Recent content from Jeff Day
U football continues strong activity in transfer portal with QB addition
The Gophers received a commitment from quarterback Dylan Wittke out of Virginia Tech, who ESPN rated as a Top-40 QB in the Class of 2023.
Series: What's happening at the U as NIL rules rock college sports?
In this series of stories, Star Tribune reporters explain and measure the impact of the new and still evolving name, image and likeness rules that are bringing unprecedented change to college sports.
Gophers volleyball feels rejuvenated in midst of spring season
The weekend match featured familiar players in a new light. Much has changed since December when the wheels appeared to be coming off for Keegan Cook after his first season as coach.
Ten big questions about the NIL revolution sweeping college sports
Our Q&A guides you through the latest information on name, image and likeness. We explain everything from how students make money to concerns about Title IX to legal issues still in play.
State's next champion? Teen travels world pursuing his tennis dream.
Max Exsted, a 16-year-old from Savage, is among the best junior tennis players in the world. Nurturing his talent has meant uprooting his life — without any guarantee of reaching his ambitious goals.
Gophers spring volleyball to feature St. Thomas, Iowa State and more
The Gophers will play a robust spring schedule with matches across Minnesota and Wisconsin as the team looks to build its identity in Keegan Cook's second season as head coach.
Sixteen-year-old from Savage wins junior doubles title at Australian Open
Max Exsted and teammate Cooper Woestendick won the junior Grand Slam trophy with two tense wins in Melbourne on Friday, including taking down the No. 1 seed in the semifinals.
Gophers volleyball finalizes 2024 coaching staff
Following the departure of two assistant coaches, Keegan Cook has finalized his staff for next season with Crissy Jones Schoonderwoerd, who spent last season as the interim head coach at Cal.
![The Minnesota Gophers volleyball team scrimmages during practice Monday, Aug. 14, 2023 at the Maturi Pavilion in Minneapolis, Minn. ] AARON LAVINSKY �](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/JVQPYQSVFWRTLKWCJZT7JXK5WU.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
U volleyball announces coaching changes ahead of spring practice
Assistant coaches Kylin Muñoz and Eric Barber have departed while former assistant coach Pedro Mendes is returning.
FAQ: Everything Minnesotans should know about betting on sports
Sports betting is spreading across America and taking a loud and bold hold on sporting culture, and it could come to Minnesota as soon as next year.
In dark times for the Timberwolves, Rubio was a bright light
The news that Ricky Rubio is retiring over mental health issues ends the NBA career of one of the most uniquely talented players in Timberwolves history.
Gophers 'no longer right fit'; volleyball star Landfair heads to Nebraska
In what is becoming an unwelcome holiday tradition, one of the U's top volleyball players — Taylor Landfair — became a transfer portal present for a Big Ten rival.
![Minnesota outside hitter Taylor Landfair looks on during practice Monday, Aug. 14, 2023 at the Maturi Pavilion in Minneapolis, Minn. ] AARON LAVINSKY](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/IVW7KYGBWO57IR37I4XUWFM6ZA.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Landfair's decision to transfer is another blow to Gophers volleyball
Taylor Landfair was the center of Gophers volleyball for two seasons. Her departure puts more pressure on coach Keegan Cook to shape what comes next.
Gophers volleyball standout Landfair enters transfer portal
Taylor Landfair was the Big Ten Player of the Year in 2022 and made the All-Big Ten first team this season in her first year under Keegan Cook.
Cook on Year 1 as Gophers volleyball coach: 'The urgency is really high'
Gophers volleyball coach Keegan Cook sat down to discuss the transfer portal, where he fell short as a coach this season and what comes next.
U volleyball season ends after Creighton sweeps in NCAA second round
The Bluejays, on their home court, defeated the Gophers 25-21, 25-20, 29-27 and advanced to the Sweet 16.
Gophers volleyball sweeps Utah State to reach second round of NCAAs
In control for the entire match, the Gophers won 25-17, 25-14, 25-23 to move on to Saturday's second round. A win there would mean a berth in the Sweet 16.
Gophers volleyball will need all their momentum, star power vs. Creighton
Jeff Day's analysis: Both teams swept their first-round opponent. The Gophers are up against a powerful team backed by passionate home crowd.
![Minnesota players give each other support at the volleyball game at the Maturi Pavilion in Minneapolis on Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023. ] Angelina Katsanis](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/FIKYRFNEJFLFEQNAFSAHYV65LE.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Gophers NCAA volleyball preview: Utah St. has experience, talent to handle U
Jeff Day's analysis: The Aggies are strong on the serve and stacked with seniors who have NCAA tournament experience. They will not be intimidated by the Gophers.
Unseeded underdogs: Is the U good enough for an NCAA volleyball run?
