Daily News 19

Author: DN19 Newsroom

  • Team Behind Keely Hodgkinson’s Golden Rise Drives 800m World Record Pursuit

    Team Behind Keely Hodgkinson’s Golden Rise Drives 800m World Record Pursuit

    The M11 Track Club’s foundations were established long before Keely Hodgkinson’s father proposed the now globally recognized name. Trevor Painter, who brings a background in rugby league and an impressive 47-second 400-meter personal best, has guided Hodgkinson’s development since she was 17. Prior to that, he coached Jenny Meadows to international success.

    From Vision to Global Recognition in Two Years

    It has taken just two years for Meadows’ vision of an official Manchester-based training group to become reality and earn a worldwide reputation.

    “I think everyone thought I was quite deluded. I had a vision of this happening, but I didn’t quite know how we were going to achieve it,” says Meadows.

    “At first, when we would hear people from other nations talk about M11, I was almost like, ‘oh my gosh, they’ve said M11’. It’s almost like a project that I brought home from school, and people are talking about it.”

    “Now people know instantly: that’s Jenny and Trevor, that’s some of the best athletes in the world. You don’t have to explain what M11 is. It’s pretty incredible.”

    Olympic Success Accelerates Growth

    Reaching that stage was never a given. The process was undoubtedly accelerated by Hodgkinson’s rise to Olympic gold, and further medals at Paris 2024 for teammates Hunter Bell and Lewis Davey.

    The sustained success on the track has allowed Painter and Meadows to expand the scale of their operation, with backing from big-name sponsors helping to add an assistant coach, track-side physiotherapist, and dedicated physiologist.

    “Back in the day, it was difficult because you’re working on a shoestring budget, trying to make things happen,” says Painter.

    “But, as Keely comes along and does well, you get a little bit of help from here and there.”

    “Then, as more people come and we have more success, we can go back to the sponsors and they give us a little more. It pays for strength and conditioning support, nutrition support, trackside physiotherapy – all which keep the athletes healthy.”

    “If they’re healthy, they can do their job of running as fast as they can.”

  • Transfer Deadline Day: What It’s Like Being a Footballer’s Partner During the Transfer Window

    Transfer Deadline Day: What It’s Like Being a Footballer’s Partner During the Transfer Window

    Jessica has put her legal career on hold to support her partner Owen, a professional footballer, while working remotely in social media and sharing glimpses of their life on TikTok under hashtags like #wag and #waglife. The couple’s story highlights the often unseen sacrifices behind the “WAG” label, especially in the lower leagues where financial security is far from guaranteed.

    Prioritizing a Partner’s Career

    Jessica explains the pragmatic reasoning behind her career pause: My career can be picked up at any time – whereas his career is right now and you’ve really got to take every opportunity. She acknowledges the perceived glamour but emphasizes the trade-offs: As much as people say it’s a glamorous lifestyle you do make sacrifices so your partner can have their dream and get themselves as far as they can in football. Her role, she says, requires emotional detachment: At the end of the day, as much as I’m involved, it’s his career. That means in order for me to support him properly I can’t get emotionally involved.

    Transient Living and Housing Challenges

    Frequent moves are a reality. We usually rent newer houses that are a blank canvas so we can make them our own, although this last season the accommodation was provided furnished by Argyle, she says. We put a lot of Xavier’s toys and garden stuff in storage and referred to our Plymouth accommodation as ‘the holiday house’. The instability complicates everyday parenting: It can be hard when he asks us to get things like his trampoline which we don’t have with us.

    When Owen was at Oxford United with a year left on his contract, Jessica loved the area, but the need for game time dictated a move: When Owen was at Oxford he had one year left on his contract and I loved it there. But the best thing was for him to go and get game time somewhere miles away. So we moved.

    Financial Realities Beyond the Premier League

    Jessica challenges the stereotype that all footballers’ partners live lavishly. When you think ‘Wag’ [players’ wives and girlfriends] and you think ‘footballer’, both of those terms come with this stereotype that our lives are easy. People also put League One players in the same bracket as Premier League players. She contrasts the financial security of the top flight: In the Premier League they’re often set up for life – we can’t live in that way because we have to prepare for life after football.

