Author Archives: Jerry Milani

About Jerry Milani

Jerry Milani is a freelance writer and public relations executive living in Bloomfield, N.J. He has worked in P.R. for more than 30 years in college and conference sports media relations, two agencies and for the International Fight League, a team-based mixed martial arts league, and variouis sports and entertainment properties. Milani is a proud graduate of Fordham University and when not attending a Yankees or Rams game can be reached at Jerry (at) JerryMilani (dot) com.

MLS, MLS Next Pro And MLS Next Expand Collaboration With Kitman Labs To Unify And Optimize Player Pathway Data

Major League Soccer (MLS), MLS NEXT Pro and MLS NEXT today announced an expansion of the work being done alongside Kitman Labs that will help complete the management of the player pathway across the three organizations. Teaming up to centralize MLS, MLS NEXT Pro and MLS NEXT operations and performance data into an integrated platform to drive connectivity between competitions, teams and players, this collaboration will ultimately help define and solidify player pathways from the academy level all the way up to MLS first teams. 

The initiative – which will completely unify all MLS, MLS NEXT Pro and MLS NEXT operations and player performance data into one advanced operating system, is being led by MLS Assist. Developed to help advance the technological infrastructure of MLS, MLS NEXT Pro and MLS NEXT, MLS Assist will aid in elevating the level of play and competition through innovation. 

“The focus of MLS Assist is to streamline the technology behind our competitions by consolidating solutions, modernizing sports management processes, and standardizing the reporting and distribution of our sports data,” said John Sullivan, MLS Chief Information Officer. “A key goal is digitizing the player pathway—using integrated technologies and data-driven systems to modernize scouting, optimize player development, and build a smarter, more connected talent pipeline. By aligning efforts across MLS, MLS NEXT Pro, and MLS NEXT, the Sporting Technology department and Kitman Labs are building an innovative and scalable foundation for how the game is managed.”

The new League Operations Solution and MLS Intelligence Platform has launched this season and will consolidate and streamline program-wide operations and build a unified data set for players, staff, coaches and games played at every level across MLS, MLS NEXT Pro and MLS NEXT. The ability to now collect this data across the pathway represents a critical and foundational step in understanding, defining and optimizing the player pathway.

“Through our work with MLS, MLS NEXT Pro and MLS NEXT, we are building a strong foundation—one that not only identifies and develops talent but also fosters a competitive, sustainable ecosystem. Too often, organizations are held back by disconnected systems that create inefficiencies and obscure the full picture of player development and league operations,” said Stephen Smith, Founder & CEO, Kitman Labs. “With the launch of the League Operations Solution in iP: Intelligence Platform*, we’re working to empower MLS, MLS NEXT Pro and MLS NEXT by unifying their data, streamlining operations, and ultimately unlocking transformative growth—ensuring they continue to be a destination for top talent while delivering an exceptional experience for players, practitioners, partners, and fans alike.”

MLS, MLS NEXT Pro and MLS NEXT are the first soccer leagues to launch the League Operations Solution from Kitman Labs and will include:

  • Player and Staff Registration: Simplifying the registration process with a streamlined, scalable approach that reduces administrative burdens while enhancing data quality.
  • Fixture Management: Provides a centralized view of all fixtures and automated tools for rescheduling, ensuring more streamlined processes and better communication across all stakeholders. 
  • Discipline and Eligibility: Centralizes the tracking of disciplinary actions, ensuring consistency and compliance. 
  • Match Reporting: Provides a centralized platform for match reports, making critical data accessible and actionable. 
  • Digital Match Rosters: Automates roster management, ensuring eligibility and providing critical match information to stakeholders. 
  • Scheduling: Simplifies scheduling logistics with automation and real-time updates.

“The commitment of MLS, MLS NEXT Pro and MLS NEXT to provide best-in-class management of their respective competitions and the player pathway has been supported by the recent expansion of our work with Kitman Labs,” said Paul Grafer, MLS Senior Technical Director, Competition. “Collaboratively, we have developed customized software that serves as the administrative backbone for MLS, MLS NEXT Pro and MLS NEXT. We are excited by the opportunity these tools present to improve the management of each MLS, MLS NEXT Pro and MLS NEXT competition while enhancing various aspects of the player development pathway.”

Kitman Labs has an established track record of working with top governing bodies, leagues, teams and athletes across a variety of sports, including soccer/global football, basketball, rugby, and American football. The company’s technology has been used by leagues and teams in some of the world’s most elite sports organizations and universities including the NFL, NBA, NWSL, Premier League and NCAA.

Ten Finalists Named in Harlem Globetrotters’ 2025 Court of Creativity Contest Presented by Jersey Mike’s Subs

The Harlem Globetrotters and Jersey Mike’s Subs have announced the ten national finalists in the third annual Court of Creativity contest – a nationwide competition that challenges K–5 students to channel their imagination through basketball-themed projects inspired by the legendary Globetrotters.

Each finalist school will receive a $1,000 cash prize from Jersey Mike’s to support future creative programming. One grand prize winner will also earn a catered lunch from Jersey Mike’s and an in-school visit from the Harlem Globetrotters later this school year.

This year’s ten standout submissions include custom jersey designs, literacy-driven videos, full-scale performances, STEM activities, and more – all highlighting themes of teamwork, perseverance, and creativity. Finalists include:

  • Alpha School (Jackson, NJ) – Used basketballs and paint to create collaborative artwork as part of a sensory-integrated “Athletic Arts” program for students with multiple disabilities.

  • Berea Elementary (Berea, SC) – Designed cultural jerseys, studied force and energy in science, and performed freestyle basketball skills in PE class.

  • Calvin Public School (Calvin, OK) – Created a March Madness-inspired math and spelling video that turned academic learning into a basketball game.

  • Columbia Elementary (Mount Vernon, OH) – Merged PBIS rewards with basketball challenges and community engagement, including a Jersey Mike’s-themed bingo celebration.

  • Everson Elementary (Everson, WA) – Produced a schoolwide video starring “Dribble McDunkerson,” a basketball on a journey of self-discovery and trick shots.

  • Lincoln Elementary (Vancouver, WA) – Developed a scripted video featuring their school mascot learning to play basketball, with support from every grade.

  • Sandhill Elementary (Stoughton, WI) – Led a March Madness-inspired PE unit across all grade levels, culminating in a trick-shot-filled video.

  • Shreve Elementary (Shreve, OH) – Celebrated literacy with a student-led video linking reading, research, and basketball in an imaginative classroom setting.

  • South Lebanon Elementary (South Lebanon, PA) – Engaged second graders in basketball-themed STEM challenges, creative writing, and history lessons throughout March.

  • Twin Oak Elementary (Mount Vernon, OH) – Created a schoolwide March Madness event assigning every student a team role—from Equipment Manager to Jersey Designer—celebrating multiple skill sets.

“Each year, the creativity and school pride in these projects is amazing to witness,” said Rich Hope, Chief Marketing Officer at Jersey Mike’s Franchise Systems, LLC. “The Court of Creativity is about more than just basketball—it’s about inspiring students to express themselves and work together. Congratulations to all the schools that participated.”

