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Irish Examiner
10 hours ago
- Sport
- Irish Examiner
Adam Buchanan and Sean Downes hit route 66 to set the pace at Lahinch
Adam Buchanan enjoyed a dream debut in the Pierse Motor Group South of Ireland Amateur Open Championship when he opened with a six-under 66 to claim a share of the first round lead at Lahinch. The 20-year-old Ballyclare native, who made such a splash with NAIA college Keiser University this season that he's secured a transfer to NCAA Division I ranked Louisville next month, made seven birdies and a lone bogey at the 14th to share top spot with Royal Dublin's Sean Downes on a perfect links day in west Clare. 'I won the Conference and had five top-fives,' reported Buchanan, who is also a member of Knock Golf Club. 'I was going to stay another year and then decide to transfer, but Louisville reached out, and it was too hard to turn down.' Downes also had seven birdies in his 66 before he was joined in the lead by former Irish Boys panelist Buchanan, who claimed his first Senior win last year when he won the Ulster Men's Strokeplay at Clandeboye. He had never played Lahinch until this week and he made it look like child's play in a light northwest wind as he birdied the second and hit a nine-iron close at the sixth before adding further birdies at the 11th, 12th and 13th. He three-putted the 14th from the front of the green but birdied the 17th to get to five under before failing to get up and down from just short of the 18th, missing a six footer for a 65. 'I was actually really happy with it,' said Buchanan, who had only played Lahinch's opening six holes on TrackMan before his arrival in west Clare and could not have asked for a better debut. 'I left a few putts out there but pI played very solid. 'I only missed one green, and when I missed it, I was like an inch off it. So that makes life a lot easier. Maybe missed three fairways and my only bogey was a three-putt.' Sean Downes in action at Lahinch. Pic:©INPHO/Laszlo Geczo His flighted six-iron to eight feet into the wind at the short 11th wowed his playing partners but even after a hot start, he's not heaping expectations on his shoulders. 'The goal is to make the cut,' he said. 'It would bench to get a run to the quarters or semis but we will take it as it comes." Downes and Buchanan lead by a shot from Westport's Conor Stapleton and former Irish Close champion Quentin Carew from Castleknock Golf Club, who is also taking it one day at a time. The 34-year-old Dublin-based Garda made eight birdies in his five-under 67 with five of those birdies coming in his last six holes. 'I am trying to get a bit more family time this year but the game is coming back,' Carew said after making four birdies in a row from the 12th and adding another at the par-five 18th. 'Coming into this, I hadn't played for two weeks after being on holidays, just hit a few balls. It's good in a way because you come in feeling more relaxed and have fewer expectations. 'This is the championship that everyone looks forward to because of the venue, the course and the views. Nobody is in bad form and even if fellas get knocked out, nobody goes home.' After going out in two-under with a bogey at the Dell, Carew bogeyed the 10th and 11th before storming back with that late birdie run. Dundalk's Caolan Rafferty, champion in 2018, was in a big group on three-under after a 69 but it was harder work for some of the other leading lights. Warrenpoint's Colm Campbell, who was champion two years ago, shot a three-over 75 while last year's runner-up, Millicent's Brian Doran, signed for a 79. It also was a mixed day for some of the veterans in the field. While Ballybunion's Peter Sheehan shot 78 in his 40th consecutive appearance in the event, Robbie Cannon shot 70, Pat Murray a 71 and Joe Lyons a 73 in one of the more experienced threeballs on the course while Douglas' Karl Bornemann carded a 72.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
SSU's Gloster signs with Germany's VIMODROM Baskets Jena
PORTSMOUTH —Shawnee State graduate Cianna Gloster, who was an All-River States Conference selection in both seasons she played with the SSU women's basketball program, has signed a professional contract to play women's basketball for Germany's USV Vimodrom Baskets Jena —the organization announced on Monday. Gloster was a First-Team all-RSC selection during the 2024-25 season, and led Shawnee State back to the NAIA National Tournament for the first time since 2021. Advertisement Gloster, who is arguably the best rebounding forward in the history of the Shawnee State women's basketball program, was a force as the Bears went 48-15 during her time in the lineup. Gloster averaged 13.5 points, 12.1 rebounds, 2.9 steals and 1.2 blocks over the course of her time at Shawnee State. She shot 56.1-percent from the field during her Shawnee State career and scored 1,029 career collegiate points — 849 of those coming at Shawnee State in two seasons, after transferring from Rochester Christian (Mich.). The six-foot forward from Flint, Mich. was named as a First-Team all-RSC selection after averaging 15.1 points, 11.7 rebounds and three steals while shooting 55.4-percent from the field. Advertisement Gloster spearheaded the RSC's top defensive unit, as the Bears ultimately won as many as 20 consecutive games to run the RSC table during the regular season —while advancing to the 2025 RSC Championship Game. Gloster then led Shawnee State to an NAIA Opening Round victory over Loyola (La.) 70-62, before dropping a scant 71-66 decision to No. 5-ranked Cumberlands (Ky.) in the NAIA Second Round. She finished her career as not only a First-Team all-RSC honoree, but a 2025 CSC-NAIA Academic All-District selection —who played in and started each of Shawnee State's 63 games. In 43 of those 63 contests, Gloster posted a double-double. Advertisement USV Vimodrom Baskets Jena, which plays in the German Regionalliga League, went 14-0 last season in the league's SouthEast-North Division —winning the division by five games. Players which have suited up for USV Vimodrom Baskets Jena include Celeste Mershmister, who played at Rochester Christian and was a former college teammate of Gloster's, and 6-5 center Marta Miscenko, who was a First-Team All-South Atlantic Conference talent at NCAA Division II Wingate (N.C.). For more on the Shawnee State women's basketball program, please visit or