    Relegation and injury add layers of uncertainty. Recalling a stint at Portsmouth while Owen’s parent club Blackpool suffered relegation, she notes: When we were at Portsmouth, Blackpool was still his parent club and they got relegated. Owen wasn’t even involved that season, but his wage was still affected. Her financial philosophy is cautious: You have to be prepared for everything. You just can’t live outside of your means.

    Despite the pressures, she maintains perspective: But it’s still a really fortunate position to be in. She counts their blessings regarding health: Luckily, Owen’s been good with injuries. There are some players who they get injured in the last month of the season and they’re out of contract. Summarizing the volatility, she adds: In football things can be really positive or really negative.

    Impact on Children: Stability vs. Adventure

    The couple’s children, four-year-old Xavier and two-month-old Etta, are growing up in this nomadic environment. Now that Xavier is growing up – he’s fast approaching school age – another thing that will have to be added into the mix is his stability, says Jessica.

    Even a birthday party required contingency planning: We couldn’t plan to have a party in Plymouth with balloons and cakes etc because we didn’t know if we were going to be there. Instead we planned a party near my family in Stoke-on-Trent – we needed to make something work regardless of what happens with Owen’s job.

    Jessica sees long-term value in the upheaval: As much as I worry about Xavier and Etta, I also think how amazing it’s going to be for them when they’re older to be able to tell their life story and say they’ve lived in all these different places. I think it’s teaching them a good life lesson that they don’t need to be tied to one place.

    Framing Moves as Positive Experiences

    The family actively reframes relocation as opportunity. We’ve said to Xavier that we might be moving soon and when we do we’re going to get his bike back out of storage, says Jessica. That way he knows that moving is a possibility and hopefully he’s not thinking about what he’s going to lose but what he’s going to gain.

    Xavier’s love for football softens the transitions: The fortunate thing for us is that Xavier loves football. He gets a lot of excitement as well from the new strips and the new chants and all of that kind of thing.

  • How Busby, Shankly and Stein Shaped Modern Football

    How Busby, Shankly and Stein Shaped Modern Football

    The history of football is far more than a simple chronicle of matches won and lost; it is a grand narrative shaped by visionary minds who looked at a simple game and saw infinite possibilities. Across different eras, the evolution of the global sport has been driven by pioneers who redefined how the game is played, managed, and perceived. Among these, the incredible story of three of the most influential men in football history stands out as a testament to how individual genius can transform a pastime into a global cultural phenomenon.

    The Architects of Tactical Innovation

    To understand the modern game, one must look back at the strategic minds who dared to challenge the status quo. Before these trailblazers emerged, football was largely unstructured, relying on individual physical prowess rather than collective strategy. The introduction of systematic formations, tactical versatility, and rigorous training methodologies laid the groundwork for the highly analytical sport we watch today. These influential figures did not just win trophies; they invented new languages of movement on the pitch, proving that intelligence and preparation could overcome brute force.

    Cultivating a Lasting Football Philosophy

    Beyond the chalkboards and training pitches, the true measure of influence lies in legacy. The philosophies introduced by football’s greatest pioneers created blueprints that continue to inspire contemporary managers and players. From the fluid passing systems of the mid-20th century to the high-pressing structures of the modern era, the DNA of these early innovators is woven into the fabric of every top-tier league. Their stories remind us that the beautiful game is an ongoing dialogue between the past and the present, continuously shaped by those brave enough to innovate.

  • Woman With Vagina in ‘World’s Top 1%’ Earning $2M Annually in Experiment Avoids Tampons ‘at All Costs’

    Woman With Vagina in ‘World’s Top 1%’ Earning $2M Annually in Experiment Avoids Tampons ‘at All Costs’

    Biohacker and tech millionaire Bryan Johnson has publicly detailed the vaginal microbiome results of his partner, Kate Tolo, claiming she ranks in the “top one percent of all vaginas” and acts as the female counterpart in his high-profile longevity experiment. The couple, who co-founded the health-optimization platform Blueprint in 2021, are investing $2 million annually in a project aiming to make Tolo “the most measured female in history” to advance scientific understanding of women’s health and aging.

