Rising Stars in College Sports: NFL Dreams and Academic Achievements
As the NFL combine draws near, two college football stars from Virginia have captured the spotlight. University of Virginia’s running back J’Mari Taylor and Navy’s slotback Eli Heidenreich have both received invitations to showcase their talents at the prestigious event scheduled from February 23 to March 2 in Indianapolis.
J’Mari Taylor made waves last season by amassing 1,335 all-purpose yards, including 1,062 rushing yards, 253 receiving yards, and 20 yards from a kickoff return, alongside 16 touchdowns. His impressive performance earned him a spot on the All-ACC first team, marking him as UVA’s first running back to surpass 1,000 rushing yards since 2018. Meanwhile, Eli Heidenreich demonstrated versatility with 941 rushing yards, six touchdowns, and 77 catches for 499 receiving yards, in addition to nine punt returns totaling 54 yards.
Lionsbridge FC: Anticipation Builds for the 2026 Season
Lionsbridge FC is gearing up for its ninth season with the release of its 2026 schedule. Under the guidance of coach Chris Whalley, the team will kick off its campaign on May 9 against Virginia Beach United, followed by a home opener against Grove United at TowneBank Stadium in Newport News on May 13. The regular season will conclude on July 11 with a home match against Charlottesville.
ODU’s Tennis Duo: Sun Belt Recognition
The Old Dominion University women’s tennis team celebrates as players Lidiia Rasskouskaia and Ulyana Romanova earn the Sun Belt Doubles Team of the Week accolade. Their victories against No. 3 doubles teams from Penn State and Wake Forest, with scores of 6-4 and 6-1, have helped them improve to a 4-2 record for the spring season.
Track and Field: Record-Breaking Performances
Norfolk State’s Brooklyn Robinson has been named the MEAC Track Athlete of the Week after setting a school-record time of 8.21 seconds in the 60-meter hurdles at the Penn Classic. The senior also secured seventh place in the long jump with a distance of 5.76 meters and ninth in the 200 meters with a time of 24.63 seconds.
Similarly, California (Pennsylvania) University’s Loreena Manser, a Grassfield High alumna, has been honored as the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Field Athlete of the Week. Manser broke her own school record in the long jump with a winning leap of 6.04 meters at the Doug Raymond Invitational hosted by Kent State. She also placed second in the 200-meter dash and contributed to her team’s efforts in the 4×400-meter relay.
Gymnastics: W&M Alum Joins Winter Cup Commentary Team
Christian Marsh, a former standout in William & Mary men’s gymnastics, has been selected by USA Gymnastics to join the commentary team for the livestream of the 2026 Winter Cup on February 21-22 in Louisville, Kentucky. Marsh, a six-time USAG Collegiate All-American and 2023 Nissen Emery Award finalist, will provide insights during the event’s free stream on USA Gymnastics’ YouTube channel.
High School Achievements: Statewide Recognition
In the realm of high school sports, eight students from the 757 area have earned spots on the VHSL Class 3 All-State Competition Cheer first team. Notable mentions include Tabb’s Braelynn Hill, McKinley Starnes, and Myles Hairston, alongside York’s Marlie McNair and Madison Farris. The second team features New Kent’s Norah Friedriszik, Tabb’s Emery Ilardi, and York’s London Turner.
Brief Updates
- Virginia Tech’s baseball series against William & Mary has been rescheduled due to anticipated inclement weather. The teams will now face off in a 3 p.m. game on Friday, followed by a doubleheader on Saturday starting at 1 p.m.
- Ten William & Mary players have been honored by being named to the National Field Hockey Coaches Association Division I National Academic Squad, including Eme Schmittel, Alexandra de Jesus, and Josette DeGour, among others.
- Nine players from Christopher Newport’s field hockey team have also made the NFHCA National Academic Squad, featuring Kendall Gibson, Caroline Hughlett, and Courtney Hughlett, to name a few.
Read More Here
