Sports

Setting Up Success: A Q&A with ŷ��ڱ��Ƶ Volleyball's Taylor Simpson

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

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

Andrew Daigle

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Why did you choose ŷ��ڱ��Ƶ Boulder?

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

What is something you’ve learned from coach Mahoney?

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

How does the setter position work?

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

How do you communicate plays to your teammates?

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

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

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

What is your favorite part about playing volleyball?

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

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

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

What do you like to do off the court?

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

Do you have plans for after graduation?

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

Interview by Andrew Daigle

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Photos by the University of ŷ��ڱ��Ƶ

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

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Buffs Hit NBA Draft Success

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

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

Andrew Daigle

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cody Williams

KJ Simpson

Tristan Da Silva

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Photos credit NBA/ Getty Images

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

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Anthony Pham on Coaching ŷ��ڱ��Ƶ Tennis: It's All ŷ��ڱ��Ƶ the Players

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

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

Andrew Daigle

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

What attracted you to ŷ��ڱ��Ƶ?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How would you describe your leadership style?

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

Can you coach players during matches?

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

How are the fall and spring seasons different?

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

What stands out to you about ŷ��ڱ��Ƶ Athletics?

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

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

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

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

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

Interview by Andrew Daigle.

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Photos by Glenn Asakawa

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Shedeur Sanders Readies for Second Season

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

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

Andrew Daigle

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

But the offseason is far from over.

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

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Photo courtesy University of ŷ��ڱ��Ƶ

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

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Segging Her Own Way

Anonymous — Mon, 04 Mar 2024 07:00:00 +0000

Segging Her Own Way Anonymous (not verified) Mon, 03/04/2024 - 00:00

Andrew Daigle

Nordic skier Hanna Abrahamsson (EnvEngr’25) entered this season as a three-time 1st Team All-American and a 2nd Team Academic All-American. Originally from Eksjö, Sweden, here she discusses endurance training, why she came to ŷ��ڱ��Ƶ and ski culture back home.

You finished 2nd in classic and 5th in freestyle at the 2023 NCAA Championships. What was key to your success?

I was struggling with injuries during the training season, so my expectations weren’t super high. But when the season came, I performed better than ever before. I’ve trained since I was young in Sweden and on the national team for a couple of years. Sometimes when you train a lot, you’re not getting better at the time, but if you allow your body to rest, you get payback later.

How do you approach a race?

We start individually or in a mass. I prefer individuals because you set your own pace. With the mass start, it’s more tactics. You have to run out at the top to get some meters on the others. It’s a mental game as well. My best skill is to keep a pretty high speed for a very long time. We have a word for it in Swedish — to be really “seg.”

What is offseason training like?

Summer is when we get in the greatest volume of training. You can do different sports and still improve your skiing. It’s all about getting your heartbeat up. I do a lot of roller skiing, plus running and the SkiErg machine. During the summer, I do 18 to 25 hours of conditioning and two sessions of strength training each week. As it gets closer to ski season, volume decreases and intensity increases.

Do you still race for Sweden’s National Team?

Sweden’s Nordic team is the best in the world. It’s hard to get a spot. There’s also this assumption that you’re retiring when you go to the U.S. I really don’t like that! I wanted to continue skiing but do it in another way than everyone at home. I get to see a new country, get an education and get so much more out of my skiing. But that said, when you choose to go here, you’re not really included in the skiing community at home. I’m pretty sure I could have beaten Swedes who qualified for the U23 [ages 21–23] World Championships last year, but I was not taken.

Why did you choose ŷ��ڱ��Ƶ?

I wanted to get something else out of skiing. Several people suggested that college skiing might suit me. I contacted a Swede, Hedda Baangman (IntPhys’20), who was skiing for ŷ��ڱ��Ƶ a couple years ago. She was like, “You have to do it!” I got coach Jana’s [Weinberger] information and contacted her. Then I quickly decided on ŷ��ڱ��Ƶ.

Can you share something you’ve learned from Jana Weinberger, skiing director and Nordic head coach?

She is very good at looking at your entire life, including your school schedule. Then we build in training that’s well suited to everything going on.

What do you love most about skiing?

I like to race, but the part I like most is training and being outside. Here in ŷ��ڱ��Ƶ and everywhere we travel to, the surroundings are gorgeous. I’m so thankful for that. When it comes to skiing itself, it’s all about pushing myself and challenging my body.

Do you prefer to ski classic or freestyle?

Classic. Even though I practice skate [freestyle] more, I am always better in classic. Skate or freestyle is like ice skating. With classic, you have your skis in a groomed track. You have ski wax under your skis so you’re running, or striding, on your skis.

