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John Volk

Sports intern | Sports intern

John Volk is a sports reporting intern for the Star Tribune.

Recent content from John Volk
Joe Doerrer, right, and Nolan Newberg, who run Strictly Bball together, stand for a portrait at Shamrock Park Monday, June 20, 2022 in Shoreview, Minn

1 minute, 1.2 million followers: Holmgren video sprouts TikTok success story

It started with a video of basketball star Chet Holmgren — and has expanded into a moneymaker that has brought social media fame (and revenue) to two guys from Shoreview.
Rosemount hurdler Ava Cinnamo and Roseville Area hurdler Ava Fitzgerald clear the final hurdle in the girls’ 100-meter relay at the Hamline Elite Me

No. 1: Minnesota still national leader in girls' sports participation

Girls' prep sports participation in Minnesota has grown to the point that it now often runs even or close to the boys' participation rates in the state.
New York Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu

Lynx lose to Liberty, drop within half-game of last place in WNBA

Sabrina Ionescu, the first overall pick in 2020, scored a team-high 26 points on 10-for-11 shooting for the Liberty and the Lynx couldn't keep up.
Minnesota Lynx forward-guard Aerial Powers dribbles the ball during a WNBA basketball game against the Seattle Storm, Friday, May 6, 2022, in Seattle.

Powers scores 27, grabs control late as Lynx hold off New York rally

The Liberty, trailing by as many as 19 points, came within a point of overtaking the Lynx on Sunday. Then, Aerial Powers took over.
USA National Team and Minnesota Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve during practice with the National Team in Minneapolis, Minn., on Wednesday, March 30, 202

Griner's ongoing detainment 'unacceptable,' says Lynx coach Reeve

Two-time Olympian Brittney Griner has been detained in Russia since February. "She needs to get home now," Lynx and USA basketball coach Cheryl Reeve said.
A participant from the Minnesota Veterans Home in Minneapolis showed off his “trophy” sunfish.

In Eden Prairie and beyond, fishing aficionados reel in memories

The nonprofit Let's Go Fishing is gearing up for another summer of free trips for seniors, youths, veterans and hospice patients across Minnesota and Wisconsin.
Minnesota United midfielder Will Trapp (20) and New York City midfielder Alfredo Morales (7) fought for the ball in Saturday’s game at Allianz Field

Minnesota United players look to shake off a frustrating May

The Loons' scoring output for the month was less than half of what the numbers say it should be.
A baseball game between St. Olaf College and Carleton College in Northfield in 1887.

How did pro baseball get its start in Minnesota?

Fierce competition among teams in the 1800s helped fuel the transition to paid players. Growing competitiveness, race-based exclusion and cheating scandals marked baseball's earliest days in Minnesota.
Minnesota's Shelby Hopeau (15) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal against Green Bay during the second half.

Aurora holds lead until final minute of debut, draws with Green Bay

The Aurora held the lead the final minute of its franchise debut in front of a capacity crowd at TCO Stadium. The outcome did little to dampen the night's enthusiasm.

Minnesota Aurora holds lead until final minute of debut, draws 1-1 with Green Bay

The Minnesota Aurora has 24 college-level players on its roster heading into Thursday’s franchise opener.

Aurora Q&A: What to know about Minnesota's new women's soccer team

The Aurora will play their inaugural game Thursday night at TCO Stadium in Eagan against the Green Bay Glory.
Minnesota Aurora goalkeeper Sarah Fuller practiced at the TCO Performance Center in Eagan, preparing for Thursday’s opener.

Goalkeeper and placekicker: Fuller gives Aurora star power to build on

Beyond her college football fame, Sarah Fuller is a talented goalie and determined mentor for the younger players on the new soccer team, which pays for the first time today.
Vikings receiver Olabisi Johnson missed last season because of a knee injury.

Vikings' Olabisi Johnson rediscovers passion for football (and hockey)

The 2019 draft pick missed all of last season after tearing an ACL during training camp, ahead of what many predicted could be a breakout year for the wide receiver.
Las Vegas guard Jackie Young drives past Lynx forward Aerial Powers during Thursday's game.

Powers seeks out Michael Jordan, breaks slump in Lynx loss to Aces

In the worst shooting slump of her career, guard Aerial Powers texted Jordan for advice. He offered some, and Powers — despite playing sick — scored a game-high 25 points.
Seattle goalkeeper Stefan Frei, left, had help from two defenders in thwarting a Loons attack in the second half of the Sounders’ 3-1 victory over M

Minnesota United continues futility in Seattle with 3-1 loss to Sounders

Robin Lod scored in the 34th minute, but the Loons allowed three goals in the second half and extended their losing streak to seven games when on the road against the Sounders.
Minnesota United midfielder Osvaldo Alonso (6) dribbles in front of Seattle Sounders midfielder Cristian Roldan, left, and midfielder Nicolas Lodeiro

Sounders' all-around success a blueprint for MLS and Loons

The Seattle Sounders are a formidable opponent for teams in and out of the MLS, something Loons coach Adrian Heath finds inspiring.
Minnesota United's Abu Danladi (18) tried to control the ball against Seattle Sounders on Saturday, April 2, 2022, at Allianz Field. (Courtesy of Minn

Gameday preview: Loons looking to build on midweek victory

Despite missing out on a day of rest, the Loons hope momentum can see them through a tough away trip to the CCL winners.
Emanuel Reynoso (10) celebrated with teammates Joseph Rosales (8), Kervin Arriaga (33), Robin Lod (17) and Bongokuhle Hlongwane (21) after breaking a

Reynoso's goal lifts Loons over Colorado, into round of 16 of U.S. Open Cup

With Minnesota United down to 10 men and the team's finishing prowess seemingly washed away by Wednesday's storm, Emanuel Reynoso took matters into his own hands.
Allianz Field flooded during a storm on Wednesday. The game, tied 1-1 in the 18th minute, was suspended until Thursday.

