Good Morning Campers! -- MONDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

JUNE AND JULY FEATURE SEVERAL UOFL WOMEN'S ATHLETIC CAMPS

Learning the game the right way. Receiving instruction and honing skills from qualified and knowledgeable instructors. Testing your skills and seeing how you fare in a group environment against your peers and age group. 

These are a few of the things that the youth in sports can gain and benefit from in summer camps on the University of Louisville campus in June and July. Almost all of the sports programs at UofL offer summer camps and the participants flock to them to learn, compete, have fun and grow their games and confidence. Let's look at a couple this morning. 

WOMEN'S BASKETBALL CAMPS

Jeff Walz, his assistants and staff, and the Cardinal WBB student-athletes just recently completed a team camp on Sunday. A team camp for junior varsity and varsity squads. The final camp of the summer will start Wednesday (June 20th.) and is the eagerly anticipated Elite Camp for 9-12 graders. 

Over the years, I've dropped in to watch this one and have seen many future DI stars work their games under the watchful eye of the Cardinals. The venue has changed over the years...previously at Cardinal Arena and the S.A.C. building, the camp has moved across campus and is staged at the  Student Recreation Center (SRC). 

Kate Tucker is the information "to-go" source on this one and, as the hard-working WBB Director of Operations, has always been gracious in getting me information about it. Drop her a message at kate@gocards.com if you have questions. Tell her Paulie sent ya.  Unfortunately, ol' Paulie will be unable to attend this year but I know several of our readers like to go or have kids involved in it...so, we'll look to you for updates. 

FIELD HOCKEY CAMPS

Justine Sowry's Skills Camps were held June 4-7 and June 11-14. Having watched these in the past, I can tell you that the participants are coached and assisted in improving their skills in the various positions that Field Hockey student-athletes perform in. "Coach" was an-ex goalkeeper and there are numerous current and ex-players at the ready to work with the campers and help them on working on their skills and strategy. 

Field Hockey still has an Elite Camp (July 1-2) and a Team Camp (July 20-22) ahead and the best and most promising will flock to Trager to enjoy the competition and knowledge available at these. 

Debbie Bell is the contact for Field Hockey camps and can be reached at (502)852-7616 for further information. 

WOMEN'S SOCCER


Karen Ferguson Dayes and the UofL women's soccer program carries on an ambitious summer camp schedule that offers quality instructions and several different facets of skills levels. They get underway today (June 18th.) with their Future Cardinals Camp. This camp focuses on mastering the rudimentary skills that make up the game of soccer. It's a five-day camp (June 18-22) and, although the registration is closed for this particular camp, information about future summer camps is available at the www.gocards.com website or from director of operations Jing Hughley. jing@gocards.com 

In past years, this camp has taken place at the practice field at the corner of Floyd and Warnock, across from McDonald's 

Other summer camps this year for WSOC include another Future Cardinals Camp from July 16-20th and a Summer Elite Camp on July 22nd. 

VOLLEYBALL


Get ready for a very busy July of camps hosted by UofL Volleyball, Dani Busboom Kelly and her staff. The first one is the High School Elite Skills Camp that begins July 5th and runs through the 7th. 

It's the first of four in July and following it...there is a Libero Camp (July 9th), Setting/Hitting Camp (July 10th), Serving Camp (July 10th) and High School Team Camp (July 11-13th). It's a busy summer for the Serve and Kill Cards...Volleyball has already had four camps this summer! 

These will be held at Cardinal Arena (in the S.A.C. building) and also at the S.R.C.  

Sarah Petkovic is the contact for these and available at sarah@gocards.com for questions and information. 


LACROSSE did not have any information available on camps, which is understandable due to....a new coach.SOFTBALL has cancelled all camps... a search for a coach, of course, is going on.

I found the Go Cards.com website a great source for information on these and, if you are interested in learning more about these camps, I'd suggest a visit there first...Other sports have camps as well. 

I wish there had been camps like this available when I was a kid growing up. They are excellent opportunities to improve your skills and knowledge in your sport and (who knows)...maybe you'll catch the eye "of a certain someone" and parlay that into a college chance to perform!!!!

There may not be conference contests, weekly pressers, stat releases or results to analyze and discuss on Floyd St. right now...but there IS still plenty of activity. The future Cardinals in many sports are getting a good long look at the facilities, staffs and workings of their sport of participation. The coaches and staff are doing some looking as well...making notes and getting a glimpse into the future. 

Good morning campers! Rise and shine...it's "go" time !!!


paulie
xxxxx

Worldwide Volleyball Update -- SUNDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

Volleyball Update

Worldwide is writing about Volleyball again?  I'm sure you're shocked.

Jared covered the news the other day that Tess Clark had signed a Pro contract in France to play volleyball, and that news, on the Cardinal Couple Radio Hour yesterday, led into a bit of a path down Volleyball news and updates that we had not really covered very well.  So let's do a little catching up with the situation for Volleyball, including a discussion of their schedule for the Fall, as well as a quick rundown of the new folks expected to join the team.

