Women’s Basketball Coaches’ Association (WBCA)
• The University of Virginia and the Virginia Athletics Foundation (VAF) announced a $5 million planned gift from the family of Frank Quayle III to Virginia Athletics. In addition to being one of the greatest football players in program history, Quayle served as UVA football’s longtime radio color analyst and is regarded as pillar in the Charlottesville community. In recognition of the gift, the lobby of the forthcoming Olympic Sports Complex will bear the name of Frank J. Quayle III.
• Virginia won the Commonwealth Clash against Virginia Tech, 15-7, for the third straight year and sixth overall
2024-25 Learfield College Directors’ Cup Final Top 25 Point Standings
1. Texas – 1255.25
2. USC – 1253.75
3. Stanford – 1251.00
4. North Carolina – 1195.25
5. UCLA – 1149.00
6. Tennessee – 1078.00
7. Florida – 1072.00
8. Ohio State – 1032.25
9. Oklahoma – 1017.20
10. Duke – 1010.00
11. Arkansas – 966.70
12. Virginia – 966.00
13. Michigan – 928.50
14. Georgia – 920.00
15. Texas A&M – 907.75
16. Penn State – 893.00
17. LSU – 881.00
18. Oregon – 879.75
19. Auburn – 867.50
20. NC State – 854.75
21. Nebraska – 849.75
22. Alabama – 830.50
23. South Carolina – 826.75
24. California – 819.75
25. BYU – 813.75
ACC Schools in Final 2024-25 Directors’ Cup Standings
3. Stanford – 1251.00
4. North Carolina – 1195.25
10. Duke – 1010.00
12. Virginia – 966.00
20. NC State – 854.75
24. California – 819.75
28. Florida State – 776.00
36. Notre Dame – 691.50
37. Louisville – 648.50
41. Wake Forest – 611.00
45. Virginia Tech – 536.00
47. Clemson – 524.25
55. Miami – 472.50
61. Syracuse – 407.00
66. Boston College – 377.50
70. SMU – 321.75
71. Georgia Tech – 320.00
74. Pittsburgh – 312.00
Schools Ranked in the Top-30 of All 29 Directors’ Cup Point Standings (1994-2019, 2021-2025)
Florida
Georgia
Michigan
North Carolina
Ohio State
Stanford
Texas
UCLA
USC
Virginia
Virginia’s Final Position in Each of the Directors’ Cup Rankings
2025 – 12th
2024 – 5th
2023 – 4th
2022 – 11th
2021 – 11th
2020 – N/A
2019 – 8th
2018 – 21st
2017 – 19th
2016 – 8th
2015 – 6th
2014 – 4th
2013 – 20th
2012 – 15th
2011 – 7th
2010 – 3rd
2009 – 8th
2008 – 17th
2007 – 13th
2006 – 26th
2005 – 13th
2004 – 30th
2003 – 19th
2002 – 27th
2001 – 30th
2000 – 13th
1999 – 8th
1998 – 13th
1997 – 22nd
1996 – 21st
1995 – 19th (tie)
1994 – 19th
Swimming & Diving: UVA’s Walsh nominated for ‘Best College Athlete’ ESPY Award
Courtesy UVA Media Relations
Photo: UVA Athletics
Virginia swimmer Gretchen Walsh was among the nominees announced Thursday for the 2025 ESPY Awards.
Walsh is one of four nominees for Best College Athlete – Women’s Sports at this year’s sports awards show. Kate Faase (UNC Soccer), Olivia Babcock (Pittsburgh Volleyball) and JuJu Watkins (USC Basketball) are the other nominees.
The ESPYS, short for Excellence in Sports Performance Yearly Awards, is an annual event created by ESPN in 1993 to recognize athletic achievements.
Walsh is the second Cavalier to be nominated for an ESPY in this category, joining Morgan Brian (women’s soccer) in 2014.
The ceremony will take place on Wednesday, July 16, at the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles. It will be televised live at 8 p.m. on ABC.
Fan vote is factored into determining the winner of the awards, so fans are encouraged to vote on ESPN.com.