    Johnson Highlights ‘Exceptional’ Microbiome Results

    Earlier this month, Johnson shared Tolo’s vaginal microbiome report on social media, announcing a “100/100 score.” He emphasized the dominance of a specific protective bacterium.

    “Her sample is dominated by the single most protective bacterial species a vagina can host (Lactobacillus crispatus),”

    Johnson wrote. He provided statistical context for the finding.

    “Only about 25-30% of reproductive age women globally are L. crispatus-dominant, and ‘dominant’ usually means above 50%. Kate is at 98.7%.”

    According to Johnson, the lab analysis found no sexually transmitted infections or other pathogenic bacteria. He outlined the clinical correlations associated with this specific microbiome profile.

    “This is linked to lower risk of BV [bacterial vaginosis], UTIs, yeast infections, HPV persistence, HSV-2 [genital herpes] and HIV acquisition, preterm birth, and improved IVF outcomes.”

    Tolo Advocates for Selective Period Product Use

    Tolo, who appears in the Netflix documentary Don’t Die: The Man Who Wants to Live Forever, attributes her vaginal health in part to careful selection of menstrual products. During a March 2023 appearance on the Live Well Be Well with Sarah Ann Macklin podcast, she explained her reluctance to use tampons regularly.

    “I just am skeptical that as we continue to get more data, we’ll just find more and more scary information,”

    she said, referencing studies suggesting tampons may expose women to toxic chemicals. Tolo described her personal strategy, which prioritizes less invasive options.

    “I oscillate between just pads, or I also do occasionally use tampons in moments where I just want the extra security.”

    “Maybe I’m going to be out and about and I’m exercising, or I’m going to be in a situation where like I want more comfort and I’m not going to like bleed everywhere – then I’ll use a tampon.”

    “I occasionally use cups as well. I kind of always felt a little uncomfortable about [using tampons].”

    Despite finding pads uncomfortable, she views them as the lesser of two evils.

    “I try and get like organic [pads],”

    she added.

    “I don’t have any kind of scent associated with them and all the like nasty, synthetic stuff that you can get in pads as well.”

    Tolo’s approach centers on minimizing exposure to synthetic materials and chemicals.

    Johnson’s Broader Longevity Protocol

    The vaginal microbiome analysis is one component of Johnson’s extensive, public biohacking regimen aimed at reversing biological age. His experiments have included:

    Penile Rejuvenation Efforts

    Johnson has documented protocols involving semen analysis, blood flow testing, Botox injections, and shockwave therapy, claiming to have lowered his “erection age” by over half. He has drawn controversy for comparing his erection data with that of his teenage son.

    Multigenerational Plasma Exchange

    In 2023, Johnson, his then-17-year-old son, and his 70-year-old father participated in what he termed the “world’s first multigenerational plasma exchange.” Johnson received a liter of his son’s plasma but later reported “no benefits” and switched to total plasma exchange.

    Psychedelic Exploration

    Johnson has documented experiences with high-dose psilocybin (5g) and 5-MeO-DMT (27mg), describing the latter as leaving him “stunned beyond comprehension.”

    Rigorous Morning Routine

    Johnson recently detailed a morning protocol lasting four hours and 46 minutes.

    “My morning routine is always evolving as we update protocols. This is what I’m experimenting with right now,”

    he writes on his website. The routine includes waking at 5 a.m., oral hygiene, light exposure, breathwork, pre-workout nutrition, 90 minutes of exercise, sauna, red/NIR light therapy, focused shockwave therapy on joints, shower, hair growth serum, skincare, and breakfast.

    While Johnson states he is not “suggesting immortality,” he aims to extend human healthspans to the point where “we stop thinking about lifespans.” Tolo’s participation as a measured counterpart represents a significant expansion of the Blueprint protocol to address female-specific biology and longevity markers.