Let's start with a roster update.  With the graduation of Tess Clark, Maggie DeJong, Gabbie Wiley, and Colene Coussens, along with the departures of Kali Eaken, and Alexia Byrnes to other schools, the Cardinals Volleyball roster is depleted in numbers, but really not suffering too badly for talent levels.  If you look at the roster site http://gocards.com/roster.aspx?roster=247&path=wvball, you'll see it has been updated to remove the graduates and transfers, but hasn't yet added incoming Freshmen (and, who knows, we may still get a surprise incoming transfer).  Basically what you see if you look right now is the lineup that the Cardinals had for spring play...a playing schedule that saw a reasonable degree of success.  Almost certainly in the starting lineups you'll see: Molly Sauer and Alexis Hamilton in defensive roles, with Molly almost certainly retaining the Libero jersey.  Wilma Rivera will continue to be lead the team at the setting position, while Jasmine Bennett and Piper Roe will be playing in middle blocker/hitter roles.  So far, these are rather safe predictions.  As for hitting, things get a bit murky.  Melanie McHenry, and Amanda Green are pretty much shoe-ins for the role, and you would expect, with this roster, for both of them to play full rotations and fill in with defensive roles.  Beyond that, Marijke van Dyke, the January transfer from Illinois, should continue to have an offensive role, and Megan Sloan will likely get some time to shine as well.

Now let's shake it up a bit and look at the incoming freshman, and see how they may make some
changes to the above.  The biggest lack is in outside and opposite hitting, though it would be nice to pick up another good asset for the defense.  A backup setter would be nice as well, and if we're filling out a wish list, a middle blocker/hitter to be in development.  Specifically in hitting, we don't really have any hitters who are particularly adept or specialized in right side, or opposite, hitting.  So who are the newcomers?  Let's take a look:

Claire Chaussee - 5'11" Outside Hitter from Wisconsin
Aiko Jones - 6'1" Right side/Opposite Hitter from Jamaica
Emily Scott - 6'2" Middle from Wisconson
Anaya Martin - 5'7" Setter from Georgia
Maggie Mullen - 5'3" Libero/Defensive Specialist from Nebraska
Mia Stander - 5'3" Libero/Defensive Specialist from Georgie

OK, outside hitting, including some emphasis at right side/opposite:  check
Flesh out the defense a bit:  check
Backup setter:  check
Middle to be in development:  check

And now I'm excited for Volleyball season to get started.

What do I know about these players?  Well, as incoming freshmen, there are a lot of question marks.  The hitters are both quite athletic, particularly Aiko Jones as I understand it.  The word about Maggie Mullen is that she is the real deal in defense.  The other three, I'm not terribly familiar with, so we'll have to see how they fare at the Red and Black Scrimmage (August 18th, 6pm, Cardinal Arena, free admission).  So with the pressing needs being hitting and defense...I'd say we're in pretty good shape.

Oh, I've also seen a hint of what's to come for 2019, it just keeps getting better.

Let's move on to scheduling and twitter...oh wait, no, that's our Radio Hour process.  We're just going to talk about the Fall Volleyball schedule here.

The Red and Black Scrimmage, mentioned above, gets things rolling with a sneak peak of what the team is going to look like.  Do keep in mind that this event always happens about halfway through the "Fall Camp" for volleyball.  The team gets about two weeks of 2-a-day practices before school starts, and the Red and Black Scrimmage is after the first typically.  More improvement will happen after the scrimmage and before the schedule gets underway.

The first weekend, August 24th and 25th is the Cardinal Classic, with Tennessee-Martin, Southern Illinois, and IUPUI coming to Cardinal Arena.  This will be a good warmup for the Cards.

Heading south for the next weekend, the University of Florida Tournament will be the destination where the Cards will be meeting up with Central Florida and USC (Southern Cal), in addition to the host Gators.  Nothing like getting into serious matchups early in the season.  USC is a perennial Volleyball powerhouse (shockingly...they're in the PAC-12...Volleyball is the one sport that conference seems to be really good at), and Florida had some barnburners of matchups against a very good Kentucky team in the SEC last year.  This one runs 8/31 through 9/2.

The next weekend, Lipscomb and Xavier, head north with the Cards (ok, well, mostly west for Xavier, but a bit north as well) to be hosted by Purdue.  The Boilermakers have had some good years in Volleyball although they haven't been particularly strong in recent years.  This should all be good competition for the Cards.  9/7 and 9/8 for this one.

Mark your calendars for Kentucky to come back to Cardinal Arena on September 14th for the first time since September 16, 2009.  A 7pm start, this one should be loud and crazy.  In 2009, when UK played in Cardinal Arena, the stated attendance on the stat sheet was 1,270...Cardinal Arena officially seated 840 at the time.  I was there...I'm glad the fire marshal wasn't.

Chattanooga will be the next foe, and let's hope that CardNation doesn't still have a hangover the next day after the UK match for this one.

After that, UofL starts into conference play for the rest of the season with the usual foes.  One note on an ACC foe in Volleyball.  I mentioned, during the CCRH yesterday, that Notre Dame was continuing their rebuilding and was back to being a good team after a complete program implosion 3 years ago.  I specifically mentioned the head coach as being part of the reason for their rebuilding success.  (I didn't mention the name, because it had slipped my mind at the moment).  I did see news last night that, Jim McLaughlin, the head coach, has decided to step down due to health reasons, specifically back pain that has gotten severe enough to start interfering with his coaching duties.  The helm will be taken over, starting July 1st, by current Associate Head Coach Mike Johnson.  So, while we're not talking about a whole program shakeup such as occurred when Debbie Brown stepped down 3 years ago, any coaching change always brings about an extra little question mark.