Miami Herald
2 days ago
- Sport
- Miami Herald
Newly-hired assistant coach's recruiting skills figure to benefit STU basketball program
It looks like St. Thomas University men's basketball coach Zach Moss has made a genius move. Moss recently hired Jacob Shaw, 44, as associate head coach at STU, which is an NAIA program. Shaw, who has been a head coach at Miami Beach High and an assistant at Florida Memorial University, is perhaps best known as the creator of a free website ( is highly popular among college coaches all across the country. Largely due to that website, Shaw has been able to forge connections with players and coaches throughout South Florida. Just ask Lawton Williams III, the highly-respected boys' basketball coach at Miami Norland. '(Shaw) is an excellent recruiter,' Williams said. 'He's a great judge of talent, and he's pretty good at skill development. 'His connections allow him to get to know a lot of players. He's a relentless worker. He's always on the phone, and that's what college coaching is all about. You've got to get players.' Southridge High coach Robert Doctor said Shaw is a player's coach. 'He also has a vast knowledge of the game,' Doctor said. 'He has the support of a lot of coaches in South Florida, and that's going to help him get players.' SLAM coach Alex Garcia is also high on Shaw. 'He has a feel for all the players in Miami, and we need that,' Garcia said. 'There's a lot of talent down here that doesn't get recruited locally.' Moss, a 42-year-old Naples native, can certainly use the help. Last season, in Moss' first year as a head coach, the Bobcats went 10-16. In the previous two seasons – with Moss as associate head coach under Patrick Crarey – the Bobcats went 22-9 and 26-8, making the NAIA national playoffs each time. Crarey, though, left STU for Florida A&M, and he is now the head coach at Grambling State. Meanwhile, Moss admits last season could've gone smoother, especially when it came to key injuries that tested STU's depth. 'There are a lot of things I need to do better,' Moss said humbly. 'I was a really good assistant coach, but that was my first year as a head coach, and I had a lot to learn. 'I had a lot of growth this summer, which I spent reflecting and watching film.' Moss also corrected what may be considered a mistake. Prior to his first year as the head coach, Moss offered Shaw a job as a part-time coach. Shaw declined. Then in June of this year, Moss made a stronger offer, eventually giving Shaw the title of associate head coach. So, who is Jacob Shaw? In high school, Shaw – a 6-foot-4 shooting guard – led Detroit's Pershing High to four straight East Side championships. From there, Shaw spent two years playing for Bismark (North Dakota) State College. After junior college, Shaw wrapped up his career with two years in South Dakota at the University of Sioux Falls, which advanced to the NAIA Final Four while he was playing for the Cougars. Shaw said he remembers one particularly frigid night in Bismark when it was negative-14. 'With the wind chill, it was negative-61,' Shaw said. 'I was thinking, 'What am I doing here?'' In search of sunshine, Shaw landed a teaching job at Miami Edison. He also coached the Red Raiders' girls' basketball team in the 2008-2009 season. From there, he spent the next decade as the head boys' basketball coach at Miami Beach High, and that eventually led Shaw to one year (2001-2002) as an assistant men's basketball coach at Florida Memorial, which is STU's rival. During that one season, FMU won the Sun Conference tournament title for just the second time in the school's long history. 'Jacob is a proven winner in our conference,' Moss said. 'I have recruited in Florida for a long time, but Jacob has done it at such a deep level that bringing him on staff is something I really wanted.' Shaw will handle multiple roles for the Bobcats – defensive guru; ace recruiter and Moss' right-hand man on the bench. 'I want opponents to feel pressured,' Shaw said when asked about his defensive philosophy. The Bobcats, who have won the Sun Conference postseason tournament just three times – in 1994, 1997 and 2009 – return former Rivera Prep 6-3 guard Esteban Lluberes, who started 23 games last year. He was top-three on the team in scoring (14.3); 3-point percentage (39.6); and free throws (86.0 percent). Among STU's top newcomers are two junior-college transfers: Kaleb Myers, a 6-8 Nicaragua native signed by Shaw; and Blake Neverdon, a 40-percent 3-poiont shooter. Then there's 6-3 point guard Jalen Gilmore, who started at Lynn University, an NCAA Division II school. Two years ago, he averaged 5.2 assists, second in the Sunshine State Conference. 'I have a very positive attitude about what's about to happen at STU,' Shaw said. 'I haven't been this excited about a team in a long time.'