Men’s Tennis: Former Cavalier Rodesch clinches spot in Wimbledon Main Draw
Courtesy UVA Media Relations
Photo: UVA Athletics
Virginia men’s tennis alum Chris Rodesch ’24 has earned a spot in the main draw of Gentlemen’s Singles at the Wimbledon Championships, being held Monday, June 30 through Sunday, July 13 at the All England Lawn and Tennis Club in London, England.
Rodesch, currently ranked No. 163 in the world, earned his position in the main draw by winning three matches in the qualifying tournament, held June 23-26 at the Community Sport Centre Roehampton.
Rodesch faced No. 134 Matteo Gigante in the opening round of qualifying, taking out the No. 23 seed 6-2, 6-4. He defeated Mark Lajal No. 167, 6-1, 6-3 in the second round to advance to his first career Grand Slam qualifying final. Rodesch faced the qualifier’s top seed, Marton Fucsovics, in the final. Rodesch won the first two sets 6-3, 6-4, before dropping the third set 6-0. The fourth set was tied 6-6, forcing a tiebreaker. The tiebreaker was tied 4-4 before Rodesch won the final three points to take the breaker 7-4 and the match 6-3, 6-4, 0-6, 7-6 (4) to earn one of the sixteen available main draw positions.
This will be Rodesch’s first time appearing in a Grand Slam. Rodesch competed in qualifying for the French Open in May, but fell in the opening round.
Rodesch has won seven professional titles, including winning his first career Challenger-level tournament in Tallahassee in April.
This is the 34th Wimbledon main draw appearance for the Virginia men’s tennis program. Rodesch becomes the 10th different Cavalier to play in the Wimbledon men’s main draw.
During his four-year Cavalier career ending in 2024, Rodesch was a three-time ITA Singles All-American. He finished his career with a 94-27 record in singles and a 59-26 mark in doubles, helping to lead the Cavaliers to two NCAA titles, three ACC Championships and a perfect 48-0 record in regular-season ACC matches. He was also a three-time All-ACC First Team honoree and earned the conference’s scholar-athlete of the year award twice.
UVA beats Georgia, Ole Miss for WR; loses CB to ‘Cuse
By Jerry Ratcliffe
Photo: UVA Athletics
Virginia gained its highest-ranked commitment from a wide receiver in Alabama on Wednesday, but lost out on one of its top targets from an in-state cornerback prospect.
Dylan Cope, a 6-foot-3, 180-pound wide receiver from Trussville, Ala., chose the Cavaliers over Georgia, Ole Miss, Tulane, Memphis, Cincinnati, UAB and a few other schools. The Hewitt-Trussville H.S. standout is ranked as the No. 643 prospect in the nation at any position (247Sports composite rankings), the No. 99 wide receiver in the country and the No. 25 overall prospect in the state of Alabama. He is rated No. 75 and No. 17, respectively by Rivals.
Meanwhile, UVA lost Chase Geter, a 6-1, 180-pound corner from Stonebridge H.S. in Ashburn, ranked as one of the top 15 players in the Commonwealth. Geter committed to Syracuse over Virginia, North Carolina, Virginia Tech, Penn State, Michigan, Stanford, Kentucky, West Virginia, Duke, Wisconsin, NC State and Wake Forest.
Cope is the second wide receiver to commit to UVA for the 2026 class. The 3-star hauled in 40 receptions for 504 yards and 5 touchdowns as a junior. He averaged 12.6 yards per catch.
Cope showed off his speed in the Alabama state track meet when he finished second in the 60-meter hurdles and was part of the second-place 4×200 relay team.
With Cope’s commitment, UVA moved up to No. 76 in 247Sports’ national team recruiting rankings for 2026.
Women’s Golf: Swedick claims Women’s Open of Virginia title at Farmington
Courtesy UVA Media Relations
Photo: UVA Athletics
Virginia women’s golf rising sophomore Kennedy Swedick won the title at the third-annual Women’s Open of Virginia, being held at Farmington Country Club in Charlottesville.