Much as what transpired (but wasn't predicted) last year, I would expect FSU and Pitt to be at the top of the ACC rankings with UofL as the season progresses.  Only time will tell, of course, and it's extremely early to be making any significant predictions.  Both Pitt and UofL really surprised the conference to be at the top last year, so, as always, there could be a darkhorse that could make a run at it.  UNC has had years of greatness, NC State has occasionally stepped up their level of play, and Syracuse and Miami can both be real threats at times.

All in all, I expect a great year of Volleyball, and everything I see about this team, this coaching staff, and the schedule gets me hyped to get in there and lead the C-A-R-D-S chant again.

Cardinal Couple Radio Hour

Do be sure to check out the Cardinal Couple Radio Hour from yesterday.  You can find it on Facebook live at:

https://www.facebook.com/WCHQfm/videos/2068421256514480/

It was only Paulie and myself in studio (it's June, everyone is on vacation or working!), but we had a good time and some awesome discussion about various events and updates.  Much of the above discussion on Volleyball is an expansion on what we talked about there, for example.

Check it out, it was fun.  You can challenge yourself against me in your knowledge of mascots around the country.  Be warned, you better bring your A game, because I sure did!

We should be back to a fuller house next week.

-- 

JMcA

Wasike Earns Honors -- SATURDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

Dorcas Wasike Named ACC Women's Track Athlete of the Year

Portions of this article appear on the UofL Athletics website (gocards.com).

After being one of the runners to break the NCAA Championship meet record last week in the 10,000 meter run, while finishing second, Dorcas Wasike was granted the top ACC honor and named ACC Women's Track Athlete of the Year. The ACC awards include a Track participant, Field participant, Freshman, and Coach for each gender. Wasike, also a First Team All-American, joins Edwin Kibichiy as an ACC honoree, as Kibichiy was named the Men's Track Athlete of the Year last outdoor season. Wasike is only a sophomore at UofL, and she will look to continue her successes this year as her career at UofL progresses. Our coverage of track and field here at Cardinal Couple may sometimes be overshadowed by other overlapping sports in season, but UofL's success in recent years in T&F cannot be ignored. The Cards have grown into a consistent competitor, with multiple qualifications in the NCAA tournament, and they will continue to push for team qualification and championship wins. 

Cardinal Couple Radio Hour

Only a short article from me today, as I'm out of town and juggling my attentions with the World
Cup, three dogs, and a screaming baby. I'll be out of the studio today, but the Cardinal Couple Radio Hour will continue as regularly scheduled. Paulie and Jeff will be without myself and Jared, but they'll fill the seats and bring a great show as normal. The prestigious one-eared bear toothpick holder will be back up for grabs in the Worldwide Quiz. Tune in at 11 AM to WCHQ in any of the places you listen to radio (100.9 LPFM, WCHQ App, WCHQFM.com, or WCHQ FM on Facebook).

Here's the station "listen live" link and check the show out on Facebook Live!

LINK: https://www.facebook.com/WCHQfm/videos/2068421256514480/

Until next time, Go Cards!

-CH-

Tess Clark Goes Pro -- Men's Soccer has Class -- WNBA Update -- FRIDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

Tess Clark Signs Pro Contract in France

Wednesday afternoon former volleyball player Tess Clark announced that she was going pro.  Clark has signed a contract with Les Louves du SRD volleyball in France.

Clark was a four-year starter at Louisville.  During her time she became the 18th player in program history to reach the 1000 kill mark.  She was part of two ACC Championship teams (one with Anne Kordes and one with Dani Busboom Kelly) and was 76-47 (0.618) in her career.

The awards for Clark pile high including awards such as being named to the Academic All-ACC squad, All-ACC teams every year, All-ACC Freshman team, and several AVCA Regional honors.  She was second on the team in kills and attack percentage and fourth in blocks her senior year.

I quickly became friends with Tess during her first year on the team.  There weren't many students attending games at that time so I was a rarity.  The team hosts autograph sessions following most home games so I made my way to talk players such as Tess, Maggie DeJong, and Katie George, among others.  As I transitioned to the media realm some of my best pictures at volleyball featured her.

Cardinal alum Erin Fairs is also playing overseas currently and can play a role in mentoring Clark.  We wish Tess the best in France!

Men's Soccer Plays with Class

UofL men's soccer photo

I know, I know, we're a site that covers women sports at UofL.  However, I like to give credit where credit is due even if it is a men's sport.  Under Ken Lolla's guidance, the Louisville men's soccer team has become a familiar face in regards to community service and other special events.

Yesterday, the soccer team hosted six-year-old David Turner for a special day at Lynn Stadium.  Turner suffers from Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Giloma (DIPG), an inoperable brain tumor on the brain.  Turner and his family have been big time soccer supporters since I have been attending matches.

UofL men's soccer photo

Turner's day was filled with memorable moments including a pregame talk in the locker room, a penalty kick shootout (he helped Red defeat White 3-2), a photo op with the team, and a press conference following the shootout.  At the press conference, Turner accepted an offer from Coach Lolla and signed a letter of intent as a future Cardinal.