Time of India
7 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
How student-athletes score scholarships at top global universities
How student athletes can secure sports scholarships in universities abroad. In today's global education landscape, student-athletes stand out, not just for their sporting excellence, but for their unique ability to unlock doors at top-tier universities. Successfully combining academics and athletics creates a powerful profile, especially when applying to institutions in the United States, Canada, the UK, and Australia. If you're an aspiring student-athlete dreaming of studying abroad, this comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know—from building a strong profile to securing scholarships and navigating the admissions process. How Indian Students Can Secure College Sports Admissions in the U.S. & Beyond Who is a student-athlete? A student-athlete is a full-time university student who also competes in varsity-level sports for their college. This structured pathway is especially prominent in North America, where organizations like the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association), NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics), and other college leagues ensure that sports and education go hand in hand. Why choose the student-athlete route abroad? Scholarship Opportunities: Top universities often offer partial or full sports scholarships, significantly reducing tuition and living expenses. World-Class Training and Coaching: State-of-the-art facilities and professional coaching help athletes reach peak performance. Holistic Growth: The system is built to support both academic and athletic goals, without forcing a choice between the two. Global Exposure and Networking: Student-athletes enter diverse networks of peers, mentors, and alumni across the globe, creating long-term career and life opportunities. How to study abroad through sports Student-athletes planning to study abroad can plan their journey by following the steps outlined below: 1. Start Early: Begin planning by Grade 9–11; research countries, sports, and universities. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Ultra-Luxury 3–5 BHKs Overlooking the Arabian Sea L&T The Gateway Enquire Now Undo 2. Build Your Sports Profile: Create a resume, record highlight videos, and track rankings/stats. 3. Maintain Academic Excellence: Keep strong grades and prepare for SAT, ACT, TOEFL, or IELTS. 4. Contact Coaches: Email shortlisted coaches with your sports profile and personalised message. 5. Get Evaluated: Use rankings or attend camps to benchmark your level. 6. Understand Recruitment & Scholarships: Communicate regularly with coaches and apply formally when ready. 7. Prepare Key Documents: Include transcripts, test scores, recommendation letters, resume, and personal statement. 8. Stay Organised: Track deadlines, check eligibility (e.g., NCAA/NAIA), and prepare for visa processes. Which sports offer the best opportunities? Sports like tennis, golf, swimming, and track & field offer the best opportunities for international student-athletes, as they rely on measurable stats and rankings—making it easier for coaches to assess talent remotely. Soccer, basketball, and fencing offer moderate opportunities but often require showcase participation or video-based evaluations. Emerging sports like hockey, squash, shooting, and equestrian have fewer programs but can still lead to scholarships for standout athletes. Quantitative sports generally provide smoother recruitment pathways due to their data-driven nature. The student-athlete journey goes far beyond scholarships. It builds life skills that last a lifetime—discipline, time management, leadership, and resilience. Whether you pursue a pro career or pivot to other fields, these experiences shape you into a global citizen with a competitive edge. TOI Education is on WhatsApp now. Follow us here . Ready to navigate global policies? Secure your overseas future. Get expert guidance now!
Indianapolis Star
14-07-2025
- Sport
- Indianapolis Star
Pitcher becomes 4th Taylor baseball player picked in MLB draft as 6th round pick to Houston Astros
Gabel Pentecost's path from homeschool student to NAIA star to professional baseball took another step toward reality Monday. The Houston Astros selected the Taylor University right-handed pitcher 186th overall in the sixth round of the Major League draft. As a junior, Pentecost retains the option of signing or returning to Taylor for a final season. That draft slot carries a bonus value of $341,600, per Pentecost was the first NAIA player selected in this draft, which lasts 20 rounds. However, per NAIA Ball on he is the third NAIA pitcher selected by the Astros in the past two years, following Southeastern's Ramsey David and The Masters' Ryan Mathiesen. Pentecost drew the interest of MLB scouts when his velocity kept climbing to the verge of 96 miles per hour this past season. He repeated as Crossroads League Pitcher of the Year, going 12-2 with 116 strikeouts against 21 walks and a 3.04 ERA. Pentecost was a homeschool student who did not play his first two years of high school. He played two years for the local district, Fremont, but planned to play Division III basketball. Taylor became his only scholarship offer when the coaches saw him pitch the sectional championship game. Pentecost's path: From homeschool to NAIA to MLB Draft? Taylor pitcher develops with pro-level technology He's the fourth baseball player from Taylor to be selected in the MLB draft. Josh DeGraaf became the program's third MLB draft pick in 2015 and reached Triple-A with the Toronto Blue Jays.