Being unseeded is a reminder that for a large swath of the season, Minnesota didn't play to its ability. Winning 10 of their last 14 matches is a reminder they can play with anyone.
Minnesotans in the NCAA volleyball tournament: Here's all 29 of them
The NCAA volleyball tournament begins today, the Gophers play at 4 p.m. Friday. There are 19 schools in the 64-team field with at least one Minnesotan on the roster. Meet them here.
![Minnesota outside Mckenna Wucherer (3) spikes the volleyball at game at the Maturi Pavilion in Minneapolis on Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023. ] Angelina Kats](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/BF4RTZ6XK2QALHCELTRJ3VGR6M.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
U volleyball will open NCAA tournament vs. Utah State in Omaha
A late season turnaround helped Minnesota finish fifth in the Big Ten and make the tournament for the ninth consecutive season.
Gophers volleyball falls to No. 1 Nebraska, awaits NCAA fate
Despite Saturday night's four-set loss, the Gophers won 10 of their final 14 matches and finished fifth in the Big Ten. The 64-team NCAA field is announced Sunday.
Landfair finds higher level as Gophers aim for NCAA tournament
After a sluggish start, Taylor Landfair has found her voice as a leader for the Gophers volleyball team as they try and secure a spot in the postseason.
U volleyball continues late-season turnaround with sweep of Ohio State
The Gophers won for the ninth time in 12 matches and played nearly flawless volleyball to bolster their chances of making the NCAA tournament.
U volleyball finds itself in unfamiliar place — on NCAA tournament bubble
In a season of surprise losses, long nights and clawing resiliency, the Gophers return home for their final four matches with an NCAA tournament berth in the balance.
In five tense sets, Gophers volleyball tops Indiana for critical win
Sophomore Julia Hanson came off the bench in the first set and played perhaps the best match of her career as Minnesota escaped Bloomington victorious.
![BRUCE BISPING • bbisping@startribune.com Minneapolis, MN.,, Friday, 1/22/2009]] Minnesota Gopher Basketball vs. Purdue. (center) Former Basketball c](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/VKJ3LDOKCPBJOGD2TDFHZVTX7Y.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Bobby Knight and Sid Hartman: The long, close personal friendship
The Star Tribune columnist, who died at age 100 in 2020, was known for his friendships in sports. Few went deeper than Sid's relationship with Bobby Knight, who died Wednesday.
Gophers volleyball match with Wisconsin shatters TV viewership record
The first Big Ten match to air on FOX became the most watched volleyball match in history and topped the NBA, NHL, Premier League and Formula 1 for viewership.
Gophers volleyball swept at No. 2 Wisconsin
The match made history by being broadcast over the air, but there was little drama to be found as the visitors were overwhelmed.
![Elise McGhie (10) of Minnesota serves in the fourth set Tuesday, August 29, 2023, Maturi Pavilion in Minneapolis, Minn. ] CARLOS GONZALEZ • carlos.g](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/X6LG3AYJXTUZIKQ2YGIXSMIRYA.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Gophers at Wisconsin volleyball preview: Tall task to beat the Badgers
Jeff Day's analysis: The Gophers beat Wisconsin last season but the task feels insurmountable this year. The Badgers have lost three sets in 11 conference matches.
Transfer of former U star adds heat to Gophers-Badgers volleyball rivalry
Carter Booth is one of the best volleyball players in the country — and that she left Minnesota after her freshman season for Wisconsin only adds to the Border Battle rivalry. The teams meet Sunday in a nationally televised match.
![Taylor Landfair (12) of Minnesota digs a ball in the fourth set Tuesday, August 29, 2023, Maturi Pavilion in Minneapolis, Minn. ] CARLOS GONZALEZ •](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/V4JMUBPJ2DKSZ233HQBERV2XZ4.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Gophers volleyball vs. Purdue preview: Can win streak hit another level?
Jeff Day's analysis: A crucial road test against the No. 16 Boilermakers gives Minnesota a chance to continue a midseason turnaround and climb in the Big Ten standings.
As top recruits watch, Gophers beat Northwestern in five-set thriller
In addition to six players who have committed to the Gophers volleyball team was a tantalizing possibility: a Missouri standout considered the nation's No. 1 recruit for 2025
Season of unprecedented losses. What's wrong with U volleyball?
The Gophers are 6-8 overall and 2-4 in the Big Ten, coming off losses to Maryland and Rutgers in Keegan Cook's first season as coach. The team has had issues to deal with from the start of the season.
U volleyball loses again to ranked opponent, falling in four sets to Penn State
Minnesota is now 6-6 overall, 2-2 in Big Ten play. The Gophers' six losses have all come against ranked opponents.
