
Women’s Pro Baseball Returns: A Title IX‑Fueled Revival
The league’s first game in Springfield showcases both the historic promise of women’s baseball and the ongoing fight to protect the policies that made it possible
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Illinois across Basketball, Football, Baseball.

The league’s first game in Springfield showcases both the historic promise of women’s baseball and the ongoing fight to protect the policies that made it possible
From the Titans of El Paso‑Gridley to the Irish of Peoria Notre Dame, a group of ten linemen combined power, technique and leadership to drive their squads to state‑level success, setting the stage for a promising 2026 campaign.

Seiya Suzuki’s two-run homer ignites a 10-5 Cubs victory over the Dodgers, with Ohtani contributing a hit and Suzuki’s defensive gem; the Astros’ new reliever Imai shines but Houston falls to Toronto.

Aurora will welcome over 500 visually impaired athletes and their supporters for the 50th Annual Adaptive Baseball World Series, featuring beep baseball, community activities, and a historic Chicago team.

After a court cleared him for a fifth year, Jalen Washington chose Tennessee, bringing size, experience and defensive presence to a Volunteers frontcourt that needed reinforcement.

The University of Alabama at Birmingham's football program is entering a pivotal 2026 season, with fall practice already underway under first‑year head coach Alex Mortensen. Quarterback Ryder Burton is back after a standout year, while new defensive coordinator Todd Grantham aims to rebuild a struggling defense.

DePaul Athletics is targeting 500 season tickets for the 2026‑27 women’s basketball season, offering $125 seats, sponsorships and donations to the Doug Bruno Fund, with real‑time tracking on DePaulBlueDemons.com.

After eight seasons under Colin Brice, Jacobs High School appoints Brian Taege as head coach, promising a culture shift and renewed focus on team play.

The University of Cincinnati women's soccer team opens its 2026 campaign on August 12 against Eastern Kentucky at Gettler Stadium, featuring a full slate of 18 matches, free home games and national ESPN+ coverage.

UTRGV Vaqueros earn preseason votes in the FCS Top 25 Poll, marking a historic milestone for the program as they prepare for a promising season.

The first game of the new Women’s Professional Baseball League drew a full house in Springfield, Illinois, reviving a historic sport for women and spotlighting the journey that brought the league to the field.

TCU's women's soccer team enters the 2026 season with a top preseason ranking, four players named to the All‑Big 12 Preseason Team, and a schedule that begins with road tests against Wisconsin and a home opener against UTSA.
The University of Rhode Island’s football program has cemented its place among the nation’s elite, landing at No. 7 in the latest Stats Perform FCS Top 25 poll as the Rams gear up for another shot at the Coastal Athletic Association crown.

The Huskies are projected third in the Big Ten preseason poll after a historic conference title, an Elite Eight run, and standout performances from Alex Buck, Tanner Ijams and Lucy Newlin.

Cal’s women’s basketball program welcomes back wing Shannon Dowell and adds transfer Albina Syla, bolstering a roster that could contend for the ACC title in the upcoming season.

Martha Reeves performed the national anthem at the first WPBL game in Springfield, Illinois, citing wet conditions and missing stage monitors as challenges, yet expressing pride in supporting the league’s debut.

The University of Wisconsin announced its full non-conference slate, highlighting early exhibitions, a Bahamas tournament, and a series of road games against Big Ten rivals before the regular season begins.

Ahead of the 2025 season, the Lions’ offense and defense are recognized across the conference, with standout performances from running back Steve Hall, receiver Jalen Smith and a defense anchored by Jacob Waller.

NASCAR and Anheuser‑Busch announced that Grammy‑winning artist Dierks Bentley will headline the 2026 Busch Light Summer Music Series at Iowa Speedway on August 9, 2026, just before the Iowa Corn 350 race, rounding out a weekend of ARCA, NASCAR Xfinity and Cup Series action.

ESPN's July release of its way‑too‑early Top 25 places the Florida Gators at No. 1, banking on a strong returning frontcourt, the eligibility‑boosted Denzel Aberdeen, and a high‑stakes opener against Duke.

Texas jumps to fourth in ESPN’s Way‑Too‑Early Top 25 after Marcus Spears Jr. pledged to the program, highlighting a revamped roster that could challenge for a championship.

The Illini conclude a summer marked by injuries and roster changes, as Coach Shauna Green assesses depth and competition for the upcoming season.

Tim Bankston, a 60‑year‑old basketball coach and mentor, was found dead from a gunshot wound in Auburn Gresham on July 29, 2026. His career, community impact, and the ongoing investigation are examined.

Iowa’s latest scholarship offer to Joy Pettigrew highlights a competitive recruiting push across the Midwest, as the Hawkeyes join a national chase for top‑tier guard talent.