Does ŷ��ڱ��Ƶ hosting the 2024 NCAA Championships at Steamboat Springs in March add pressure to this season?

Yes, but we can handle it.

What’s something readers would be surprised to learn about you?

We don’t have snow where I'm from in Sweden. Also, I live for training days when I do six hours of running. Or three hours on the SkiErg with intervals.

What do you want to do after you graduate?

I want to show people at home that you can go to the U.S. and become better. Skiing is an old tradition and culture in Sweden. It can [feel like being in] a box, even if it’s starting to change. I want to do the national team again and ski races to qualify for the World Cup, but in my way. I’ve learned a lot about myself since I came here. I would also love to do longer races. Nordic skiing has distance teams like with cycling and the Tour de France. Long-distance skiing suits me.

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Photos courtesy ŷ��ڱ��Ƶ Athletics

Nordic skier Hanna Abrahamsson entered this season as a three-time 1st Team All-American and a 2nd Team Academic All-American.

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Sports Briefs

Anonymous — Mon, 04 Mar 2024 07:00:00 +0000

Sports Briefs Anonymous (not verified) Mon, 03/04/2024 - 00:00

Andrew Daigle

Anne Kelly Retiring After 27 Years

Women’s golf head coach Anne Kelly will retire after the 2023–24 season. The program’s second full-time head coach, she has led the Buffaloes since 1997 and is the longest-tenured female head coach in ŷ��ڱ��Ƶ Athletics history.

Under Kelly, ŷ��ڱ��Ƶ has gone to regionals eight times and NCAAs twice. Golfers’ achievements include five entries to regionals, nine All-Americans and 24 All-America Scholars.

“[I’m] primarily proud of so many of the young women who have played for ŷ��ڱ��Ƶ and the amazing, successful and caring adults they have become,” Kelly said.

Kelly received the 2023 Kim Evans Award for lifetime contributions to the sport from the Women’s Golf Coaches Association.

ŷ��ڱ��Ƶ athletic director Rick George announced that associate head coach Madeleine Sheils will succeed Kelly as head coach starting in 2024–25.

“[Kelly’s] kindness, patience and humor are the foundations of ŷ��ڱ��Ƶ women’s golf, and I have big shoes to fill as I follow a coach who has positively influenced so many lives,” said Sheils.

Buffs Bits

ŷ��ڱ��Ƶ football finished 4-8 (1-8 Pac-12) in Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders’ first season as head coach. Sanders was named the Sports Illustrated Sportsperson of the Year in November 2023. Cornerback and wide receiver Travis Hunter (Psych’26) won the Paul Hornig Award as the Nation’s Most Versatile Player and was a consensus First- Team All-American and Academic All-American. … Cross-country women and men finished 19th and 25th respectively at the NCAA Championships in Charlottesville, Virginia. … Lexi Hadrych (MSOL’23), Skyy Howard (MA&S’23) and Maya Tabron (Bus Ana, Mktg’24) received All-Pac-12 Volleyball Honorable Mentions. The Buffs finished the 2023 season 16-15 (8-12 Pac-12). … Women’s basketball’s Jaylyn Sherrod (Soc’22; MSOL’24) was named Associated Press National Player of the Week on Jan. 2. She had a career-high 34 points in a 76-65 win over No. 12 Utah on Dec. 30. … On Jan. 10, guard KJ Simpson (Comm’25) was named to the midseason watch list for the Wooden Award All America Team and Most Outstanding Player Award.

Coach Talk

“They do it, they reconnect, we come back together, refocus and just make sure we’re all locked in and on the same page.”

— Women’s basketball head coach JR Payne after the No. 5 Buffs defeated No. 8 Stanford 71-59 on Jan. 14.

Digits

1st

First year alpine skier Filip Wahlqvist (Bus’27) won the first two races of his career Jan. 17 and 18 in Park City, Utah.

1.76

Meters cleared by track and field’s Allie Routledge (EnvEngr’24) to win the women’s high jump at Air Force on Jan.

3rd

Morgan Miller’s (StComm’26) finish at the 2023 Miami Hurricane Invitational to close the fall season for women’s golf.

7-0

Tennis defeated UC Riverside in its spring season opener on Jan. 14 in Riverside, California.

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Photo courtesy ŷ��ڱ��Ƶ Athletics

Women's golf head coach Anne Kelly retiring, Coach Prime as Sports Illustrated Sportsperson of the Year and more.