As a member of the Louligans, the UofL soccer supporter section, it always brings a smile to my face when the team holds events such as this.  Thank you for representing this university with great class.

WNBA Update

Angel McCoughtry is averaging 15.8 points. 6.3 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.8 steals per game.  She's played in 10 games this year with the Atlanta Dream (6-4).  Our very own Jeff McAdams was in attendance at their most recent game so we'll see what Mr. Worldwide has to say about that on the show tomorrow and his write-up on Sunday.

The Dream defeated winless Indiana last night 72-67 in Atlanta. Angel had a strong game with 16 points in 30 minutes. Tiffany Hayes has been another "go-to" for Atlanta this seaason and she responded in fine fashion with 23 points to lead all scores.

Myisha Hines-Allen is further down on the WNBA stats list with 5.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, 0.8 assists, and 0.5 steals per game in her 10 games with the Washington Mystics (6-4).  She hasn't seen as much playing time as the veteran McCoughtry has, but has earned herself solid playing time and a role with the Mystics.  At this rate she will be a star in Washington in a matter of years.

What Day is it?

Back by popular demand I bring back the events of today's date.  First, yesterday was flag day and the 243rd birthday of the U.S. Army.

There are a lot of good "holidays" today including National Day of Prayer for Law Enforcement, National Flip Flop Day, Native American Citizenship Day (we love you, Schimmel sisters!), Nature Photography Day, Elder Abuse Awareness Day, and Worldwide Day of Giving.

There's no Case or myself in the studio tomorrow, but Paulie, Worldwide, and a random special guest or two will attempt to hold down the fort called the Magnificent Media Mansion on Mellwood for another rendition of the Cardinal Couple Radio Hour.  You can tune into 100.9 WCHQ fm radio or on Facebook live on the WCHQ Facebook page.

Happy Friday and Go Cards!

- Jared -

Anne Donovan dies...Today Is Flag Day -- THURSDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

HALL OF FAME COACH DIES OF HEART FAILURE

Anne Donovan, a women's collegiate and professional coach of immense stature and respectability in the basketball community, has passed away at the age of 56. 

Donovan, who was 6'8", coached several NCAA squads...Old Dominion, East Carolina and Seton Hall...and also prowled the sidelines for several WNBA squads. She won the WNBA Title in 2004 coaching the Seattle Storm. Anne also had an amazing playing career...going to the 1984 and 1988 Olympics to represent the USA. She was also a Hall of Fame inductee. Anne won a national championship during her playing days at ODU. 

Back in 1984, there was no WNBA. Collegiate players like Anne had to go overseas to continue their playing careers after graduation. Anne did...for five years...before retiring and becoming an assistant coach at her alma mater. 

My memories of her focus on her visit to Louisville and the newly opened KFC YUM! Center back in the 2010-11 season. The Cards were in the Big East then...and were playing their final regular season home of the year. A Saturday afternoon event and it was Senior Day. At 18-10 and 9-5 in Big East play...Louisville was coming off an impressive win over #7 DePaul on Wednesday night 68-55. 

Anne was bringing in a Seton Hall squad that wasn't faring nearly as well. The Pirates entered the downtown arena with an 8-19 record and 1-13 in the conference. She was easily the tallest person on the sidelines and as I entered the Arena, she was stoically watching her squad warm-up. 

The Cards got off to a slow start that night and trailed 6-2 before Tia Gibbs and Monique Reid assumed control of the contest. Louisville held the Pirates scoreless for abut four minutes and held a 28-21 halftime lead. Anne was non-stop on the sidelines, shouting out instructions and occasionally giving the referees a piece of her mind. Keisha Hines started the second half strong for Louisville, Asia Taylor had an impressive second half and Louisville eventually took the contest....leading by 22 at one point before taking a 59-49 win. Walz substituted pretty much the final ten minutes of the game and the Pirates went on a game ending 15-3 run to get back within 10. 

I remember Donovan not giving up. Not sitting on the bench with a disgruntled look or head in hands. Actively encouraging her squad, pointing out things on the court and pacing the sidelines. 

Checking the Cardinal Couple recap of that game, David Watson was in town and contributed to the Cardinal Couple column the next day. He wrote: 

DAVID WATSON was in the stands for the Seton Hall game with his youngest daughter and files this report...(We like the fact that David is in town for two days...and is taking us out to eat Sunday Night.) 
.
It was a good day for being in downtown Louisville yesterday. The pizza at Impelliezeri's post game is always top notch and the weather conductive to strolling down 4th Street Live after. The action in the KFC YUM Center was less than perfect but it goes to show what I've been saying for the last couple weeks...Seton Hall isn't the push-over patsy that most people consider them to be. Anne Donovan has made big strides coaching this young team ( 1 senior, 7 freshmen and sophomores) this season and will continue to do so. Watching Anne on the sidelines (she's hard to miss at 6'8") is a lesson in coaching. She is on top of each and every play, rotating between shouting out assignment and switches to her players, keeping a rolling and lively dialogue going with any officials within earshot and talking to her assistants. Anne, like Jeff Walz, doesn't spend much time sitting down. 
.
Her players are hustling, aggressive competitors that may have skill sets a bit behind the cream of the league but won't get out-worked. Give her a couple of years and the battle for women's college basketball supremacy in Jersey might just tighten up a bit.