Swedick finished at three-over, winning by four strokes against second-place finishers Lauren Clark and Morgan Mussatt.
Swedick was tied for the lead after shooting a two-under 68 on Monday in the opening round. She went two-over on Tuesday, ending the day in a three-way tie for first before closing out with a one-over 71 in the final round.
Virginia alum Lauren Greenlief ’12 tied for fifth at +10. Incoming Cavalier Elise MacCleery finished in a tie for eighth place at +11.
Odom officially announces new additions for upcoming season
Courtesy UVA Media Relations
Photo: UVA Athletics
Dean and Markel Families Men’s Head Basketball Coach Ryan Odom announced Tuesday the signing of 10 newcomers for the 2025-26 season.
UVA welcomes seven transfers and three freshmen. The group of newcomers is rated among the nation’s best and includes a pair of highly-touted high school players from the state of Virginia.
The incoming group includes: transfers Dallin Hall (Plain City, Utah/BYU), Malik Thomas (Fontana, Calif./San Francisco), Devin Tillis (Los Angeles, Calif./UC Irvine), Jacari White (Orlando, Fla./North Dakota State), Ugonna Onyenso (Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria/Kansas State), Sam Lewis (Chicago, Ill./Toledo), Martin Carrere (Pontonx-sur-l’Adour, France/VCU), and freshmen Silas Barksdale (Hampton/Woodside), Johann Grünloh (Loningen, Germany/RASTA Vechta) and Chance Mallory(Charlottesville/St. Anne’s-Belfield).
“I am extremely excited about this year’s incoming class of young men,” Odom said. “It should provide us with a deep roster that is extremely versatile and blends experience, skill and talented freshmen. Most importantly, each of these young men align well with the values of our University and what this program has reflected over so many years – high-character, development-oriented individuals that are pursuing excellence individually and as a collective unit. I am excited for our supporters and fans to get to know these young men and equally thrilled to see what this group is able to accomplish together this season.”
Fans interested in becoming season-ticket members for Virginia men’s basketball can join the waitlist here. Single-game, group and mini-plan ticket information will be available later in the fall at uvatix.com.
2025-26 VIRGINIA NEWCOMERS
#30 Dallin Hall, Gr., G, 6-4, 197, Plain City, Utah/BYU
• Transfer from BYU averaged 6.8 points as a senior in 2024-25
• Shot 34.3 percent from 3-point range and was second on the team with 133 assists
• Scored in double figures nine times, including a season-high 22 points in a double overtime win at No. 10 Iowa State (3/4/25)
• Earned All-Big 12 honorable mention honors as a junior in 2023-24
#1 Malik Thomas, Gr., G, 6-5, 205, Fontana, Calif./San Francisco
• San Francisco transfer was named All-WCC First Team after averaging a league-high 19.9 points in 2024-25
• Made a single-season program record 189 free throws and ended the season with a career-high 36 points in an NIT second-round contest against Loyola Chicago (3/23/25), shooting a perfect 17-of-17 from the foul line
• Earned All-WCC honorable mention honors in 2023-24
• Spent two seasons at USC before transferring to San Francisco
#11 Devin Tillis, Gr., F, 6-7, 225, Los Angeles, Calif./UC Irvine
• UC Irvine transfer averaged 13.7 points and 7.8 rebounds en route to All-Big West second-team honors in 2024-25
• Reached double-figure scoring in 26 games and recorded seven double-doubles
• Matched his career-high 25 points in three contests
• Averaged 3.7 points and 3.5 rebounds in 24 games at UNLV in 2020-21
#6 Jacari White, Gr., G, 6-3, 180, Orlando, Fla./North Dakota State
• North Dakota State transfer averaged 17.1 points and 4.3 rebounds en route to All-Summit League second-team honors in 2024-25
• Shot 45.2 percent from the floor, 39.8 percent from beyond the arc and 85.2 percent from the free throw line
• Matched a career high with 32 points at South Dakota (1/18/25) and drilled a career-high seven 3-pointers en route to 27 points at Butler (12/10/24)