The contest was open to public, private, and vocational elementary schools with grades K–5 across the U.S. and remains a platform for promoting creativity, healthy lifestyles, and community engagement among young students.

BCL Americas Opens Today: Ten Things to Know in the American Association This Week

The Baseball Champions League (BCL) Americas gets underway today at Estadio Alfredo Harp Helú in Mexico City, with a team made up mostly of players from the American Association of Professional Baseball (@AA_Baseball) reigning champion Kane County Cougars representing the league in the six-team international competition.

Here are 10 (or so) Things to Know about the BCL and AAPB this week:

  • Hosted by the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) in conjunction with the Mexican Baseball League (LMB), the 2025 BCL Americas features the Cougars and five other champion clubs:
    • Leñadores de Las Tunas (Cuba) – Serie Nacional Champions
    • Pirates de Santa Maria (Curaçao) – Curaçao Baseball League Champions
    • Tigres de Chinandega (Nicaragua) – Liga de Béisbol Profesional Nacional
    • Titanes de Florida (Puerto Rico) – Liga de Béisbol Superior Doble A
    • Diablos Rojos del México (Mexico) – Mexican Baseball League (LMB) Champions and tournament hosts
  • These teams are divided into two groups:
    • Group A: Diablos Rojos del México, Tigres de Chinandega, Titanes de Florida
    • Group B: Kane County Cougars, Leñadores de Las Tunas, Pirates de Santa Maria
  • Play begins today in the Round Robin portion of the contest, with the Cougars taking on Santa Maria at 4 p.m. ET (3 p.m. CT). Vin Timpanelli (Staten Island, N.Y. / Ramapo (N.J.) College; 1-2. 2.70 for Kane County last year) gets the starting assignment on the mound
  • Some of the notable players on other teams competing in the event include:
    • Aristides Aquino, Diablos Rojos del México
    • Robinson Canó, Diablos Rojos del México
    • Francisco Mejía, Diablos Rojos del México
    • Jose Pirela, Diablos Rojos del México
    • Jonathan Schoop, Santa María Pirates
    • Andrelton Simmons, Santa María Pirates
  • The format includes two group-stage games for each team (today through Thursday), followed by crossover games between second- and third-place finishers (Friday). Winners from those matchups advance to the semifinals (Saturday), and the championship game will take place on Sunday at 4 p.m ET / 3 p.m. CT.
  • Kane County also plays on Thursday vs. Leñadores (4 p.m. ET / 3 p.m. CT) before QF/Semifinal matchups the next two days.
  • All BCL games involving the Cougars are available for free live viewing at aabaseball.tv, as well as broadcast partners Fubo, Unbeaten, Ryz Sports Network and Gray TV.
  • There are several companies that are helping support the American Association and its players in participating in the Baseball Champions League:
    • Carbliss – ​Carbliss is a Wisconsin-based company offering premium, ready-to-drink, handcrafted cocktails that are zero carbs, zero sugar, gluten-free, and only 100 calories per serving
    • CAPX – CapX Lab is a headwear innovation company offering a range of customizable hats designed with intention
    • Champro – Champro is a sporting goods manufacturer founded in 1986, providing high-quality sports apparel, uniforms, equipment, and accessories for youth, women, and men across various sports
    • VensureHR – Vensure is a leading provider of human resources services and technology, offering comprehensive solutions including payroll processing, employee benefits, risk management, and compliance assistance to small and mid-sized businesses
  • In the inaugural 2023 edition of the BCL, the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks captured the international baseball world’s attention by storming through the field in Mérida, Mexico, and claiming the first-ever title
  • The AAPB season gets underway on Thursday, May 8, when Kane County hosts Sioux City and Cleburne entertains Winnipeg.
  • The original American Association was formed in 1902 as an independent minor league circuit for Midwestern U.S. cities like Minneapolis, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Louisville and others. After several iterations, the realignment of Major League Baseball in 1997 spelled the end of the venerable league in that form. But in 2006, a new league formed using that great name, the result of a merger between two other “independent” leagues. Today, the AAPB is 12 teams strong and is a Major League Baseball Partner League operating in nine states and one Canadian province.

Chicago Wins Championship in 2025 Baseball Strat-O-Matic Simulation

A lot has been made of how, on paper, Los Angeles seems to have cornered the market on so many stars that it would be prohibitive favorites to win, or at least reach, this year’s baseball championship. But, as the saying goes, that’s why they play the games–or, in this case–simulate the games, as Strat-O-Matic (@strat-o-matic), the market leader in sports simulation games, today released its annual Opening Day projection of the 2025 baseball season. 

With 107 wins, Los Angeles breezed to the #1 seed in the N.L, but suffered a five-game defeat to Wild Card Milwaukee in the Division Series to end its season. Chicago, 91-game winners to take the Central, swept East champ Atlanta, then dispatched Milwaukee in six to reach the final, where the Chicagolanders swept A.L. winner Toronto (A.L. East champion, 92-70) for the title.

The other division winners in Strat-O-Matic’s simulation were Minnesota (92-70) and Seattle (94-68). The Wild Cards were New York (84-78), Houston (84-78) and Kansas City (84-78) in the American and New York (95-67) and San Francisco (88-74).
Major award winners in the American League are Toronto’s Vladimir Guerrero (.321, 45 HR, 130 RBI, 1.024OPS), while Minnesota’s Pablo Lopez turns in a 16-8 mark with 3.23 ERA and 212 strikeouts to win the Cy Young. In the N.L., Shohei Ohtani of L.A. collected another MVP, at .298 with 38 HR and 124 RBI and .998 OPS, and his teammate Yoshinobu Yamamoto earned the top pitching award by posting a 20-7 record and 2.96 ERA with 190 whiffs.

WNBA and nVenue Collaborate to Enhance Fan Engagement and Analytics Capabilities

nVenue, a leading global provider of live predictive analytics solutions used by leagues and media for fan engagement across broadcast, OTT and digital properties, today announced a groundbreaking collaboration with the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) that will revolutionize the way fans experience the game.

Through this effort, the WNBA will gain access to nVenue’s industry-leading analytics platform to power its media products and drive real-time fan engagement, which will enable the league to provide fans with personalized content, interactive experiences, and deeper insights into the game.

nVenue will gain access to the WNBA’s unmatched expertise in fan engagement as it develops innovative products and solutions for the WNBA gaming and media ecosystems. The collaboration will also allow nVenue to expand its reach in women’s sports and further its mission of providing fans with the most immersive and engaging sports entertainment experiences to date.

The WNBA is a leader in fan engagement, and we are honored to work with them to bring our analytics and engagement solutions to their passionate fan base,” said nVenue CEO Kelly Pracht. “We will create new and exciting ways for fans to connect with the WNBA and its players in what is a testament to the growing importance of analytics and fan engagement in the sports industry. By combining the WNBA’s expertise with nVenue’s technology, this effort will set a new standard for fan engagement in women’s sports.”

“Collaboration with nVenue’s industry-leading technology will continue to enhance how fans engage with WNBA games,” said WNBA Chief Growth Officer Colie Edison. “As the WNBA fan base continues to expand, nVenue will enable us to provide additional ways to reach audiences in an even more engaging and immersive way.”