Anne didn't quite fulfill the prophecy David predicted for her but he was perfect in describing her efforts.  
A
Two years later, she brought the Pirates back to the YUM! and suffered another 10-point loss to the Cards. This was after she'd announced she'd be leaving Seton Hall at the end of the season to take over the head coaching job with the Connecticut Sun. By then, the "newness" of this tall woman on the sidelines had worn off and my memories of that contest aren't as clear. That, of course, was the year that Louisville marched to the NCAA Championship Game against UCONN. The upset of Baylor...the Easter miracle in Oklahoma City...there were quite a few things to celebrate that season. 

Jenny O'Bryan had the write up for that 2013 contest but didn't write about Anne. It was Senior Day and the Cards were graduating the original "Attack Yorkie" -- Shelby Harper and Monique Reid. 

I reached out to Coach Walz about Anne and he provided these thoughts about her: 

"Her passing is a tragic loss for basketball. Anne was a pioneer in the game. When I coached against her in the Seton Hall games, she was always very kind and gracious. When she shook your hand, it was sincere and she was always passionate about the game we love." 

The eventuality of life assures us of several things. We all are going to die, we'll lose close friends along the way to death and the rest of the world will carry on after we're gone.

Remembrance of the departed, the stories that will be told...are the debatable part. How will you (or I) be remembered? Did you "live" your life, or watch it pass by? 

I like the remembrances of Anne that David wrote back then and I commented on also. She was an integral part of helping WBB in general gain the respect and headlines it truly deserves. We'll remember Anne fondly. I'd like to think she's gone to that "big gym in the sky" and I have no doubt that she's on the sidelines coaching one of the heavenly all-star teams or striding the court against putting moves on post-defenders. 

I never got the chance to interview Anne. Of that, I have regrets. How nice and informative it would have been to talk to her about her experiences and stories. 

Go easy, Anne. Your memory and legacy will live on forever. 


WHAT DAY IS IT?

For those who like the recently Jared-neglected commentary on what day it is, it's Flag Day! Is yours up and being proudly displayed? 

I fly two each and every day. The American and the Cardinal. I am an American and proud of it. I'm a Cardinal and damn proud of that as well. 

A bit of audio to go with the occasion? Sure, you bet! 

LINK: YOU'RE A GRAND OLD FLAG


paulie
xxxxx

Analyzing Contract Extensions -- WEDNESDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

Tyra Extends Contracts for Walz and McDonnell

Jeff Walz will be in Louisville just a wee bit longer.  Actually, there is a good chance he will spend the rest of his career here, but for now we have him through the 2024-2025 season.  Vince Tyra, Jeff Walz, and the Board of Directors came to an agreement yesterday.

Walz, who joined Louisville women's basketball for the start of the 2007-2008 season is the winningest coach in program history, the first to accomplish a 30-win season, reached the Sweet Sixteen in his first year, three Final Four appearances, one ACC Championship, and two  National Runner-Up finishes.  At 299-96, Louisville has averaged 27 wins per season under Walz.

The entire details of the contract have not been officially released by the university, but with his resume it's hard to imagine Walz not being in the top three or four in terms of women's basketball salaries.  Of course, there will be bonuses tied in for feats such as conference titles, advancing in the NCAA Tournament, and some sort of nice payout when (not if, it's coming at some point) he brings home the championship trophy.

"I'm really excited to extend my contract," said Walz.  "It's not just important to me, it's important to our entire staff.  It's nice to know where you are going to be for an extended period of time and I'm excited about the future."

"Coach Walz has been happy here and we're trying to keep him happy here," said Tyra.  "We're excited that he will be through 2025, and I think that's important to him."

For someone like Walz, who has become an idol around Louisville and has four young children, being able to stay here is important.  It also means we have more opportunities to be serenaded by Lucy and Lola.

Walz has taken three different sets of players to the Final Four. Think about that a minute. The Angel and Candyce Consortium. The Shoni/Slaughter Syndicate. The Myisha/Asia Alliance

Dan McDonnell also learned of his contract changes.  His is not actually an extension, but is more of a restructure.  McDonnell's contract still runs through another eight seasons.

We know even less about McDonnell's contract other than that his salary is increasing substantially.  One of the biggest names in college baseball, McDonnell has led Louisville to four College World Series appearances, seven NCAA Super Regional appearances, and 11 NCAA Regional births.  He has two conference titles, is a three-time ACC Coach of the Year, and two-time National Coach of the Year.  Louisville's 554 wins with McDonnell at the reins leads the country,  and his 53-win season in 2017 set a school record.

"Dan's been happy at the University of Louisville for a long time and we're making sure he's happy into the future.  When you have quality coaches, we know they're going to be approached with other opportunities, but, I'm confident we have everything here Dan wants and needs in order to continue our pursuit of winning a national championship," said Tyra.

Rumors circulated recently about McDonnell possibly leaving Louisville for Mississippi State, although no Louisville media outlets ever showed concern about it.  With this contract upgrade it looks like the Cards have their keeper and the full-time position with the Bulldogs remains open.

