Recent content from Jeff Day
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.
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.
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.
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.
![Taylor Landfair (12) of Minnesota returns a serve during the third set Tuesday, August 29, 2023, Maturi Pavilion in Minneapolis, Minn. ] CARLOS GONZAL](https://chorus.stimg.co/24883778/08_05UVOL083023.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
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.
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.
Gophers hire Washington's Cook as new volleyball coach
Keegan Cook won four Pac-12 titles in eight seasons with the Huskies and will replace Hugh McCutcheon, who resigned after 11 seasons as coach to take a role within the athletic department.
What comes next for Gophers volleyball with McCutcheon era as coach ended?
McCutcheon's resignation, the hiring of a new coach and the question of keeping a stellar roster intact looms over an unprecedented offseason.
Gophers' depth, youth no match for Ohio State in Sweet 16 volleyball loss
Outgoing coach Hugh McCutcheon focused not on the season-ending loss but on his gratitude for a team that rallied around his final season — and the promise in a future under new leadership.
Live Updates: Gophers drop Sweet 16 match to Ohio State in four sets
Can't watch the match this morning? Star Tribune volleyball writer Jeff Day has live dates on the Minnesota-Ohio State volleyball match in the NCAA Sweet 16.
Gophers volleyball finds new heights ahead of Ohio State in Sweet 16
"We have proved that we deserve to be here," freshman Carter Booth said of a team that tore down everything to build a new foundation this season.
Gophers volleyball faces familiar foe in Buckeyes in NCAA Sweet 16
The Gophers vs. Ohio State. Texas vs. Marquette. On a showcase day for college volleyball, Minnesota is back in the Sweet 16.
In McCutcheon's last home match, U volleyball reaches Sweet 16 with sweep over UNI
With the win, the Gophers are off to Austin, Texas, to face Ohio State in the regional.
Gophers volleyball sweeps SE Louisiana in NCAA first-round match
Minnesota was balanced, hitting .327 as middle blocker Carter Booth led the team with 11 kills. The Gophers held Southeastern Louisiana to .131 hitting and posted 11 blocks.
After McCutcheon's decision to resign, Gophers volleyball surged
Minnesota opens the NCAA tournament as the No. 8 overall seed after a stellar finish to Big Ten play. But the Gophers start to this season was rocky — and then came shocking news.
Gophers volleyball plays host to first two rounds of NCAA tournament
The tournament starts Friday with Northern Iowa facing Florida State and Minnesota facing Southeastern Louisiana.
Gophers' Landfair named Big Ten Volleyball Player of the Year
After missing the bulk of last season because of a torn abdominal muscle, Taylor Landfair anchored the Gophers and led the Big Ten in points and kills.
Gophers volleyball earns No. 2 seed in Texas regional of NCAA tournament
Minnesota earned the No. 8 overall seed and will open against Southeastern Louisiana on Friday at Maturi Pavilion while the Longhorns loom as the No. 1 overall seed in the tournament.
Big finish to Big Ten volleyball for Gophers, three other top teams
The four top teams in the conference will play a quasi round-robin on Friday and Saturday that will determine the Big Ten championship ahead of the NCAA tournament.
New book from U's McCutcheon gives a glimpse into job change
Gophers volleyball coach Hugh McCutcheon doesn't want to talk about his transition to assistant athletic director until after the season — but a new book appears to shed light on his motives.
Despite uncertainty around coach, U volleyball signs two top recruits
Sydney Schnichels and Calissa Minatee signed with the Gophers even though the program will not name a replacement for resigning coach Hugh McCutcheon until after the season.
Top volleyball recruit Choboy switches commitment from Gophers to Nebraska
Laney Choboy, generally considered the best libero in the country, said her decision to switch schools stemmed from the news that Gophers volleyball coach Hugh McCutcheon will resign at the end of the season.
McCutcheon won't say why he'll be resigning as U volleyball coach
Saying he wouldn't be answering any questions about his unexpected announcement that he will retire at season's end didn't stop the questions from coming when Hugh McCutcheon met with reporters.
Will next Gophers volleyball coach be able to keep McCutcheon's recruits?
Analysis: Whoever Minnesota hires to replace Hugh McCutcheon will face a unique challenge: Selling some of the best volleyball players in America that they should continue their careers and stick with their commitments to the Gophers.