• Started career at State College of Florida in 2021-22
#33 Ugonna Onyenso, Sr., C, 7-0, 247, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria/Kansas State
• Kansas State transfer averaged 2.8 points, 2.4 rebounds and 0.9 blocks in 2024-25
• Shot 70 percent (28 of 40) from the field and 76.9 percent (10 of 13) from the free throw line in 11 minutes per game
• Led Kentucky with 66 blocks as a sophomore in 2023-24
• Rated as a consensus 4-star prospect by all major recruiting services in 2023, including a 5-star by On3
#5 Sam Lewis, Jr., G, 6-6, 210, Chicago, Ill./Toledo
• Named All-MAC Second Team after averaging a team-high 16.2 points
• Led the MAC in 3-point percentage at 44.4 percent and ranked fourth in scoring
• Registered a team-high 11 20-point outings, including a career-high 23 points vs. Akron (twice) & Northern Illinois (2/1/25)
• Registered back-to-back double-doubles with 13 points and career-best 11 rebounds at Purdue (12/29/24) and 14 points and 10 boards at Western Michigan (1/4/25)
#7 Martin Carrere, R-Fr., G/F, 6-8, 180, Pontonx-sur-l’Adour, France/VCU
• Transfer from VCU sat out the 2024-25 season
• Helped lead the Next Generation Paris U18 Team to an Adidas Next Generation Paris Tournament title in 2024
• Appeared on the French National Team at the U18 FIBA EuroBasket tournament in the summer of 2024, averaging 6.7 points per game and shooting 41.9 percent from beyond the arc
• Played for Limoges CSP Elite U21 in the Betclic Elite U21 league in France, where he helped lead the team to a 21-13 record
#21 Silas Barksdale, Fr., F, 6-8, 210, Hampton/Woodside
• Averaged 22 points, 15 rebounds, five assists and four blocks in senior season
• Selected to first team all-district in junior and senior seasons, following a second team all-district nod in sophomore season
• Earned Player of the Year honors for Peninsula, Regional, District and State from 2024-2025
• Named to the Nike EYBL Peach Jam All-DMV First Team in 2024
#17 Johann Grünloh, Fr., C, 7-0, 238, Loningen, Germany/RASTA Vechta
• Averaged 7.9 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.4 blocks for RASTA Vechta in 2024-25
• Named U22 Player of the Year in the German first division in 2023-24
• Participated in the German U19 Championship in 2023-24
• Earned the U19 NBBL Best Defender award in 2022-23
#2 Chance Mallory, Fr., G, 5-9, 175, Charlottesville/St. Anne’s-Belfield
• All-time STAB leader in points (2396), steals (293), assists (488) and wins (114)
• Holds the STAB single game scoring record (45 points) as well as the single game 3-point record (11)
• Three-time VPL Player of the Year, 2024 VISAA State Player of the Year and two-time Central Virginia Player of the Year
• 2024 Max Prep Junior All-American honorable mention and McDonald’s All-American East nominee
Ricky Stokes visits ‘The Jerry & Jerry Show’
Former Virginia point guard Ricky Stokes, who lives in Charlottesville, visited the show on Tuesday morning for a delightful interview with our daring duo of host Jerry Miller & Hall of Famer Jerry Ratcliffe.
Stokes shares some great stories from his playing days under Terry Holland and with Ralph Sampson, his relationship with Dave Odom, his days as a coach, his thoughts on NIL. He also had some observations after taking in Virginia’s practice on Monday.
Stokes is senior associate commissioner for men’s basketball for the Mid-America Athletic Conference.
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High-ceiling Harris announces return to Virginia
By Jerry Ratcliffe
Photo: BVM Sports
Virginia baseball received more good news on Monday when another player pulled his name out of the transfer portal and announced he will return to play for new Cavaliers coach Chris Pollard.
Rising sophomore Aiden Harris, who was the No. 1 recruit in the state of Virginia in the class of ‘24, said he will remain a Wahoo. He is the second player to return to UVA out of the portal over the past two days, joining third-team All-ACC sophomore shortstop Eric Becker, who started all 50 games this past season.