ERA Real Estate Kicks Off Spring Season With Baseball Advertising Investment

ERA Real Estate, a global franchising leader within the Anywhere Real Estate Inc. (NYSE: HOUS) portfolio of brands, is stepping up to the plate with an exciting, season-long national media campaign across Major League Baseball (MLB) and Minor League Baseball (MiLB) games. This marks the first time the ERA® brand has embarked on a multifaceted media campaign. Cast Iron Media, which manages local inventory on MLB’s digital platform through an exclusive strategic partnership, facilitated the campaign.

The national media campaign features a mix of ERA ads on MLB.TV, a dynamic social media approach and in-stadium local events with more than a dozen MiLB teams. The first component of the media campaign consists of ERA advertisements that will broadcast across MLB.TV during live games throughout the 2025 baseball season during the most-watched MLB and MiLB games.

“ERA Real Estate has always been a powerhouse, steadily increasing its market share through community-focused initiatives,” said Alex Vidal, president of ERA Real Estate. “Our network was eager to elevate the ERA® brand on a national stage, and baseball, with its deep community ties and diverse fanbase, aligns perfectly with our target market. The baseball season offers an extended period to build brand loyalty while coinciding with our peak real estate selling seasons. We’re excited to dive into the baseball world and transform passionate baseball fans into enthusiastic raving fans of ERA Real Estate.”

In addition to streaming advertisements, ERA® is also launching its ’On the Move’ social media series as part of the campaign. The ERA® brand is teaming up with Walker Buehler, starting pitcher for the Boston Red Sox, to create engaging cross-branded social content. This collaboration will highlight Buehler’s ‘Moving Moments’ and help boost the brand’s recognition among millions of baseball fans.

Walker Buehler made his MLB debut in 2017 with the Los Angeles Dodgers, quickly becoming a key player. His career is decorated with significant milestones, including two World Series titles with the Dodgers (2020 and 2024) and being a two-time All-Star (2019 and 2021). Before turning professional, Buehler played college baseball for the Vanderbilt Commodores and was part of their 2014 College World Series championship team.

Lastly, ERA is taking the media campaign to the next level by working with local MiLB teams to host various events entitled, ERA Real Estate ‘Day at the Park’ nationwide. This will come to life locally in select ERA markets with in-stadium events to captivate new audiences, energize fans, and so much more.

“ERA Real Estate has a rich history of industry leadership and helping millions of home buyers and sellers. Our national baseball media campaign is the perfect fit for the ERA® brand due to its strong ties to community roots and perfect alignment with our vision of massive reach with hyperlocal knowledge,” said David Marine, chief marketing officer for Anywhere Brands. “This campaign will power a new level of visibility for ERA on a national level, but its true power lies in our local activations, which benefit our franchisees at the community level. Minor league baseball serves as a central piece of local communities across the country and attracts over 32 million people each year. We are proud to be part of that classic piece of Americana.”

Westchester Soccer Club Formally Launches Community Ownership Opportunity

Westchester Soccer Club, which began play this month in USL League One, today formally announced a community ownership opportunity, offering supporters from around the world the chance to own a piece of the club. The fan ownership program, which has seen great success in Europe and in other parts of the United States, will be a first for the New York region in any professional sport. Interest has also dramatically increased in the past week since the USL’s announcement to be the first professional sports league in the United States to adopt promotion and relegation in the next few years.

“Westchester SC wanted to provide its supporters with a platform to become deeply involved in the team’s future success. We believe the community ownership opportunity was a perfect vehicle to for all fans – from the soccer-crazy fans in the New York area to our supporters across the globe,” said Westchester SC Principal Owner Mitch Baruchowitz. “There are few better ways to show your fandom than to say you have a part of ownership, and for a small financial investment, we are providing an opportunity for fans to become part of the team’s legacy.”

The investment, which can be as little as $150, is open to potential supporters globally. Details can be found here: https://republic.com/westchestersc. By becoming an equity investor, fans will become owners of WSC and will support the team’s planned growth. Fans have the opportunity to participate in the investment round via Republic, with tiered bonus perks including exclusive owner’s merchandise, dinners and special events with the WSC squad, and special ticket opportunities.

Westchester SC officially launched their inaugural season in USL League One on Saturday March 8 with a 1-1 tie at Greenville Triumph SC. It was their first of four USL road matches to start the season before their home opener at The Stadium at Memorial Park in Mount Vernon, NY against Rhode Island SC on April 27. All WSC home and away USL matches will be broadcast by MSG Networks.

The program follows similar offerings amongst growing professional soccer clubs, including Oakland Roots SC, FC Chattanooga and Orange County SC in California, all of whom created and executed successful fan ownership opportunities in the past few years.

FE to Launch The GR8 Chase Collection with NHL and Washington Capitals superstar Alex Ovechkin

FE, one of the fastest-growing brands in sustainable high-end sports apparel and an official NHL licensee, has secured the additional rights to create an apparel collection featuring Washington Capitals superstar Alex Ovechkin as he nears the National Hockey League’s all-time goals record. Ovechkin’s name, nickname, image, likeness, replica signature and trademarked “THE GR8 CHASE” logo assets all are part of the partnership.

To launch this collaboration, FE has created the Alex Ovechkin Capsule Collection —a tribute to one of hockey’s greatest players. With just 8 goals to go from breaking Wayne Gretzky’s NHL record of 894 career goals, FE is marking Ovechkin’s monumental journey with a collection as legendary as the player himself.

“Alex Ovechkin’s pursuit of history is a moment that transcends hockey—it’s about legacy and perseverance,” said Bill Chang, CEO of FE. “At FE, we take immense pride in what we’ve built—pushing the boundaries of fan gear while staying true to our commitment to sustainability and innovation. Our Ovechkin Capsule Collection is highly detailed and crafted for fans who want to own a piece of history while supporting a more sustainable future.”

“We are excited for FE to bring Alex Ovechkin fans a unique collection of Officially Licensed NHL product that utilizes their unique digital printing technology and product designs to celebrate his career and embrace the excitement around The Gr8 Chase for the NHL goal record,” said David Abrutyn, Chief Business Officer for CAA Hockey and longtime agent of Alex Ovechkin.

The initial collection will feature hoodies, lace-up hoodies, track jackets, reversible bombers, waffle henleys, bonded fleece quarter-zips, and t-shirts—all made from 92% to 100% recycled fabric at FE’s solar-powered fabric mill and enhanced with FE’s state-of-the-art digital printing technology.

Standout pieces include the water-repellent Color Block Reversible Bomber. The main side is a statement piece, digitally printed with legendary photos of Ovechkin in action, while the sleek reversible side features his career achievements and iconic jersey number. The Lace-Up Hoodie takes fan gear to the next level with a customhood digitally printed with a collage of Ovechkin’s most unforgettable moments. Meanwhile, the Fleece Hoodie delivers an engineered ombre’ design featuring “THE GR8 CHASE” across the entire piece, from the front to the back and as an all-over print inside the hood. The Track Jacket‘s front showcases a dynamic image of Ovechkin celebrating, layered over a subtle “OVECHKIN” outline and an inner lining packed with an allover collage of Ovechkin’s memorable moments. The back highlights his Stanley Cup victory, with an iconic photo. The Bonded Fleece Quarter Zip features a bold silhouette of Ovechkin celebrating, with “The Chase” and “Ovi” prominently displayed, symbolizing his relentless pursuit of greatness.