Gophers volleyball has 'room to grow' with Michigan, Penn State visiting
The Gophers volleyball team is 5-5 on the season and coming off a three-set loss at Nebraska. Senior Kylie Murr said, "There's still so much room to get better."
No. 12 Gophers volleyball keeps it close but swept at No. 2 Nebraska
The Cornhuskers seemed to come through when they had to at every key moment.
![Kylie Murr (6) of Minnesota reacts after a play in the second set Tuesday, August 29, 2023, Maturi Pavilion in Minneapolis, Minn. ] CARLOS GONZALEZ �](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/QQCVUA3WWTARR6SYTWAJMWWA3E.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
As Gophers volleyball enters Big Ten play, missing offense is a mystery
The offensive numbers are staggeringly low and just as importantly, they aren't passing the eye test, with Minnesota's opponents hitting them time and again with huge runs.
![Melani Shaffmaster (5) of Minnesota serves during the first set Tuesday, August 29, 2023, Maturi Pavilion in Minneapolis, Minn. ] CARLOS GONZALEZ •](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/XIKWXR5LF37H3ARRI5I32DEXBY.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Shaffmaster injured, No. 9 U volleyball falls in five sets to No. 14 Creighton
Setter Melani Shaffmaster exited in the fourth set but did return in the fifth for the No. 9 Gophers. However, they could not overcome the 14th-ranked Bluejays.
![Minnesota head coach Keegan Cook reacts in the fourth set Tuesday, August 29, 2023, Maturi Pavilion in Minneapolis, Minn. ] CARLOS GONZALEZ • carlos](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/WSIQPIKD6DGXMQFOJHBL62KHJQ.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Time to panic? U volleyball not going there despite resounding losses
Coach Keegan Cook is staying calm after losses to Texas and Florida, but that doesn't mean the Gophers aren't urgently addressing issues ahead of another big weekend.
Gophers volleyball gets championship lesson in four-set loss to Texas
Texas, who won the NCAA title last season, was crisp, assured and powerful — Minnesota was relentless but came up short in some fundamentals.
Gophers volleyball gets championship lesson in four-set loss to Texas
Texas, who won the NCAA title last season, was crisp, assured and powerful — Minnesota was relentless but came up short in some fundamentals.
Gophers volleyball transfers soaring as defending champ Texas hits town
The sting of losing Carter Booth and Jenna Wenaas didn't linger for the Gophers once Kylie Murr, Phoebe Awoleye and Lydia Grote arrived.
Gophers volleyball wins debut under new coach Keegan Cook, beating TCU
The Gophers dropped their first set before steadying and turning back the Horned Frogs.
How good can Gophers volleyball be? New-look team amped for its debut
The lineups and relationships are still being built, but a grueling non-conference schedule has arrived starting Friday. Here is what to watch for as the 2023 season gets underway.
New coach's challenge: Stabilize a shaken Gophers volleyball team
Hugh McCutcheon's departure left the U volleyball program reeling. His replacement, Keegan Cook, had eight months to refocus players, persuade wavering recruits and prepare for a season that begins this week.
Gophers volleyball ranked No. 7 in nation in AVCA preseason poll
Minnesota will face six ranked teams in its eight nonconference matches, including No. 1 Texas, No. 3 Stanford and No. 9 Oregon.
Gophers volleyball grabs top libero out of Europe to finalize '23 roster
Keegan Cook and his coaching staff have been in a dead sprint of roster building since taking over in December. It took a trip to Istanbul to find Zeynep Palabiyik.
U gets two more volleyball recruits as Cook debuts at Big Ten media days
With the Gophers volleyball season three weeks away, new coach Keegan Cook joined Taylor Landfair and Melani Shaffmaster in Chicago to talk about taking over the program.
Whalen details final days as Gophers women's basketball coach
In an interview Wednesday with Dan Barreiro on KFAN, Whalen discussed the last meeting she had with athletic director Mark Coyle and how she views her time at the U.
Border Battle doubleheader: Vikings, U volleyball back-to-back on FOX
The Gophers trip to Madison to face Wisconsin in volleyball this October was already going to be one of the marquee matchups of the season. Now it's even bigger.
Good communication lands Gophers two volleyball recruits the hard way
New volleyball coach Keegan Cook has commitments from a pair of 6-2 hitters. The interesting part? Cook cut one from a team he's coaching and the other really wanted to leave Minnesota.
What draft picks do the Wolves control in the next few years?
After the Rudy Gobert trade sapped the Timberwolves of a number of first-round draft picks, here is a glimpse of what picks they have remaining.
Key takeaways from the 2023 Gophers volleyball schedule
The complete 2023 schedule was released Wednesday and it features marquee matchups with Texas, Wisconsin, Stanford, Oregon and Nebraska and a rare homestand to end the season.