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Soccer Returns to NCAA Tournament

Anonymous — Mon, 04 Mar 2024 07:00:00 +0000

Soccer Returns to NCAA Tournament Anonymous (not verified) Mon, 03/04/2024 - 00:00

Andrew Daigle

For the first time since 2020, ŷ��ڱ��Ƶ soccer earned a trip to the NCAA Tournament. The Buffs concluded their final Pac-12 season in fourth place — the team’s best mark since 2016 — before losing 1-0 to Texas A&M in the first round of NCAAs on Nov. 10, 2023.

The Buffs (13-5-3, 5-3-3 Pac-12) started off with an 8-1-0 non-conference record that included the first games under lights at the newly updated Prentup Field, a seven-game winning streak and a 2-0 victory over No. 14 Michigan State.

Pac-12 play brought challenging matchups and a five-game winless streak. After a 1-1 draw at Washington on Oct. 22, the Buffs had three matches left. One more loss or draw would sink their postseason hopes.

“We all understood the assignment. We pumped each other up. Even if we played different positions, teammates were helping teammates,” said striker Shyra James (MediaSt’24).

ŷ��ڱ��Ƶ responded with consecutive wins over Arizona, No. 18 Arizona State and Utah to earn a trip to NCAAs.

James led the Buffs with 15 goals and 32 points, both career highs. The four-year starter was Third Team All-America and finished second in goals (40) and third in points (86) all-time at ŷ��ڱ��Ƶ.

While James was one of eight graduating seniors, the Buffs are well-stocked for the future. The team began 2023 with 14 newcomers, including eight first-years and six transfers.

“The standard in our program is to be a great teammate … no matter your role,” said head coach Danny Sanchez. “Their ability to quickly build relationships and push each other on and off the field was a huge part of our success.”

Oklahoma State transfer Jordan Nytes (Soc’26) started in goal, posting eight shutouts and twice winning Pac-12 Goalkeeper of the Week.

First-years Faith Leyba (ExplorSt’27) and Ava Priest (EnvSt’27) earned additional honors. Leyba, who led all Buffs field players in minutes, was named Third Team All-Pacific Region. Priest was named the Pac-12’s All-Freshman and second on the Buffs with 10 points.

“This team is close and willing to fight for each other,” said Leyba.

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Photos courtesy ŷ��ڱ��Ƶ Athletics

Buffs won multiple do-or-die matches to make it to the postseason.

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“I’m Excited to Face Them All”

Anonymous — Mon, 06 Nov 2023 07:00:00 +0000

“I’m Excited to Face Them All” Anonymous (not verified) Mon, 11/06/2023 - 00:00

Andrew Daigle

Shooting guard for women’s basketball Frida Formann (EnvSt’24) talks about expectations after last season’s Sweet 16 run, growing up playing basketball in Denmark and developing a holistic perspective for her game.

When you think about last season’s success, what comes to mind?

Excitement. Pride. When you’ve worked for something for so long and then see the fruits of all the work you’ve put in. I was super happy about what we achieved last season and am super excited to have this team back with a good core group.

What was it like to beat Duke on their home court last postseason?

It was amazing. We were up and then down, and then we went to overtime. It was a showcase of our resilience, of the whole season, of being able to take a couple hits but still be strong enough to get back on our feet.

Fans see you, Jaylyn Sherrod (Soc’22, MSOL’23) and Quay Miller (Soc’23) returning and have high expectations for this season. How do you stay motivated?

High expectations don’t change the fact that you need to put just as much work in or play with a mentality that anyone can beat you on any given night. But it’s nice to earn that respect of having expectations and pressure.

What was your offseason schedule?

At the end of the spring semester, I went home to Denmark for a month and a half, and I also traveled with the Danish national team. This year [we played] friendly games against Japan — going to Japan was cool. The national team reconnects me to my Danish basketball roots and people I’ve grown up playing with. I came back to ŷ��ڱ��Ƶ at the end of June, and we’ve been practicing since.

How is Danish basketball different from the NCAA?

Not a lot of people play basketball in Denmark. You only play if your parents did or if you know someone who does. My parents played and met in a basketball gym, and my mom coached me. I dragged all my friends from school with me — that’s how you get a team when you’re young. With Danish basketball, everyone is a volunteer, all the coaches — no one gets paid. People do it because they love it. You have to create a good environment or no one’s going to play.

Is there something you must do when you’re back in Denmark?

See friends and family. And I go swimming because there’s lots of water. Our beach house is my sanctuary.

What was the recruiting process like? Why did you choose ŷ��ڱ��Ƶ?