  • Living Nostradamus Predicts When Iran Conflict Will End

    Living Nostradamus Predicts When Iran Conflict Will End

    Psychic Athos Salomé Warns Iran Conflict Is Only Beginning

    Global trade was upended earlier this year when Israel and the United States launched joint strikes on Iran, resulting in the death of the country’s Supreme Leader and thousands of casualties. Iran retaliated with a wave of military strikes on U.S. allies and shut down the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping lane for global oil and gas supplies. Although a ceasefire is currently holding, ongoing disruption in the busy strait continues.

    Brazilian paranormal consultant Athos Salomé, often dubbed the “Living Nostradamus” for his claims of predicting events such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the death of Queen Elizabeth II, and cyberattacks at the Paris 2024 Olympics, has now suggested the conflict is far from over.

    Instagram/athos_salome

    Shift to a ‘War of Attrition’

    Speaking to The Mirror, Salomé contradicted recent optimism from former President Donald Trump, who predicted the war would end “very quickly” (per BBC). Instead, Salomé forecasts a prolonged, unconventional struggle.

    “There is still much that may unfold against Iran,”

    “Tehran’s response and the potential deployment of allied cells in the region indicate that the conflict could erupt into a war of attrition never before seen,”

    “One marked by the development of new defensive technologies and devastating cyberattacks.”

    Describing a ‘Technological Occupation’

    Salomé described the next phase as a “technological occupation,” arguing that the U.S. aims to cripple Iran’s energy revenue without a ground invasion.

    “The United States does not intend to invade Iran militarily.”

    “Rather, it seeks to disable Iran’s ability to export energy, ensuring that discounted Iranian oil never again reaches China.”

    Geopolitical Chessboard: Targeting China’s Energy Pillars

    Expanding his analysis, Salomé outlined a broader strategic map for 2026.

    “The geopolitical chessboard of 2026 shows the United States moving against the three pillars supporting China’s energy supply – Iran (The Immediate Target), Venezuela (The Captured Piece), and Russia (The Truce Factor).”

    Iranian billboards depicting the closure of the Strait of Hormuz (AFP via Getty Images)

    Contrasting Prediction: Chinese Mystic Foresees U.S. Defeat

    Salomé is not the only mystic weighing in. In March, Chinese mystic Professor Xueqin Jiang offered a starkly different outlook, predicting an Iranian victory.

    “There’s absolutely no way America can win this war,”

    Professor Jiang said of a scenario involving a U.S. military invasion.

    “The United States [would] lose this war, which will forever change the global order.”

    Outcome Remains Uncertain

    With both sides still claiming victory and the ceasefire fragile, the trajectory of the conflict remains unclear. Analysts and observers continue to monitor developments closely.

  • Burning Man Who Pulled Two-Tonne Car With Penis Explains Condition of His Manhood Afterward

    Burning Man Who Pulled Two-Tonne Car With Penis Explains Condition of His Manhood Afterward

    British daredevil John Stephenson, 50, has attempted a world-first stunt by pulling a two-tonne Renault Clio RS police car 40 metres (131 ft) along a residential street in Halifax, West Yorkshire, using only his penis — while his body was set on fire.

    Extreme Stunt Combines Fire and Genital Towing

    The event took place on Thursday, April 30, on the same location used for filming the ITV drama Ackley Bridge. Residents watched in disbelief as Stephenson, a painter and decorator originally from Spalding, Lincolnshire, attached a tow rope to his genitals and hauled the vehicle while engulfed in flames.

    Stephenson, a martial arts expert and former bare-knuckle fighter, has a history of extreme vehicle-pulling challenges. He previously pulled a car using his testicles and another while his head was on fire. This latest attempt merged both elements.

    Stephenson Describes the Pain and Preparation

    Speaking after the stunt, Stephenson did not downplay the physical toll.

    “I’ve pulled a car with my testicles before and I’ve pulled a car on fire – so I thought why not combine the both, but this time do it with my penis.”

    “I won’t lie – it did hurt quite a bit.”

    “But my mind was focused on being on fire and I just ploughed on and pulled it for around 40 metres,”

    he recalled.

    “I doused myself in lighter fuel and the wind was against me a bit, so it took a couple of attempts.”