The Ovechkin Capsule Collection is just the latest in FE’s celebration of the greatest moments in hockey, both past and present. FE has also designed custom blazers for some of the sport’s most historic celebrations, including the Boston Bruins Centennial Celebration on December 1, 2024, and the New York Islanders Hall of Fame Night on January 18, 2025. Additionally, FE has launched The Legends of the Game Collection, a line of limited-edition reversible bomber jackets that honor some of the most iconic players in hockey history.

Sustainability meets sports greatness in this exclusive drop. The collection will be available soon on FE’s official website and select exclusive retail partners, with the official release date to be announced. Stay tuned for more details on this launch.

REV Entertainment Announces PurchaseOf The Kane County Cougars

REV Entertainment today announced its purchase of the Kane County Cougars, marking an exciting new chapter in the franchise’s storied history. The American Association of Professional Baseball approved the new ownership team last week following approval by the Forest Preserve District of Kane County.

“We are honored to become the new stewards of the Kane County Cougars and look forward to continuing the team’s legacy in this incredible community,” said Sean Decker, President of REV Entertainment. “Our vision is to build upon the Cougars’ rich tradition of fun family entertainment by enhancing the experience for their loyal fans and partners while ensuring the long-term success of professional baseball in Kane County.”

The Kane County Cougars franchise history dates to 1888, and the club has been a staple of the Chicago-area baseball scene for over three decades since relocating to Kane County in 1991. The Cougars are a member of the American Association of Professional Baseball, an official Partner League of Major League Baseball. The team plays at Northwestern Medicine Field in Geneva, Illinois. Kane County was a Single-A affiliate of six different MLB franchises as a member of the Midwest League from 1991 until 2020, before joining the American Association in 2021.

“The Cougars are more than just a baseball team—they are a community treasure,” said Dr. Bob Froehlich, former owner of the Kane County Cougars. “It has been a privilege and honor for my wife, Cheryl, and I to have owned the Kane County Cougars for the past 10 plus years and we are incredibly grateful to the Cougars community for their support and dedication over the years. REV Entertainment brings a wealth of experience in both baseball and live events, and I have no doubt they will take the Cougars to even greater heights.”

The Cougars are the defending champions of the American Association, winning the 2024 Miles Wolff Cup under manager George Tsamis. The team has perennially been the league leader in attendance since joining the American Association. Kane County will open the 2025 season on Thursday, May 8 against the Sioux City Explorers.

REV Entertainment’s acquisition ensures that the team remains a pillar of the community while opening the door for new growth and expanded opportunities. The Kane County Cougars become the second American Association franchise under the Sports Management division of REV Entertainment, as the organization has been the managing partner of the Cleburne Railroaders since June 2023.

An announcement event will be held on Wednesday, April 2 at Northwestern Medicine Field to formally introduce REV Entertainment as the new owners of the Kane County Cougars. Additional details will be announced soon.

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING

“The American Association extends its deepest gratitude to Dr. Bob Froehlich for his unwavering dedication and leadership over the past decade. His commitment to the Kane County Cougars and the surrounding community has left an indelible mark on the franchise and the league as a whole. As we turn the page to this exciting new chapter, we are thrilled to welcome REV Entertainment as the Cougars’ new ownership group. REV’s proven track record in baseball and live events positions them perfectly to build upon the Cougars’ rich tradition and ensure continued success for years to come.”

– Joshua Schaub, Commissioner of American Association of Professional Baseball

“The Kane County Cougars are grateful to Dr. Bob and Cheryl for their years of dedication to the organization, the fans and community. This is an exciting transition for the Cougars and we are thrilled for this new chapter with REV Entertainment.”

– Curtis Haug, Kane County Cougars Vice President & General Manager

“The City of Geneva welcomes the Cougars’ new owners, REV Entertainment, and their voice, vision and values as they strive to elevate the experience, excitement and engagement at Northwestern Medicine Field. We embrace REV Entertainment’s investment in our home team, the sport we appreciate and the spirit that has been developed, shared and celebrated for more than three decades. On May 8, 2025, I look forward to joining the players, fans and REV Entertainment in shouting with joy, ‘Play Ball’ at Northwestern Medicine Field.”

– Kevin Burns, Mayor of Geneva, Illinois

“As owners of the stadium, we’ve met with leadership from REV Entertainment and we’re very excited with this transition. With all of REV’s experience, we know this will be a terrific partnership for the Forest Preserve District of Kane County and our community. We also appreciate all of Dr. Bob Froehlich’s tireless efforts in support of minor league baseball in Kane County. We wish him well and are looking forward to another winning season of Kane County Cougars baseball.”

– Bill Lenert, President of Forest Preserve District of Kane County

“The Kane County Cougars provide a place where families make cherished memories, children experience the thrill of baseball under stadium lights, and friends can come together for a simple, unforgettable night out. Like our historic downtowns, vast farmlands, and the flowing Fox River, Cougars baseball is part of Kane County’s heritage. I want to sincerely thank Dr. Froehlich and his family for their dedication. As we welcome the new ownership, I look forward to working together to ensure this beloved franchise continues to thrive right here in our own backyard. Here’s to many more summers of celebrating America’s favorite pastime.”

– Corinne M. Pierog, Kane County Board Chairman

ShotTracker’s Pulse Technology Becomes The Exclusive ‘Tech on the Bench’ partner for the Purple CBI

ShotTracker, the industry leader in adaptive real-time data and AI-driven insights for teams, leagues, facilities and consumers, today announced an exclusive agreement with The Purple College Basketball Invitational (The Purple CBI) to be the postseason tournament’s “Tech on Bench” live data/video partner for 2025. In addition, ShotTracker will implement its Hype in arena and broadcast technology for the event, which will take place March 22-26, 2025 at the Ocean Center in Daytona Beach, Florida.

“It is great to be able to continue to expand our reach into the postseason with the Purple CBI and its participating schools, its fans and its broadcast partners,” said Davyeon Ross, ShotTracker co-founder and CEO. “We have found the more athletes and coaches who get exposed to our solutions, the more we become ‘must have’ as they look for a competitive, custom edge. This opportunity will provide yet another window of expansion for all the work our team is doing, as we continue to refine and grow our platforms across the board.”

“Our goal from the beginning is to provide a best in class postseason experience for all our participating schools, and this partnership with ShotTracker is the next step in that experience,” said Rick Giles, President of Gazelle Group, owners and organizers of the Purple CBI. “The technology ShotTracker provides will be a nice bonus for the schools looking for technology solutions on the bench, and we are proud to be able to make this happen in a few weeks.”

Hype, ShotTracker’s real-time player/team visualizations + graphics tied to the consumer experience in arena, broadcast and digital, will also be featured during the tournament, providing the most expansive activation of all ShotTracker technology. Content for Hype is expanded into use on social platforms, turning real-time stats into powerful 3D graphic displays for use by marketing/fan engagement offerings. In addition to custom content being developed for in-game activation, Hype 3D, an engaging platform that delivers three-dimensional real game stats to enhance the fan experience and generate more sponsorship revenue.