International students usually get recruited through the national team. That’s like our AAU [Amateur Athletic Union]. Some coaches look for Europeans, some don’t. I had a set of schools I liked, but then I asked a coach to send out my stuff one last time going into senior year of high school. Head coach JR Payne texted me that ŷ��ڱ��Ƶ was interested. They came to Denmark to see me. I took my visits and loved Boulder. The coaching staff has created a culture of hard work, but also [emphasizes] having fun and being a whole person.

Can you share something you’ve learned from Coach Payne?

I’ve struggled with being a perfectionist. It’s hard to come over here [to the U.S.]. There are a thousand things to do: weight room, conditioning, basketball, school, friendships. Coach Payne has taught me to have confidence that I’ll figure it out along the way. Even when I’ve had games that weren’t very good or periods when I wasn’t shooting well, she helped me understand how I bring value in different aspects. She emphasizes the whole perspective, so I don’t get fixated on mistakes.

What do you love most about basketball?

I love how diverse the sport is. There are many ways to be a good player. Different skill sets and mindsets. I love that magic when you put the right pieces together — that combination of skills, craftsmanship and teamwork. You need that chemistry.

Is there a team you cannot wait to face this season?

I’m excited to face LSU in our first game. It’s the most well-known team — them or Iowa — and I love the growth and engagement in women’s basketball that they’ve helped make. And I wouldn’t mind running into Iowa again. We played some of the best defense on them that anyone did throughout the tournament. With the Pac-12, there are so many good teams. I’m excited to face them all.

What’s one thing Buffs fans would be surprised to learn about you?

I’m a very emotional person. I never think I have it all together. Every time a fan comes up to me and tells me something positive, it means the world to me.

What do you want to do after you graduate?

I want to play professionally and help qualify Denmark for its first EuroBasket tournament. That’s been on our list since we got the Women’s National Team reestablished in 2018. We didn’t have a national team the whole time I was growing up. I know how big of a deal that is for girls in Denmark and Danish basketball.

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Photo by Glenn Asakawa

Shooting guard for women’s basketball Frida Formann talks about expectations after last season’s Sweet 16 run, growing up playing basketball in Denmark and developing a holistic perspective for her game.

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Sports Briefs: Fall 2023

Anonymous — Mon, 06 Nov 2023 07:00:00 +0000

Sports Briefs: Fall 2023 Anonymous (not verified) Mon, 11/06/2023 - 00:00

Prime Era Debuts

ŷ��ڱ��Ƶ football opened the 2023 season — the “Coach Prime” era — with unprecedented national attention and an undefeated nonconference schedule. Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders was named head football coach on Dec. 3, 2022.

ŷ��ڱ��Ƶ opened on the road Sept. 2 at No. 17-ranked Tŷ��ڱ��Ƶ. The Buffaloes defeated the Horned Frogs, last year’s national runner-up and a 21-point favorite, 45-42. ŷ��ڱ��Ƶ went on to beat Nebraska 36-14 Sept. 9 in Boulder before a double-overtime 43-35 victory over ŷ��ڱ��Ƶ State Sept. 16 at Folsom Field.

“We did some things that showed we were resilient. We showed that we would fight, we showed that we had no surrender or give up in us,” Coach Prime said after the thriller over CSU.

ŷ��ڱ��Ƶ finished its non conference schedule ranked No. 19 in the nation. All three nonconference games were televised nationally, with Fox’s Big Noon Kickoff pregame show on campus Sept. 9 and ESPN’s College GameDay on campus Sept. 16.

Buffs Bits

On July 27, the ŷ��ڱ��Ƶ Board of Regents unanimously approved ŷ��ڱ��Ƶ Boulder’s move to the Big 12 Conference effective for the 2024-25 school year. … Four women’s track standouts earned All-American honors at the 2023 NCAA Outdoor Championships; Abbey Glynn (LeadCommEngmt, Psych’24) raced a school record 55.94 seconds in the 400-meter hurdles semifinals on her way to a First Team All American finish. Avery McMullen (IntPhys, Psych’24) earned Second Team in the heptathlon, and Ella Baran (MEnv’24) and India Johnson (MTechMedSoc’24) earned honorable mention in the 5,000 and 10,000 meters respectively. … Women’s soccer closed out its non conference schedule at 8-1 and ranked No. 22 in the nation. Shyra James (MediaSt’24) led the Buffs with seven goals in nine games, and goalkeeper Jordan Nytes (Soc’26) was named National Player of the Week by Top Drawer Soccer on Aug. 29.

Coach Talk

“We have a lot of competitors here. There are a lot of people still fighting for spots, fighting for minutes and fighting for roles.”

— Women’s soccer head coach Danny Sanchez after the start of the season. The Buffs’ overhauled roster has 14 newcomers joining 14 returning players.