    “I’ve got a few marks down there but everything is still in tact so hopefully no harm done,”

    he confessed.

    Motivation: Awareness and Fundraising

    Despite the spectacle, Stephenson emphasizes a serious purpose behind his stunts.

    “People think I’m a bit mad – but I like to set myself challenges.”

    “I did my research and nobody in the world has ever done this before,”

    he said.

    “There is a serious side to it too – I’m raising awareness of prostate cancer and bullying in schools.”

    “I’m also raising money for Ruddis Retreat in Huddersfield which provides holidays for families of children with cancer.”

    Record-Holding Martial Artist

    Stephenson holds multiple records through Official Record Breakers, including:

    • 300 punches in 30 seconds while holding 1 kg dumbbells in each hand
    • Six martial arts kicking techniques performed in under five-and-a-half seconds
    • Several vehicle-pulling and lifting titles

    His latest attempt, if verified, would add a unique and unprecedented entry to the annals of extreme strength and endurance feats.

  • Bryan Johnson’s Most Bizarre Longevity Experiments After Partner’s Vagina Experiment Scores Top 1%

    Bryan Johnson’s Most Bizarre Longevity Experiments After Partner’s Vagina Experiment Scores Top 1%

    Bryan Johnson, the 48-year-old entrepreneur who sold payments firm Braintree to PayPal, has become a viral sensation for his extreme biohacking regimen aimed at achieving radical life extension. His multi-million-dollar “Project Blueprint” protocol involves a rigid schedule of supplements, medical interventions, and data tracking that regularly pushes the boundaries of conventional wellness—and public oversharing.

    Vaginal Microbiome Results Shared Publicly

    In a recent move that sparked widespread discussion, Johnson posted the results of his partner Kate Tolo’s vaginal microbiome report to his social media channels. The report showed a score of 100/100. Johnson framed the disclosure within a health context, stating: “This is linked to lower risk of BV, UTIs, yeast infections, HPV persistence, HSV-2 and HIV acquisition, preterm birth, and improved IVF outcomes.” Tolo reportedly supported the transparency, expressing gratitude that her partner takes their shared health seriously.

    Penis “De-Aging” and Multigenerational Data Tracking

    Johnson’s biohacking efforts frequently involve his family, most notably his 19-year-old son, Talmage. A core component of Johnson’s “penis de-aging” protocol involves tracking nocturnal erection data. He published a comparison of his metrics against his son’s on X (formerly Twitter), writing: “Nighttime erection data from my 19-year-old son, Talmage Johnson, and me,” he said of the study on X. “His duration is two minutes longer than mine.” Raise children to stand tall, be firm, and be upright.”

    The protocol extends beyond erection tracking to include semen quality analysis, penile blood flow measurement, and regular prostate volume assessments.

    Multigenerational Plasma Exchange Halted

    In 2023, Johnson, his son Talmage, and his 70-year-old father participated in a “multigenerational plasma exchange.” The procedure involved Bryan receiving plasma from Talmage while donating his own plasma to his father. Johnson later announced the cessation of the experiment, revealing he stopped injecting his son’s blood after observing “no benefits” from the intervention.

    Extreme Diet and Supplement Stack

    Johnson’s daily routine is anchored by a highly restrictive dietary protocol. He wakes naturally at 5:00 AM and consumes his final solid meal at 11:00 AM, sustaining himself on “mineralised liquids” for the remainder of the day. This regimen is supported by a daily intake of approximately 80 different vitamin and mineral supplements. The total annual cost of his longevity project is estimated at $2 million (£1.4 million).

    Psychedelic Experimentation

    Johnson has also documented experiments with controlled psychedelic substances. With Tolo recording the process, he trialed roughly 5mg of psilocybin (magic mushrooms). Separately, he documented a session involving 27mg of 5-MeO-DMT, described as the “world’s most powerful” hallucinogen, which he said left him “stunned beyond comprehension”.