McCutcheon stuns volleyball world by saying he'll leave U at end of season
Gophers volleyball coach Hugh McCutcheon wouldn't comment Sunday night after his decision to resign. Ten months ago, he agreed to a contract extension through 2025.
Great expectations for St. Thomas football in only Year 2 of Division I
In their move from Division III to D-I, the Tommies are grappling with a 12-month swing from trying to do something unprecedented to succeeding wildly — and the expectations that come with that.
Amid rising ticket sales and ratings, U volleyball seeks brighter spotlight
The Gophers will open the season with its usual Big Ten title and national title hopes — and a question from its coach: "What more do we have to do to be a revenue sport?"
Seven players to know about as U volleyball opens 2022 season
Depth and balance are the words being used to describe this year's roster — here are seven players to keep an eye on.
How to watch (nearly) every Gophers volleyball match this season
Almost all of the highly ranked team's matches will be available through cable, satellite or streaming services. The challenge can be where to find the match you're looking for. Here's a guide.
17 K's, 15 years ago: Reliving Johan Santana's record-setting afternoon
On Aug. 19, 2007, the former Twins Cy Young winner put on the pitching performance of a lifetime.
What could new Big Ten media rights deal mean for the Gophers?
From doubling media revenue to increased national exposure, the Big Ten's historic media deal will have a major impact on the University of Minnesota.
Gophers volleyball ranked No. 5 in preseason AVCA poll
After finishing last season ranked No. 7, Hugh McCutcheon's team jumps two spots in the preseason American Volleyball Coaches Association poll.
Reeve says Lynx having hard time with Griner verdict as world reacts
Britney Griner's conviction and sentencing in a Russian courtroom on Thursday wasn't a surprise — but it weighed heavily on WNBA players and others who followed her case.
U volleyball excited for worldwide TV exposure, California expansion
A new international broadcast deal and the arrival of USC and UCLA in 2024 were hot topics discussed at the first Big Ten volleyball media days.
Two U volleyball players named preseason All-Big Ten; team picked 3rd in poll
CC McGraw and Jenna Wenaas were named to the preseason All-Big Ten team on Monday at the first ever Big Ten Volleyball Media Days in Chicago
'Today is a blessing.' McKenzie's message took time to grow on his players
For men who played for Larry McKenzie, who retired as boys' basketball head coach at North High this week after one of the most successful coaching careers in Minnesota history, the lessons of their teenage years remain.
North coaching legend McKenzie retires, troubled by changes in game
In addition winning six state titles at North and Henry, Larry McKenzie built a legacy as a mentor. He lamented that basketball "is moving from what for me was a team sport to more of an individual sport pretending to be a team sport."
Everything sets up right for U to get commitment from star's sister
Stella Swenson is the younger sister of Gophers great Samantha Seliger-Swenson, but the decision to attend Minnesota was anything but predetermined for the Wayzata setter.
U volleyball gets commitment from state's top recruit for 2024 class
Stella Swenson helped Wayzata to a Class 4A championship as a sophomore and was named the state's Gatorade Player of the Year. Her sister had a standout career at the U.
Mock drafts high on ex-Minnehaha star Holmgren. But how high?
High-profile mock drafts are mostly in agreement on who will select the ex-Minnehaha Academy star, who is headed to the NBA after one season at Gonzaga.
Six players the Wolves could take with the 19th pick in the NBA draft
For only the second time in 18 years the team's top pick falls outside the lottery. The latest mock drafts have players at every position ending up in Minnesota.
U volleyball sets rugged 2022 schedule of Big Ten, national powers
Minnesota has 16 matches against Top 25 opponents from last season, starting with a rematch of their Sweet 16 NCAA match and opening the Big Ten home schedule against the defending national champions.
Thursday's Canterbury Park results
1 6½ furlongs. Fillies and mares. 3-year-olds and up. Starter optional claiming: $5,000. Purse: $22,000.5 • Where's Frankie (H. Hernandez) 3.20 2.40 2.206 • Even…
How the Gophers rewire the nation's top volleyball recruits
Three of the nation's top prep players enrolled at the University of Minnesota this spring and got right to work, learning coach Hugh McCutcheon's formula for success. It meant forgetting everything they knew about the sport that has dominated their lives.