Harris appeared in 11 games last season for Virginia, mostly as a pinch hitter. The Midlothian native has a huge offensive ceiling.
At 6-foot-4, 230 pounds, Harris batted .400 (4 for 10) for UVA in 2025, with a double and 3 RBI.
As a high-schooler, he appeared in Perfect Game’s National Showcase and in the Hank Aaron Invitational and Breakthrough Series. According to Perfect Game, Harris was the top third-base prospect in the nation and the No. 15 overall recruit (at any position) in America.
Men’s Golf: James to compete for U.S. at 50th Walker Cup in September
Courtesy UVA Media Relations
Photo: UVA Athletics
As the No. 2 player in the World Amateur Golf Ranking®/WAGR®, Virginia rising senior, Ben James, has earned a spot on the 2025 Walker Cup Team. The United States team will compete against Great Britain and Ireland in the 50th Walker Cup Match on Sept. 6-7 at the Cypress Point Club, in Pebble Beach, Calif.
Played every other year, the Walker Cup Match is a 10-man amateur team competition between the USA and Great Britain and Ireland. Cypress Point Club previously hosted the 1981 Walker Cup, when the USA defeated GB&I, 15-9, led by Corey Pavin, Jay Sigel and Hal Sutton.
This will be James’ second appearance on the Walker Cup squad after he represented the USA on the victorious 2023 Walker Cup Team at St. Andrews in Scotland. He is among four Cavaliers (Tom McKnight – 1999, James Driscoll – 2011, Denny McCarthy – 2015 & Ben James – 2023, 2025) to represent the United States in the Walker Cup and the only Cavalier to do it twice.
After helping Virginia to a runner-up finish at the 2025 NCAA Championship, James earned his third consecutive First Team All-America honor and was named to the 2025 All-ACC team for the third time. He is the program’s all-time leader in top 10 finishes with 25 including seven during the 2024-25 season.
James’ win at the Valero Texas Collegiate in September earned him an exemption into the PGA Tour’s Valero Texas Open in April where he finished T-33rd. He played in the U.S. Open at Oakmont earlier this month and is slated to play in the John Deere Classic on July 3-6 in Silvis, Ill.
Becker returning to UVA? Henry Ford to Tennessee
By Jerry Ratcliffe
Photo: UVA Athletics
Virginia got a major boost for 2026 on Sunday if a posted report by Texas Longhorns Baseball News is accurate. The Texas report said that sources close to the program told the publication that UVA shortstop Eric Becker has decided to return to Charlottesville and play for new Cavaliers coach Chris Pollard.
Meanwhile, former Virginia star and Charlottesville native Henry Ford has committed to Tennessee. Ford, who is considered a potential first-round pick in the upcoming Major League Baseball Draft, is also considered one of the top players in the transfer portal.
Ford hit .348 with 28 home runs and 115 RBI over two seasons at UVA, and was second-team All-ACC this past season, hitting .362 with 11 homers and 46 RBI. He plays outfield and first base.
Becker entered the transfer portal when former UVA coach Brian O’Connor took over the program at Mississippi State. Reportedly, several ACC and SEC schools were battling to sign the Virginia star, who was on the Brooks Wallace Award watch list in 2025, an award that honors the nation’s top shortstop.
A third-team All-ACC selection this past season, Becker was one of four Cavaliers to start all 50 games (all at shortstop).
The rising junior led Virginia in a plethora of offensive categories this past season:
- Batting average: .368
- Slugging percentage: .617
- Runs scored: 54
- RBI: 52
- Doubles: 21
- Total bases: 24
- Multiple-RBI games: 13
In other UVA baseball news, the Cavaliers have added yet another Duke player from the transfer portal.
According to his Instagram account, rising sophomore Blue Devils outfielder Zach Jackson of Smyrna, Ga., has committed to Pollard’s program at UVA. Jackson appeared in 16 games this past season and scored 5 runs, while adding 2 RBI in only 4 at-bats.
This summer, Jackson is playing in the Appalachian League, where he already has two home runs.