    A Four-Hour Morning Protocol

    Johnson’s daily startup sequence is an evolving, four-hour block of therapies and exercises. He outlines the philosophy on his website: “My morning routine is always evolving as we update protocols. This is what I’m experimenting with right now,” he writes on his website. The current reported iteration includes:

    1. Wake up around 5:00 AM
    2. Oral hygiene
    3. Light exposure (eyes)
    4. Breath work
    5. Pre-workout nutrition
    6. Exercise
    7. Sauna
    8. Red/NIR light therapy
    9. Focused shockwave therapy on joints
    10. Shower
    11. Hair growth serum application
    12. Skincare routine
    13. Breakfast

    While Johnson’s methods attract criticism for their intensity and performative nature, they also drive conversation around preventative health, biomarker tracking, and the ethics of self-experimentation. Whether the protocol achieves its ultimate goal of “not dying” remains an open question.

  • Bethany Joy Lenz Put on ‘Sex Schedule’ During Marriage to Son of Christian ‘Cult’ Leader

    Bethany Joy Lenz Put on ‘Sex Schedule’ During Marriage to Son of Christian ‘Cult’ Leader

    Former One Tree Hill star Bethany Joy Lenz has disclosed that she was compelled to follow a mandatory “sex schedule” during her marriage to Michael Galeotti Jr., the son of a Christian group leader she describes as a cult figure. The actress, 45, detailed the lasting psychological impact of her decade-long involvement with the organization, known as the Big House Family, during an appearance on the Call Her Daddy podcast that originally aired in October 2024 and in her 2024 memoir, Dinner for Vampires.

    From Bible Study to Commune Life

    Lenz explained that her association with the group began with Bible study but eventually escalated into full immersion. Leader Michael Galeotti Sr. invited her to live on a small commune in Idaho. She alleges the organization ultimately controlled her career decisions, life choices, and bank account.

    An ‘Arranged Situation’ Marriage

    In 2005, Lenz married Galeotti Jr., though she admits there was little romantic foundation.

    “There wasn’t a lot of intellectual stimulation,” she said. “But I had kinda run out of options. I couldn’t date a non-Christian and I couldn’t really date anybody outside of the group. So it just became this sort of arranged situation.”

    The Florida-born actress, who shares daughter Maria Rose, now 15, with Galeotti Jr., said she abstained from intercourse until marriage but felt no intimate connection when they consummated the union.

    “It felt like this promise that I had been given as a good evangelical was a big crock,” Lenz went on. “Like, what the heck? I thought if I save myself for marriage, then the promise is amazing sex and super deep intimacy, and nothing’s ever as good…and then we have sex, and it’s like, ‘Why do I feel so sad? I don’t feel more connected to you. I feel farther away from you’.”

    “And I don’t think that necessarily had anything to do with saving myself for marriage. It was just that I married the wrong person.”

    Alleged ‘Sex Schedule’ and Marital Duty

    Lenz said her resulting disinterest in sex led to a demand from her husband.

    “Basically of like, ‘You just have to do it. Just do it. This is your duty. This is your job as a wife. Your emotions will fall in line. If you do it enough, then eventually, you will find a way to enjoy it.’”

    “It was a routine that I had to participate in order to keep the peace in my marriage.”

    She told host Alex Cooper that she dreaded her husband’s return from work trips because of the expectation of intercourse.

    “My stomach dropped every single time,” Lenz said. “In fact, it really affected my relationships afterwards [with] other boyfriends when I had to go pick them up from the airport.”

    “I had so much PTSD from showing up at the airport to see him, knowing that I was gonna have to start this sex schedule for the next two weeks or three weeks or whatever.”

    Memoir Details Financial and Emotional Toll

    In Dinner for Vampires, Lenz wrote that she funded their “abysmal” honeymoon in Colorado.

    “I felt angry with him for suddenly having no interest in me besides my body, and he was angry that everything he’d been promised about wives being a personal blow-up doll was false,” she wrote, as per the Daily Mail.

    “I had no idea how bad it would get or how exhausted and emotionally stripped I would become, but it was immediately and abundantly clear this whole arrangement was the worst decision I’d ever made.”

    Family Denials and Co-Parenting Boundaries

    Michael Galeotti Sr. denied Lenz’s allegations of brainwashing and control.