Lynx celebrate 25 years of success and the long fight for acceptance
Becoming a WNBA dynasty, winning four titles and producing a number of historic players will be part of this weekend — but the Lynx are just as proud of what they have accomplished off the court.
Gophers non-conference volleyball schedule packed with top teams
The Gophers may have a new head coach in Keegan Cook but some things don't change, like a monster non-conference schedule that includes defending national champion Texas.
'It's not OK,' Reeve says after frustrated Lynx lose, fall to 0-6
Minutes after a tense, rally-filled fight that ended with a 89-84 loss to Connecticut, Cheryl Reeve sat at the podium, rested her chin in her hand and found no silver linings.
Lynx lose to Sun, fall to 0-6. Coach Cheryl Reeve says, 'It's not OK'
Minutes after a tense, rally-filled fight that ended with a 89-84 loss to Connecticut, Cheryl Reeve sat at the podium, rested her chin in her hand and found no silver linings.
![Marc Lore, Alex Rodriguez, Glen and Becky Taylor celebrate at the end of the game Tuesday, April 12, at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minn. ] CARLOS G](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/DT7PEO7ZSAWWECRDOH3MTBTIJ4.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Local sports team values on an endless rise. Current total? Billions
It took $1 million to purchase the NFL franchise that became the Vikings. In the decades since, they have been joined by five other major Minnesota pro franchises — and their values have kept increasing. Here's a look at the rise.
Club volleyball's multimillion-dollar world: Dreams, sacrifice, cold reality
Thousands of girls gather in Minneapolis throughout the year for elite competition in pursuit of college scholarships. A family can pay over $30,000 (plus travel) for a child to play from age 12 to 18. Here's an inside look at that world.
'I see this bat come flying.' Gustavus star goes viral in breakout season
Drake Siens put an emphatic blast on a breakout regular season with a home run for Gustavus as they chased a conference title — what he did next lit up the internet.
Gophers coach, two players with USA Volleyball for Pan American Cup
New Gophers volleyball coach Keegan Cook is leading the Under-19 team that includes one of his players, and another Gopher is on the Under-21 team that will play later this month.
When injuries became too much, U tennis team forced to cancel season
Amid injuries and illness, the Gophers women had some euphoric moments. But when the team was down to three healthy players, there was simply too much to overcome to keep competing.
Former St. Thomas star Rohde commits to Virginia as a transfer
The Milwaukee native led the Tommies in scoring and assists and was named first team All-Summit League and the conference freshman of the year.
Gophers exhibition with Athletes Unlimited shows promise of pro volleyball
Maturi Pavilion served as a split showcase for volleyball on Tuesday night, with Athletes Unlimited bringing a pro model to campus and the Gophers showing their development under new coach Keegan Cook.
Bob Johnson's love of hockey changed his name, and the sport
With unending enthusiasm, 'Badger Bob' Johnson found success at every level of hockey, winning three NCAA titles at Wisconsin and a Stanley Cup with the Penguins. Now he enters the Minnesota Sports Hall of Fame.
Thompson's giants steps for the Gophers were taken in stride
Mychal Thompson's historic career with the Gophers led to a life in sports, something he said he never takes for granted as he enters the Minnesota Sports Hall of Fame.
By focusing on others, Freeman transformed sports at Minnesota
Jean Freeman was offered $50 to become coach of the Gophers women's swimming program in 1974. She would lead the team for 31 years and become an icon. This week she's inducted into the Minnesota Sports Hall of Fame.
Gophers volleyball signs middle blocker transfer from Loyola Marymount
Phoebe Awoleye ranked 19th in blocks per set in the nation last season and fills a key area of need after the transfer of Carter Booth to Wisconsin.
Ten from Big Ten are selected to Minnesota Sports Hall of Fame
Gophers basketball pioneer Linda Roberts, Vikings linebacker and executive Scott Studwell and hockey ambassador Lou Nanne headline a Big Ten-themed group, all of whom made a major mark on Minnesota sports.
Big Ten volleyball Defensive Player of the Year transferring to Minnesota
Kylie Murr, a standout libero at Ohio State who was All-Big Ten the past three seasons, will use her fifth and final year of eligibility at Minnesota.
McCutcheon on why he resigned as Gophers volleyball coach
Hugh McCutcheon knew his decision would impact others, and he did not make it lightly — but his decision to change professions was about finding meaning and living in truth.
Bring it: New U volleyball coach Cook welcomes the pressure
This isn't the first time Keegan Cook, who was hired as Gophers volleyball coach last week, has stepped into a program with major success and expectations to do even better.
'I can do this': Q&A with new Gophers volleyball coach Keegan Cook
After eight successful seasons at Washington, the newly named Gophers volleyball coach discusses why he changed jobs, replacing Hugh McCutcheon and how he views the current roster.