Louisville 1, Mississippi State 0

Tyra has been quick to work with coaches at Louisville with hopes of continuing to stabilize the athletics program.  When a new athletic director comes into play it is not uncommon to see a few coaches leave for other schools.  Our AD has been working tirelessly to make sure that doesn't happen here.  With successful contract negotiations for Lolla, Ferguson-Dayes, Busboom Kelly, McDonnell, and Walz we have seen a strong future ahead for Louisville.  Expect to see Arthur Albiero, Mark Beckham, and Courtney Trimble being on the block next for contract extensions.

Imagine the excitement that a new coach, like a Scott Teeter or Chris Mack, has to feel when he joins a coaching fraternity like that. Imagine what a drawing card it will be for a new softball coach.

Dear UofL Board of Directors,

We have some top notch coaches at Louisville.  They have had a high rate of success on the field as well as helping grow and develop the student-athletes to help better prepare them for the rest of their lives.  Remember that 'most of them will go pro in something other than sports.'  Give the coaches their well-deserved contract extensions and upgrades.

Happy Wednesday and Go Cards!

- Jared -

Cards in WNBA -- Field Hockey releases schedule -- TUESDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

HINES-ALLEN, McCOUGHTRY CONTRIBUTING TO THEIR SQUADS

Let's catch up with our two UofL WNBA players today. 

MYISHA-HINES ALLEN has appeared in all of the Washington Mystics nine games this season and has had one start. She's averaging 17.1 minutes a contest for the Mystics...who are 5-4 on the season. Her scoring per game is 6.1 an outing and she's bringing 4.4 rebounds a night. "DOOO-BLAY" is shooting 48.1% from the floor and 50% from the charity stripe. Her season scoring high came back on May 27th. against Minnesota...where she totaled 15 points in 25 minutes in a win over the Lynx. 

LAST GAME:  Myisha saw 17 minutes against Minnesota on June 7th. and had 2 points and 1 rebound in 17 minutes. 

NEXT GAME:  The Mystics will face the Connecticut Sun Weds. night in Connecticut. The contest will be shown on ESPN 2. 


************************************************************************


ANGEL MCCOUGHTRY has played in all of the eight games for Atlanta, who is 5-3 and on a three game win streak. She's starting and getting 28.8 minutes a contest. Points per game are 16.3 with a season high of 23 points against Las Vegas on June 8th. McCoughtry is also grabbing 6.8 rebounds a night. She's shooting 82.1 from the free throw line and 41.5% on the court. Angel's the 15th. leading scorer in the WNBA.

LAST GAME:  Angel had 15 points in 33 minutes in a win at Seattle on June 10th. She also grabbed 10 rebonds. 

NEXT GAME:  Atlanta stays on the west coast and will face the Los Angeles Sparks tonight at 10:30 p.m. They'll be returning home after that and host the Indiana Fever on the 14th. Tonight's game is on NBA TV and the Dream will be on Fox Sports South on Thursday. 

We wish the best of luck to both the Cards WNBA players and it'll be interesting to see if either of their squads (who are 2nd and 3rd in the Eastern Division behind Connecticut) can ascend into becoming the league leaders. 



FIELD HOCKEY RELEASES SCHEDULE

Louisville's Field Hockey squad, under the direction of Justine Sowry, looks to have a very competitive schedule for 2018. Louisville will host the 2018 NCAA Field Hockey Championships again this year at Trager Stadium. The Cards have eight home contests and will get things underway with an exhibition match against the Alumnae on August 18th. 

Louisville goes on the road to start the regular season with a contest at Michigan on August 19th. and will travel to Bloomington face the IU Hoosiers on August 24th. The Cards have their home opener vs. Ohio State on Sunday, August 26th. 

September brings nine games to the schedule. The "Flock" travels to Richmond, VA to take on UMass-Lowell on 9/1 and then will travel to Delaware for a 9/3 match against the Fighting Blue Hens. The Cards return home for a four game stand that features ACC foe UNC on 9/7, California on 9/9, Boston College on 9/14 and Northwestern on 9/16. After that, it's on the road for four matches...at Wake Forest on 9/21, to Appalachian State on 9/23, visiting Virginia on 9/29 and ending in Muncie to battle Ball State on 10/3. 

The rest of October begins with a three-match home stand...beginning with Michigan State on 10/7, Pam Bustin's Duke squad on 10/12 and Miami (OH) on 10/14. Louisville Field Hockey ends the regular season on the road with visits to Syracuse 10/19, Albany 10/21 and Kent. St 10/28. 

The ACC Championships are being held in Chapel Hill, NC this year and begin on November 1st. 

Six top ten opponents. Two NCAA semifinalists in 2017 in Michigan and North Carolina. Challenging, indeed for Sowry's squad. 

The Cards list 21 players from last season that are returning, including seniors Ayeshia McFerran, recognized as one of the best goalkeepers in Division I, midfielders Taylor Stone and Katie Walsh, who both gained valuable travel experience on teams that played in South America this summer and defensive back Maria Gomez...from Madrid, Spain...who played in 21 contests last year. 

Camryn Pichea

The squad also welcomes six freshman to the roster...including three from Louisville. Midfielders Erica Cooper and Camryn Picher join the team from Assumption High School and goalkeeper Samantha Minrath is from Christian Academy. Also beginning their student-athlete experience are Catlin Cunningham (Whitehall, PA), Mackenzie Karl (Centreville, VA) and Taylor Orsi (Downington, PA). 