    “Everybody sees things a little differently and she’s going to cling to the fame. Good for her. She’s going to make a name for herself. But it’s not the way it went down.”

    Galeotti Jr. also responded to the memoir.

    “I don’t know what to make of this memoir after all this time. I have a daughter who’s really important to me. I don’t want it to affect her. It’s too much. I don’t really want to cause any problems for her.”

    The couple divorced in 2012, a year after their daughter was born. Maria Rose now performs under the stage name Maria March.

    Speaking to Variety in 2024, Lenz discussed the difficulty of writing about the marriage while protecting her daughter’s relationship with her father.

    “She’s old enough now that, if she wants to read it, she can, and I feel like we’d be able to talk about it,” the mum said. “But I didn’t want to dishonour her dad.”

    “I don’t believe he’s a bad person. He’s on his own journey, and I don’t want to judge it, but I have to maintain that balance of me being authentic and telling the truth of what I experienced and also leaving space for their relationship.”

    “That was the hardest part in the whole book: making sure I created that balance.”

    Asked about her current connection to the Galeotti family, Lenz was direct.

    “I am not connected to them in any way, thank the Low-ard Jesus.”

    If you’ve been affected by any of the issues in this story, you can speak in confidence about where to get help from Mind free on 0300 123 3393, 9am–6pm Monday to Friday, excluding Bank Holidays.

  • No. 17 Gators Make History at Spikes Under the Lights

    No. 17 Gators Make History at Spikes Under the Lights

    ARLINGTON, Texas — The No. 17 Florida volleyball team made history Thursday evening when the opening serve against No. 1 Nebraska was tossed in front of a packed crowd at AT&T Stadium during the Spikes Under the Lights match.

    Florida became one of the first two teams to play collegiate or professional volleyball in an NFL stadium. The match was also the first volleyball broadcast live on TNT.

    “This was an unbelievable opportunity and we’re so honored to have been invited and a part of it. It was pretty neat,” head coach Ryan Theis said. “You never know how these are going to feel or look, and they did a great job. It was a great event.”

    Florida volleyball challenges top-ranked Nebraska

    The Gators pushed top-ranked Nebraska in both sets, combining for 18 ties and 10 lead changes across the match. Nebraska built a 16-13 lead midway through the opening set, but two kills and a service ace from Selena Leban brought Florida level at 17-17. The teams traded points to tie the score again at 19-19 before Nebraska secured a 21-19 victory.

    The second set also began as a back-and-forth battle. Third-year player Logan King delivered consecutive kills assisted by Taylor Parks to give Florida a 12-9 advantage. Nebraska answered with a run to take a 17-14 lead, but the Gators stayed composed and pulled within one after a late swing by Jordyn Byrd. The Cornhuskers ultimately won the set 21-18.

    King led Florida with nine kills on a .350 hitting percentage. She also recorded a solo block and a block assist for a team-high 10.5 points. Leban contributed five kills and an ace, while Parks directed the offense with 17 assists.

    Lily Hayes paced the Gators defensively with six digs. King and Parks each added five of Florida’s 23 total digs. Florida finished with 3.5 team blocks, including 1.5 from King.

    Florida volleyball’s next match

    The Orange & Blue now turn their attention to the regular season. Stony Brook will visit the Stephen C. O’Connell Center on Sunday, Aug. 30, for a 1 p.m. ET matchup. Florida will be seeking its seventh consecutive home-opening victory.

    Quotes from the Court

    Head Coach Ryan Theis

    On what he saw from the Gators in their first match against another opponent

    “I saw glimpses of really good stuff. We gave up point runs in both sets and you can’t make that up against a team this good. Sustaining side out play, we’ve been working on it, we knew it’s a challenge and we obviously did it against last year’s best defensive team in the country. I thought we did a pretty good job of holding our own in this environment.”

    On what he hopes to see from the Gators on Sunday against Stony Brook

    “I liked the way our passers played. I thought Taylor set really well, so there’s definitely some building blocks there.

    Follow Florida Volleyball

    FloridaGators.com

    Instagram | Facebook | X