The partnership with the Purple CBI is ShotTracker’s first with a college basketball postseason tournament, and follows its expansion of both its Pulse and Hype technology with the 2025 Phillips 66 Big 12 Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championships, as well as its recently announced partnerships with 17 colleges and universities, including Marshall University and San Diego State’s women’s basketball program, the men’s programs at Indiana University, Boise State and Purdue and four Big 12 schools that are adding products for both men’s and women’s programs at Arizona State, Arizona, Utah, and Colorado. That brings the number of ShotTracker partner schools to over fifty, with more coming later this year.

ShotTracker Expands Helix and Hype Activation With Phillips BIG 12 M&W Basketball Tournaments

ShotTracker, the industry leader in adaptive real-time data and AI-driven insights for teams, leagues, facilities and consumers, today announced and expansion of their product offerings tied to the 2025 Phillips 66 Big 12 Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championships being held at The T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri last weekend and this week. This expansion of products will be the company’s most robust offering with a partner and will involve everything from consumer enhancement with scoreboard and in-game programming to technology on the bench and in broadcasts during the Conference’s tournaments.

“The Big 12 Conference and its members continue to set the standard for innovation in collegiate athletics and we’re privileged to deepen our strategic partnership by bringing both our advanced products, Hype and Helix, to the T-Mobile Center,” said Davyeon Ross, ShotTracker co-founder and CEO. “Our groundbreaking collaboration represents what happens when two innovative leaders work jointly to transform the basketball experience. The Big 12’s vision, coupled with ShotTracker’s latest AI-driven solutions, will create a transformative experience—providing teams with advanced analytics while delivering fans an enhanced tournament experience unlike any other in collegiate sports.”

“Our partnership with ShotTracker aligns with the Big 12’s mission to be the conference of innovation and live at the forefront of new technology,” said Big 12 Chief Marketing Officer Tyrel Kirkham. “The incorporation of these new features into our Conference’s basketball tournaments enhances the fan experience inside T-Mobile Center and provides cutting-edge analytics for our schools.”

Helix (sensor technology tied to team performance in real time) and Hype (graphics and games tied to the consumer experience in arena and in broadcast) will both be featured during the men’s and women’s tournaments, providing the most expansive activation of all ShotTracker technology for the first time. Content for Hype this year will be expanded into use on social platforms for the first time turning real-time stats into powerful 3D graphic displays for use by marketing. In addition to custom content being developed for in-game activation, Hype games is an entertainment platform that delivers multi-generational games including Bingo, Tic Tac Toe and others powered by real game stats to enhance the fan experience and generate more sponsorship revenue

The enhanced work with the 2025 Phillips 66 Big 12 Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championships is the latest in a series of proactive growth stories tied to the company. ShotTracker recently announced the addition or renewal of 17 partner schools, one of the largest expansions in recent company history and included Marshall University and San Diego State’s women’s basketball program, the men’s programs at Indiana University, Boise State and Purdue and four Big 12 schools that are adding products for both men’s and women’s programs at Arizona State, Arizona, Utah, and Colorado. That brings the number of ShotTracker partner schools to over fifty, with more coming later this year.

Soft2Bet to Launch Award-Winning iGaming Solutions and Products in the United States

Soft2Bet, one of the world’s fastest growing iGaming turnkey solutions providers, today announced its plans to launch in the U.S. headlined by the debut of its award-winning Motivational Engineering Gaming Application (MEGA) product, made possible through a market access agreement with Caesars Entertainment. The launch will see Soft2Bet unveil a new iGaming brand in New Jersey, following necessary regulatory approvals, and with a targeted launch in the Summer of 2025. 

“As a global company with a proven history of success and innovation, our plans to launch in the U.S. is monumental for Soft2Bet and our continued growth,” said Uri Poliavich, Founder and CEO of Soft2Bet. “We are set to redefine gamification here in the U.S. and ultimately provide players with an incredible gaming experience with the debut of a new and transformative iGaming brand this summer.” 

Award-Winning MEGA Now Available:

Soft2Bet’s award-winning MEGA will soon be available to operators in the U.S. The MEGA product, which Soft2Bet unveiled in 2023, has quickly redefined and transformed gamification with increased engagement, customized player experience, and a proven player retention model. Operators around the world using Soft2Bet’s MEGA gamification technology platform have seen positive impact with high engagement and retention including: a 400% increase in screen time, 65% increase in Net Gaming Revenue (NGR), 50% increase in deposit amounts, and a 45% increase in Average Revenue Per User (ARPU).

Soft2Bet’s Proven History and Success:

Soft2Bet originally launched in 2016 and was founded by Poliavich, who is focused on creating generational and innovative products to revolutionize the gaming industry. The company has a proven track record of developing and launching successful iGaming brands around the world such as Betinia (Denmark, Sweden), Yoyocasino (Sweden), Campobet (Denmark, Mexico, Sweden), Quickcasino (Sweden) and Don.ro (Romania). 

Soft2Bet currently holds a portfolio of 16 global licenses in countries including Denmark, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Malta, Mexico, Ontario (Canada), Romania, Spain, and Sweden.

Overall, Soft2Bet offers more than 12,500 games from hundreds of providers and conducts more than 1 million live events each year, with gaming features available in more than 20 languages for significant global reach and rapid scaling.

Soft2Bet has received numerous recognitions and awards from various industry leaders including EGR, SBC, SIGMA, and many others. Most recently, Soft2Bet received three major awards at the prestigious Global Gaming Awards EMEA 2025, including Executive of the Year (Poliavich), Platform Provider of the Year (Soft2Bet), and Product Launch of the Year (MEGA).

Fanatics Sportsbook Launches 5 Million FanCash Drop for College Basketball Post Season Featuring Jalen Rose

The most unpredictable time of the year is upon us and University of Michigan legend and “FAB 5” icon – Jalen Rose – will be encouraging sports fans to “Embrace the Chaos” with Fanatics Sportsbook. The integrated campaign, centered around a 5 million FanCash Drop, will consist of a series of :30 and :15 second spots.

The new digital campaign visually captures the power of the moment – with basketball courts breaking up to reveal a wormhole that causes nothing but chaos. Basketballs, scoreboards, and even college basketball legend, Jalen Rose – will get sucked into the wormhole. The commercial spots will feature Rose in a barber shop, on a jet heading to the championship game, and reminiscing about five friends from Michigan that revolutionized the college game.

For fans who place a $20 parlay on college basketball with Fanatics Sportsbook, Embrace the Chaos will bring them a share of 5 million FanCash–guaranteed. Beginning next week, customers who send us their parlay bet slips on social media can win a chance to travel to Texas to meet Jalen Rose and watch the championship game.

Fanatics Sportsbook Product Updates for the Tournament

Fanatics Sportsbook has upgraded its hub for college basketball so customers can find games now by region. In addition, Fanatics Sportsbook has an improved Live Betting experience with live stat tracking all in one place.