Coach Sowry will be assisted again this season by Associate Coach Lucas "The Pickle Man" Piccioli and joining the staff is former Cardinal great Erin Schneidtmiller (2010-13) who comes in after three years as an assistant at American University.

Admission is free to all home game at Trager. Come out and help us support Louisville Field Hockey!  


paulie
xxxxx

Catching up with Sam Fuehring -- MONDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

(THIS WEEK ON "CATCHING UP WITH" WE CHAT WITH UNIVERSITY OF LOUISVILLE WBB STAR SAM FUEHRING.) 

A lot of the successes that the UofL women's basketball team had in the 2017-18 season were, in part, made possible by the strong play of Sam Fuehring. She returns for her fourth and final season in 2018-19 and will, once again, be looked at as one of the leaders of the Cards. 

We caught up with the busy Sam and had a nice chat about her summer, the past season, things she wanted to work on and being a senior. It is very hard to come to grips with, the realization that she is a senior, first off.
Where has the time gone?  

Sam was part of the highly regarded recruiting class that arrived on the Louisville campus in the fall of 2015. Six freshmen (along with transfer Briahanna Jackson) came in to replace eight previous year letter-winners. Out of the six, only Sam and Asia Durr remain on campus. 

Sydney Brackemyre finished her career at the University of Indianapolis. Taja Cole will be a red-shirt junior at Georgia. Erin DeGrate will be a junior at Texas Tech this fall. Brianna Jones is at Georgetown and will be a junior as well. 

As you listen to the interview with Sam...some of the things you'll hear her reveal: 

-- How she's spending the time since the season ended

-- Her thoughts on the 2017-18 season 

-- Things she's working on for the upcoming season 

-- Her Myisha memory

-- Her favorite place to play on the road

-- The toughest person she's had to guard in her career. 

-- A place she'd like to visit that she's never been before

It was a fun 16 minutes with Sam. As a senior leader in 2018-19, with Arica, Asia and transfer Yacine Diop...Sam will have a big and quite essential role in the Cards successes and drive to get to Tampa for the 2019 NCAA FINAL FOUR. 

I appreciate her joining me for this segment of "Catching Up" and also appreciate and thank Louisville WBB SID Nick Evans for arranging the interview. 

We hope you enjoy this candid and fun chat with Sam! 

LINK TO INTERVIEW: Sam Fuehring Interview


paulie
xxxxx

Sunday Cardinal Couple - On Endings

If you listen to the Cardinal Couple Radio Hour, you know, but if you only read the articles here (and applause from us for doing either or both!), it may have slipped past you.

I have recently left my employment and am currently enjoying what I call, "funemployment".  I define "funemployment" as the time when one is technically unemployed, as they are in the time period between their last day on one job, and the first day of the next.  It is a portmanteau, rather obviously, of "fun" and "unemployment".  The "fun" is supposed to denote that there isn't the level of stress that would typically accompany a period of unemployment because it has a known ending period, and no stress of needing to find employment.  The new employment is already set up, but because the dates didn't line up, there is a gap of time in between.  My last day at my job of basically 15+ years was Wednesday, and the first day on my next job isn't until the 19th, so I get approximately two weeks to enjoy life through funemployment a little bit.

Leaving a job of 15+ years has put me in a frame of mind to look at endings a little differently than normal.  And so it is that I mark the official end of the 2017-2018 University of Louisville athletic year.

The end of my actual employment was quiet and anticlimactic.  I walked out of the building, carrying my last box of possessions, walked to the car and drove away.  The last few days were rather dull, actually, having wrapped up everything of consequence that I had been asked to do before I left on the Friday before the weekend.  I did have a fun gathering of family, friends, co-workers - both immediately past and further past - and other colleagues in the industry, at a local adult beverage establishment, but that was technically after I had begun my funemployment.

And so it is with the Cardinals Athletic calendar for 2017-2018.  A single Louisville student-athlete,
Bailey Davis, competed in the 5000 meter run at the NCAA championships in Eugene, OR.  An honor just to qualify, Davis finished the run in 24th place.  Without wanting to minimize Davis' accomplishment in any way, compared to so much of what we experienced this year in athletics, it does feel a little bit anticlimactic.

I no longer have access to my past company work calendar, and don't yet have access to any calendaring information for my new employment.

The UofL gocards.com calendar is now empty, and because of the vagaries of webpage rendering, takes up less than the height of my computer screen for the first time since last July.  The next event on that calendar page is August 15th, Soccer, as it is almost every year.  The men will have an exhibition event at Indiana at 7 in the evening.  The first women's event is a Field Hockey vs Alumnae exhibition match on Saturday the 18th at 1pm.  (The Women's Soccer schedule shows some earlier events, but for some reason they aren't showing up on the composite schedule page...which scuffs up a bit of the elegant analogy I was building, here...ah well, the notion still fits).

I have plenty to do during my funemployment...indeed, I have enough potential activity that there is no way I will get it all done.  I've already done a little work around the house.  I've revitalized my activity in a minor hobby (mapping information in OpenStreetMap).  And I'm about to embark, almost certainly today, on a very unplanned road trip (about all I've decided on for sure at this point is "South").