Storm shuts down United's U.S. Open Cup match, will resume today

The night started with two quick goals in Minnesota United's U.S. Open Cup match with Colorado Rapids at Allianz Field. It ended with a game abandoned at Allianz Lake.
Everton’s Demarai Gray, left, challenged for the ball with Leicester’s Youri Tielemans during the English Premier League match Sunday.

Soccer summer at Allianz Field gets bigger with Everton-Loons friendly

Minnesota United coach Adrian Heath scored 94 goals in his eight years as a player at Everton. One of those goals lives forever.
Colorado Rapids defender Lalas Abubakar, left, tackled Loons midfielder Franco Fragapane during an April 16 MLS match at Allianz Field, won 3-1 by the

Gameday preview: Loons face Colorado in U.S. Open Cup

Minnesota United will use a mixture of starters and backups, coach Adrian Heath said, in its round of 32 matchup.
Clockwise from left to right: Odyssey Sims, Layshia Clarendon, Crystal Dangerfield

Changing of the guards: Lynx sign Sims; cut Clarendon, Dangerfield

The Lynx overhauled their backcourt to prepare for Friday's season opener. But will any of the players who didn't make the current roster be back soon?
Daniel Faalele of the Gophers was drafted in the fourth round by the Baltimore Ravens.

Ravens select Gophers' Faalele in fourth round of NFL draft

Daniel Faalele, a 6-8, 384-pound Australian, is the first Minnesota offensive lineman drafted since 2006 — and the highest-drafted member of the offensive line picked in over 30 years.
Defensive end Boye Mafe (34) led the Gophers in sacks and tackles for loss each of the past two seasons.

Seahawks take Gophers defensive end Mafe in second round

Taken with the 40th pick, Hopkins graduate Boye Mafe is the highest-drafted Gophers defensive end since Bud Grant, whom the Eagles selected 14th overall in 1950.
Donald Verhota booed after hearing the announcement that the Vikings traded their No. 12 pick for No. 32.

Vikings fans' 'happy place' turns sour with first-round trade

Some fans who gathered at U.S. Bank Stadium for a draft party were willing to give the team's new GM the benefit of the doubt.
Center Sylvia Fowles scored 16 points in 15 minutes in the Lynx’s 78-66 preseason loss at Washington on Wednesday.

Lynx drop preseason opener to Delle Donne, Mystics

Fourteen players saw action for Minnesota, which has one more preseason game before opening the regular season at Seattle.
Goal scorer Kervin Arriaga celebrated with Minnesota United teammates Abu Danladi (18), Bakaye Dibassy (12) and Bongokuhle Hlongwane (21) after Arriag

Late scoring explosion lifts Loons past Chicago Fire

Emanuel Reynoso found the bottom right corner of the net to put Minnesota United in front 1-0 in the 72nd minute and after Chicago went down to 10 players with a red card, the scoring gates opened.
Layshia Clarendon

Clarendon brings joy to leadership in second year with Lynx

After being signed and released seven times by the Lynx last season to keep them on the roster, Layshia Clarendon signed a permanent deal in Minnesota this February.
Ja Morant of the Grizzlies, left, and Patrick Beverley of the Wolves are among the key players heading into the best-of-seven series.

Timberwolves vs. Memphis: Key matchups and who has the edge

Memphis is led by star Ja Morant, and the Grizzlies have several other players who will challenge the Wolves.
Memphis guard Ja Morant got between New Orleans defenders on Saturday.

Morant emerges as superstar, will lead Memphis against Wolves

Grizzlies All-Star point guard Ja Morant expressed his admiration for the Timberwolves, calling them "his favorite team to play against."

Wolves-Clippers play-in game recap

A quick look back at Tuesday night's game.
(Clockwise from top left) Emioly Engstler of Louisville, Christyn Willians of UConn, Naz Hillmon of Michigan, Kierstan Bell of Florida Gulf Coast and

WNBA draft: Five players who caught our eye during March Madness

Louisville's Emily Engstler and South Carolina's Destanni Henderson are among the draft-eligible players who boosted their profiles during the postseason.
Greg Monroe

Well-traveled center Greg Monroe returns to Timberwolves

The 6-11 veteran has also played for the Capitals, Jazz and Bucks this season and gives the team some inside size and depth.
Gophers defensive back Tyler Nubin looks on during spring practice Tuesday

Gophers safety Nubin brings intensity to new leadership role

Tyler Nubin drew praise from defensive coordinator Joe Rossi for a work ethic that matches his talent.
Sights and sounds: Cultural relevance of women's basketball on display all weekend

Sights and sounds: Cultural relevance of women's basketball on display all weekend

"Just talk about the sold-out crowd," Lynx star Natalie Achonwa said.
Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi on their Target Center set.

Sights and sounds: Bird and Taurasi are must-see Final Four TV

The former UConn stars have their own show from Target Center during the that has the feel of watching from a friend's house.
Ronnell Harris, a native of Kansas City, held a sign reading “I NEED TICKETS” across the street from Target Center.

Sights and sounds: Downtown Minneapolis comes alive for Women's Final Four

Out and about in and around Target Center. Friday felt normal, which also feels different.