National Championship Odds

Here is a look at the Top 10 Men’s and Women’s college basketball teams by bet count in the National Championship outright market prior to the start of conference tournament weekend:

Be sure to follow us on X @FanaticsBook and on Instagram @FanaticsSportsbook for updates on the 5 million FanCash Drop and all the fun Jalen Rose content we have planned for the tournament. 

Defender Tobi Adewole, Forward Juan Carlos Obregón, Jr. Named to USL League One Team of the Week for Week 1

USL League One today announced that Westchester Soccer Club defender Tobi Adewole (Cheverly, Md.) and forward Juan Carlos Obregón, Jr. (New York, NY) have been named to the Team of the Week for the season’s inaugural weekend.

Adewole played a key role in holding Greenville to just one goal on Saturday through his 82% passing accuracy, seven duels won, six long passes completed, five clearances and two fouls won, while Obregón etched his name into the history books by converting a penalty in the first half, WSC’s first goal in their eventual 1-1 draw at Greenville SC. He won one penalty, completed 68% of his passes, tallied three recoveries, won three duels, completed two long passes and won two fouls as well.

“Saturday was a tough game against a very well coached and established club full of experience and quality on the pitch,’ said head coach Dave Carton. ‘Both Tobi and JC were outstanding in their roles, and it is great to see them honored by the league in our first match. The most pleasing aspect of our performance was how we grew into the game. I was encouraged by not only the physical output of the team, but also the mentality of our players showing their drive to get a more favorable result.”

The rest of the week one honor roll included: Coach – Darren Sawatzky (RIC), GK – Jason Smith (CHA), D – Jake Dengler (NAP), D – Tyler Polak (GVL), D – Maxi Schenfeld (RIC), M – Darwin Espinal (RIC), M – Chandler O’Dwyer (RIC), M – Nils Seufert (RIC), M – Sebastián Velásquez (GVL), F – Mason Tunbridge (TRM) and Bench: GK – Gunther Rankenburg (GVL), D – Simon Fitch (RIC), M – Hayden Anderson (RIC), M – Dakota Barnathan (RIC), M – Andrés Ferrín (NAP), M – Omar Hernandez (CHA), M – Niall Reid-Stephen (TRM)

WSC will next be in USL League One action on Saturday March 29th when they visit Texoma FC in Sherman, TX the second of four road matches to open their inaugural season, before their USL home opener on Sunday, April 27th against Rhode Island FC.

The full schedule is at https://www.westchestersc.com/

Telemundo Redefines Hispanic Sports News & Entertainment With “El Pelotazo” To Premiere March 10

Telemundo is set to redefine Hispanic sports entertainment with the launch of El Pelotazo, a dynamic and fast-paced late-night sports show premiering March 10 at midnight ET/PT. Airing live seven days a week, the new sports program offers the latest news and insightful analysis with special guests and an unconventional format designed to engage today’s Hispanic sports fans.
 

“We are proud to introduce El Pelotazo and offer our Hispanic audiences a new concept for sports entertainment—different from anything we’ve seen in Spanish-language television,” said Joaquin Duro, EVP, Sports, NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises. “With the growing influence of soccer in the U.S. and the pivotal role of the Latino community in the sports landscape, El Pelotazo will fill a void and become a must-watch, solidifying Telemundo as the go-to destination for sports coverage leading up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.”
 

DYNAMIC HOSTS FOR A PERSONALITY-DRIVEN FORMAT

El Pelotazo will be hosted by an exciting trio of personalities: Verónica Rodríguez, Pablo Mariño, and Diego Arrioja, who bring their unique perspectives and high energy to the show. Together, they will cover the latest sports headlines from around the world, provide expert analysis, engage in lively debates and welcome special guests, including athletes and sports experts, to enhance and elevate the conversation. Below are short bios and here’s a link to the press site: https://publicity.gettyimages.com/telemundo/elpelotazo
 

  • Verónica Rodríguez – knowledgeable and versatile Mexican sports journalist and anchor with more than 15 years of experience. A familiar face at Telemundo, Rodríguez serves as a host of Liga MX’s Chivas de Guadalajara pre- and post-game show, enhancing the network’s Liga MX offering with complete around the game coverage, analysis, special reports and exclusive interviews.
  • Pablo Mariño – seasoned and insightful Argentine sports journalist with more than 25 years of experience in the industry. Mariño brings his deep sports knowledge and sharp analysis to the discussion having been a prominent voice in sports media serving as presenter and analyst for major networks in the U.S. and Latin America.
  • Diego Arrioja – experienced and dynamic Mexican sports journalist with over 14 years in the industry. Arrioja’s career spans multiple major sporting events, including three FIFA World Cups, NFL Super Bowls, and UEFA Euro, among others.


A NAME THAT SETS THE TONE

Like a pelotazo—the powerful strike of a ball—this show will deliver high-energy sports coverage infused with captivating storytelling and insightful analysis, feature innovative sports highlights, unconventional perspectives, and interactive segments that engage fans in fresh and unexpected ways. Notable segments include:


  • MINUTO DE FAMA: Celebrity guests share their passion for sports and discuss their favorite teams and moments.
  • !SE BUSCA!: A nostalgic look at legendary sports figures, tracking where they are now and what life looks like after the game.
  • MANO A MANO: Exclusive, never-before-heard stories from top athletes worldwide.


BOLD LOOK TO MATCH THE ENERGY

The show will debut with a look and branding designed specifically for El Pelotazo with cutting-edge technology and multiple vibrant positions that mirror the energy of the show. The set combines a bold brand with high-quality production to enhance the viewing experience with innovative graphics and immersive storytelling elements designed specifically for El Pelotazo. 

El Pelotazo is produced by Telemundo Deportes and will originate from its studio in Miami at Telemundo Center, a 500,000+ square-feet state-of-the-art production and broadcast facility second to none in the industry.

MULTIPLATFORM AND NATURALLY SOCIAL

El Pelotazo will extend beyond television with amplification of content, highlights and featured clips across social media platforms in real time and following its airing. In addition, due to its naturally social format, the show will integrate social media and encourage fan participation. Viewers can join the fun and follow the conversation on @TelemundoDeportes using #ElPelotazo and connect with the hosts @verolaguera, @diego__arrioja and @pablofmarino. 

Final X, Beat the Streets’ 2025 Annual Benefit, set for June 14 at Prudential Center in Newark, N.J.

Beat the Streets Wrestling (New York) and USA Wrestling will present Final X on Saturday, June 14 at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.

Final X will determine the 2025 U.S. Senior World Championships Teams in two Olympic disciplines: men’s and women’s freestyle. There will be 20 weight classes contested, 10 in each men’s and women’s freestyle.

The U.S. Greco-Roman World Championship Team members will be determined April 23-27 at the U.S. Open in Las Vegas, Nev., which means there will be no Greco-Roman matches at Final X this year.

The top two U.S. athletes in each weight class will compete in a best-of-three series at Final X to determine who will wrestle at the 2025 Senior World Championships on Sept. 13-21 in Zagreb, Croatia.

This year’s event will be the 15th BTSNY Annual Benefit. These unique and electrifying annual events help BTSNY raise critical funds to support local youth wrestling programs which empower young boys and girls in New York City. BTSNY provides a safe, positive environment for student-athletes to learn essential life lessons of discipline, perseverance, self-reliance, humility and a strong work ethic through the sport of wrestling. The BTSNY Annual Benefit after party will follow the conclusion of Final X.

