Historic Spikes Set for Wrigley Field Showdown
Penn State women’s volleyball will break new ground this September as part of the inaugural Big Ten/SEC Volleyball Challenge, staging a doubleheader at Chicago’s iconic Wrigley Field. The Nittany Lions will face Kentucky in the headline match on Sept. 6, followed by Nebraska against Missouri. The event highlights the growing popularity of collegiate women’s volleyball, featuring recent national champions—including Penn State’s 2024 title squad. Matches kick off at 7 and 9 p.m. ET, with tickets on sale April 9 via the Chicago Cubs. This marks the first volleyball event at Wrigley Field, a historic first that continues Penn State’s tradition of outdoor matchups, recalling the men’s hockey “Frozen Confines” game in 2025. Head coach Katie Schumacher-Cawley, an ESPY award winner, leads a program with 45 consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances and eight national titles. Senior Kennedy Martin, a three‐time All‐American, brings record‐setting firepower to the lineup after transferring from Florida.
Finally, a reason to visit the friendly confines that isn’t a Cubs game—live volleyball on that ivy wall! Because nothing says “collegiate athletics innovation” like trying to spike a ball over bleachers built for peanuts and cracker jacks. Big Ten and SEC honchos must have thought, “Hey, the outfield looks a lot like a volleyball court if you squint.” And let’s not forget the revolutionary strategy: playing volleyball in a place that’s historically been too windy for hot dogs, let alone aces. By September, thousands of fans will be screaming “service fault!” and “kill!” in a venue where historically they screamed “walk!” and “strike!” It’s the perfect clash of sports traditions—because who wouldn’t pay premium for a sunburn and a sore neck from looking up at every high‐flying set?
Nittany Lions Net NHL Deals With Future Stars
Two Penn State men’s hockey standouts inked NHL entry‐level contracts shortly after the NCAA season concluded. Goaltender Kevin Reidler agreed to a two‐year deal with the Ottawa Senators, while junior forward Matt DiMarsico signed with the Colorado Avalanche, both set to start in 2026–27. Reidler, drafted in the fifth round in 2022, will finish the current season on an Amateur Tryout Agreement with Ottawa’s AHL affiliate in Belleville, boasting an 11–7 record and .901 save percentage in his lone season at Penn State. DiMarsico, an honorable mention All‐Big Ten honoree, tallied 100 career points with 42 goals and 58 assists, and will report to the Colorado Eagles. Both players expressed gratitude to Penn State’s passionate fanbase. Their signings continue a wave of Nittany Lions turning pro, capping a season that ended in a 3–1 NCAA Tournament loss to Minnesota–Duluth.
Ah, the storied pipeline from Happy Valley to hockey’s big leagues—because college should only be about academics if you’re not good enough to turn pro. Ottawa and Colorado clearly saw those Penn State sweaters and thought, “Yes, these kids have what it takes to sit in hotel meetings and practice driving a Zamboni.” Meanwhile, fans get to swap their lawn chairs for folding seats in AHL rinks, cheering for prospects who last week were fumbling through finals. It’s a classic underdog story: guys who once tripped over bulldozers on campus ice now chasing Lord Stanley’s cup. Penn State coach Guy Gadowsky must be thrilled—every transfer is a recruitment ad, and every NHL signing is free marketing. Who knew the fastest way to national fame was skating around in midwestern ice?
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