Digits

Match play hole difference that eliminated men’s golf’s Dylan McDermott (Mktg’25) at the 123rd U.S. Amateur

Volleyball consecutive wins without dropping a set, Aug. 26–Sept. 2, a streak the Buffs hadn’t accomplished since 1993

1st–4th

Women’s cross-country individual places at Sept. 1 kick-off races in Boulder

100th

Season at Folsom Field began when ŷ��ڱ��Ƶ kicked off against Nebraska Sept. 9

3.154

Spring 2023 GPA of ŷ��ڱ��Ƶ’s 369 student-athletes, the highest term GPA ever recorded

510

School record passing yards for football’s Shedeur Sanders (Soc’25) in debut win at No. 17 Tŷ��ڱ��Ƶ

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Photos courtesy ŷ��ڱ��Ƶ Athletics

Debut of the Prime Era

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Fall 2023

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Baseball Earns Trip to World Series

Anonymous — Mon, 06 Nov 2023 07:00:00 +0000

Baseball Earns Trip to World Series Anonymous (not verified) Mon, 11/06/2023 - 00:00

Andrew Daigle

ŷ��ڱ��Ƶ Boulder club baseball capped a historic 2023 season with a postseason run to the National Club Baseball (NCBA) World Series May 26–June 1 in Alton, Illinois. In the double-elimination World Series tournament, the Buffs lost their opener 0-3 to defending national champion Florida State on May 27. ŷ��ڱ��Ƶ rebounded the next day to defeat No. 1 seed Utah State 4-3 before being eliminated 1-4 on May 29 in a rematch against Florida State.

ŷ��ڱ��Ƶ finished with a Mid-America West conference record of 11-1.

The Buffs earned the No. 2 seed in the Mid-America Regionals May 12–14 in Kearney, Nebraska. They won the double-elimination tournament and a World Series ticket by defeating Nebraska twice and then No. 1 seed Iowa State in back-to-back, same-day elimination games.

“We focus on winning but still having fun,” said All-American Third Team catcher Blake Carey (BusAd’24).

Baseball is a club sport at ŷ��ڱ��Ƶ. It doesn’t receive funding like varsity sports. Student recreation fees, player dues and donations support the team. Players organize practices and travel, as well as recruiting teammates and coaches.

“I love the relaxed vibe,” said second baseman Mac Padilla (CTD’24). “But still, our seniors developed a culture to be the best team possible, not just a club of friends.”

The Buffs scored several all-time feats: first regional championship, first NCBA World Series appearance and win, and highest-ever final ranking — No. 6 in the NCBA D1 Top 20.

In a season of highlights, multiple players recalled a single moment at the World Series. Shortstop Cameron Scheuer (Comm’23) won the 2023 Easton Baseball Longball Challenge on May 28.

“Watching Cam win the home run derby was incredible,” said first baseman Andrew Garcia (BusAna’25). “The entire team and their families were cheering him on.”

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Photos courtesy Ritchman Sideline Pass Photography and Mirimar Sideline Pass Photography

The club sport received its highest ranking last season.

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Fall 2023

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Sports

Setting Up Success: A Q&A with ŷ���ڱ���Ƶ Volleyball's Taylor Simpson

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

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

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

Why did you choose ŷ���ڱ���Ƶ Boulder?

What is something you’ve learned from coach Mahoney?

How does the setter position work?

How do you communicate plays to your teammates?

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

What is your favorite part about playing volleyball?

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

What do you like to do off the court?

Do you have plans for after graduation?

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Buffs Hit NBA Draft Success

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Anthony Pham on Coaching ŷ���ڱ���Ƶ Tennis: It's All ŷ���ڱ���Ƶ the Players

What attracted you to ŷ���ڱ���Ƶ?

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

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

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

How would you describe your leadership style?

Can you coach players during matches?

How are the fall and spring seasons different?

What stands out to you about ŷ���ڱ���Ƶ Athletics?

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

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

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Shedeur Sanders Readies for Second Season

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Segging Her Own Way

You finished 2nd in classic and 5th in freestyle at the 2023 NCAA Championships. What was key to your success?

How do you approach a race?

What is offseason training like?

Do you still race for Sweden’s National Team?

Why did you choose ŷ���ڱ���Ƶ?

Can you share something you’ve learned from Jana Weinberger, skiing director and Nordic head coach?

What do you love most about skiing?

Do you prefer to ski classic or freestyle?

Does ŷ���ڱ���Ƶ hosting the 2024 NCAA Championships at Steamboat Springs in March add pressure to this season?

What’s something readers would be surprised to learn about you?

What do you want to do after you graduate?

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Anne Kelly Retiring After 27 Years

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