Session times for Final X will be 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. Eastern time. A variety of options for Final X wrestling-only event tickets are available to the public on Ticketmaster, starting at 11 a.m. Friday. Fans can also make a generous donation to BTSNY while purchasing wrestling-only tickets on Ticketmaster.

BTSNY Benefit tickets and sponsorship packages, which include access to premier seating to Final X and access to the exclusive after-party, are available at btsny.org. For more information on ticket packages, email BTS Executive Director Brendan Buckley at [email protected]. Donations and BTSNY Benefit tickets and sponsorship packages directly help BTSNY make a lifelong impact on New York City youth in need.

There are seven U.S. wrestlers who won a medal at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, France, and four athletes who won a medal at the 2024 World Championships that are eligible to advance directly to the Final X best-of-three series, if they accept their position and compete in the same weight class in Final X. They must declare they will compete at that weight class and accept their direct Final X qualification by Monday, April 15, 2025, USA Wrestling will announce when athletes accept their Final X position.

Once 2024 Olympic and World medalists have either accepted or refused their Final X position, the rest of the field will be determined at the U.S. Open on April 23-27 at The Expo at World Market Center in Las Vegas and the World Team Trials Challenge Tournament on May 17-18 at Norton Healthcare Sports & Learning Center in Louisville, Kentucky.

In weight classes where an athlete has advanced directly to Final X, the U.S. Open champion will earn the opposing Final X spot. In weight classes in which no athlete earned an automatic Final X berth, the champions of the U.S. Open and World Team Trials Challenge Tournament will wrestle at Final X.

World Team Trials Challenge Tournament qualifiers are determined based on the approved World Team Trials procedures for each of the Olympic disciplines, which are posted in the Team Selection section of USA Wrestling’s website.

“Beat the Streets is thrilled to host Final X once again for our Annual Benefit, in partnership with USA Wrestling. This event is our largest fundraiser, covering 75% of our annual expenses and enabling us to empower 2,500-plus New York City boys and girls through the sport of wrestling. We are excited to hold Final X at Prudential Center and look forward to witnessing world-class athletes vie for spots on Team USA at the 2025 World Championships,” said Brendan Buckley, Beat the Streets Executive Director.

“Prudential Center is grateful for this opportunity to welcome back to Newark our partners at Beat the Streets Wrestling and USA Wrestling for another high stakes Final X competition,” said Dylan Wanagiel, Vice President, Sports Properties and Special Events, HBSE/Prudential Center. “We are honored to host the best wrestlers in the United States in their quest to represent our country and achieve wrestling immortality, while also supporting the mission of Beat the Streets. As we cement Prudential Center as a premier destination for all combat sports, we look forward to welcoming grappling fans from across the country to the wrestling hotbed of New Jersey for this marquee event.”

“USA Wrestling is pleased to partner again with Beat the Streets New York and the Prudential Center to bring Final X back to New Jersey. Our nation’s best men and women freestyle wrestlers will be showcased, with a berth on the 2025 U.S. Senior World Team up for grabs. Final X is one of the most exciting wrestling events in our nation, with many current or future World and Olympic medalists expected to compete. Wrestling fans are encouraged to come out and enjoy the action, while supporting youth wrestling in New York City. It will be a great showcase of world-class wrestling,” said Rich Bender, USA Wrestling Executive Director.

The United States is a world power in international wrestling, coming off a seven-medal performance at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France. The athletes showcased in Final X in Newark are expected to be contenders for the U.S. team at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

  • If Prudential Center’s tenant, New Jersey Devils, host an NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs game on June 14 the contingency date for Final X would be Sunday, June 15.

TOGETHXR Reveals $6M Record Revenue As “Everyone Watches Women’s Sports” Advances the Movement

Trailblazing media and commerce company TOGETHXR – which originated the “Everyone Watches Women’s Sports” (EWWS) slogan and product line – today announced a record-breaking $6 million in 2024 revenue from the sale of its popular shirts, hoodies, and tote bags. Co-founded by sports media veteran Jessica Robertson alongside world-champion athletes Alex Morgan, Sue Bird, Simone Manuel, and Chloe Kim,TOGETHXR has doubled the company’s mid-year revenue reported in June, as it continues to advance the women’s sports movement.

From marquee athletes (Steph Curry, Serena Williams) and celebrities (Aubrey Plaza, Jason Sudeikis) donning TOGETHXR’s highly coveted EWWS apparel to former President Joe Biden incorporating the tagline into his official remarks at the White House, TOGETHXR has put a longstanding truth into words, boldly stating and giving life to the undeniable fact that the entire industry has adopted – everyone watches women’s sports.

“We are incredibly proud to celebrate the ‘Everyone Watches Women’s Sports’ product line as a mantra that has rallied and validated a unified community,” said TOGETHXR Co-Founder and Chief Content Officer Jessica Robertson. “TOGETHXR is intentionally positioned at the intersection of culture, lifestyle, and sports. As a media and commerce company, we are fulfilling the longstanding desire from those seeking more women’s sports apparel, media coverage, and multi-platform storytelling.”

In addition to the EWWS product line, TOGETHXR is the fastest growing and most engaging media company in its category. With media content that focuses on rich storytelling rooted in lifestyle and culture, TOGETHXR highlights a diverse and inclusive community for women in sports across a wide range of owned and operated channels as well as for top-tier streamers and networks. TOGETHXR’s in-house production studio has developed a slate of scripted and unscripted premium content – including documentaries and docuseries that are streaming on Amazon Prime Video and FuboTV among others.

Meanwhile from 2023-2024,TOGETHXR has achieved a global reach of more than 3.5 million across all @togethxr social media platforms (approximately 17% YTD increase from 2023-24). The brand’s burgeoning social audience includes 2.25 million followers on TikTok – the largest among women’s sports media outlets, and the company launched @gettogethxr – a sub account for community members. As a social media destination for content, TOGETHXR’s follower comments increased by 42.7%, with July and August 2024, generating TOGETHXR’s highest performing content months of the year.

At the forefront of leading connectivity to the women’s sports movement, TOGETHXR maintains long-term partnerships with global brands, including Aflac, TJ Maxx, Nike and others, who aim to authentically invest in women’s sports. In collaboration with Nike in December 2024, TOGETHXR launched a special player-exclusive edition of the Nike G.T. Hustle 3 footwear in team-inspired colorways that celebrated USC and JuJu Watkins versus UConn and Paige Bueckers in a rematch of two of the top teams in women’s college basketball.

As a league-wide partner of both the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) and National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), TOGETHXR continues to highlight female athletes’ journeys and increase the visibility of women’s sports and its respective media coverage.

TOGETHXR has partnered with several teams across the two leagues, including the Golden State Valkyries (WNBA), New York Liberty (WNBA), Angel City FC (NWSL), Bay FC (NWSL), Gotham FC (NWSL), and Kansas City Current (NWSL).