The halls of Cardinal Arena, Little Yum, and other facilities will still see activity through the summer as well.  Many of the sports hold camps...indeed some have already been occurring.  Coaches will be out recruiting.  Fall practices will begin far sooner than you can imagine, and some individual work is already underway for some sports.

Cardinal Couple will continue to have an article posted every day, we'll be on the air nearly every Saturday, and we'll definitely keep enjoying the return of the Cardinal Couple quiz to the airwaves.

Everything comes to an end, and without the ending of one thing, there could be no excitement for the next.  You can ask just about anyone who has been aware of my job search and hiring process and they will verify just how excited I am to start the next chapter of my career.  A week in NYC for onboarding helps amp up the excitement level a little bit as well.  I have about a week and a half to wait for that.

I also am excited for the fall sports season to come.  Field Hockey, Soccer, Volleyball...the Big 3 of Women's Fall Sports at UofL...I can't wait to get back into Cardinal Arena, Trager, and Lynn.  I suspect the same holds for many Cardinal Couple readers and listeners.  We have about a month and a half to wait.

We have an interlude, call it what you will...funemployment, summer, vacation, whatever...enjoy it.  Relax, breath in the fresh air, and let some of the stress of always being constantly on the go fade away for a bit.  We'll be back into the thick of it all soon enough.

You can see/hear yesterday's THE CARDINAL COUPLE RADIO HOUR
at the link below:

THE CARDINAL COUPLE RADIO HOUR 6/9/18 REBROADCAST

(EDITOR NOTE: WE'D ALSO LIKE TO WISH JEFF'S PARENTS CHARLIE AND VIVIAN A HAPPY 50TH ANNIVERSARY.  EAT. DRINK. BE MERRY. ENJOY! -- PAULIE)

JMcA

Future Cards Succeeding; Triple Crown Contention - SATURDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

Kentucky Girls Win Game 1

Last night was a big night for Louisville signees, as Kentucky took down Indiana in both the girls and boys high school all star games. The boys team won by 11 after a less than stellar performance from Romeo Langford, who led the Indiana team in scoring with 17 points, despite shooting only 6-16 from the field and 0-6 from three. Indiana's star for the girls, Amy Dilk (Indiana's Miss Basketball and Michigan signee), scored a game high 25 points, but it wasn't enough as the Kentucky girls went on to win 92-87. 

Mykasa Robinson was the leading scorer for the Kentucky team and was named the game MVP. She scored 14 and pulled down 5 rebounds in 20 minutes of action. 12 of her 14 points came from the free thrown line, where she was 12-14 on the night. For a team that has struggled from the free throw line in some key situations, Louisville will welcome a high percentage free throw shooter like that.

Seygan Robins also performed well last night. She scored 8 points and led all players with 7 assists in the game. We knew Robins could perform this way, and her performance last night should be in line with how she'll be asked to play for Louisville, so to see her do well against top competition is encouraging. Also encouraging is the fact that she put together a 7 assist game in a situation where the players are not familiar with one another. If Robins can make connections like that in such a short amount of time, she should be fun to watch develop when given ample practice time with her teammates.

The final former Cardinal participating in this event is Molly Lockhart. Lockhart finished with 9 points, but no one wants to tell me how many rebounds. Two other players on the Kentucky team finished with double-doubles, and I feel like there can't have been that many rebounds to go around. However, Lockhart will enter a crowded post room at UofL and will have plenty of time to develop her game and strength against the upperclassmen. 

The two teams play again this evening at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, and we'll see how our future Cards perform on the road.

Justify Favorite for Triple Crown

Justify will face a different challenge today as he pursues the Triple Crown with a win at the Belmont Stakes. Justify will start on the rail, after coming out of Gate 7 in both the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes. His speed should give him the ability to get out of the ugly starting spot, but anything can happen when stuck in an uncomfortable position. After his runs at the Derby and Preakness, he still hasn't found himself in a major trailing position, but a bad start on an inside gate could prove to be an entirely different race for him. Also working against him, if you're the superstitious type, is that Justify and Mike Smith will be wearing alternate silks for this race, due to the ownership agreement. Call me crazy, but I'd rather see my horse and jockey in the same colors when running like this. Finally, the weather for today's race looks... clear. Unlike the Derby and Preakness, in which Justify proved he could run in slop, good track conditions would give contenders their best chance at knocking off the heavy favorite (4/5 morning line, 6/5 at writing). I've got personal reasons to root against a new Triple Crown winner (my silks print that Lindsay made me will be outdated), but Justify is an exciting horse to watch and has made history so far. If anyone looks set to be the first winner since American Pharoah in 2015, it's Justify.

Cardinal Couple Radio Hour

As Jared mentioned yesterday, he'll be out for the CCRH this week, with Mike Gilpatrick standing in for him. The Cardinal Couple Radio Hour returns to the airwaves at 11 AM on WCHQ, and we'll do our best to overcome the true onset of summer. We'll talk recent UofL news, some basketball, and take on whatever quiz Paulie has cooked up for us today. Tune into 100.9 FM or the WCHQ App, website, or Facebook page to join in on the fun.

Until next time, Go Cards!

-CH-