Belleville, N.J. Native Max Correa Named Eighth Caldwell University Men’s Soccer Coach

Max Correa, a native of nearby Belleville, N.J., has been named the eighth Caldwell University Head Men’s Soccer Coach, it was announced today by Mark A. Corino, Assistant Vice President and Director of Athletics. Correa, most recently an assistant coach at Division I College of Charleston since 2021, succeeds Evan Marques, who resigned in December after three years at the helm.

Correa, a 2018 graduate of Drew University, was promoted in 2023 to assistant coach at Charleston after serving as director of operations & player development and volunteer assistant coach at the South Carolina school. In his most recent role, he had a hand in all facets of the Coastal Athletic Association program, responsible for scouting reports, Playertek Data, session planning, organizing camps, video, recruiting, on-field training and more. Previously, he was assistant coach at Wilkes (Pa.) University from 2019-2021.

Under his assistance, Charleston recorded a 10-6-2 season—its best since 2017—exceeding preseason projections and securing a fifth-place conference finish. He also coached multiple award-winning players, including the Co-Midfielder of the Year, two First Team All-Conference selections, and three All-Region honorees. His expertise in set-piece strategies contributed to 15 goals, accounting for 40% of the team’s total scoring.

During the Fall 2023 season, Correa helped Charleston achieve a 6-6-5 record, marking the program’s first non-losing season since 2017. Throughout his tenure, six players received postseason accolades, including the 2021 CAA Rookie of the Year. Prior to Charleston, Correa played a pivotal role at Wilkes University, where he helped secure the program’s first playoff victory since 2008 and its first winning record since 2013.

“The combination of Max’s experience in the sport, New Jersey connections, and demonstrated variety of skills and abilities made him a strong candidate,” said Corino. “It became even more apparent when we met him that he would be a good fit here, and we are pleased to welcome him to the Caldwell University family.”

Correa will have Caldwell Athletics administrator duties as well as his coaching responsibilities.

Correa enjoyed a standout playing career at Drew, where the team captain helped the Rangers to an NCAA Division III Sweet Sixteen appearance, Landmark Conference championship and ECAC championship. The 2019 graduate finished third in school and second in Landmark history in assists (26). The economics major went on to earn his MBA at Wilkes and a Master coach Diploma from the University of Delaware.

“I am incredibly honored and excited to take on the role of Head Men’s Soccer Coach at Caldwell University,” said Correa. “I want to thank Mr. Corino and the Caldwell Athletics Department for this opportunity. This program has a strong foundation, and I look forward to building on the success that Coach Marques established while fostering a culture of excellence, discipline, and growth for our student-athletes. I am eager to bring my experience and passion for the game to Caldwell and to help our players reach their full potential both on and off the field.”

His local ties run even deeper, as the Belleville, N.J. native was a four-year varsity player and three-year captain at Belleville High School. His extensive youth soccer coaching experience includes stints with the Montclair Soccer Club, Bound-brook based United Soccer Academy, and South Carolina Surf.

Max holds his USSF B License and Scottish FA UEFA C Diploma and is a Level 2 ISPAS Accredited Performance Analyst.

ShotTracker Announces Additions and Partnership Extensions for 17 NCAA Men’s and Women’s Basketball Programs

ShotTracker, the industry leader in adaptive real-time data and AI-driven insights for teams, leagues, facilities and consumers, today announced the addition or renewal of 17 partner schools, one of the largest expansions in recent company history.  The 17 schools who have either extended, expanded, or recently joined the ShotTracker family represent some of the most successful programs in men’s and women’s basketball, further adding to the continued upward path of the company and its cutting edge technology.

“We are proud to be leading the continued evolution and integration of technology into the college performance space with tools like HYPE and HELIX and our growing work with AI, and this list of new and renewing partners shows we are on the right track,” said Davyeon Ross, ShotTracker co-founder and CEO. Best in class partners demand best in class products, and we will keep evolving, learning and providing for this group and a list that continues to grow.”  

The latest additions include: Marshall University and San Diego State’s women’s basketball program, the men’s programs at Indiana University, Boise State, Creighton, Purdue, Johnson C. Smith and four Big 12 schools that are adding products for both men’s and women’s programs at  Arizona State, Arizona, Utah, Colorado and Northwood.

These additions now bring ShotTracker to 50 teams total for Helix and/or Hype. 

World-Famous Harlem Globetrotters Re-Enter The Record Books By Smashing 18 Guinness World Records

The world-famous, Harlem Globetrotters, in the midst of their 2025 World Tour today officially announced they have set 18 Guinness World Records for basketball skills. The 18 records will be chronicled in an upcoming premiere episode of “Harlem Globetrotters: Play it Forward,” their weekly morning show on NBC and Telemundo premiering Saturday, February 22nd; a compilation video can be seen here.

“Throughout the 99 years of Globetrotter history, our athletes have combined great athleticism with showpersonship, and these world records further cement the fact that our tradition and excitement aren’t just continuing, it’s growing as we head towards our centennial in 2026,” said Keith Dawkins, President, Harlem Globetrotters & Herschend Entertainment Studios. “We congratulate all the recordholders and look forward to smashing even more in the years ahead.”

In all, 11 athletes combined to set the 18 records, the second-most the Globetrotters have broken in one year. The new record setters, three women and eight men, include: Cherelle “Torch” George (Reading, Pa.), Corey ‘Thunder” Law (Chesapeake, Va.), Latif “Jet” Rivers (Elizabeth, N.J.), Rock “Wham” Middleton (Atlanta), Arysia “Ace” Porter (San Antonio, Texas), Fatima “TNT” Lister (Colorado Springs, Colo.), Jahmani “Hot Shot” Swanson (New York), Darnell “Speedy” Artis (Philadelphia), Lou “Too Tall” Winston (Russellville, Ala.), and Alex “Moose” Weekes (Lilburn. Ga.).

The new official records are: (**new records set)

  • Most Dribble Turns between the Leg with One Hand in One Minute (Female) – Torch
  • Most Behind the Back Crossovers in One-Minute – Jet **
  • Most Behind the Backboard Shots in One-Minute (Female) – Torch
  • Most Spins from a Lateral Position while Dribbling in One-Minute – Ace
  • Most Transfers of a Basketball in One Continuous Spin between a Group – Torch, Ace, TNT
  • Most Three Pointers in One-Minute (Team of Two) – Hot Shot, Ace
  • Most Three Pointers in One-Minute (Male Team of Two) – Wham, Too Tall **
  • Farthest Backward Basketball Shot off the Back of the Hand – Moose**
  • Farthest Backward Basketball Shot – Thunder
  • Most Alternate One-Handed Basketball Bounces in One Minute (Two Balls) – Too Tall**
  • Longest Slide Dribbling a Basketball (Female) – TNT
  • Most Basketball Layups in Three Minutes – Too Tall**
  • Farthest Blindfolded Hookshot – Thunder **
  • Most Basketball Passes in One-Minute (Team of Two) – TNT, Wham**
  • Most 4 Point Shots from 30 Feet in Three Minutes (Male) – Speedy**
  • Most Three Pointers in One-Minute by a Trio – Jet, Wham, Too Tall**
  • Most transfers of a Basketball in One Continuous Spin between a Pair – Ace, Wham**
  • Farthest Basketball Shot made while sitting (Male) – Thunder